Author's statement:

• "I drew upon a previously ignored plethora of observations: Growing up in a small, weird town. Said small town's general attitude toward "eccentrics". Making your own fun. Getting into trouble. Getting into unexpected situations. Getting put in your place. Secrets. Adventures. Longing. The way people talk to each other. The way girls treat each other. The way people react in a certain community if you don't go to school and have a plan like everybody else. Feeling weird in your body, in your role. Learning how to abuse that role. Learning in general, most of which is done outside of the educational system. The allure of danger. Discomfort in privilege. Innocence or loss thereof. A town as a character. At times I've simultaneously wanted to shout this story from the rooftops and write it in a secret journal and set it on fire in a viking funeral down an ominous river." Link