I have a somewhat different perspective. While the scaffolding of the book is the story of Judy Clark's crime and imprisonment and the effect it has on her young daughter as well as her parents, I think this book is about love -- the many configurations and expressions of love. And it's about growing up confused about the lives of the adults around you and figuring out how to have a life of your own amidst a world of adults who think they know what is right for you. It was very meaningful and moving for me.