A variety of characters influence Chrysta Perretti as she fights for her own identity. She desires a happy life but her obese mother, overly religious and restrictive father, and her own body all seem intent upon betraying her. Her overly developed figure leads to trouble. Unloved at home, Chrissie becomes involved in sex for attention at school and turns to drugs and alcohol to support her low self-esteem. Her image as "punk queen," complete with overdone makeup and high heel shoes, brings her notice, but little satisfaction.

Independent and bright, she knows things are not right in her life, and desires freedom from her parents' oppression.

When Chrissie contracts a venereal disease, her father's reaction finally spurs her into action, and on her thirteenth birthday, she runs away. Adopting a new identity with a new name, Chrysta, she continues her avid reading habit and...