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When the Moon was White
Many stories have been written about the sixties, the decade of the Moon Race,and this literary novel, serious at its core but whimsical in its prose, takes a unique look at the fate of the moon during that decade.
Samuel Thwaite is looking for a place to put his stamp on. He chooses Goodmews, a laid-back American town known for its bright moon, and persuades the residents to let him establish the world’s first Moon Centre.
NASA funds the Centre, and while Goodmews thrives, Thwaite becomes obsessed with achieving something grander, that will last forever. He enlists a rogue NASA engineer, and together they develop a plan. They will use a moon rocket to spread paint over a giant crater so the moon will no longer look white.
By chance, Banno, the Moon Centre guard, discovers the plan. He knows he should tell someone, but he has signed NASA’s oath of secrecy, and prides himself on keeping his word.
Samuel Thwaite is looking for a place to put his stamp on. He chooses Goodmews, a laid-back American town known for its bright moon, and persuades the residents to let him establish the world’s first Moon Centre.
NASA funds the Centre, and while Goodmews thrives, Thwaite becomes obsessed with achieving something grander, that will last forever. He enlists a rogue NASA engineer, and together they develop a plan. They will use a moon rocket to spread paint over a giant crater so the moon will no longer look white.
By chance, Banno, the Moon Centre guard, discovers the plan. He knows he should tell someone, but he has signed NASA’s oath of secrecy, and prides himself on keeping his word.
368 pages, Paperback
Published August 30, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 5, 2026
When the Moon Was White is set in the charming town of Goodsmews, where Thwaite shows up with big plans to make it the first "moon town" with the help from NASA. Things don’t exactly go to plan, so he decides to paint the moon instead but can he be stopped in time? I enjoyed how the main characters become friends over their love of 60s music and that the links to songs and lyrics, I often think I was born in the wrong decade!
What I really liked about the book was the unique way it’s written. There are letters woven throughout which continues to tell the story and I also really liked that we are told about the Goodmews Newsletter and that they are also included, which adds a quirky touch, and one that I thought worked really well.
There are some great quotes too included (often found scribbled around the town) my favourite being, “Good listeners are rare, they are an endangered species...” mainly because I agree wholeheartedly with this statement!
The humour in the book also made me smile, especially the little bits about the English “Nice one, mate” although I'm not sure about “walking on the left", I'll have to pay attention to that!
The book itself has a beautiful cover and the print quality is wonderful; it really is a lovely book to read. The story is just as lovely, and I have found myself looking at the moon a little differently after reading it. Something we see so often, yet it is easy to take it for granted, but this book has made me stop and appreciate its beauty a lot more.
Sent from Outlook for iOS
What I really liked about the book was the unique way it’s written. There are letters woven throughout which continues to tell the story and I also really liked that we are told about the Goodmews Newsletter and that they are also included, which adds a quirky touch, and one that I thought worked really well.
There are some great quotes too included (often found scribbled around the town) my favourite being, “Good listeners are rare, they are an endangered species...” mainly because I agree wholeheartedly with this statement!
The humour in the book also made me smile, especially the little bits about the English “Nice one, mate” although I'm not sure about “walking on the left", I'll have to pay attention to that!
The book itself has a beautiful cover and the print quality is wonderful; it really is a lovely book to read. The story is just as lovely, and I have found myself looking at the moon a little differently after reading it. Something we see so often, yet it is easy to take it for granted, but this book has made me stop and appreciate its beauty a lot more.
Sent from Outlook for iOS
February 17, 2024
I love the overall storyline of this book. It's almost made me fall in love with the moon, when I think we often forget how beautiful it really is. And the idea of somehow covering the moon in paint is so outrageously unique. It's genius.
Theres a whole host of interestimg characters. Francine is a mature of astro-geology studies who specialises in the moon. She's also a colour theory expert, and a bit of a dreamer I think. If the book were real I like to thinkwe would be friends. Im not so keen on Samuel. Although his initial intentions on moving to Goodmews seem to be good, to write about the moon and start community newsletter, his ego soon seems to take over. I felt that there was something off about him and didn't trust him fully. I also liked Banno immediately. His keen sense of what is right and what isn't really resonated with me.
Jeff's ability to write such diverse personalities shows a real skill.
There was a lot of humour throughout the book, the messages on gravestones and benches really made me chuckle. Goodmews sounds like it would be a great place to live!
The writing in this book is quite simple, which isn't a bad thing. The author clearly has a love of words. In places it was beautifully poetic, but in others it felt overly wordy.
Theres a whole host of interestimg characters. Francine is a mature of astro-geology studies who specialises in the moon. She's also a colour theory expert, and a bit of a dreamer I think. If the book were real I like to thinkwe would be friends. Im not so keen on Samuel. Although his initial intentions on moving to Goodmews seem to be good, to write about the moon and start community newsletter, his ego soon seems to take over. I felt that there was something off about him and didn't trust him fully. I also liked Banno immediately. His keen sense of what is right and what isn't really resonated with me.
Jeff's ability to write such diverse personalities shows a real skill.
There was a lot of humour throughout the book, the messages on gravestones and benches really made me chuckle. Goodmews sounds like it would be a great place to live!
The writing in this book is quite simple, which isn't a bad thing. The author clearly has a love of words. In places it was beautifully poetic, but in others it felt overly wordy.
February 15, 2024
When the moon was white by Jeff Probst.
Many stories have been written about the sixties, the decade of the Moon Race,and this literary novel, serious at its core but whimsical in its prose, takes a unique look at the fate of the moon during that decade. Samuel Thwaite is looking for a place to put his stamp on. He chooses Goodmews, a laid-back American town known for its bright moon, and persuades the residents to let him establish the world’s first Moon Centre. NASA funds the Centre, and while Goodmews thrives, Thwaite becomes obsessed with achieving something grander, that will last forever. He enlists a rogue NASA engineer, and together they develop a plan. They will use a moon rocket to spread paint over a giant crater so the moon will no longer look white. By chance, Banno, the Moon Centre guard, discovers the plan. He knows he should tell someone, but he has signed NASA’s oath of secrecy, and prides himself on keeping his word.
This was a good read. Different. I loved the cover. I liked the story and plot. I haven't read anything like this before so the story was new to me. I did like the characters and how they were in the story. It was very well written. The author put in a lot of work and i felt it as i read it.It did have its charm. This was a unique book for me. 4*.
Many stories have been written about the sixties, the decade of the Moon Race,and this literary novel, serious at its core but whimsical in its prose, takes a unique look at the fate of the moon during that decade. Samuel Thwaite is looking for a place to put his stamp on. He chooses Goodmews, a laid-back American town known for its bright moon, and persuades the residents to let him establish the world’s first Moon Centre. NASA funds the Centre, and while Goodmews thrives, Thwaite becomes obsessed with achieving something grander, that will last forever. He enlists a rogue NASA engineer, and together they develop a plan. They will use a moon rocket to spread paint over a giant crater so the moon will no longer look white. By chance, Banno, the Moon Centre guard, discovers the plan. He knows he should tell someone, but he has signed NASA’s oath of secrecy, and prides himself on keeping his word.
This was a good read. Different. I loved the cover. I liked the story and plot. I haven't read anything like this before so the story was new to me. I did like the characters and how they were in the story. It was very well written. The author put in a lot of work and i felt it as i read it.It did have its charm. This was a unique book for me. 4*.
June 6, 2024
“When The Moon Was White” is unlike any book I’ve read. It’s very imaginative, a bit nostalgic, and brought back memories of the booming space race, and 70s music. If you grew up in these days, I’m sure it’ll conjure up memories for you as well.
One of the things that makes this story so interesting is the authors writing voice, poetic style, and touches of humor. The characters are fun, somewhat quirky, and even a bit unlikable at times, but always engaging.
This story is smart and original. It’s categorized as Literary Fiction, but it belongs in a category all its own. It’s easy to read and might even make you want to move to the moon.
First Line: Francine had always doubted it could happen.
Genre: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction
Author: Jeff Probst
Page Count: 368
#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.
One of the things that makes this story so interesting is the authors writing voice, poetic style, and touches of humor. The characters are fun, somewhat quirky, and even a bit unlikable at times, but always engaging.
This story is smart and original. It’s categorized as Literary Fiction, but it belongs in a category all its own. It’s easy to read and might even make you want to move to the moon.
First Line: Francine had always doubted it could happen.
Genre: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction
Author: Jeff Probst
Page Count: 368
#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.
February 18, 2026
When the Moon Was White is a literary fiction novel by Jeff Probst.
It feels more like a comfort read because of its vibe, with a strong focus on the writing and a very character driven approach. This is the first time I’ve read a book with a premise that made be question what yo expect and I was pleasantly surprised.
The town feels alive and plays a huge role in how everything comes together. There’s a strong nostalgic feel throughout the book. A lot of the time it feels like you’re just watching these people exist rather than following a typical storyline, which makes it very immersive but also a bit slow paced at times.
The writing is beautiful but can feel quite heavy. It leans more towards descriptive and poetic rather than direct and simple, so there were moments where it felt like a task to push through.
Overall, this is a very unique read that stays with you more because of the feeling it gives you than what actually happens.
It feels more like a comfort read because of its vibe, with a strong focus on the writing and a very character driven approach. This is the first time I’ve read a book with a premise that made be question what yo expect and I was pleasantly surprised.
The town feels alive and plays a huge role in how everything comes together. There’s a strong nostalgic feel throughout the book. A lot of the time it feels like you’re just watching these people exist rather than following a typical storyline, which makes it very immersive but also a bit slow paced at times.
The writing is beautiful but can feel quite heavy. It leans more towards descriptive and poetic rather than direct and simple, so there were moments where it felt like a task to push through.
Overall, this is a very unique read that stays with you more because of the feeling it gives you than what actually happens.
July 23, 2024
boring tbh
characters were so bland by the end it was proper jarring
didn’t even give me magical moon feelings
characters were so bland by the end it was proper jarring
didn’t even give me magical moon feelings
June 11, 2024
I don't think I've ever read another book quite like this one, and I'm not sure I ever will again. It is a unique ride from start to finish and I think it will stick with me for a while.
They say things happen in threes, and weirdly, in the past month, this is the third book I've read that leaned heavily into music and lyrics. Weirdly, they all had a historical element ranging from the 60s and 70s to the early 2000s. As a writer, I'm not sure it ever would have occurred to me to use music as a staging and writing device, so I'm impressed and intrigued that so many people have used it recently and done it so well. It brings an interesting element and depth to the characters that I wouldn't have previously considered. This story features the usual suspects from the sixties from the Beatles to the Stones.
The characters offer a smorgasbord of differences. If you don't like one - like the easy-to-hate Thwaite, just turn the page and you'll find someone else to like. Some are amazing - like the loveable Banno, Tris, and Francine. It's hard to find anything to dislike about them, until a certain point in the story, and then it's still sort of understandable.
This exercise in literary fiction could also be classified as slice-of-life fiction I believe. Rather than focusing on the science or how the race affects the country, scientists, or politics, it shows how the race to reach the moon is affecting this one small American town. Setting off a chain of events, Sam Thwaite wanders into town and changes everyone's life for better or worse. Possibly both?
The slight foray into scientific fact was simple enough for the common man to understand. It was clear and precise enough that I wondered if it was accurate. Could we paint the moon if we wanted? It certainly sounded plausible. But, then, so do some of the inventions my 6-year-old comes up with, so, maybe we give it some more thought before rolling out the next probe to make a special moon for pride or Christmas.
Who's It For?
If you enjoy historical fiction with more of a slice-of-life bent, this is a great book for you. It’s centered around the space race, but this isn’t like any other book you’ve ever read about the 60s. The closest comp I can give you is “Forrest Gump,” and even then it’s comparing apples to pomegranates.
Content Warnings: Betrayal, Oath Breaking, Hostile Workplace, Abusive Boss
They say things happen in threes, and weirdly, in the past month, this is the third book I've read that leaned heavily into music and lyrics. Weirdly, they all had a historical element ranging from the 60s and 70s to the early 2000s. As a writer, I'm not sure it ever would have occurred to me to use music as a staging and writing device, so I'm impressed and intrigued that so many people have used it recently and done it so well. It brings an interesting element and depth to the characters that I wouldn't have previously considered. This story features the usual suspects from the sixties from the Beatles to the Stones.
The characters offer a smorgasbord of differences. If you don't like one - like the easy-to-hate Thwaite, just turn the page and you'll find someone else to like. Some are amazing - like the loveable Banno, Tris, and Francine. It's hard to find anything to dislike about them, until a certain point in the story, and then it's still sort of understandable.
This exercise in literary fiction could also be classified as slice-of-life fiction I believe. Rather than focusing on the science or how the race affects the country, scientists, or politics, it shows how the race to reach the moon is affecting this one small American town. Setting off a chain of events, Sam Thwaite wanders into town and changes everyone's life for better or worse. Possibly both?
The slight foray into scientific fact was simple enough for the common man to understand. It was clear and precise enough that I wondered if it was accurate. Could we paint the moon if we wanted? It certainly sounded plausible. But, then, so do some of the inventions my 6-year-old comes up with, so, maybe we give it some more thought before rolling out the next probe to make a special moon for pride or Christmas.
Who's It For?
If you enjoy historical fiction with more of a slice-of-life bent, this is a great book for you. It’s centered around the space race, but this isn’t like any other book you’ve ever read about the 60s. The closest comp I can give you is “Forrest Gump,” and even then it’s comparing apples to pomegranates.
Content Warnings: Betrayal, Oath Breaking, Hostile Workplace, Abusive Boss
September 11, 2024
An unusual book with a more unusual theme, yet I was thoroughly engrossed from the start.
A handful of characters make this story interesting, all working towards the same goal but in different ways. Too many characters, and you've lost me but this was a good amount, each with their own distinct traits, speech patterns, and values that were plainly seen.
Much of the narrative plays with words and music because 60s and 70s music is a huge aspect to this story. Playing with words, whether alliteratively or through partial lyrics makes this book a unique addition to my bookshelf mostly because I share the same love of playing with words. Some of it almost reads poetically, giving the reader much more bang for their buck than other books offer.
I particularly enjoyed how one unlikely friendship was born over a simple music-related conversation purely because they were both on the same wavelength. And compassion plays a huge role in this story too - something that makes my heart melt because compassion alone can change the world for the better if we let it.
I appreciated that the author has dealt with one or two characters gently and with the sensitivity they deserved. This made me run through the final 6 (or so) chapters in the space of a couple of hours. (I'm not a quick reader either - but they made me stay up until 2am!).
Without adding details that would be seen as spoilers, I wanted a compassionate finale for one of them and a 'justifiably uncompassionate' ending for another and I got them in bucket loads.
I recommend this measured read if you want something slightly off the beaten track. You won't be disappointed and, quite frankly, you'll probably glean an education about the moon.
A handful of characters make this story interesting, all working towards the same goal but in different ways. Too many characters, and you've lost me but this was a good amount, each with their own distinct traits, speech patterns, and values that were plainly seen.
Much of the narrative plays with words and music because 60s and 70s music is a huge aspect to this story. Playing with words, whether alliteratively or through partial lyrics makes this book a unique addition to my bookshelf mostly because I share the same love of playing with words. Some of it almost reads poetically, giving the reader much more bang for their buck than other books offer.
I particularly enjoyed how one unlikely friendship was born over a simple music-related conversation purely because they were both on the same wavelength. And compassion plays a huge role in this story too - something that makes my heart melt because compassion alone can change the world for the better if we let it.
I appreciated that the author has dealt with one or two characters gently and with the sensitivity they deserved. This made me run through the final 6 (or so) chapters in the space of a couple of hours. (I'm not a quick reader either - but they made me stay up until 2am!).
Without adding details that would be seen as spoilers, I wanted a compassionate finale for one of them and a 'justifiably uncompassionate' ending for another and I got them in bucket loads.
I recommend this measured read if you want something slightly off the beaten track. You won't be disappointed and, quite frankly, you'll probably glean an education about the moon.
June 10, 2024
I personally don’t remember the space race. I do remember the explosion of the Challenger and I remember my parents talking about the race to the moon. My mom would have been 17 and my dad 23 on July 21, 1969 (they didn’t meet or marry until much later – just an FYI). That being said as soon as I finished this I called my mom and talked to her about it. I called my dad and did the same. My mom snatched the book out of my hands and is currently devouring it.
I immediately fell in love with the town of Goodmews and the people who lived there. Goodmews known for its unobstructed and beautiful views of the moon was nothing but a blimp on the radar until the space race got started. The people there are happy, honest and simple. Mr Thwaite comes to town and is set on manipulating this sleepy little town unless one honest citizen beats him at his own game.
All of the pieces of this book fell together perfectly for me. The year and seasons were listed in the beginning and as the time to the actual launch got closer, the more specific the date and time was. I loved the way that the town and characters were introduced. I caught myself laughing out loud, singing along to the words in a song, or calling my parents to ask them what it was like to listen to the radio for the news.
This was a fun, and sometimes sentimental, ride back into the past. I loved the dialogue, the letters the NASA and so many other things. This was a unique and vivid novel that I will not forget.
I immediately fell in love with the town of Goodmews and the people who lived there. Goodmews known for its unobstructed and beautiful views of the moon was nothing but a blimp on the radar until the space race got started. The people there are happy, honest and simple. Mr Thwaite comes to town and is set on manipulating this sleepy little town unless one honest citizen beats him at his own game.
All of the pieces of this book fell together perfectly for me. The year and seasons were listed in the beginning and as the time to the actual launch got closer, the more specific the date and time was. I loved the way that the town and characters were introduced. I caught myself laughing out loud, singing along to the words in a song, or calling my parents to ask them what it was like to listen to the radio for the news.
This was a fun, and sometimes sentimental, ride back into the past. I loved the dialogue, the letters the NASA and so many other things. This was a unique and vivid novel that I will not forget.
June 5, 2024
Thank you @lovebookstours for the copy of When The Moon was White by Jeff Probst. This was a fun book and an interesting take on the moon race in the 60s. I felt transported back into that time especially with the inclusion of songs from that time period. I also liked the little tid bits of information sprinkled throughout the book. There was an air of whimsy, but also suspense to determine if Thwaite will pull off his mission of changing the moon’s color or if Banno will stop him. The cover really captures the essence of the book and shows what I picture the town of Goodnmews to be.
Blurb
Many stories have been written about the sixties, the decade of the Moon Race, and this literary novel, serious at its core but whimsical in its prose, takes a unique look at the fate of the moon during that decade.
Samuel Thwaite is looking for a place to put his stamp on. He chooses Goodmews, a laid-back American town known for its bright moon, and persuades the residents to let him establish the world’s first Moon Centre.
NASA funds the Centre, and while Goodmews thrives, Thwaite becomes obsessed with achieving something grander, that will last forever. He enlists a rogue NASA engineer, and together they develop a plan. They will use a moon rocket to spread paint over a giant crater so the moon will no longer look white.
By chance, Banno, the Moon Centre guard, discovers the plan. He knows he should tell someone, but he has signed NASA’s oath of secrecy, and prides himself on keeping his word.
February 12, 2024
When the Moon was White by Jeff Probst is not my usual type of read, but I’m certainly glad I gave it a go, as I really did enjoy it.
I found it to be quite an original novel, or at least original to me, not really fitting into any specific genres, with a beautiful prose/ poetic style of writing. The prose for me, is not complicated, it’s quite simple, but highly detailed. As you read, you clearly become aware of the author’s real love for words, the sound of words and their rhythm.
It’s set in a charming, idyllic, sleepy American town, clearly in the 1960’s, set against a back drop of rock music and the space race.
The plot is centered around a Samuel Thwaite, who’s objective is to manipulate the town for his own ends. Due to the towns famously clear views of the Moon, Samuel convinces the town to allow him to establish the world’s first Moon centre and our story progresses from there.
I found When the Moon was White to be a quirky, idiosyncratic easy read with good, believable character depth. It’s full of 1960’s American nostalgia of a more simple time, which I found to be just so nice.
Four stars from me.
I found it to be quite an original novel, or at least original to me, not really fitting into any specific genres, with a beautiful prose/ poetic style of writing. The prose for me, is not complicated, it’s quite simple, but highly detailed. As you read, you clearly become aware of the author’s real love for words, the sound of words and their rhythm.
It’s set in a charming, idyllic, sleepy American town, clearly in the 1960’s, set against a back drop of rock music and the space race.
The plot is centered around a Samuel Thwaite, who’s objective is to manipulate the town for his own ends. Due to the towns famously clear views of the Moon, Samuel convinces the town to allow him to establish the world’s first Moon centre and our story progresses from there.
I found When the Moon was White to be a quirky, idiosyncratic easy read with good, believable character depth. It’s full of 1960’s American nostalgia of a more simple time, which I found to be just so nice.
Four stars from me.
March 26, 2026
"What am I doing here, in this strange cottage, Banno thought. I'm so lonely. It's the last place I want to be. Should I go back home, forget this job? Go back to my old one? - they'd take me. And at least I know people there."
'When The Moon was White' by Jeff Probst is set in a laid-back American town called Goodmews from the mid-last century. Having known for its bright moon, Samuel Thwaite wanted to establish the worlds first moon center there as Space Race was the go-to for many.
The entire setting of the town was what pulled me into the book and captivated me through the entire story. I've been to a plenty of laid back towns in America, and I was super enthusiastic to read a story set in one of those. A huge applause to the captivating book cover.
Banno's character was the best. I liked the personification of loneliness and the deep emotions set in the story. I appreciate the emotions that made me feel heartfelt. If you're really into space/astronomy, you'll enjoy the story even more.
'When The Moon was White' by Jeff Probst is set in a laid-back American town called Goodmews from the mid-last century. Having known for its bright moon, Samuel Thwaite wanted to establish the worlds first moon center there as Space Race was the go-to for many.
The entire setting of the town was what pulled me into the book and captivated me through the entire story. I've been to a plenty of laid back towns in America, and I was super enthusiastic to read a story set in one of those. A huge applause to the captivating book cover.
Banno's character was the best. I liked the personification of loneliness and the deep emotions set in the story. I appreciate the emotions that made me feel heartfelt. If you're really into space/astronomy, you'll enjoy the story even more.
February 16, 2024
I found this book to be quite quirky and enjoyable. I think the idea of it was very unique. Having heard about the moon missions and even seen a few in my lifetime, I thought this was a unique take on that time in history. Building a colony on the moon is something that has been talked about for decades and I'm sure that maybe someday, way in the future, it might actually happen. I really enjoyed the descriptive writing and the author's way with words. He clearly has a way with words. While this wasn't my usual type of read, I still found it surprisingly enjoyable. The characters were well developed and likeable in their own ways. The book was an easy read and flowed nicely, keeping me turning the pages. I recommend this book very highly to people who enjoy a bit of history mixed with fiction and sci-fi.
February 18, 2024
Jeff Probst, has crafted a captivating 1960s-themed novel that celebrates the moon landing. Set іn the quaint town оf Goodmews, CO, the story follows Thwaite, a visionary who dreams оf reaching the moon and convinces the town and NASA tо support his ambitious project. Probst’s novel іs rich іn historical and scientific details, as well as nostalgic references tо the music and culture оf the era. It іs a smooth and engaging read that will appeal tо fans оf historical fiction and sci-fi alike.
I really loved the cover photo оf the book and being a selenophile the title also intrigued me. I read anything related tо the moon. The writing skills оf the author are flawless and through his captivating writing style inwas engaged throughout the book without getting bored at all. I will highly recommend this book. Grab your copy today and you will definitely enjoy reading it.
I really loved the cover photo оf the book and being a selenophile the title also intrigued me. I read anything related tо the moon. The writing skills оf the author are flawless and through his captivating writing style inwas engaged throughout the book without getting bored at all. I will highly recommend this book. Grab your copy today and you will definitely enjoy reading it.
April 22, 2024
This is a gentle but compelling novel about the moon and the Sixties, a curious tale set in a small American town, where a man who prides himself on his honesty discovers a secret plan to paint the moon before humans reach there.
The author describes the inner worlds of his characters in a lyrical way, but contrasts this with the real world they must engage with.
Everything takes place in Goodmews, a town of 500 that houses the world’s first moon centre, where quotes about the moon and lyrics to moon songs are displayed. There is also a moon church, where the colour that will be secretly sent to the moon is invented.
This strange tale may skirt the border of science fiction. But it is firmly set in the Sixties and features many of that decade’s songs, and while the plot may sound crazy to some, it sounds plausible to me.
I recommend this book. It’s a fascinating read.
The author describes the inner worlds of his characters in a lyrical way, but contrasts this with the real world they must engage with.
Everything takes place in Goodmews, a town of 500 that houses the world’s first moon centre, where quotes about the moon and lyrics to moon songs are displayed. There is also a moon church, where the colour that will be secretly sent to the moon is invented.
This strange tale may skirt the border of science fiction. But it is firmly set in the Sixties and features many of that decade’s songs, and while the plot may sound crazy to some, it sounds plausible to me.
I recommend this book. It’s a fascinating read.
March 23, 2026
I’ve never read something quite like this (and I read a LOT) - but I’m glad that I did.
The main character in this novel has a huge ego. He moves to a small town called Goodmews in the 1960s and tries to leave his mark on the world. The town is a moon loving town - so he works with NASA to designate it a moon town, create a “moon centre”, etc. When things don’t go exactly his way, he throws a temper tantrum and dreams up a plot with a NASA engineer to paint the moon.
I really enjoyed how the book was written. Goodmews is an adorable moon loving town and the cast of characters makes the story. The story is told with some letter, faxes and other documents interspersed throughout. It’s not a fast paced edge of your seat kind of book, but it’s not intended to be. This was a whimsical journey into the 60s and a wonderful way to think about the moon.
The main character in this novel has a huge ego. He moves to a small town called Goodmews in the 1960s and tries to leave his mark on the world. The town is a moon loving town - so he works with NASA to designate it a moon town, create a “moon centre”, etc. When things don’t go exactly his way, he throws a temper tantrum and dreams up a plot with a NASA engineer to paint the moon.
I really enjoyed how the book was written. Goodmews is an adorable moon loving town and the cast of characters makes the story. The story is told with some letter, faxes and other documents interspersed throughout. It’s not a fast paced edge of your seat kind of book, but it’s not intended to be. This was a whimsical journey into the 60s and a wonderful way to think about the moon.
March 10, 2026
Genre: Historical | Literary Fiction
Pages: 318
Star rating: 4 stars out of 5
This story follows a gentleman who finds himself in Goodmews, a place known for how beautiful and bright the moon shines down on it. He decides to open a moon center for tourists and townies alike. With the help of NASA, he is able to do just that and more. But having a successful center wasn't good enough. His plan? To paint the moon and make his mark on the world. The story makes me feel like this is a 'grown-up' version of a children's tale. It was definitely different from anything I have read before, and I enjoyed the quirky, unique storytelling.
Pages: 318
Star rating: 4 stars out of 5
This story follows a gentleman who finds himself in Goodmews, a place known for how beautiful and bright the moon shines down on it. He decides to open a moon center for tourists and townies alike. With the help of NASA, he is able to do just that and more. But having a successful center wasn't good enough. His plan? To paint the moon and make his mark on the world. The story makes me feel like this is a 'grown-up' version of a children's tale. It was definitely different from anything I have read before, and I enjoyed the quirky, unique storytelling.
February 16, 2024
Jeff Probst wrote a neat 1960s themed novel. This book pays homage to the moon and is set in a tiny town in Goodmews, CO. Thwaite has his sights set on the moon and has recruited the town which then recruited NASA to build the moon center. Jeff Probst shows his research and care he took when writing this book because it just reads so smoothly. He includes all of the classic songs of the era and just transports you back in time. If you like historical fiction/sci fi type books, I would highly recommend this book for you.
June 6, 2024
This book is set in 1965, before anyone landed on the moon. The town of Goodmews has a long history with the moon and when Samuel Thwaite visits the town he decides to stay and open a moon museum. He’s originally from Iowa, which my home state so it’s always nice to see it mentioned in books. This book is different than any that I’ve read before. The writing, the unique characters, and the story are all unique. I can tell Samuel is a man who follows directions to the letter, which can cause him some trouble. I enjoyed this book because it is different than what I normally read.
June 8, 2024
This was a very different kind of book for me, but I enjoyed myself. The book provided us with a cast of characters. Some where completely lovable some not so much. Fun would you rather questions which I enjoyed answering honestly. The book had many part which provided some comedy, great music interwoven with the story from the 60’s.
The passion the quirky characters have for the moon and what it means to explore it gives us a fun ride in this book.
The passion the quirky characters have for the moon and what it means to explore it gives us a fun ride in this book.
June 18, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. It's such an interesting story based around the Moon race of the 60s. I love how he included some songs from that time period in the book as well. I truly loved Banno immediately and he resonated with me. All the characters are so interesting and this story captivated me immediately. There was so much genuine humor in it as well, i laughed out loud at times. I love the moon even more now. I genuinely recommend this book.
March 26, 2026
When the Moon was White was a unique read for me. Despite my usual stance of not judging a book by its cover, in this case, the cover is what drew me in. The storyline was not my favorite, but I still really enjoyed reading it! For a reader who has more interest in the “Moon Race” time in history, I think this would be an excellent choice. Overall, the book is beautifully written, easy to follow, and keeps the reader entertained.
March 28, 2026
I truly enjoyed When the Moon was White. I loved the charm and quirkiness of it as well as the charm and quirkiness of the town of Goodmews and its inhabitants. The storyline was unique, and the characters were well-developed and complex. And I love when towns create their whole identity around one thing, such as Goodmews and the moon. If you love historical fiction with a little bit of whimsy, When the Moon was White is for you!
I rate it 5 out 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!
I rate it 5 out 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!
April 12, 2026
There's a timeliness and immediacy about this novel in the light of Artemis. Funny, gripping and suspenseful, it records an act of huge vandalism backed by plenty of irony and narrative thrust.
February 19, 2024
When the moon was white is a literary novel about a Mr Sam Thwaite who arrives in a small American town with grand plans to make him self a little empire starting with a Moon Centre.
This novel contains lots of descriptive text giving you a good feel for the characters, time period (space race time) and setting.
This is a slow paced novel designed so that the reader takes their time absorbing the descriptions and the storyline.
This novel contains lots of descriptive text giving you a good feel for the characters, time period (space race time) and setting.
This is a slow paced novel designed so that the reader takes their time absorbing the descriptions and the storyline.
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