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I really loved this book, much more than Pilgrim at Tinker Creek (which I also liked). It is short stories, which is a new genre for me, and I'm thinking I'm going to have to read more. Similar to Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, the general theme centers on the natural world. My favorite story was Total Eclipse about her experience watching a total solar eclipse. Amazing! I won't do it justice here, you just need to read it. I've made it a life goal to see one at some point.

My Thoughts: I've only read a few books by Sarah Dessen but I have loved them all. So I was very excited to pick up Keeping The Moon. We are introduced to Colie whose mom is a known health nut/aerobics instructor. Both Kiki and her daughter Colie have went from being overweight to shedding some pounds. Colie is a cool girl. She has a lip ring and newly black hair. While her mom goes out of the country, Colie gets shipped off to stay with her aunt Mira for the summer in North Carolina. Colie doesn't know what she's really in for. She gets to Mira's and finds her aunt is a little out there. Colie has to learn to adapt to her aunt's ways and take it in stride. Mira even labels everything, especially if its broken. Colie also meets two new friends. She isn't used to having friends since she didn't have any back home. Their names are Morgan and Isabel and she gets a job at a local bar and grill called Last Chance with them. It's something to do she figures. She also meets a boy named Norman who has his flaws but is also a great guy. He's a painter and has went against his father's wishes and just wants to paint. Colie even gets herself a portrait done. He's an interesting guy, especially his fascination with sunglasses. Colie discovers so much about herself through this novel. She really begins to accept herself for who she is and to not let what others think of her mean so much. Keeping The Moon was another Sarah Dessen novel I really enjoyed. I didn't love it quite as much as others but it was still a great book. I loved all the characters. I loved her friendships, and her relationship with her aunt. She really started to care about her and what happens to her. When everyone talks about Mira, Colie wants to pipe up and tell them off. She starts to really gain independence and becomes her own person. Keeping The Moon didn't have too much romance in it (it had some, but usually the books I read are filled with romance) but it had enough of other details going on, I still thoroughly enjoyed it. Overall: I really liked it. The characters were real, the storyline was real, I could see this all really happening. Dessen has a way with words and she makes you feel like you are really the main character. Cover: It's too plain for my taste. Yes, the sunglasses are a nice touch but it could have been much better. What I'd Give It: 4/5 Cupcakes _______ Review Based On Hardcover Edition Taken From Princess Bookie www.princessbookie.com