Although Asher deals with delicate issues in Everything Is Not Enough, she cleverly balances humor and seriousness while telling her story. Instead of centering on the issue of physical abuse or separation from parental goals, she focuses on the characters of Michael and Linda and on how they deal with these problems. In a straightforward style told in the first person from Michael's point of view, Asher captures the voice of a teen-age boy looking for answers. Through Michael's thoughts the reader can understand the boredom of another summer like all the others and the restless spirit that forces him to make changes. The reader can also feel the swift mood changes that teen-agers experience.

Full character development is an Asher trademark. With Michael wanting a chance at his own life and Buddy satisfied with the life he has been given, Asher could have settled for...