Written in first person, past tense, Say Goodnight, Grade makes significant use of dialogue and reflection to move the plot. Morgan Hackett's story is told to the reader through the eyes of a young woman who is confused and angered by the tragic turn of events that alters her life forever; readers share the heroine's frustrations and despair firsthand, and see the efforts of other friends, parents, and especially her aunt only obliquely. Nevertheless, the sensitive reader will realize that Morgan is wrong to dwell morbidly on the loss of her dearest friend; the advice offered by her father and her aunt makes good sense to those not too caught up in the emotional turmoil Morgan feels.

Deaver pays little attention to creating central metaphors that would give universal dimensions to her work.

There is one clear exception, however; the title of the book, Say Goodnight...