The Pull of the Moon: Stories

by Julie Paul

Twelve short stories that examine what happens in the lives of characters who discover shocking truths about the people they thought they knew best.

Whether set in a cottage or a Montreal market, a graveyard or a backyard, these stories transport you into the lives of people you'll recognize. Your neighbours may not want to make squirrels into pets or sell you a piece of the moon. Your son may not be asked to donate sperm to his girlfriend's mother. Your sister may not want you to bring a dead cat across the border. You may not have an imaginary husband, a secret brother, or a friend who has turned to murder in a custody battle. But in each of these stories, people are trying to figure out how to live in a world that doesn't always seem hospitable.

With her keen poet's eye, Julie Paul examines human nature and animal instinct, as the characters in The Pull of the Moon try to negotiate their impulses and desires. Ultimately, they want what most of us want: connection, belonging, love, and forgiveness.

Genres: Short Stories, Canada, Fiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published September 9, 2014

About the author

I'm a writer in Victoria, BC, Canada. My second poetry collection, Whiny Baby, is now on shelves, Spring 2024, pub. by MQUP. I'm the author of three short story collections, Meteorites 2019 (Touchwood), The Pull of the Moon 2014 (Touchwood B & G), and The Jealousy Bone, 2008 (Emdash Publishing). My first collection of poetry, The Rules of the Kingdom, was published by MQUP in 2017. Work has appeared in the anthologies Coming Attractions 07 (Oberon Press) and Women Behaving Badly, as well as literary mags such as The Fiddlehead, Dalhousie Review, Geist and The Antigonish Review. A novel is underway, as well as more poetry and a book of essays. Check out my site for links to reviews and other news.http://www.juliepaul.ca Thanks for stopping by.

Reviews

[Antoinette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a surprise find for me. Never heard of author or book but I was looking for a short story collection that I could read. This one came up on a recommendation from my library. I love overdrive- just like that I downloaded it and started reading. I liked most of the 12 stories in this collection but one. All of them were about relatable people going through some life issue/crisis. I felt satisfied by each story which is always a plus when reading short stories. So, if you are looking for a collection of short stories, I do recommend this book.

[Ruth Linka · Rating 5 out of 5]

These varied and intricate stories are beautifully written. The characters jump off the page and it seems like you could have a conversation with them. Julie Paul takes the every day, the quirky moments that we don't always notice and illuminates them beautifully. This collection shows Paul's skills and insights, I hope we see more from her soon. Highly recommended.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished: 16.12.2018
Genre: short stories
Rating: B
#CanBookChallenge
Conclusion:
The slow reader is like a swimmer who stops
counting the number of pool laps they have done
... just enjoys how their body feels and moves in water.
For the first time I approached a collection of short stories
as a slow reader.
I read each and every word Julie Paul wrote.
Not every story is a home-run....but she hit a few out of the ballpark!
Curious?

My Thoughts

[Zoom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an superb collection of short stories, alive with imagination, poetry and characters who are both quirky and believable.

I read it because I love short stories written by Canadian women, and also because it was recommended by Arleen Pare, the winner of this year's Governor General's award for poetry.

[Dhanamusil · Rating 5 out of 5]

If the day had more hours I would have read this scrumptious book in one go, but alas, I had to put it down in order to sleep. But it gave me something so beautiful to look forward to the next day. Julie has written a most intricate collection about the human condition. I think it should be mandatory reading for anyone over the age of 18. A definite keeper.

[Lauren Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous collection. Very diverse. Lots of varied characters and perspectives. Especially loved Her Full Name was Beatrice which is written in second person and is eerie, sad, beautiful. Short story lovers: read this book!

[Renee Layberry · Rating 4 out of 5]

With believable, imperfect characters and dialogue, and arcs that feel authentic and unpredictable, these short stories are thought provoking, a bit unsettling at times, and worth reading.

[Tricia Dower · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this years ago and have been remiss at recording that fact. Extraordinary stories about ordinary people. My favourites: Damage and Squirrel People.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since this is my book, I'll let others review it. Thanks for reading!

From The Globe and Mail, Nov. 7th, 2014 (reviewed by Jade Colbert): “The through-line in Julie Paul’s second collection of stories is a small yet powerful transformation in character: in each, a person feels the near-physical pull of something outside themselves. … If there is an underlying message, it’s that we all at some point feel the pull of the moon. Paul is consistently quick off the mark in characterization and establishing scene: we fully inhabit the new, distinct world of each story by its second page. Collections can be hit-and-miss affairs. This one is thoroughly good.”

[Barbara Sibbald]

This is a marvelous collection of stories by an insightful and truly talented author. The characters are beautifully drawn from the pathos of contemporary city life: bad neighbours, damaged friends, the endless quest for love and companionship. Some of the stories are truly haunting, especially the one about the female stalker and, even more poignantly, the mother who murders her little girl.
Beautifully done. I'll look for more from Ms Paul.

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved all the stories in this book, and I particularly liked how Julie Paul moves from one voice to another so smoothly that you sink right into the new story in seconds. The quirky lives of these people kept me reading!

[Olga Becroft · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such unique stories and characters. Julie Paul has captured intriguing characters in some amusing tales whilst others somewhat dark and sad. But all very entertaining. One of my favourite books of short stories.

[Julienne]

Look for my review on FreeFall magazine's blog.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. What a wonderful book of stories. The characters were so well written I felt as if I knew them. I hope to read more by Julie Paul.

[Laranda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not for me, not too much into the weirdness I felt from this but I appreciate the suggestion from my friend Tori, glad to finish eventually and nice to try new things.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

These stirring stories cut to the bone, and make you re-examine everything through a different lens. Just. Wow.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

The themes in these stories are reminiscent of KD Miller however Paul's writing is not quite as good.