My View of the Bright Moon

by Cathy Kern

A story told with insight and tenderness, My View of the Bright Moon , follows Kyle and Joe, two once-close brothers whose family’s long-hidden secrets grow too large for the present day to hold. Driven to the brink of destroying the only relationships they treasure, both men encounter time-honored sources of forgiveness and healing that have touched thousands in the real world. With a palpable love of people and a unique understanding of the ways animals can forever change us for the better, Cathy Kern presents a genuine portrait of love conquering loss and gentleness calming struggle. Absorbing and ultimately uplifting, the universal themes of unraveling and being rewoven will touch readers well after the final page. Is My View of the Bright Moon your story? Or the story of someone you love?

“Intriguing and very realistic. My View of the Bright Moon captures the power and the potential of the horses. This novel portrays brief, but telling, glimpses into how Eagala equine-assisted psychotherapy sessions impact and change people’s lives. Engaged right from the start, the development and mystery of the characters invested me into their lives and pulled me along – well done. This novel rings true. Thank you!” - Lynn Thomas, co-founder Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (Eagala)

276 pages, Paperback

Published October 19, 2023

Reviews

[Randall Harville · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family, secrets, lies, healing and HORSES! “My View of the Bright Moon” is a wonderful debut novel by writer Cathy Kern. I have spent most of my adult life in various recovery rooms and I had no prior knowledge of Equine Assisted Therapy before reading this compelling story of brothers Joe and Kyle. A common refrain that one hears in recovery, directed to the newcomer, is “fake it until you make it.” This novel does a masterful job describing how that works in real life. I could almost feel Kyle’s struggle as he mechanizes what he learned in the arena with the horses to actual life, human interactions. I am a huge proponent of finding what works for you, just find what you can connect to and stick with so that a healthy life is possible. If this book can lead one person to a happy life of recovery, then it is indeed a noble effort and I have no doubt that
it will. Thank you, Cathy.

[Renee Keenan]

A lovey book, a good read in a unique style. Enjoyed the themes of equine assisted therapy and recovery weaved through the fabric of the story. Appreciated the depiction of eagala model at work and its impact on the participants; that's difficult to articulate so well done Cathy!

[Hugh Norriss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absorbing portrayal of a family healing their collective psychological wounds.

An evocative description of a rural Michigan summer and a family navigating its way through the discovery, pain and recovery of alcoholism in the family. The noble sentience of horses (through an equine therapy programme) is the catalyst through which healing can begin. The horses show us humans how a deep presence and non-judgemental response to our complicated lives can help us heal from loss, betrayal and life chaos. I found the writing to be beautifully crafted and revealing of the human condition. Cathy Kern gives us an inspiring take on how psychological pain and struggles can make people wiser and more compassionate, if they can feel heard, seen and understood.

[Doug Burman · Rating 4 out of 5]

My View of the Bright Moon is a fulfilling story about family secrets and personal growth as two brothers, adults in their twenties, struggle in their relationships due to their lifetime fears of inadequacy. The characters are relatable and likeable. With lush descriptions, the narrative style invites the reader to savor the story, immersing oneself in the story world.

This is not a page-turner that a reader can rush through. Differentiating between the brothers in the opening chapters is a little challenging, but once this is clear, the story flows as the reader seeks to uncover family secrets and roots for each brother to find peace and fulfillment. The process of self-discovery is realistic, condensed over a summer, facilitated by equine assistance therapy and twelve-step programs. The story flows and the ending is fulfilling. In my estimation, this is a 4-1/2 star book.

[Robert McConnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must admit I hadn't read any kind of novel for many years until I came across this wonderful story, masterfully told by Cathy Kern. From the first page I could not put the book down, it is one of those stories that pulls one into life with all vividly drawn characters, including small furry animals and larger ones. Along the way I was reminded of Ken Kesey's "Sometimes a Great Notion" such is Kern's skill in setting and character depiction, but more than that is her insight into the minds of the main characters, we are treated to inner and outer dialogues, what is thought and what is said, contradiction, half truths, tension and confliction and inevitably, truth.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story captured my imagination written in such a way as to allow the reader to "feel" the story. The author weaves a tapestry of words, such as "... a rainbow moving over water..." (just picture that in your mind). I enjoyed every word, every moment, every twist and turn as the story progressed. "My View of the Bright Moon" will keep you spellbound to the very end, wanting more, and looking forward to a sequel as Kyle and Joe continue thier journey through life. The brothers, family and friends have dreams of more to come to share with the readers.

[Sabine Blankner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book from start to finish and look forward to the sequel.
The story is written with so much sensitivity, attention to detail, almost a painting in words.
Cathy Kern knows how to draw, how to involve the reader into the story and touch ones feelings. Every chapter has a new turn, a new surprising twist which wanted me to go on reading. The book features people, horses, cats, cars, motorbikes amogst many others and wonderful descriptions of nature.
I highly recommend reading this gem of a book.

[Barbara Walton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I found it sincere and purposeful. It kept me wanting to read on to find out what was going to happen next. In some ways I would have preferred less words, less explanation but it's a complex range of topics and emotions, and maybe we need those words. This is a debut novel, and I hope there are more to come. I learned lots about Eagala, which made it more than a novel for me. I will remember it when others have faded.