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caitlinturningpages 's review for:
The Moon and More
by Sarah Dessen
Read my full review on my blog, Turning Pages.
The Moon and More is a lovely novel about family, friends, and the big changes that come with entering adulthood. If you picked this novel up for the romance, however, you might be disappointed.
What I love about this book is its focus on family and friends. Emaline has a complicated family tree. Her father wasn’t in her life until she was a teen, and even then their relationship was tense. Her step-dad is her dad, in all the ways that matter. Her step-sisters are her sisters. The family dynamic is real and lovely. They fight, they love each other, and they support each other. I love it. Her biological father is an ass who is honestly a pretty bad parent. He thinks about what he wants for others, not what others want for themselves. I was angry with him for what he did to Emaline and Benji. But at least, like Emaline says, he has time to fix things with Benji. Benji, by the way, is the most sweet and adorable character in this book. He’s mature for his age sometimes. The bond that forms between him and Emaline is so beautiful.
The other aspect I adore about this book is the friendships. Emaline and Daisy are different, and yet know each other so well. They support each other, and they can have comfortable silences. I also adore the quiet and often irresponsible Morris. He may not have a good work ethic, but he’s a great friend. He understands a lot, so he knows what to say (and when to not say anything at all) when someone is upset.
The romances in this book, however, are pretty blah. Emaline’s boyfriend at the beginning of the novel is Luke. At first, I liked him. But then there was the fact that he complained he wasn’t having sex with her every day. She was uncomfortable having sex at her house because her mom walked in on them once. Instead of being understanding, he bullied and complained. Then the fact that he called and went out with another girl while he and Emaline were still dating…and had the balls to be jealous when Emaline was around Theo platonically. Good riddance. The romance with Theo was underwhelming. It didn’t even seem like Emaline liked him, and then they’re kissing and dating? Also, it seemed more like she was along for the ride than an active participant in the relationship. He planned everything. He was pushy, arrogant, and condescending. Again,
Read this for the depiction and family and friends. Skip it if you want a sweet and steamy romance.
The Moon and More is a lovely novel about family, friends, and the big changes that come with entering adulthood. If you picked this novel up for the romance, however, you might be disappointed.
What I love about this book is its focus on family and friends. Emaline has a complicated family tree. Her father wasn’t in her life until she was a teen, and even then their relationship was tense. Her step-dad is her dad, in all the ways that matter. Her step-sisters are her sisters. The family dynamic is real and lovely. They fight, they love each other, and they support each other. I love it. Her biological father is an ass who is honestly a pretty bad parent. He thinks about what he wants for others, not what others want for themselves. I was angry with him for what he did to Emaline and Benji. But at least, like Emaline says, he has time to fix things with Benji. Benji, by the way, is the most sweet and adorable character in this book. He’s mature for his age sometimes. The bond that forms between him and Emaline is so beautiful.
The other aspect I adore about this book is the friendships. Emaline and Daisy are different, and yet know each other so well. They support each other, and they can have comfortable silences. I also adore the quiet and often irresponsible Morris. He may not have a good work ethic, but he’s a great friend. He understands a lot, so he knows what to say (and when to not say anything at all) when someone is upset.
The romances in this book, however, are pretty blah. Emaline’s boyfriend at the beginning of the novel is Luke. At first, I liked him. But then there was the fact that he complained he wasn’t having sex with her every day. She was uncomfortable having sex at her house because her mom walked in on them once. Instead of being understanding, he bullied and complained. Then the fact that he called and went out with another girl while he and Emaline were still dating…and had the balls to be jealous when Emaline was around Theo platonically. Good riddance. The romance with Theo was underwhelming. It didn’t even seem like Emaline liked him, and then they’re kissing and dating? Also, it seemed more like she was along for the ride than an active participant in the relationship. He planned everything. He was pushy, arrogant, and condescending. Again,
Spoiler
good riddance. I’m glad Emaline didn’t end up with those two.Read this for the depiction and family and friends. Skip it if you want a sweet and steamy romance.