Like many contemporary romances told from the male point of view,Workin' for Peanuts includes discussions of sex, and Jeff and Melissa have a sexual encounter late in the book. Strasser does, however, create a definite distinction between Jeff, who is interested in Melissa as an individual and who would just as soon spend time talking to her, and Rick, who views women only as objects.

Like many of Strasser's other novels, Workin' for Peanuts contains profanity and occasional references to drug use and acts of violence. But its protagonist, Jeff, avoids drugs, gangs, and violence except when he defends himself against the Derelicts. Jeff occasionally shortchanges his customers, but he opposes Rick's lawless behavior, particularly his scalping activities, his gang connections, and his thefts. In the end, when Jeff finally confronts Rick, forcing his confession, Strasser clearly rejects Rick's behavior.

The novel does include some...