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Moon College
Librarian's Note: this is an alternate cover edition for ISBN 13: 9780989050012
A dead moon.
A mysterious girl with purple eyes.
This isn't a safety school.
His seventeenth year on earth went out with a whimper and anxious incoming freshman Hilary Litwack is headed up - straight up - to college on the moon and into a crucible that will burn away his past. Meeting up with his aggressively thuggish cousin Vladimir, he’s thrust into a new life filled with new friends, violence and treasure, the girl of his dreams, and ultimately the secrets of the moon and the people around him.
A dead moon.
A mysterious girl with purple eyes.
This isn't a safety school.
His seventeenth year on earth went out with a whimper and anxious incoming freshman Hilary Litwack is headed up - straight up - to college on the moon and into a crucible that will burn away his past. Meeting up with his aggressively thuggish cousin Vladimir, he’s thrust into a new life filled with new friends, violence and treasure, the girl of his dreams, and ultimately the secrets of the moon and the people around him.
198 pages, Paperback
First published February 17, 2013
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1010 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 15, 2013
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a story about Hilary Litwack. It’s a story about young love, finding it and sort of fighting for it. He’s 17 and heading to a college on the moon.
First, let me say, I enjoyed the distinct voice in this story. Hilary is a unique character, and his personality came through in the dialogue and the voice. He’s just a regular teen, going through the every day motions, until he meets Camille. She’s beautiful, mysterious, and doesn’t take shit from anyone. From this point on, Hilary only has eyes for her. He wants to know everything about her, and he’s determined to make her his. I figured once Hilary managed to date Camille, the story would be over. They'd live happily ever after, right? Well, apparently, the main conflict is not about whether or not he gets the girl. So what is the main conflict?
Well, halfway into the story, there is a strange mystery revealed about Camille. It seems this is the true storyline. She is different from others, and there is something wrong with her. So in order for her and Hilary to stay together, some sort of “resolution” must be found. The only problem is that this “conflict” is not revealed until the last pages of the book, which means there is no resolution. Well, the resolution is somewhat alluded to in the epilogue.
But one of the problems with this book was all the unnecessary content, which did not add or advance the plot. For example, all of the flashbacks into Hilary’s past. Time moves in a straight line, constantly moving forward. To suddenly be jolted back into his past while in the present only disrupts the flow of the story. It made me re-read several parts just to understand I’d been transported into the past. It would be one thing if Hilary was talking to someone about his past or just briefly thinking about something eventful from his past. Instead, we are shown how he lost his virginity, and other scenes with his first crush, China, and his best friend, Henry.
These flashbacks have no bearing or connection to Hilary in the present. Or at least, I didn’t understand their significance. Sure, it is nice to know a character’s background, but we do not need to physically go back into the past to see these things. They are not relevant to Hilary and his love for Camille. It would be easier to just mention his past in a conversation with Camille, which he does, (i.e., the reason these flashbacks are unnecessary).
Oh, and the one memory of Hilary’s past that should’ve been included—either in dialogue or just reminiscing about his past—was only briefly alluded to. If shown, it would’ve explained some of his odd behavior. But of course, this is the one memory we aren’t shown—the most important one.
The middle part of the story where he travels home to Earth during winter break is also unnecessary. Nothing eventful happened during his stay. He did some drugs, met up with his cousin, did some stupid teenage stuff, and that was it. None of it was relevant to the main storyline.
So if the author were to take out all the flashbacks and the entire middle part, this would be a very short story. That’s why when the main conflict is revealed in the end chapters, I believe that’s where the story really, finally starts. Once we learn the truth about Camille, Hilary should begin doing something, anything to resolve this problem. Because he loves her, right? Well, instead, Hilary sits back and does nothing. It is not until something strange happens in the epilogue that he seems to think about a resolution. His inability to act at the end, to do something even if just screaming and yelling, made me think he didn’t care for Camille as much as I thought.
Overall, I do think there is a story here. But without proper edits and some cutting, the story itself gets buried in all the unnecessary clutter. If the author took the time to clean it up, to build up a main conflict, and focus the storyline, I’d definitely re-read it.
This is a story about Hilary Litwack. It’s a story about young love, finding it and sort of fighting for it. He’s 17 and heading to a college on the moon.
First, let me say, I enjoyed the distinct voice in this story. Hilary is a unique character, and his personality came through in the dialogue and the voice. He’s just a regular teen, going through the every day motions, until he meets Camille. She’s beautiful, mysterious, and doesn’t take shit from anyone. From this point on, Hilary only has eyes for her. He wants to know everything about her, and he’s determined to make her his. I figured once Hilary managed to date Camille, the story would be over. They'd live happily ever after, right? Well, apparently, the main conflict is not about whether or not he gets the girl. So what is the main conflict?
Well, halfway into the story, there is a strange mystery revealed about Camille. It seems this is the true storyline. She is different from others, and there is something wrong with her. So in order for her and Hilary to stay together, some sort of “resolution” must be found. The only problem is that this “conflict” is not revealed until the last pages of the book, which means there is no resolution. Well, the resolution is somewhat alluded to in the epilogue.
But one of the problems with this book was all the unnecessary content, which did not add or advance the plot. For example, all of the flashbacks into Hilary’s past. Time moves in a straight line, constantly moving forward. To suddenly be jolted back into his past while in the present only disrupts the flow of the story. It made me re-read several parts just to understand I’d been transported into the past. It would be one thing if Hilary was talking to someone about his past or just briefly thinking about something eventful from his past. Instead, we are shown how he lost his virginity, and other scenes with his first crush, China, and his best friend, Henry.
These flashbacks have no bearing or connection to Hilary in the present. Or at least, I didn’t understand their significance. Sure, it is nice to know a character’s background, but we do not need to physically go back into the past to see these things. They are not relevant to Hilary and his love for Camille. It would be easier to just mention his past in a conversation with Camille, which he does, (i.e., the reason these flashbacks are unnecessary).
Oh, and the one memory of Hilary’s past that should’ve been included—either in dialogue or just reminiscing about his past—was only briefly alluded to. If shown, it would’ve explained some of his odd behavior. But of course, this is the one memory we aren’t shown—the most important one.
The middle part of the story where he travels home to Earth during winter break is also unnecessary. Nothing eventful happened during his stay. He did some drugs, met up with his cousin, did some stupid teenage stuff, and that was it. None of it was relevant to the main storyline.
So if the author were to take out all the flashbacks and the entire middle part, this would be a very short story. That’s why when the main conflict is revealed in the end chapters, I believe that’s where the story really, finally starts. Once we learn the truth about Camille, Hilary should begin doing something, anything to resolve this problem. Because he loves her, right? Well, instead, Hilary sits back and does nothing. It is not until something strange happens in the epilogue that he seems to think about a resolution. His inability to act at the end, to do something even if just screaming and yelling, made me think he didn’t care for Camille as much as I thought.
Overall, I do think there is a story here. But without proper edits and some cutting, the story itself gets buried in all the unnecessary clutter. If the author took the time to clean it up, to build up a main conflict, and focus the storyline, I’d definitely re-read it.
September 5, 2023
I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
In short this book just wasn't for me. I felt no connection at all to the characters and most of the times their actions left me confused.
I can't really recommend this book, but if you feel like you might enjoy it- just do it... it's not too long of a read and obviously there were people who did enjoy reading it. If this was a really confusing review I apologize, English isn't my first language and while I had a lot of thoughts on this book, it was pretty difficult to get them written down.
In short this book just wasn't for me. I felt no connection at all to the characters and most of the times their actions left me confused.
I can't really recommend this book, but if you feel like you might enjoy it- just do it... it's not too long of a read and obviously there were people who did enjoy reading it. If this was a really confusing review I apologize, English isn't my first language and while I had a lot of thoughts on this book, it was pretty difficult to get them written down.
March 9, 2013
I ended up downloading this book after seeing a 2/23 tweet by Kat Dennings (Litwack is her brother, and according to Kat he spent 12 years writing this book).
Moon College is one of those books that a small number of people will immediately think is a genius-classic. While reading it, I kept seeing the possibility for a movie, and Litwack's already got some great tie-ins going within his social media sources. I mean, when was the last time you read a book that offered you mixtape playlists to go with different sections of the story? (http://mooncollege.com/mixtapes/)
My hazy memory of watching Wes Anderson's "The Royal Tenenbaums" was that the cast was very eclectic, and there was no time spent easing the viewer into their oddities -- you were immersed. Some people love that kind of story-telling, and Litwack's Moon College reminded me of that movie. Well, I barely remember that movie, so I guess it reminded me of the way I felt after watching it. Although I liked Litwack's characters better, and thought his story was pretty interesting.
There was a part where Hilary (he's a dude) went home on break, and the "flow" got kinda choppy... but something tickled in the back of my head and said that it was probably intentional. It's also one of the elements that started making me see Moon College as a movie.
This book encompasses Hilary's first year at college on the moon. Litwack continues his story in a second book, and I honestly want to know what he's going to write. Overall, the characters are great but hard to visualize; perhaps with Moon College 2 he'll be a tad more descriptive.
Moon College is one of those books that a small number of people will immediately think is a genius-classic. While reading it, I kept seeing the possibility for a movie, and Litwack's already got some great tie-ins going within his social media sources. I mean, when was the last time you read a book that offered you mixtape playlists to go with different sections of the story? (http://mooncollege.com/mixtapes/)
My hazy memory of watching Wes Anderson's "The Royal Tenenbaums" was that the cast was very eclectic, and there was no time spent easing the viewer into their oddities -- you were immersed. Some people love that kind of story-telling, and Litwack's Moon College reminded me of that movie. Well, I barely remember that movie, so I guess it reminded me of the way I felt after watching it. Although I liked Litwack's characters better, and thought his story was pretty interesting.
There was a part where Hilary (he's a dude) went home on break, and the "flow" got kinda choppy... but something tickled in the back of my head and said that it was probably intentional. It's also one of the elements that started making me see Moon College as a movie.
This book encompasses Hilary's first year at college on the moon. Litwack continues his story in a second book, and I honestly want to know what he's going to write. Overall, the characters are great but hard to visualize; perhaps with Moon College 2 he'll be a tad more descriptive.
March 2, 2013
A sci-fi buildungsroman that reflects both my college experience (the people not the moon setting, although many campuses are removed from the outside world in their own way) and growing up in NJ? And comes with indie music set lists for each character? What more could I ask. It's a little Brian Francis Slattery, a little Francesca Lia Block, maybe like if Kevin Smith wrote the Hunger Games.
It is kind of macho in parts, with the drugs n guns kind of stuff, and y'know, not enough descriptions of the outfits that they wear on the moon (c'mon you can't have a character with purple eyes who listens to the Smiths and not describe what she's wearing! Are there moon college punks? Think about the zero-gravity hair possibilities.). But the protagonist is only visiting macho land and secretly wants to make a role-playing game about architecture, so that action movie ride is kept in check. This would be excellent for a plane trip, especially at night so you could pretend you were going to moon college.
It is kind of macho in parts, with the drugs n guns kind of stuff, and y'know, not enough descriptions of the outfits that they wear on the moon (c'mon you can't have a character with purple eyes who listens to the Smiths and not describe what she's wearing! Are there moon college punks? Think about the zero-gravity hair possibilities.). But the protagonist is only visiting macho land and secretly wants to make a role-playing game about architecture, so that action movie ride is kept in check. This would be excellent for a plane trip, especially at night so you could pretend you were going to moon college.
June 2, 2013
It was a quick read. The writing style was interesting enough to keep me reading. If you are offended by harsh language, drugs, and sex (sometimes crudely spoken about) then don't pick up this book. It was kind of a gritty, bleak style of writing. It had a little sci-fi, a little romance, and delved into the mind of the male protagonist.
It did not keep me on the edge of my seat and sometimes I wasn't sure where the focus of the book is. I didn't really feel the characters drew me in enough. I would have liked to seen more depth to them. I felt like Camille was too much in the background and there were parts written where it didn't seem like she was supposed to be.
Overall it was an okay book, a good start for a part one. I am hoping with the next it will come together and make this feel like an even better book. By itself it just is lacking and needs more. Definitely good enough to want to read more and find out where everything goes. The writing style had me feeling like I was reading one of those classic sci-fi magazine writings.
It did not keep me on the edge of my seat and sometimes I wasn't sure where the focus of the book is. I didn't really feel the characters drew me in enough. I would have liked to seen more depth to them. I felt like Camille was too much in the background and there were parts written where it didn't seem like she was supposed to be.
Overall it was an okay book, a good start for a part one. I am hoping with the next it will come together and make this feel like an even better book. By itself it just is lacking and needs more. Definitely good enough to want to read more and find out where everything goes. The writing style had me feeling like I was reading one of those classic sci-fi magazine writings.
April 24, 2013
I won this book through a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
I entered to win because I liked the idea of college on the moon: a college experience in an interesting setting. The book lived up to my expectations, I really liked part one and three when the main character was on the moon. My favorite scenes are at the beginning of the book (the journey to the moon and the first days of exploring new places and meeting new people). Part two of the book (when the main character came back to earth) was less captivating. There’s a lot of violence, guns and drugs. For me that part held no added value, I would have liked the book the same without it.
It was a fun read, there are enough twists to keep you going and the end is satisfying. I’ll definitely read book two, I want to know what Hilary is up to in his second year of college.
I entered to win because I liked the idea of college on the moon: a college experience in an interesting setting. The book lived up to my expectations, I really liked part one and three when the main character was on the moon. My favorite scenes are at the beginning of the book (the journey to the moon and the first days of exploring new places and meeting new people). Part two of the book (when the main character came back to earth) was less captivating. There’s a lot of violence, guns and drugs. For me that part held no added value, I would have liked the book the same without it.
It was a fun read, there are enough twists to keep you going and the end is satisfying. I’ll definitely read book two, I want to know what Hilary is up to in his second year of college.
April 19, 2013
The premise of this book plants the story of a young man living on the moon and studying there. It also has a beautiful girl ( surprise surprise) and he falls for her.
The first part of the book was interesting. The second half was all clutter and seemed non purposive. I felt it wasnt going anywhere and waited patently to see what was all about but it went nowhere. (again, surprise! ) The writing feels unfocused at times. If that was what the writer was intending I feel he achieved it right.
I did enjoyed the first part, but after that I just wanted it to end. I didnt want to leave it because I always end books but it was hard for me. There seems to be a second book in the works. I hope the author keeps getting better at it.
The first part of the book was interesting. The second half was all clutter and seemed non purposive. I felt it wasnt going anywhere and waited patently to see what was all about but it went nowhere. (again, surprise! ) The writing feels unfocused at times. If that was what the writer was intending I feel he achieved it right.
I did enjoyed the first part, but after that I just wanted it to end. I didnt want to leave it because I always end books but it was hard for me. There seems to be a second book in the works. I hope the author keeps getting better at it.
April 4, 2013
Warning: You must not be offended by drugs,theft,violence, and sexual content.
Moon College is full of love, mystery, and life. I was kept guessing as what the big mystery could be with the lead female role. This is also is followed by a huge cliffhanger ending. Going to college on the moon sounds pretty cool right? Well, what if you find out what it's supose to be a cover for, would you still want to attend?
This has a lot of similarity to real college life for some people and something way out there, but entertaining to read. I read this in one day and already wanting to see what the next book delivers.
Moon College is full of love, mystery, and life. I was kept guessing as what the big mystery could be with the lead female role. This is also is followed by a huge cliffhanger ending. Going to college on the moon sounds pretty cool right? Well, what if you find out what it's supose to be a cover for, would you still want to attend?
This has a lot of similarity to real college life for some people and something way out there, but entertaining to read. I read this in one day and already wanting to see what the next book delivers.
May 1, 2013
I had the pleasure of reading Moon College by Geoffrey Litwack last night. It started out as conventional science fiction with a moon shuttle and a college in Moon Base Serenity which was very well described. It then morphed into a more character driven story about a 17 year old boy’s journey into adulthood with familiar issues (e.g. bullying) and unique challenges (major spoiler if disclosed). Since my teenage years are long behind me, I don’t read much with teenage protagonists, but I really was captivated by Moon College and now want to know what happens to the characters. My only quibble was that I found the author using his last name for the MC a little disingenuous.
July 1, 2013
I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is such an oddity to me. Certainly not bad but at times so scientific I felt as if I was reading a text book for pleasure. Camille's secret is more than I expected and now with the cliff hanger I want to know who the boy in his bedroom was and can they save Cam?
The cousin Vlad was crazy as a nutcase. He needs locked up for his antics. This whole group of drug using, moon traveling, college age kids left my head spinning a little without clear directional changes. Seems choppy and confusing but overall a good storyline.
This book is such an oddity to me. Certainly not bad but at times so scientific I felt as if I was reading a text book for pleasure. Camille's secret is more than I expected and now with the cliff hanger I want to know who the boy in his bedroom was and can they save Cam?
The cousin Vlad was crazy as a nutcase. He needs locked up for his antics. This whole group of drug using, moon traveling, college age kids left my head spinning a little without clear directional changes. Seems choppy and confusing but overall a good storyline.
April 12, 2013
I won this book in a Firstreads giveaway.That doesn't affect how I feel about the book.
The idea was new to me.The college on the moon part.Sure, there's an academy for vampires and Hogwarts for wizards, but the moon?! it was really unexpected to me and I never thought of it.It was a quick read and one of the shortest books I've read so far this year.But just because a book is short doesn't mean that it's not good.I wonder what book two will have though.
The idea was new to me.The college on the moon part.Sure, there's an academy for vampires and Hogwarts for wizards, but the moon?! it was really unexpected to me and I never thought of it.It was a quick read and one of the shortest books I've read so far this year.But just because a book is short doesn't mean that it's not good.I wonder what book two will have though.
March 22, 2013
Good book not what I expected. This is about a boy name Hilary yes,I said Hilary, he is attending college on the moon. He has all these problems like depression, anxiety attacks and he's afraid of everything. He meets this girl name Camille and instantly falls in love with her. Camille has a big secret that no one knows about. This book will sake you through Hilary's first year of college on the moon. I can't wait to read and see what appens in his second year of moon college
April 28, 2013
The book was ok nothing really special .
May 17, 2013
it's a good book, i really enjoyed and has good flow in story i read in two days :)
April 11, 2015
This was a really good book With different out looks
September 16, 2020
I think I got this for free after I saw a Tweet on Twitter.
I didn't realize it was going to be a Part I of a series.
I don't know if I'll continue on.
I didn't realize it was going to be a Part I of a series.
I don't know if I'll continue on.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews