Commentary
This novel has been challenged in many schools and public libraries for themes deemed inappropriate for adolescents; in this case, talk about divorce, sexuality and recreational drug use. Family Secrets is on the American Library Association list of the 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books of 1990-1999 at number 76.
This novel is on the ALA list for many and different reasons. Peter and Leslie have casual sexual relationship that is initially entered when one or both are under the effects marijuana. Only once is birth control mentioned, and then only in passing as Leslie almost forgets to pack her birth control pills for a trip. Sexually transmitted diseases are never mentioned. Both drink alcohol to excess several times and smoke marijuana. Peter also has to deal with his stress-driven overeating. Leslie attends an all-girls school and admires a teacher who actively promotes feminist ideals.
The behavior of the characters can be considered typical of most seventeen-year-olds with permissive parents largely concerned with their own lives. Although somewhat dated by current (2010) standards, the characters and situations are sharply drawn and the action moves quickly for those who are at a changing point in their lives.
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