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3.51 AVERAGE
3.51 AVERAGE
Since my initial discovery of Sarah Dessen's work when I was in high school, I've read everything she's ever written. The majority of her books have been enjoyable reads for me, and "The Moon and More" is no exception.
Emaline is a resident of Colby, North Carolina, a beach town that features in a few of Dessen books and where other people come to make summer memories. Except Emaline's whole life has been spent in and around Colby, and now that she's about to leave it and start college somewhere new, she finds herself torn between whether she's going far enough and whether leaving is a natural choice at all.
I thought that post high school discombobulation was handled really well, the sense that you're about to start some huge new phase in your life without having any clue what to expect, was reflected accurately in Emaline. One of the things I loved about "The Moon and More" was how all the subplots essentially reflected that overarching theme. Emaline's decision to briefly date Theo, a New Yorker with very different life experiences, her biological father showing up on the eve of his divorce, and the documentary project which focuses on a local artist whom Emaline knows all speak to that idea of some changes being acceptable while others aren't.
The book itself sees a lot of transitions between character relationships--from break-ups and make-ups, to developing friendships, to family fallouts--and none of them felt forced or unnecessary. Like with most of Dessen's books, I loved the secondary characters at least as much as I loved Emaline as the protagonist. Their agendas and concerns and ambitions were all believable and easy to relate to. I loved seeing some of those agendas come together in the final few chapters.
The reason I only gave "The Moon and More" three stars, however, was a simple one. As much as I enjoyed the story and its characters and its handling, I never quite managed to fall in love. It was a quick, fun read and I'm glad I picked it up, but I never quite reached the level of emotional investment that I have with a few of Dessen's other novels. I'm willing to bet a large part of my response has more to do with personal preference than anything else though.
If you're looking for a fun, summer read a month or two after the fact, you should still give this book a try.
Emaline is a resident of Colby, North Carolina, a beach town that features in a few of Dessen books and where other people come to make summer memories. Except Emaline's whole life has been spent in and around Colby, and now that she's about to leave it and start college somewhere new, she finds herself torn between whether she's going far enough and whether leaving is a natural choice at all.
I thought that post high school discombobulation was handled really well, the sense that you're about to start some huge new phase in your life without having any clue what to expect, was reflected accurately in Emaline. One of the things I loved about "The Moon and More" was how all the subplots essentially reflected that overarching theme. Emaline's decision to briefly date Theo, a New Yorker with very different life experiences, her biological father showing up on the eve of his divorce, and the documentary project which focuses on a local artist whom Emaline knows all speak to that idea of some changes being acceptable while others aren't.
The book itself sees a lot of transitions between character relationships--from break-ups and make-ups, to developing friendships, to family fallouts--and none of them felt forced or unnecessary. Like with most of Dessen's books, I loved the secondary characters at least as much as I loved Emaline as the protagonist. Their agendas and concerns and ambitions were all believable and easy to relate to. I loved seeing some of those agendas come together in the final few chapters.
The reason I only gave "The Moon and More" three stars, however, was a simple one. As much as I enjoyed the story and its characters and its handling, I never quite managed to fall in love. It was a quick, fun read and I'm glad I picked it up, but I never quite reached the level of emotional investment that I have with a few of Dessen's other novels. I'm willing to bet a large part of my response has more to do with personal preference than anything else though.
If you're looking for a fun, summer read a month or two after the fact, you should still give this book a try.
I love Sarah Dessen's books because they are never cliché, yet they still contain enough romance to satisfy all teenage girls. [slight spoiler alert] Even though Emaline did not end up with a guy in the end (or rather a guy did not end up with her), her story captivated me and made me want to see how much she grew in a single summer. Sarah Dessen always has these deep sections in the book where the main character realizes something or contemplates on an event, and this only makes her voice even more unique. I love her books, and The Moon and More is definitely great (:
I’m currently on the adventure of reading through all of Sarah Dessen’s books for the first time. “The moon and more” happened to be the third, and while it was a cute story, it was just very dragged out and boring. Not to mention I COULD NOT STAND Theo. I honestly wanted Emmaline to end up with Luke rather than Theo, even though Luke cheated on her.
Doesn’t that say something?
I’ve been thrilled so far with the Sarah Dessen books I’ve read, but not so much as this one. I was not impressed.
Doesn’t that say something?
I’ve been thrilled so far with the Sarah Dessen books I’ve read, but not so much as this one. I was not impressed.
This is the second Sarah Dessen book I've read and I really love her writing style. Its really easy and simple to read while still making the story complex and enjoyable. Since the book is 435 pages (roughly) long, its a quick read and I don't think anyone could be disappointed in Sarah Dessen's narratives.
The plot is gripping and the characters are relatable, I can't wait to get on to the next book of hers which I will inevitably read in the not to distance future.
The plot is gripping and the characters are relatable, I can't wait to get on to the next book of hers which I will inevitably read in the not to distance future.
This book was a quick read- great for the beach, but I can't say I enjoyed it as much as Dessen's previous books. Usually her male leads make you nostalgic for young love, but I hated Theo from the beginning-- annoying and obnoxious. I was more invested in the storyline revolving around Emaline's biological father and brother and I wish we got more resolution there, but I do give credit to Dessen for straying from the usual "girl meets boy, falls in love, lives happily ever" formula a lot of YA (and her) books follow. Her writing also tends to be incredibly quotable-- there were a few things I wanted to underline at nearly 30 and I could totally imagine 16 year old Andrea putting some of the quotes in her AIM profile.
I dunno what Sarah Dessen's thing with love interests being kind of assholes is, but she sure does do it a lot.
Not a complaint, though, necessarily.
Not a complaint, though, necessarily.
2.5 stars... Benji, Clyde, and Daisy helped me decide between a rating of 2 and 3.
The summer before Maline prepares to leave for college is jam-packed with events: connecting a local artist to city folk, a break-up, summer love, hanging out with her brother, fights with her sisters, shrimp burgers, and working at the family business.
Benji, Clyde, and Daisy were my favorite characters in this book. All were secondary characters, but I looked forward to their interactions with Emaline. Beni with his 10 year old spunk and energy, Daisy with her creativity, and Clyde with his no-nonsense/no fancy stuff sensibilities breathed life into Emaline's final summer by the sea.
Emaline's relationship with her boyfriend (Luke) of 3 years was growing distant, and her summer romance (Theo) was doomed from the start. The summer romance could have been left out and the novel shortened at least 150 pages. Theo was annoying, and their end was (thankfully) predictable. No one likes a know-it-all, and Theo was that and more.
I wish that the novel had focused more on Emaline's relationship with people in town (Gert, Clyde, etc), her relationship with Benji, and even herself. A quick read, but not my favorite Dessen novel.
The summer before Maline prepares to leave for college is jam-packed with events: connecting a local artist to city folk, a break-up, summer love, hanging out with her brother, fights with her sisters, shrimp burgers, and working at the family business.
Benji, Clyde, and Daisy were my favorite characters in this book. All were secondary characters, but I looked forward to their interactions with Emaline. Beni with his 10 year old spunk and energy, Daisy with her creativity, and Clyde with his no-nonsense/no fancy stuff sensibilities breathed life into Emaline's final summer by the sea.
Emaline's relationship with her boyfriend (Luke) of 3 years was growing distant, and her summer romance (Theo) was doomed from the start. The summer romance could have been left out and the novel shortened at least 150 pages. Theo was annoying, and their end was (thankfully) predictable. No one likes a know-it-all, and Theo was that and more.
I wish that the novel had focused more on Emaline's relationship with people in town (Gert, Clyde, etc), her relationship with Benji, and even herself. A quick read, but not my favorite Dessen novel.
This is the first Sarah Dessen novel that the main character ends up single. At first I had very mixed feelings about how she ended the story but overall I am content with it. It sends a message that girls do not need a relationship to be happy and learning to be happy with who you are and what you have is an important life lesson. Once again Dessen tells a story filled with personal meaning for me at just the right time in my life.
3.5 Stars... I know it wasn't about the sisters, but I would've liked to see more from the sisters. And Theo was a complete tool, I don't know what Emaline was thinking when she went to him instead... and she gave up on Luke way too easy. But almost gave it 4 stars, but something nagged me and I felt it should be 3.5.. but I put 3