Good Moon Rising : Book Review

"Good Moon Rising" by Nancy Garden is a captivating coming-of-age tale that delves into the themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. Set in a small Vermont town during the 1960s, the story revolves around Kate, a 15-year-old girl who must navigate the complexities of growing up and the intricacies of her relationships.

The narrative takes an unexpected turn when Kate's older brother, Joe, reveals that he is gay. This revelation shocks their conservative community and exposes Kate to the harsh realities of prejudice and discrimination. As she grapples with her conflicting emotions towards her brother, Kate begins to question societal norms and understand the importance of accepting others for who they truly are.

Nancy Garden's writing is evocative and paints a vivid picture of the small town atmosphere, with detailed descriptions that transport readers to the 1960s era. The author skillfully captures the social and cultural climate of the time, paralleling Kate's personal growth with the unfolding of the civil rights movement.

The characters in "Good Moon Rising" are relatable and well-developed. Kate's journey of self-discovery is engaging and heartfelt as she confronts her own biases and learns the power of empathy. Garden also excels in portraying the complex dynamics within Kate's family, particularly her evolving relationship with Joe.

Overall, "Good Moon Rising" is a thought-provoking and poignant novel that tackles important social issues with grace and sensitivity. Garden's storytelling is compelling, and her exploration of love, acceptance, and personal growth resonates with readers of all ages. This book inspires reflection and reminds us of the transformative power of compassion in the face of adversity.

What are readers saying?

"Good Moon Rising" by Nancy Garden has garnered a range of reviews from readers, reflecting a diverse range of opinions. While some readers found the book captivating and praised its beautiful prose, others felt that it lacked depth and failed to fully engage them.

Numerous reviewers commended Nancy Garden's atmospheric and lyrical writing style in "Good Moon Rising." They appreciated her vivid descriptions of the setting and characters, which allowed them to easily visualize the story. The book's strength was often attributed to its captivating and evocative prose, creating an immersive reading experience for those who appreciated this aspect.

However, some readers found the plot of "Good Moon Rising" to be predictable and lacking originality. They felt that the story followed a formulaic structure without any surprising twists or turns. Thus, these readers found it difficult to feel connected to the narrative, leading to a sense of detachment and disinterest.

The character development in "Good Moon Rising" also received mixed feedback. Some reviewers found the characters to be well-developed and relatable, allowing them to form an emotional connection. They appreciated the complexity and growth of the characters throughout the book. Conversely, other reviewers criticized the characters for being one-dimensional and lacking depth, preventing them from fully engaging with the story.

Another aspect that divided readers was the pacing. While some readers found the pacing to be perfect, others found it to be slow and dragging at times. This discrepancy in opinions led to different levels of enjoyment, with some feeling immersed in the story and others losing interest due to the perceived slow progress.

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