Moonglass - Book Review

Title ~ Moonglass
Series ~ Single Title
Author ~ Jessi Kirby
Release Date ~ May 3, 2011
Age Group ~ Young Adult
Publisher ~ Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing
Source ~ Teen {Book} Scene

GOODREADS SUMMARY

I read once that water is a symbol for emotions. And for a while now, I've thought maybe my mother drowned in both.

Anna's life is upended when her father accepts a job transfer the summer before her junior year. It's bad enough that she has to leave her friends and her life behind, but her dad is moving them to the beach where her parents first met and fell in love- a place awash in memories that Anna would just as soon leave under the surface.

While life on the beach is pretty great, with ocean views and one adorable lifeguard in particular, there are also family secrets that were buried along the shore years ago. And the ebb and flow of the ocean's tide means that nothing- not the sea glass that she collects on the sand and not the truths behind Anna's mother's death- stays buried forever.

REVIEW

Beautiful sea glass is collected and treasured by many, including Anna. When she collects sea glass by the light of the moon, she calls it moonglass. This precious glass reminds Anna of her mother, who used to give her the pretty glass to play with when she was younger.

Here’s the thing about sea glass. When people tossed bottles into the ocean years ago, the broken glass was smoothed and polished by the waves and salt. The result is gorgeous colored stones that are admired by many and often used in jewelry. The sea glass makes me think of Anna, who is in search of answers regarding her mother’s death years ago. The glass holds secrets from the past, just as Anna’s mother took secrets to her grave. I love the comparison.

Anna is a pretty laid back and innocent character. I like that the way Anna is dealing with her mother’s death and her father moving the family is authentic. She reacts just as I would expect. She is very sad and confused about her mother and distant toward her father because of the move. Anna’s father is a nice guy, and I think he means well. I like that his struggle is a part of the story too.

Tyler is the cute lifeguard that Anna meets. Tyler is basically the boy version of Anna. Although he is super popular and good looking, he doesn’t let any of this go to his head. Oh, I really like this guy. He is down-to-earth and Anna’s perfect match.

Anna’s quest for answers is heart-breaking, yet inspiring. Jessi Kirby presents it in a fluid way where little answers are dropped along the way – like pieces of sea glass found along the shore.  Anna finds peace.

RATING

5 Loved

COVER COMMENTS

The blue and purple of the nighttime beach is mysterious. The bright moon really brings out the title. See the little sparkles of light in the sand. That must be the moonglass. Love this unique cover.