How does each character cope with the decline of their hometown? Do you have places, or even people, from your life who have undergone such transformations over time?

Like many small towns, Lil and Sasha’s hometown has steadily declined over their lifetimes. Their memories of their home, and the reality of its current state, are drastically different, yet both versions of the place are real to them. How do the characters cope with this in different ways? Do you have places, or even people, from your life who have undergone such transformations over time?

I have lived in the same small southern town for over thirty years and I know people who have lived here for over eighty years. it is difficult to see the negative impacts of younger people moving away and the impact that the lack of entertainment for young people have on the success and vitality of a community. Our community has focused on recreational areas that appeal to young people and that has helped. It is sad to look at old pictures of a bustling downtown area where what we have now are mostly shuttered stores and businesses. It is important to support small businesses that try to revitalize our communities.

Lil and Sasha fight against the change they see around them. They don't want to see the orchards abandoned or taken over, and they do what they can to prevent that from happening.

I've always been a city girl, and I've seen the cities I've lived in change over time - cycling through boom-bust-boom times. When I grew up in Cleveland the river running through its heart caught fire because it was so polluted; now the downtown is thriving. I currently live in Portland, Oregon and when I moved here 30 years ago the city was clean and friendly - a place I was proud of. Now many businesses are boarded up, houseless individuals and drug use abound, and there's trash & graffiti everywhere. I'm hoping at some point it'll cycle back into the beautiful and vibrant city it once was.

I have watched the dense orchards of Santa Clara valley change in time from rows upon rows of fruit trees to rows and rows of homes. Now 60 years later these homes provide shelter to the icons of Silicon Valley. Who knew then that would be such a possibility.Cities change over times, some for the good, some for the not so good.With our valley I like to think it was for the good.

Until it is pointed out very late in the book, I dont any character realized their hometown was in decline. Maybe Lou saw it happening, but he knew it would soon be turning back around. At that time then the twins started trying to fix things and keep the buildings up.