Book Review: The Moon and More

I enjoy Sarah Dessen's books. They are an easy read with realistic characters in realistic settings. I don't have to sit and interpret or puzzle out the real meaning of the book. It is there, right in front of you. I always look forward to Dessen's books in the summer. Her fictional setting is a beach community on the southern east coast.

The Moon and More is a look at summer flings. Our main character, Emmaline, is the product of one such fling. She resides in the beach community, as her mother did, working in the family business. One day, a small film crew rents a beach house and Emmaline finds herself assisting with the film being made. Emmaline 's paternal father is a recurring theme, as he is the summer fling that left her mother in the beach community. She discovers the type of relationship she is destined to have with him. Emmaline also wrestles with longing to have the type of summers that vacationers have. She is a local and any touristy location is nothing new to her. She longs for escape. 

A quick and easy read. Fairly predictable. Dessen writes similar conflicts in all of her books: a parent is missing; how will I make it in this world; what do I do with this love? The setting makes it a great vacation/beach book. Her main characters are well written, but minor characters seem pretty vague. It is almost as though there are too many. I found myself asking "Who is that, again?" 

I really like the book. 

4.5 out of 5