Graham Hollis attempts to break free from the stifling expectations of his father's accounting firm by running away with a girl named Lynne. At sixteen, Graham finds himself caught between the rigid, predictable path laid out by his parents and the sudden, intense allure of a life with Lynne, who is two years his senior. His objective is to secure personal autonomy and rescue Lynne from a problematic living situation, forcing him to navigate the logistical and emotional complexities of elopement. The narrative follows his transition from a sheltered existence to the harsh realities of independence, highlighting the friction between adolescent idealism and adult responsibility.

Readers frequently highlight the book's grounded approach to the classic trope of teenage rebellion. Discussion often centers on the stark contrast between Graham's sheltered upbringing and the gritty reality he encounters while attempting to forge his own path. Critics often note the author's ability to capture the specific anxieties of youth without resorting to overly sentimental prose. The narrative is often praised for its focus on the psychological weight of the protagonist's choices rather than relying on dramatic external action. Many readers find the exploration of the power dynamic between the two protagonists to be a particularly compelling aspect of the story.