A year ago, I had never heard of Sarah Dessen. Then I started discovering book blogs and reading online reviews, and her name came up many times - always positively. I've heard (okay, read) many people say that they love her books. My sister-in-law has said that Dessen is one of her favorite authors. So I decided recently that it was about time I read one of her books.
The library had several. I picked Keeping the Moon solely because it started with K, and I still needed one of those for my A-Z Challenge. It wasn't a very long book, and I read it pretty quickly. I even stayed up a bit later than I should one night to read it. But despite getting drawn in and not wanting to put the book down, I would not call my first experience with Sarah Dessen a rousing success.
It wasn't the storyline. I think Dessen did a great job of showing Colie's transformation from beaten down to confident. It was the supporting characters that spoiled the overall effect. So please forgive the following rant.
It wasn't the storyline. I think Dessen did a great job of showing Colie's transformation from beaten down to confident. It was the supporting characters that spoiled the overall effect. So please forgive the following rant.
First of all, Morgan and Isabel. Are they sisters or just best friends? Not clear until at least halfway through the book. And why is Morgan so precise with everything at the diner, yet she flies off the hook emotionally? That just doesn't make any sense to me.
Secondly, Norman. I get that he was "disowned" by his dad because he wants to be an artist. I get that he lives in Mira's basement because of that. But how old is he? I'm figuring he's in college and is twenty at least, which would put him out of the way as a love interest for Colie. Nope, not the case. Let's just drop in, two-thirds of the way through the book, that he is only 17 and therefore "perfect" for Colie. You can't throw that in there after I think I already have this character figured out. Tell me earlier, so it's not out of the blue that he has a crush on her!
Secondly, Norman. I get that he was "disowned" by his dad because he wants to be an artist. I get that he lives in Mira's basement because of that. But how old is he? I'm figuring he's in college and is twenty at least, which would put him out of the way as a love interest for Colie. Nope, not the case. Let's just drop in, two-thirds of the way through the book, that he is only 17 and therefore "perfect" for Colie. You can't throw that in there after I think I already have this character figured out. Tell me earlier, so it's not out of the blue that he has a crush on her!
Okay, rant over. Here's the things I loved about this book: Mira. She is herself and perfectly content with that. I loved the way she never let anyone's comments faze her.
I also loved how Dessen describes how it feels to be bullied. I've been there. I can relate, and I'd guess a lot of her high school readers could as well. And I loved the message of the book - you don't have to take it. You are a valuable person, and you can be confident in who you are.
I also loved how Dessen describes how it feels to be bullied. I've been there. I can relate, and I'd guess a lot of her high school readers could as well. And I loved the message of the book - you don't have to take it. You are a valuable person, and you can be confident in who you are.
Bottom line: I'm not sold on Sarah Dessen. Yet. But I'm not unsold either. I'm willing to give her another try. Has anyone read Sarah Dessen's books? Does anyone have a recommendation for me for my second attempt? I appreciate your comments!
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