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Moon Puddles
This book chronicles a boy's journey into consciousness. A sniper kills his uncle in Vietnam. Traveling in the car to the funeral, a boy begins to reveal his sacred inner life, the richness and wonder of his childhood, and his growing awareness of the sacred. Set in the early 1960s amidst the backdrop of the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Movement, and Rust Belt decay the boy grapples with injustice, ignorance, fear of death, longing for God, and the joy of experiencing the world.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2021
19 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
August 18, 2021
This is one of the most interesting books I have ever read. There are so many components that make this story rich. The illustrations are wonderful and bring the story to life. The story is presented as the reflections of a boy traveling to a loved one's funeral. What you actually have is a young person's journey to spirituality and understanding.
Moon Puddles is filled with reminisces that will resonate with anyone who grew up in the late '60s or early '70s. It personalizes the work to the reader when you get those aha moments. The author talks about watching Bugs on tv on Saturday at 6. That was when I watched that rascally wabbit. The mention of mornings with Capt.Kang a roo…I had those mornings too.
The book flows naturally as the family travels by car from Texas to Kansas. While they travel that distance physically, you are mentally carried to far greater places. The way items in the present stimulate thoughts of the past are very well done. Nothing seems forced, the book seems very natural.
At times fun, at times thoughtful, the book takes the reader on a journey that is more than a car ride. Evocative yet enjoyable, a brilliant road trip book. Recommended to anyone who likes road trip books. Recommended to anyone who grew up in the late 60's and early 70's. A book for everyone trying to get a grip on their own concept of spirituality. A really terrific work.
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Mr. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
Moon Puddles is filled with reminisces that will resonate with anyone who grew up in the late '60s or early '70s. It personalizes the work to the reader when you get those aha moments. The author talks about watching Bugs on tv on Saturday at 6. That was when I watched that rascally wabbit. The mention of mornings with Capt.Kang a roo…I had those mornings too.
The book flows naturally as the family travels by car from Texas to Kansas. While they travel that distance physically, you are mentally carried to far greater places. The way items in the present stimulate thoughts of the past are very well done. Nothing seems forced, the book seems very natural.
At times fun, at times thoughtful, the book takes the reader on a journey that is more than a car ride. Evocative yet enjoyable, a brilliant road trip book. Recommended to anyone who likes road trip books. Recommended to anyone who grew up in the late 60's and early 70's. A book for everyone trying to get a grip on their own concept of spirituality. A really terrific work.
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Mr. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
July 27, 2021
Robert Gamble’s Moon Puddles is a thoughtful, touching journey presented through the eyes of a sensitive, even enlightened child. A trip to a funeral intertwines with a trip through a boy’s memory and the impressions that turbulent times make on a young mind. Vivid descriptions bring to life a family’s response to a tragedy expertly woven with the events of a young boy’s life where joy and elation blossom, where disappointment and sadness overcome. The story is set in the 1960’s and full of the details of the times: Vietnam, Felix the Cat, Civil Rights, TV Westerns. Yet this setting would not turn off those of later generations; Robert’s descriptions are so rich and readable that Generation X’ers, Millennials, anyone can picture the happenings of small town USA and the varied landscapes experienced by a military family. Anyone who grew up in the 60’s will recognize it. Anyone who had a childhood will relate to it.
Robert’s capture of the thoughts and emotions of childhood are remarkable. The sadness at the loss of a pet, the simple joys of hunting salamanders, the bonding with loved ones, the weight of the social upheaval are all expressed through eyes of innocence and wonder. Yet the story is not childish; the insights that a child’s honesty brings forth pierce the heart and soul of the reader and touch something deep in all. Underlying it all is the Mystery, the ephemeral yet palatable force that binds all together and climaxes in the recognition of the humility and universality of one young boy in a seemingly infinite world.
Robert’s capture of the thoughts and emotions of childhood are remarkable. The sadness at the loss of a pet, the simple joys of hunting salamanders, the bonding with loved ones, the weight of the social upheaval are all expressed through eyes of innocence and wonder. Yet the story is not childish; the insights that a child’s honesty brings forth pierce the heart and soul of the reader and touch something deep in all. Underlying it all is the Mystery, the ephemeral yet palatable force that binds all together and climaxes in the recognition of the humility and universality of one young boy in a seemingly infinite world.
July 26, 2023
Heartfelt Memories
The synopsis for author Robert Gamble’s ‘Moon Puddles’ is spot-on. However, actually reading this memoir from start to finish brings every facet to the forefront of life. The vivid details narrated by Bobby during his adolescence convey heartfelt memories to the reader, essentially a virtual backseat passenger along a family’s road trip to the funeral of Uncle Billy who was killed in his tour of duty in Vietnam.
The author changes lanes from past to present to bring the reader up to snuff. In doing so, he explains the significance of moon puddles in Chapter 13. He shares his views on the social injustices perpetrated during the Sixties. He also touches upon nuances of the era which struck a chord with me:
Jiffy Pop; Sinclair gas; an owl puppet just like the one I had during my childhood,; Jergens lotion; shoe-banging Kruschev; Golden Book Encyclopedia—I had a set too; front-row seats to the televised War in Vietnam.
Most endearing to me, the author defines the wonder of the “mystery,” a feeling he experiences from time to time which entails a strong spiritual connection.
I highly recommend this heartfelt memoir. Like Bobby, you’ll take in the scenery and become more in tune to what is sacred.
The synopsis for author Robert Gamble’s ‘Moon Puddles’ is spot-on. However, actually reading this memoir from start to finish brings every facet to the forefront of life. The vivid details narrated by Bobby during his adolescence convey heartfelt memories to the reader, essentially a virtual backseat passenger along a family’s road trip to the funeral of Uncle Billy who was killed in his tour of duty in Vietnam.
The author changes lanes from past to present to bring the reader up to snuff. In doing so, he explains the significance of moon puddles in Chapter 13. He shares his views on the social injustices perpetrated during the Sixties. He also touches upon nuances of the era which struck a chord with me:
Jiffy Pop; Sinclair gas; an owl puppet just like the one I had during my childhood,; Jergens lotion; shoe-banging Kruschev; Golden Book Encyclopedia—I had a set too; front-row seats to the televised War in Vietnam.
Most endearing to me, the author defines the wonder of the “mystery,” a feeling he experiences from time to time which entails a strong spiritual connection.
I highly recommend this heartfelt memoir. Like Bobby, you’ll take in the scenery and become more in tune to what is sacred.
May 8, 2024
This is a heartfelt story that readers of ALL ages can connect to. Some commercial products and various other items are dated, but the core experiences of first love, spiritual connection, and death of a relative or family member are universal and timeless.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone, especially to those spiritually inclined.
-Deborah Coles
I would highly recommend this book to anyone, especially to those spiritually inclined.
-Deborah Coles
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews