Jen, what I liked about Asha’s parents is they were intense without being all Tiger Mom. Strict, perhaps a bit over-controlling for a senior, but clearly loving her, wanting the best, and not being abusive. Particularly the last trait isn’t usually present in portrayals of strict parenting in YA novels. Still, within those guidelines, Asha had freedom. Around the time I was reading this I read a throwaway comment (by an actor? celebrity? I’m not sure) about how no teen wants to watch movies with their parents. And Asha, as I recall, did. Some teens do. So that struck a positive cord with me.

Book Moot, I’m ever-practical, so it just seems if we say only those who don’t have to worry about money can pursue causes we are left with either those who are well off or those whose living ascetic is practically monastic. Why not have a cause and be able to go to London? And in terms of “boxing in”, one of the listservs I lurk at just had one of their semi annual “who has the right to write a story” discussions and I kept on thinking of Asha, and this book, and what Asha would think about being told what stories she or her friends could, couldn’t, should, shouldn’t, write.

Also, what a terrific way to raise awareness in readers about the challenges our kids face when we try to “box” them in.

It’s funny, though, I didn’t think of the portrayal of Asha’s parents as quite as positive as you did, Liz. I think because my own parents were very low-key, and Asha’s parents terrified me.