Mermaids on the Moon : A Novel

Rating:
Summary: Kudos to the author
Review: Elizabeth Stuckey-French combines the quirkiness of pop culture with the seriousness of coming to terms with oneself in this novel, which engages the reader from the first word to the last. Complex characters, vivid settings and descriptions, and ever increasing tension make this one of the best stories I've read in a long time. I had a hard time putting it down and strongly recommend it. I look forward to reading more of this talented author's work.

Rating:
Summary: Quirky characters make for an interesting read
Review: France, a 30-something divorced woman, gets a call from her father, North, saying that her mother, Grendy, has disappeared. Although North seems unconcerned--Grendy has left a note, and North expects that she'll be back eventually--France decides that she needs to find her mother, and so she travels down to Florida to do so. Gerdy had been performing a water show with a small group of other older "mermaids" who have revived their girlhood careers. France is drawn to these women, certain that the answers to her mother's disappearance lie underwater. During her search, France is faced with the care of Theo, the 6-year old son of her deceased sister who appears to have major behavioral problems. In addition, she finds herself confronting the past, including her father's transgressions, her sister's untimely death, and her own mistakes, including an unhappy marriage.

This is an interesting story filled with quirky characters. Some, like France's long-time boyfriend, Bruno, make only brief appearances, whereas others, such as the mermaids, are more fully developed. At times, the relationships amongst the characters are a bit muddled--for example, France seems to be annoyed with Bruno most of the time, yet she frequently mentions how happy he makes her, which is not clearly reflected in the storyline. Overall, however, this book is a quick read that's both unique and enjoyable.

Rating:
Summary: Quirky characters make for an interesting read
Review: France, a 30-something divorced woman, gets a call from her father, North, saying that her mother, Grendy, has disappeared. Although North seems unconcerned--Grendy has left a note, and North expects that she'll be back eventually--France decides that she needs to find her mother, and so she travels down to Florida to do so. Gerdy had been performing a water show with a small group of other older "mermaids" who have revived their girlhood careers. France is drawn to these women, certain that the answers to her mother's disappearance lie underwater. During her search, France is faced with the care of Theo, the 6-year old son of her deceased sister who appears to have major behavioral problems. In addition, she finds herself confronting the past, including her father's transgressions, her sister's untimely death, and her own mistakes, including an unhappy marriage.

This is an interesting story filled with quirky characters. Some, like France's long-time boyfriend, Bruno, make only brief appearances, whereas others, such as the mermaids, are more fully developed. At times, the relationships amongst the characters are a bit muddled--for example, France seems to be annoyed with Bruno most of the time, yet she frequently mentions how happy he makes her, which is not clearly reflected in the storyline. Overall, however, this book is a quick read that's both unique and enjoyable.

Rating:
Summary: Very nice novel
Review: I enjoyed this book very much. It has much the same feel as Divine Secrets of the YaYa Sisterhood, though perhaps a bit less depressing. It doesn't bore the reader with cliche situations, but rather speaks to anyone who has dealt with family problems. I would recommmend this book to anyone that enjoys the type of drama that is based almost entirely on deep character interactions instead of plot twists.

Rating:
Summary: Great book!
Review: I really liked this book--I could especially relate to Theo, who is so much like my son (who has been diagnosed with high-functioning autism.) I'll recommend this one for my book club & also for the Asperger's group. Great read!

Rating:
Summary: Great book!
Review: I really liked this book--I could especially relate to Theo, who is so much like my son (who has been diagnosed with high-functioning autism.) I'll recommend this one for my book club & also for the Asperger's group. Great read!

Rating:
Summary: Good idea marred by mediocre writing
Review: I really wanted to like this book, but I found myself consistently disappointed by the underdeveloped characters and lackluster descriptions. For such a quirky story, the writing could have been far *more* quirky. Awkward plot transitions and predictable twists didn't help, either.

I bought this book for five dollars, and I'm glad I didn't spend more on it. This could have been a very imaginative, original story, but the author didn't seem to know what to do with it. I left this story feeling like I only knew one character: Theo. The others remained frustratingly indistinct, and all the mermaids and Hardy Boy references floating through the text couldn't change that.

Rating:
Summary: ABSOLUTE MUST READ!!!!
Review: This book was so refreshing! I initially bought it because I have always had a fascination with the "mermaid city" my mom has always told me stories of that she used to visit as a child in Florida. I even decorated my room as a child from her vintage postcards from Weeki Wachi Springs, FL (I am assuming this novel is based on this place). I adored reading this book. The characters are so fun and you really get to know them, you want to be their friend, you want to be a "merhag". This is a perfect read for your day at the pool or on your next beach vacation! I can't wait for her next novel!

Rating:
Summary: ABSOLUTE MUST READ!!!!
Review: This book was so refreshing! I initially bought it because I have always had a fascination with the "mermaid city" my mom has always told me stories of that she used to visit as a child in Florida. I even decorated my room as a child from her vintage postcards from Weeki Wachi Springs, FL (I am assuming this novel is based on this place). I adored reading this book. The characters are so fun and you really get to know them, you want to be their friend, you want to be a "merhag". This is a perfect read for your day at the pool or on your next beach vacation! I can't wait for her next novel!

Rating:
Summary: Funny, quirky, wonderful!
Review: This is an awesome book! I couldn't put it down. I read it in one night and loved it. Elizabeth Stuckey-French is a wonderful, quirky and amazing writer. I highly recommend this book!