Much of the book takes place in a quiverfull religious community, in which women are expected to marry as early as 18 and begin having as many children as possible. The girls and women are heavily discouraged from pursuing higher education or careers. The protagonist reflects on how the leader of this particular community hires young women as secretaries and dictates how they dress and wear makeup. There are rumors of impropriety. The protagonist is required to have her clothing choices evaluated by her father and brother to ensure her outfits won’t encourage impure thoughts. The protagonist’s parents try to persuade her to marry a certain boy in the community, and she refuses.