Freedom, escape, and selflessness are this novel's primary themes. When readers are introduced to sixteen-year-old protagonist Rose Ann "Rosie" Marstead, she is furious at her mother, Linda, for criticizing her for attending a spring break party which became so wild that the police were summoned. Rosie is indignant with her mother because she does not empathize with Rosie about being publicly embarrassed when her date left her for another girl. Rosie's mother brings up other situations in which she believes Rosie acted immaturely and urges her to act more independently and courageously or she risks losing her freedom. During the Caribbean cruise, Rosie is transformed from being self-absorbed to acting selflessly. She realizes that freedom means much more than having the right to attend parties.

Rosie's paternal grandmother is a carefree retired attorney who is financially secure because of her husband's oil investments. Gloria...