What's my major going to be? Does he like me or not? Will Dad ever quit being a jerk? If One Whole and Perfect Day were written in the first person, there's a good chance it might sound something like this. The younger characters' issues largely stem from the insecurities, questions, and uncertainties that come from being in high school and college. But hey—in the confusing limbo stage between childhood and adulthood, life tends to get a little messy. The good news is that in the end, they're all pretty happy with where they end up. Yay.
Questions About Coming of Age
- Why are the perspectives of Lonnie's, Lily's, and Clara's parents important to developing their characters as young people coming of age?
- What array of feelings Lily does experience toward Daniel throughout the book?
- How do the younger characters' difficulties help them to come of age?
- What does finding a direction for your life mean to each of the younger characters?
Chew on This
Lily doesn't really find love to be insensible—she's actually afraid of the rejection that might come from taking the risk.
Just as Rose helps Stan move past his difficulties in old age, Clara's the primary agent in helping Lonnie to come of age.