Loss

The author uses the theme of loss as a unifying theme meant to show how, regardless of circumstance, everyone is affected by loss in some capacity.

Many of the essays in the collection focus on the author’s personal experiences. For the outset of the collection, loss is explored. In "BFF," Sarah and her friend are growing up and changing. They have a strong, intimate friendship that begins to break down as the girls grow and change. This type of change can also be seen in the way Sarah’s mother comes to realization that she needs to get away from her abusive first husband in order to save her life.

The author experiences the loss of her grandparents in the essay "Rabbit." Sarah’s grandfather is diagnosed with cancer and the family rallies around to care for him in his final days. For Sarah’s grandmother, she...