The Funny Moon

by Chris Lincoln

Claire is a massage therapist who can communicate with animals and talk to people on the Other Side. Wally is a burned out adman and wannabe novelist avoiding reality by obsessing on his golf game. After twenty-five years of marriage, she still loves him, but lately doesn’t like him. When Wally moves out after a fight, Claire finds herself facing her fears, flaws, and fantasies, while dealing with her man-eating best friend, a wealthy older suitor, her tai chi master, and a wisecracking dog. Meanwhile, above his friend’s garage, Wally imagines literary glory as he struggles to keep his one remaining client. When things unexpectedly turn in his favor, he is eager to win Claire back. But will she give up her newfound freedom to give their rocky relationship another chance? For fans of Elinor Lipman and Jennifer Weiner, The Funny Moon is a literary romp about the challenges of marriage, self-discovery, and personal fulfillment with a New Age twist.

Genres: Humor

279 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2023

Reviews

[SOS · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a cozy-ish romantic fantasy. It’s a study in midlife crises, and a story of love rediscovered. The fantasy aspect of the book, Claire’s ability to speak with dogs telepathically and Mama Betty speaking to and through the characters, does require suspending disbelief. I say that this is a cozy-ish book because there is one scene or two that goes a bit beyond cozy. Also, this isn’t really a mystery, so I’m not sure if the term cozy is appropriate.

The book is filled with quirky characters. Unfortunately, most of them are stereotypes. Claire is the martyr. Wally is the man reverted to a teenager who only wants to do what he wants to do. Roz is the successful and randy socialite. It’s an odd conglomeration of characters, but they work together.

Claire is an overworked woman. She offers massages and energy work to her clients. She’s also very involved in an animal rescue charity, Doggone Right. For recreation, she’s involved in tai chi. Wally was in advertising, and is good at is work, but he’s lost interest. All he wants to do is play golf and work on a novel. Only he doesn’t really have any ideas. Mama Betty, is Claire’s grandmother who died a while ago. Her ghost is a caricature of an old-timey southern woman, all deep drawl and syrupy sayings. Roz is Claire’s friend, a former real estate executive who, once Claire and Wally separate, is bound on setting Claire up with a wealthy older man, Max. But Claire is more interested in her tai chi instructor, only he has some problems of his own.

I enjoyed this book. I did find the characters a bit more quirky than I prefer, I don’t know any people quite like those in this book. I did find it a bit slow paced at times, but the story was interesting. The cover is beautiful. I think it’s what drew me to this book initially. I also liked the Confucius-like philosophical musings that pop up in this book.

If you enjoy characters that are a bit out there and can deal with the oddities they bring to the story, then this might be a book you’ll enjoy.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher. I thank all involved for their generosity in sharing this book with me, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.

[Pat McC. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a Kindle edition of The Funny Moon in a Goodreads giveaway. I enjoyed this book and the storyline held my interest. There is a bit of fantasy thrown in, which made it quirky. Basically, the book is about couple Claire and Wally facing marital problems as empty nesters. Each of them approach dealing with their issues in very different ways. Some entertaining characters include the grandmother and the dog. I would recommend this book.

[Mark Wheeler]

Recently read this laugh out loud book about a relationship gone sour that via a telepathic dog, a clairvoyant mother in law, and an anatomically flawed guru the couple manage to put their relationship back together, or nearly. The book is clever and witty and is the perfect beach read. I think I polished it off in a single sitting but it might have been two. In any event I still smile when I think about some of the scenes which cover the spectrum from phantasmic to...well, racy. But every page is under the clear intelligence of the author who manages to surprise and amuse at every turn. Would not be surprised to see this turned into a movie someday, it very personal and insightful and would be a wonderful antidote to all the blockbusters filling the screens this summer. I highly recommend The Funny Moon if you want to smile, be touched, and guffaw.

[Jjean · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read - lots of humor along with what really could happen in a marriage of many years - characters were enjoyable & easy to follow - and Wow, even the dog gets on the story with humor.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an early edition. Overall, it was pretty good. It kept my attention and I wanted to keeping reading to find out what would happen next. I’m wondering if there will be a squeal because I’d like to know more.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

For readers looking for humorous reading this book has plenty to recommend it. There are many comical scenes as well as plenty of quirky characters, including an irreverent dog who communicates telepathically with a human and an opinionated dead grandmother who inhabits a character’s body. However, it also explores some serious topics. What happens when you still love but no longer like your spouse? Are the very qualities that attract you to a person the same qualities that become unbearable to live with? What is it like to resume dating in midlife? Those themes don’t overwhelm the humor but give the book more substance.

[Ned Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great way to spend a rainy Sunday! I loved it. Other than a break for lunch, I literally sat and read for five straight hours. Couldn't wait to read the next chapter. I hope others love it as much as I did.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chris Lincoln's The Funny Moon tees up a rollicking tale of midlife marital existential crisis, beautifully grounded in bucolic college-town New England, dotted throughout with lovably offbeat characters who are never in a hurry to solve anything. The Funny Moon grabbed my attention
on page one and held it through the Epilogue. The pace is dynamic but not hectic; it takes time for the scales of love and hate to find their center. Lincoln's center is well, off-center and his story skitters along with warm humor, forehead-slapping behavior, and understated philosophical renderings. This book is perfect for every beach bag, airplace carry-on, and coffeeshop tabletop. Lincoln has given us the season's freshest breezes. Kudos for such a terrific first novel.

[Courtney Guzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, funny, feel-good book. I read this awhile ago, and it caught my eye to read it again recently and I’m so glad I did! Loved it just as much as the first time around.

[Brenda Maximenko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book! The interaction with the rescue dogs was the best! I would like to read a sequel!

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a perfect summer novel that I read while lying on the couch outdoors after posting my summer grades. The plot's about a likable, talented, but not affluent couple in their fifties experiencing a lot of real-life stresses, but Lincoln's flavor of magical realism bubbles up and lightens them in ways that we might wish for our own lives. There's a good balance of development between the two protagonists in the alternating sub-plots. Particularly delightful are the threads of Terry Gross and dog telepathy. The book will be extra delicious for anyone who spent time in the Upper Valley of New Hampshire/Vermont. This is a funny, sometimes slapstick, often irreverent book, but it’s also lyrical at times, and I found myself thinking about the characters after I finished it. I want a sequel!

[Tonya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always appreciate a book that puts main characters out of their 20s-early 30s, because yes, life keeps happening after this "prime" time. I really enjoyed the snarky dog's point of view and wished there would have been more of this. I also like when an author resists the urge to wrap everything up in a tidy, conclusive manner because that isn't always how stories work. I did feel like the characters were a bit caricatured and I didn't love the portrayal of most of the female characters. Overall a quick read with true, small town New England vibes!

[Lisa Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Funny Moon is a fun and at times, totally hilarious read, but it is also profound and touching.Chris Lincoln is a talented writer who has developed characters that we can all relate to and some of the some of the voices of wisdom for both Wally and Claire come from the most surprising sources! I feel privileged to have been able to read the manuscript early on, as well as the advanced copy of the novel and am over the moon (haha!) to see The Funny Moon out in print!

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I thought this would be a book about a lady who can carry on a conversation with dogs. And it was; but with so MUCH MORE. The characters were zany, the say the least. I guess I leave a very sedate life cause I don't know anybody like these folks. It was fun to see how the other side live. The author has a very vivid imagination. You will put it down to get something else done and then find yourself picking it back up for just another chapter.

[Gabriella Hoss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book as a short read! It was entertaining, funny/quirky, the characters had great chemistry, and overall it was an enjoyable read. I felt like every time I picked up to read I soared through the pages and was enthralled by the character development and story line.

[Margaret Campion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chris Lincoln has written about serious and funny truths about long-term relationships. I loved these characters and I loved this book. It even miraculously softened me towards golf!

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun book set in my beloved New England. Predictable plot but enjoyable and fun read.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun beach read!