Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Moon Over Manifest, 2010


This book has the unique distinction of being the first that I've read on my e-reader. I have to say it's pretty cool to check out a book from the library and have it instantly downloaded to my computer. A little strange as well, since I've always enjoyed the feel of books in my hands. I suspect I read this a bit slower since it was disorienting at first to read on a screen instead of the pages of a book. But as I got into it I forgot the medium and just appreciated the story.

The best way to describe this story is that it's a gentle narrative that draws you in using layered plot lines. The tale jumps between two time periods in the same town with the narrator's discovery process operating as the focal point. The story is set in the summertime and the young girls' exploration of their sleepy town's history leads the reader along through war, sickness, secrets and family relations. It's an uncomplicated story where all of the pieces seem to fit nicely together at the end. I found it satisfying to read but not particularly complicated. That may be partly due to the fact that it's written for youth (I seem to be stumbling upon a lot of youth novels lately).

So how does this book relate to faith? The main character Abilene never gives up faith in her father's desire to love her even when that seems in question. She also holds onto a belief that somehow all the stories are tied together and will make sense in time. Perhaps it is simply her determination to make sense of her world that ties the reader to something beyond just present reality.

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