This is set in 1999- while 2000 is not technically the start of the next millenium, everyone thinks of it that way- since this is when the odometer turns over.The novel felt a bit chaotic at first, but I found that intriguing. I LOVED Maddy, Steff, and Larry, and would love to learn more about their lives! -even though their backstories were handled with insight and compassion.I would say, after thinking about it, the main theme was the dangers of religious fundamentalism- and how it can too easily turn into terrorism- even when it's "Christians" doing the bombings, etc.The account of the Christian "rock" band, from Steff's POV, was hilarious! It make me literally laugh out loud! as did a few other passages, but this was the funniest.I also really loved Maddy's backstory- as a sexual abuse survivor myself, it rang true and made a lot of sense.VERY recommended!