Hall's books usually feature independent, strong-minded young women.

Part of the appeal of the books comes from following the protagonists' increasing competence in coping with life's problems. The books subtly suggest to young readers that they can not only learn to cope with adult problems but that they can even triumph over the problems, turning each step in ac quiring self-sufficiency into a victory in the process of learning to control one's destiny.

Denny is a more complex character than most of Hall's triumphant young women. For one thing, there is no great achievement of individualistic control of one's life in Flying Changes. Denny accomplishes much in less than a week, but her future as an adult is still uncertain at the novella's end. Few people are going to revolutionize their lives in less than a week; Denny's growth remains credible by leaving her...