What About Grandma? is one of several novels written by Hadley Irwin that focus specifically on various types of human relationships, particularly those between persons of younger and older generations. The novels are further related in their common emphasis on honesty, understanding, and use of humor to highlight pervasive themes.

Each novel enables the reader to develop insights regarding problems encountered by young people in the process of growing up. The Lilith Summer and Bring to a Boil and Separate focus on themes related to those developed in What About Grandma?

Major themes in The Lilith Summer include respect for age and the meaning of love. Ellen, at age twelve thinks she is being paid to look after Lilith, the elderly best friend of her deceased grandmother, while Lilith, the elderly best friend of her deceased grandmother, thinks she is being paid to look after Ellen...