The Girl Who Chased the Moon
Sarah Addison Allen
March 2010
288 pages
I love Allen’s books, even if they are all somewhat similar. Sometimes that works for an author, and sometimes it doesn’t. In this case, I have yet to get tired of Allen’s magical books. They’re just the ticket for when you need a light but captivating read. The Girl Who Chased the Moon was perfect for that afternoon when I just couldn’t decide what I wanted to read and everything else sounded either too meh or too heavy.
I’ve been writing reviews and posts all day (I’m trying to get most everything done in advance for the rest of the month in preparation for vacation), so I’m going to leave you with the synopsis from Publishers Weekly:
Allen’s latest (after The Sugar Queen) takes the familiar setup of a young protagonist returning to the small town where her elusive mother was raised, and subverts it by sprinkling just enough magic into the narrative to keep things lively but short of saccharine. Seventeen-year-old Emily Benedict, intent on learning more about her mother, Dulcie, moves in with her grandfather, but is disappointed to find that her grandfather doesn’t want to talk much about Dulcie. She soon discovers, though, that many still hold a grudge against Dulcie for the way she treated an old sweetheart before dumping him and disappearing. Luckily, Dulcie’s high school adversary, Julia Winterson, back in town to pay down her deceased father’s debt, takes a shine to Emily. She’s working another quest as well: baking cakes every day with the hope that they’ll somehow attract the daughter she gave up for adoption years ago. There are love interests, big family secrets, and magical happenings (color-changing wallpaper, mysterious lights) aplenty as Allen charts the spiraling inter-generational stories, bringing everything together in an unexpected way.
Psst, FTC…you probably thought I forgot ya, but I didn’t. I bought this book.
I love her books too. Haven’t been able to read this one yet but it’s on my list!
Yay for another fan!
I’ve got to buy a copy of this book. I’ve been dying to read it ever since I heard there’s a character named Vance in it. Shallow, but true.
You crack me up.
.-= softdrink´s last blog ..The Girl Who Chased the Moon =-.
I keep hearing about Allen being a great writer but I haven’t read any of her books yet. Need to add this to my TBR list.
.-= Vasilly´s last blog ..Review: The Magickeepers Book Two: The Pyramid of Souls =-.
And just how big is that TBR list?
.-= softdrink´s last blog ..The Girl Who Chased the Moon =-.
I just bought a copy of her book Garden Spells and I have heard such good things about all of her books. I am so glad that this is another light and fun read, and will be adding it to my wish list for later. Thanks for the great review! I am glad you loved the book and that it didn’t disappoint!
.-= zibilee´s last blog ..Arcadia Falls by Carol Goodman – 368 pgs =-.
Her books tend to be pretty popular…I hope you enjoy them, too!
.-= softdrink´s last blog ..The Girl Who Chased the Moon =-.
Have never heard of this author, but her books sounds like the little treat one needs once in a while and I will check her out I think.
.-= Louise´s last blog ..With Reverent Hands – check my post at Booklust =-.
Treat is the perfect word. I held off reading this one (not for too long) because I did want it to be a treat.
Never heard of the author, but with your recommendation and that gorgeous jacket it’s a win! Sounds like the perfectly light-hearted park read for the summer, with a side of mimosas.
The mimosas would make it just about perfect! An excellent idea.
.-= softdrink´s last blog ..The Girl Who Chased the Moon =-.
It hasn’t been released here yet, but my friend has just bought in on import. She is as much in love with Allen’s books as I am. Can’t wait to read it.
.-= vivienne´s last blog ..Ash by Melinda Lo =-.
Why am I just now realizing you’re in the UK?!?
.-= softdrink´s last blog ..The Girl Who Chased the Moon =-.
I feel a bit out of touch having not read any of her work. This book has been reviewed on quite a few sites recently so it has been added to my TBR list!
They’re just fun, feel-good books!
.-= softdrink´s last blog ..The Girl Who Chased the Moon =-.
I liked this too as well as her 2 earlier books, but honestly, I’m not sure that I could read another one like it soon
.-= diane´s last blog ..61 – Beatrice and Virgil; Yann Martel =-.
About 1/year seems just right.
I haven’t read any of her work yet, but I was mighty tempted by The Sugar Queen. I still don’t know why I didn’t pick that one up. These books like they are great to have on hand when that certain mod that you describe strikes.
.-= Nicole´s last blog ..My Book Club Reads Other Stuff Too! (1) =-.
I really need to try this author … everyone just loves her.
.-= Jenners´s last blog ..Waiting on Wednesday: "The Lion" by Nelson DeMille =-.
I’m as shallow as Kathy — I now want to read it because the character bakes! I haven’t read any of Allen’s books.
.-= Beth F´s last blog ..Thursday Tea: The Solitude of Prime Numbers by Paolo Giordano =-.
I think this author writes captivatingly charming books.
.-= Care´s last blog ..Little Bee =-.
I loved the baking too and that sweet sense that some of the characters embodied. The self mutilation surprised me but I found most of the book charming.
.-= Rob´s last blog ..Dreaming of Manhattan on Kauai’s North Shore =-.
As a new fan, I can’t wait to read this one!
.-= stacybuckeye´s last blog ..Love Walked In, by Marisa de los Santos =-.
I love Sarah Addison Allen for the same reasons. She’s great for a light read and I just adore her characters. I haven’t read this one yet (so I’m saving your review for later) but it’s waiting for me at the library and I can’t wait to dive into it.
.-= Heather´s last blog ..Book Review: Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter =-.
I read this whilst I was on vacation – perfect holiday reading!
Now I have to wait for the next one.
I am glad you continue to enjoy this series, Jill. It’s one I’ve been meaning to start (like all the gazillion others I want to read).
.-= Literary Feline´s last blog ..Spotlight Series Review: Hard Rain Falling by Don Carpenter =-.