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The Book of Moon
It coulda been worse.
That's the "working epitaph" of 15-year-old Moon Landing. Not that Moon's death is imminent--far from it--but his thoughts have turned to gallows humor, as his world disintegrates along with his parents' marriage. His older brother skateboards through life with ease, but Moon is deeply troubled.
Just as he is solving for romantic unknowns with a gorgeous older girl, Moon must contend with his dad's sudden absence, his mom-gone-wild's sexcapades, and his best friends' curious penchant for self-destruction. Not to mention his newfound role in agitating to end an African guerrilla's bloody rampage.
To make sense of it all, Moon embarks on a quest to unravel the riddle of God's injustice to man.
In this humorous and touching coming-of-age novel, Moon struggles to understand his parents--who they are, what brought them together, what broke them apart--and what that all means for his future.
That's the "working epitaph" of 15-year-old Moon Landing. Not that Moon's death is imminent--far from it--but his thoughts have turned to gallows humor, as his world disintegrates along with his parents' marriage. His older brother skateboards through life with ease, but Moon is deeply troubled.
Just as he is solving for romantic unknowns with a gorgeous older girl, Moon must contend with his dad's sudden absence, his mom-gone-wild's sexcapades, and his best friends' curious penchant for self-destruction. Not to mention his newfound role in agitating to end an African guerrilla's bloody rampage.
To make sense of it all, Moon embarks on a quest to unravel the riddle of God's injustice to man.
In this humorous and touching coming-of-age novel, Moon struggles to understand his parents--who they are, what brought them together, what broke them apart--and what that all means for his future.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2016
444 people are currently reading
1416 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
January 22, 2018
Wow, what the hell did I just read, who is this guy and what else has he written and... wow. Just wow.
May 30, 2020
“Yeah, I know, the first-born is usually the anal worrier, but somehow my brother and I reversed roles on that. He’s chill and I stress—about grades, parents, ruptured appendices, venomous snakes, leprosy, girls, global warming, the national debt, the meaning of life, the meaning of death…”
― George Crowder, The Book of Moon
I had to w rite a review just to recommend it. I am not the target audience and I did struggle at times but it is worth reading, especially to people who ARE the target audience. Moon is a great character, reminding me a teensy bit of Holden from "Cather in the Rye" but just a tad.
Divorce is an ever present theme here as well as finding oneself.
What makes the book stick out from so many of this nature is how well crafted the characters are an d the bits of unexpected wit..actually there are many of them..that differentiate this book from "the pack".
Highly recommended.
― George Crowder, The Book of Moon
I had to w rite a review just to recommend it. I am not the target audience and I did struggle at times but it is worth reading, especially to people who ARE the target audience. Moon is a great character, reminding me a teensy bit of Holden from "Cather in the Rye" but just a tad.
Divorce is an ever present theme here as well as finding oneself.
What makes the book stick out from so many of this nature is how well crafted the characters are an d the bits of unexpected wit..actually there are many of them..that differentiate this book from "the pack".
Highly recommended.
April 26, 2017
I loved this book!
Intelligent, thought-provoking book. I enjoyed the smart and insightful young people in the book, as well as the underlying story of Moon's family. I was pleasantly surprised...very well-written.
Intelligent, thought-provoking book. I enjoyed the smart and insightful young people in the book, as well as the underlying story of Moon's family. I was pleasantly surprised...very well-written.
April 14, 2017
Perfect in every way. I have absolutely no criticism, congrats George and I hope this book gets the acclaim it deserves. Not only is it well written with such beautiful turns of phrases that I frequently wanted to re read a sentence but it was unputdownable and life affirming. I read a lot, 3/4 books a week, and in the last five years only three books have made my 'one of the best' list and this is the fourth. I do not want to say anything about the story as I would not want to spoil this perfect reading experience for anyone, all I can say is "thank you George".
July 8, 2019
So, for the very first time in my life, I have joined a local book club. I only read this to be prepared for my first meeting with the group in about 10 days. I’ve never seen or heard of this book before. That’s the point of joining a book club though is to be exposed to books you may not otherwise come across or read.
I could not put this book down. It grabbed me from the very first page! I loved loved the cynicism of religion and how 15 year old, Moon parallels his life along with Job from the Bible. I was absolutely laughing out loud many times throughout this book. I was not expecting this to be a funny book. But, Wow! What an intelligent way to write.
I loved Moon’s entire family. The Mother’s cougar ways really is how 40 plus woman think even if they don’t want to admit it out loud. It was truly hysterical and spot on!
I am definitely following this author on Goodreads in hopes that he will write another book. I maybe the first in line to check it out if that happens.
I could not put this book down. It grabbed me from the very first page! I loved loved the cynicism of religion and how 15 year old, Moon parallels his life along with Job from the Bible. I was absolutely laughing out loud many times throughout this book. I was not expecting this to be a funny book. But, Wow! What an intelligent way to write.
I loved Moon’s entire family. The Mother’s cougar ways really is how 40 plus woman think even if they don’t want to admit it out loud. It was truly hysterical and spot on!
I am definitely following this author on Goodreads in hopes that he will write another book. I maybe the first in line to check it out if that happens.
March 31, 2017
I would like to state with great satisfaction that this is a real multilevel literary prose, ambitious in literary terms, that deserves all due attention.
George Crowder – an author of The Book of Moon – creates an unforgettable journey and immerses the reader in the atmosphere of the Golden State of different styles and religions, where fast paced actions and common everyday stories mixed with the worlds of fantasy and imagination.
A teenage boy named Moon, the main character of the story, is like the wild rose-briar in sparkling garden shining with a thousand lights blooms in secret. And along the way, we as a reader and George as an author witness this beautiful blooming spectacle full of drama, refined taste and depth.
Overall, this was a highly enjoyable book, and I would enthusiastically recommend it to my friends with only one caveat: Do not read it in public places where your laughter or tears might be readily noticeable.
George Crowder – an author of The Book of Moon – creates an unforgettable journey and immerses the reader in the atmosphere of the Golden State of different styles and religions, where fast paced actions and common everyday stories mixed with the worlds of fantasy and imagination.
A teenage boy named Moon, the main character of the story, is like the wild rose-briar in sparkling garden shining with a thousand lights blooms in secret. And along the way, we as a reader and George as an author witness this beautiful blooming spectacle full of drama, refined taste and depth.
Overall, this was a highly enjoyable book, and I would enthusiastically recommend it to my friends with only one caveat: Do not read it in public places where your laughter or tears might be readily noticeable.
January 12, 2017
15-year-old Moon Landing relates to the biblical story of Job. God, if there is one, seems to be inflicting him with one misfortune after another: parental weirdness, friend problems, sickness--you name it. Luckily for the reader, his troubles make a really good story. Moon is an engaging narrator, keeping the reader chuckling and riveted to the story. The characters: Moon's natural athlete brother who invents his own rules; his self-centered, love-starved mother and her string of "dates;" and his heavy drinking father--are unique and entertaining. This sweet and funny coming-of-age story is a great read for teen and adult readers--both male and female.
August 4, 2017
This book really struck a note with me. Moon Landing is a character it is impossible not to love and George Crowder writes in such a way that you feel you know Moon like a close friend. A beautifully well written, laugh out loud, feel good book which leaves you smiling and thinking about how your life (and Moon's) may pan out.
July 13, 2019
A book club in which I've recently begun to participate has chosen this book for our next meeting. Otherwise, I'm not sure if I would have had the good fortune to discover this title on my own. This novel was thoroughly entertaining and provided me with much more joy than I had any reason to anticipate. The narrator is an intelligent, witty, and philosophically complex teenage boy who never fails to inspire hope in this reader that the future is in good hands as long as there are (actual) people like Moon Landing. His perpetual search for spiritual meaning, intellectual challenges, authentic relationships, and pretty girls left me encouraged and amused in equal measure. The thematic underpinning concerning the interpretive difficulties related to the Book of Job in the Hebrew Scriptures was also right in this Presbyterian pastor's wheelhouse (me). Comic, tender, and hopeful in execution, Crowder has written an unusually good novel that he modestly claims may not "be for everyone," but I'm not convinced that's true. I want everybody to have a chance to read this.
April 14, 2017
Fortunate find
Even though the story's main character is a teenage boy, this is not your typical teen angst book. Delightfully witty and unexpectedly deep, this novel has something for everyone. I thoroughly enjoyed Moon and his struggle to come of age in his crazy world.
Even though the story's main character is a teenage boy, this is not your typical teen angst book. Delightfully witty and unexpectedly deep, this novel has something for everyone. I thoroughly enjoyed Moon and his struggle to come of age in his crazy world.
November 11, 2017
Amazing--loved it
This is the funniest book I've read in a long time! Nothing gets the point across like humor. This book kept it real yet managed to be humorous instead of depressing. I commend this, because this book took on some serious topics, like God and motherhood. I like that the author did his research. Even though many people find it ok to be off on the facts because "it's fiction", I like to forget I'm reading fiction and just get into the story. This story made that easy. The characters are believable, quirky, and well presented. I laughed unexpectedly so many times I lost count. There was one point where I thought the author may have been too obvious that he was using the story to air his own opinion as fact or use the story as his platform. I decided to forgive that, since the author had the guts and finesse to take on the topic of forgiveness without being preachy or syrupy. He took on a lot of topics not for the faint of heart, presented in a way that didn't seem to be talking down to anyone. It takes great writing and great heart to write a feel-good story from the perspective of a 15-year-old male and manage to keep it real, entertaining, and educational on many levels. I will look for more of this writer's work. If you find humor in our human-ness, love looking at life a little sideways, and aren't squeamish about real life feelings and situations, you will love this book.
This is the funniest book I've read in a long time! Nothing gets the point across like humor. This book kept it real yet managed to be humorous instead of depressing. I commend this, because this book took on some serious topics, like God and motherhood. I like that the author did his research. Even though many people find it ok to be off on the facts because "it's fiction", I like to forget I'm reading fiction and just get into the story. This story made that easy. The characters are believable, quirky, and well presented. I laughed unexpectedly so many times I lost count. There was one point where I thought the author may have been too obvious that he was using the story to air his own opinion as fact or use the story as his platform. I decided to forgive that, since the author had the guts and finesse to take on the topic of forgiveness without being preachy or syrupy. He took on a lot of topics not for the faint of heart, presented in a way that didn't seem to be talking down to anyone. It takes great writing and great heart to write a feel-good story from the perspective of a 15-year-old male and manage to keep it real, entertaining, and educational on many levels. I will look for more of this writer's work. If you find humor in our human-ness, love looking at life a little sideways, and aren't squeamish about real life feelings and situations, you will love this book.
October 17, 2017
At the age of fifteen, Moon Landing (yeah, that's his name) hasn't figured out the meaning of life but he is definitely more perceptive than most of his peers. His life is turned upside down when his parents announce they are getting a divorce. While Moon's father moves out, his mother turns to online dating and becomes a cougar on the prowl. With an older brother that plays by his own rules and friends that are self-destructive, Moon searches for some kind of peace when surrounded by a bunch of crazy.
This was such a charming, coming of age novel. It was a bit slow moving at the start but well worth it to finish and see how it all wrapped up in the end. You couldn't help but root for Moon because he was so smart and inquisitive. I loved how the story of Job was weaved into the story even though I wouldn't consider myself a religious person. This is a great book for anyone looking to read young adult fiction with some depth to the story.
The only slight criticism I have is I thought the story could have benefited by more insight to the mother's questionable behavior. It just felt like she was pigeon-holed into this stereotype without any real explanation to her behavior other than she got sick of her husband's drinking.
I won a free copy of this book from a giveaway but was under no obligation to post a review. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
This was such a charming, coming of age novel. It was a bit slow moving at the start but well worth it to finish and see how it all wrapped up in the end. You couldn't help but root for Moon because he was so smart and inquisitive. I loved how the story of Job was weaved into the story even though I wouldn't consider myself a religious person. This is a great book for anyone looking to read young adult fiction with some depth to the story.
The only slight criticism I have is I thought the story could have benefited by more insight to the mother's questionable behavior. It just felt like she was pigeon-holed into this stereotype without any real explanation to her behavior other than she got sick of her husband's drinking.
I won a free copy of this book from a giveaway but was under no obligation to post a review. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
December 12, 2016
Californians are from California ...
Like most people I came to California from somewhere else and always wondered what it must be like to actually grow up out here. I’ll pretty much always give a book about life in the Golden State a shot, but did not see this one coming. Crowder’s unique prose has an imprundent sparkle that keeps you turning the pages, and I finished this in almost a sitting. The book is a wildly original portrait of a 15 year old California kid with the unlikely name of Moon Landing. We follow his struggles to grapple with everything life throws at him: parents’ divorce; a suddenly liberated mom’s adventures with younger men; Moon and his older brother discovering girls and exploring the palette of California religions; Moon pondering the relative merits of his older brother’s natural athletic ability against his personal gift for mathematics. Crowder’s talent is to conjure up from the materials of everyday life some pretty weird stuff told through often amazing dialogue, and yet somehow brings the train to train to station in an unexpectedly moving denouement. I’ll never see California quite the same way again.
Like most people I came to California from somewhere else and always wondered what it must be like to actually grow up out here. I’ll pretty much always give a book about life in the Golden State a shot, but did not see this one coming. Crowder’s unique prose has an imprundent sparkle that keeps you turning the pages, and I finished this in almost a sitting. The book is a wildly original portrait of a 15 year old California kid with the unlikely name of Moon Landing. We follow his struggles to grapple with everything life throws at him: parents’ divorce; a suddenly liberated mom’s adventures with younger men; Moon and his older brother discovering girls and exploring the palette of California religions; Moon pondering the relative merits of his older brother’s natural athletic ability against his personal gift for mathematics. Crowder’s talent is to conjure up from the materials of everyday life some pretty weird stuff told through often amazing dialogue, and yet somehow brings the train to train to station in an unexpectedly moving denouement. I’ll never see California quite the same way again.
August 10, 2017
Although I didn't completely get on with this book, I did find it very interesting and found myself really wanting to know if the Landing family managed to sort themselves out. I felt for Mr Landing more than I did the lead character, Moon Landing, as he found himself in the unenviable position of having to sacrifice his rights as a father to stop losing his children altogether. Told through the eyes of Moon this just make his mother look vindictive and spiteful as it takes away the reasons and excuses that many have made in the same kind of position. Not only that it shows the damage it can do to children to be used as pawns in such circumstances. And yet Moon and his brother manage to keep their humour throughout the whole thing and come out of it all far better than their parents do. This is certainly a pleasant and uplifting coming of age story with plenty of moments of philosophical advice and enlightment that would benefit adults as much as teens.
October 24, 2017
Tying together Buddhism and Skateboarding, as well as the fallout of a divorce; the book was a grand pleasure to read. Moon Landing (The main character), is more alive than most in this book; and through both his struggles (His parent's divorce, his mother's mid-life crisis, and seemingly being constantly outshone by his older, more athletic brother: Moss, among many other variables), and his triumphs (New friends, self-discovery, and realizing he has a penchant for teaching.) He is a character that is liable to stick with you. The book is deeply engrossing and definitely worth the read.
April 26, 2017
This was truely one of the best reads for me in a long time and I read everything, The humor had me laughing when I least expected it and I re
Identified with Moon a great deal as I am always seeking new churches and more questions , I found myself so emersed in this book and its main character that I felt I knew him. Now it takes some brilliance on the author to reel in the reader, Bravo George Crowder, I am your new fan and can't wait till your next book
Identified with Moon a great deal as I am always seeking new churches and more questions , I found myself so emersed in this book and its main character that I felt I knew him. Now it takes some brilliance on the author to reel in the reader, Bravo George Crowder, I am your new fan and can't wait till your next book
June 30, 2017
This is a fun coming of age story about some very un-fun life events that many children deal with - the divorce of their parents. Moon is a bright and likeable character, with more self-awareness than your average 14 year old (he moves from middle school to high school over the course of the book). It's a reminder that we don't live in a vacuum - our actions have unpredictable effects on others.
This book had me laughing out loud and cringing with embarrassment, sometimes at the same time!
This book had me laughing out loud and cringing with embarrassment, sometimes at the same time!
August 22, 2017
A coming-of-age tale in modern form; real dialogue between people with problems we've all seen and probably struggled with. Surviving divorce, religion, understanding the adolescent mind and how to execute a well-timed ollie. All these things are critical knowledge for anyone and George Crowder explains it all beautifully, comfortably and with expert pace and flow. Like every great story, this one ends before you want it to.
April 13, 2017
A Delight
I found this book absolutely delightful. As I have read in other reviews, there are a couple grammatical errors, but the book was so well-written I didn't dwell upon them. I highly recommend this book.
I found this book absolutely delightful. As I have read in other reviews, there are a couple grammatical errors, but the book was so well-written I didn't dwell upon them. I highly recommend this book.
April 16, 2017
Well written
Great story with an underlying message especially for those of us who have put a child through a divorce. Love and highly recommend.
Great story with an underlying message especially for those of us who have put a child through a divorce. Love and highly recommend.
April 25, 2017
CORRECT!
I read the reviews before I read this and they were right! It's a Great book. Don't miss out. Definitely read this one.
I read the reviews before I read this and they were right! It's a Great book. Don't miss out. Definitely read this one.
March 10, 2020
Unfortunately, that was the end.
I really enjoyed The Book of Moon - it's a bit different to anything I've read in a while, written with an almost memoir-like feel and a wonderful array of very real characters. The conclusion was fitting and reminded me that in part this was Moon's spiritual journey, one with which I could empathise, having done the tour of various religions myself at that age. Everyone ended up where they needed to be for this story to have a positive ending.
I'm hoping the author has other works in progress - I will definitely read them.
I really enjoyed The Book of Moon - it's a bit different to anything I've read in a while, written with an almost memoir-like feel and a wonderful array of very real characters. The conclusion was fitting and reminded me that in part this was Moon's spiritual journey, one with which I could empathise, having done the tour of various religions myself at that age. Everyone ended up where they needed to be for this story to have a positive ending.
I'm hoping the author has other works in progress - I will definitely read them.
December 9, 2020
3.75 ⭐
What a cute story. While there were parts that I skimmed over, I really like the way this author writes.
And I loved Moon.
What a cute story. While there were parts that I skimmed over, I really like the way this author writes.
And I loved Moon.
December 4, 2017
An honest, insightful, fun read
Really enjoyed this. I've always felt that good YA lit should be equally entertaining for adults, and this is. The characters of Moon and company are written honestly, without affectation. Moon certainly isn't Everyman: he's extraordinarily intelligent, sensitive, and perceptive. If readers can accept his unique personality, they will be charmed by this coming of age read.
Really enjoyed this. I've always felt that good YA lit should be equally entertaining for adults, and this is. The characters of Moon and company are written honestly, without affectation. Moon certainly isn't Everyman: he's extraordinarily intelligent, sensitive, and perceptive. If readers can accept his unique personality, they will be charmed by this coming of age read.
November 29, 2017
Loved it! Not recommended for people who are up tight or uncompromising in their religious beliefs as they may not welcome Moon's crisis of faith. But for everyone else, the writing within is a treasure and a delight. Beautifully written.
May 13, 2017
An interesting, easy read. But I didn't fully engage with the characters and I didn't care that much about them. I originally liked Moon but his admission that "alliteration tends to rub me up the wrong way" didn't endear him to me. I love alliteration. It charms me. I'm not the target audience for this story. But it passed the time easily at a difficult time when more complex stories may have proved hard to follow.
February 6, 2017
Cute. Nice coming of age story. Age difference in one romance story was icky, tbh. Would have liked more exploration into other parts of the character's identity/more characterization in general. Fast read.
July 12, 2017
Can't wait to read more from this author!
Great story, excellent writing. Humorous, clever, touching - an overall fantastic read. I'll be looking for more material from this author.
Great story, excellent writing. Humorous, clever, touching - an overall fantastic read. I'll be looking for more material from this author.
June 27, 2017
Snappy dialogue and unexpectedly layered with character development that mirrors real life in unexpected ways.
September 4, 2017
Loved this book. It was nice to read a story about smart and funny teenagers and see their unique point of view about life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews