Coming of Age

The novel is a brief form of a narrative structure typically referred to as a Bildungsroman, or apprenticeship novel. Steve York, the narrator, meta-fictional author, and principle protagonist, relates his personal voyage from adolescence to maturity in a first person, autobiographical, style. In some respects, the novel is nearly a diary or journal of events interspersed with self-introspection about Steve's development. Secondary elements in the narrative deal with the character development and maturation of additional characters such as Wanda Varner, Sarah York, Doug Chappell, and Allison Kimble.

Nearly all of the principle characters in the novel are high school students who are trying to develop identity and extract meaning from the world. They perform these activities in a wide variety of methods. For example, Sarah becomes a focused and social woman while Allison devotes her time to personal success and excellence. On the other hand, Steve...