"The vehemence with which certain critics have chosen not simply to criticize what I've written, but to challenge my writing this story at all, speaks of what the book is about: fear of disapproval"

This quote by Joyce Maynard talks to the power of criticism and the worry of displeasure that can feature it. Maynard is recommending that the vehemence of specific critics is a sign of a larger issue, which is the worry of disapproval. This worry can be disabling and can avoid individuals from taking threats and expressing themselves. Maynard is recommending that this worry of displeasure is a major theme in her book, and that the criticism she has received is a reflection of this. Eventually, Maynard is recommending that criticism can be a powerful force, which it can be used to suppress imagination and expression.