The first-person narration of Chrysta adds to the novel's attractiveness. Her changing attitudes are easy to follow, and her interpretation of events is vital to understanding her development as a person. This story is written on the level where it takes place—that of the stark reality of the street. Profanity, drug usage, nudity, promiscuity, and the threat of rape are openly presented.

Because Dragonwagon has been involved in some of these situations in her past, the descriptions and narration have a very authentic quality.