TG’s review of Keeping the Moon by Sarah Dessen
Fifteen-year-old Colie has never fit in. First, it was because she was fat. Then, after she lost the weight, it was because of a reputation that she didn’t deserve. So when she’s sent to stay with her eccentric aunt Mira for the summer, Colie doesn’t expect too much. After all, why would anyone in Colby, North Carolina, want to bother with her when no one back home does?
But Colby turned out to be a nice surprise for Colie. Almost without trying, she lands herself a job at the Last Chance Bar and Grill. There she meets fellow waitresses Morgan and Isabel-two best friends who teach her what friendship is all about and help her learn to appreciate who she really is.
This is a book filled with hope, new beginnings and lots and lots of french fries. You can imagine yourself, sitting behind the eyes of Colie, taking hamburger orders and falling in love. You feel all of her emotions, you know her thoughts like they were your own. That is what Sarah Dessen does in this book. Only, once you feel as if you could predict everything that was going to happen, she throws in a wrench. Meet Morgan and Isabel. They are whirlwinds of two completely different kinds, and Colie seems to fit in perfectly with them. . . well, after a little while that is. With them by her side, she learns to overcome her insecurities and find the strength to be herself.
In this book, Dessen seems to be out to change the world, with the story of just one girl and all her hard earned friends. I really enjoyed it. I’d recommend this to anyone who feels lost, or anyone who has just found a new beginning. . . or really anyone who enjoys reading about other people’s drama. I hope you’ll read it, and agree. Happy reading!
Rating: 4 out of 5
This book is available from Speak. You can buy it here.
This is the one of the only books that I haven’t read by Sarah Dessen. I need to fix that. Thanks for the review TG!
I think you’re absolutely right when you say this book doesn’t seem to be for everyone. It’s one of the most over-looked Dessen books (the other being That Summer, IMO), because I think it was sandwiched between Someone Like You and Dreamland.
Still, I love re-reading this book every once in a while, I love Colby and Isabel and Morgan and Norman.
It’s a really sweet read.
That Summer is another one of my favorites. I just love Sarah in general, but some of her less popular works are really just stunning. -TG
I need to dig this out of my TBR, especially if you liked it Alex. I’ve never been steered wrong by you. =)