Luna

by Julianne Bigler, Charles Lister (Illustrations)

One day, deep in a peaceful forest, a white rabbit named Luna makes a disturbing discovery: she has no footprints-indeed she is slowly disappearing. In a panic, and without answers, she flees her home to save herself. Her pilgrimage takes her through a wilderness in which she encounters creatures dangerous and beautiful, the incarnation of her desires, and the void she is running from. Luna's tale explores the universal search for belonging and presence through the limitations that keep us fragmented, and our longing to be whole.

124 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 2022

Reviews

[Tate Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful imagery and very well-written! This is a book that I can see myself coming back to and rereading in the future.

[Shannon Mueller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julianne weaves a beautiful short novel using animals and nature to follow the quest of a lovely, kind, and curious rabbit called Luna to discover herself. She includes many adjectives and lush nature imagery throughout. Julianne’s appreciation for nature and all it has to teach us is evident. Each chapter centers around Luna’s encounter with a particular animal or plant on her journey such as a tortoise or squirrel to hopefully gain insight from The Bear as to why her footprints seem to be disappearing. The nature illustrations of this particular animal or plant at the beginning of each chapter are very beautiful and serve as almost chapter titles. During each chapter, Luna learns something about herself and others. As different animals help her in different ways, we realize the goodness in others. By the end of her journey, she has an arguably spiritual encounter with an ageless woman in a translucent silk robe. The woman helps gifts her an iridescent stone and helps Luna realize that her true goodness is within herself and that it is important not to fear her inner self and her faults but to embrace them. Once Luna looks within herself and stops fearing things about herself and her inner feelings and desires, she is ready to return home to her dear friend Chestnut. This ultimate chapter has a pair of boots on a mat at the top to symbolize Luna finishing a journey and finally returning home. Julianne inserts a quote by T. S. Elliot to lead the reader home as well:”We shall not cease from exploration, And the end of all our exploring, Will be to arrive where we started, And know the place for the first time.”

[Amanda Dowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in love with Julianne’s book Luna. It is so beautifully written. I looked forward to reading it every evening and it touched me in a profound way that I can’t even express in words. Julianne’s writing puts images and words to deep feelings that have always been inside of me but that felt hidden or unable to fully surface. I felt so understood and seen by the book. It truly is a life-changing read and helped me rediscover my self-worth. A gemstone of a book and I feel very fortunate that it entered my life at the time it did.

[Summer Sayre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so lovely! I felt as though I needed to really soak in each page, and Julianne really has a talent with words. It had so many levels to it... the words themselves were so impactful, the story revealed the journey bit by bit, and I felt the emotions of the protagonist deeply as she went on her journey. It had me reflecting on my own life in ways I wasn't expecting, and I know I'll re-read this many times in the years to come as I know it'll speak to me differently each time. I'm so excited for more from Julianne!

[Max Beaudry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luna is a beautifully written fable about finding your place in the world. Luna's journey of self-discovery is both poignant and relatable, and is a joyous read for anyone who has felt the pang of wanting to belong.

[Carina Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A journey of finding permeance in our existence. Everyone has at least felt that on our brief time on this earth that we wish to exist, to be seen! To leave an impressionable mark. Beautiful story that holds important lessons. And for some, a healing process.

[Rianna Starheim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely, whimsical, gentle. Similar effect to reading poetry.