Homosexuality
Donovan was one of the first authors to bring the theme of homosexuality into mainstream American young adult literature. This book takes on the challenge of questioning one’s sexual identity, in the face of a society that is so unwilling to accept change of any kind. Indeed, Davy’s mother is disgusted and distraught by her son’s relationship with Douglas, but this comes into conflict with Davy’s dad’s own ideology, as he does not believe homosexuality to be wrong.
Friendship
The book presents the idea that all strong relationships stem from a foundation of friendship first. Douglas and Davy are united by the fact that they both have divorced parents and have family difficulties. This allows them to build a foundation upon which they build their friendship. Once this has been established, they are able to pursue their relationship.
Death
At the beginning of the book, the Davy is faced with the sudden loss of his beloved grandmother, whom he has lived with for the past eight years. He never gets a chance to truly cope and grieve her death before he is herded to New York to live with his mother. Moreover, when his dog dies, Davy believes he is cursed and is being punished by the choices he has made.
