Sentence Structure – McDonell often uses complex or compound sentences, which can be harder for learners to parse.

Themes and Context – The story deals with New York’s wealthy youth, drug use, and social issues. Understanding the context and the characters’ behavior can require higher-level reading comprehension and cultural knowledge.

Pacing and Style – The narrative is fast-paced and fragmented at times, which can challenge readers who are used to simpler, linear storytelling.