A Book Review

by Abbie Kate A. Arante

XII- St. Mark

 “There were two moons last August: One almost full at the beginning when Mom was
alive and our lives were normal - and then a full cheater moon at the end, that looked down so
beautifully on the world when everything was awful and changed and never would be the same
again". In a poignant present-tense narrative illuminated by bittersweet memories, Sidonie, 16,
evokes her family's continuing tension and grief since her mother's death a year ago, describing
their valiant efforts to go on with their lives.

This book is so captivating that will make you just can’t stop reading. The story flows at a
good pace and just when you think you're going to yawn, a touch of humour comes in. Martha
Brooks completely transports you to summer in this novel. The setting is summer time and all the
elements of a fantastic summer holiday, but the overtone is unfortunately sad. There is so much
happiness and sadness mixed together, it's truly amazing. The characters are multi-layered. You
always identified with the main character because she is trying to navigate the changes of
growing older with no real parental influence. And if one is looking for multi-generational
meditations on love, loss and the miracle of unexpected connections, this is the right book to
read.
Springing from a profound understanding of sorrow and joy, this book: “Travelling On into
the Light,” addresses such themes as love, grief and hope just like “The Two Moons in August”
book. The miracle of unexpected connections that enlarge and transform shine forth in this
haunting collection. Brooks' characters give the impression of having both a past and a future, a
life that overflows the stories' boundaries. These stories connects with us since all the main
characters are teenagers. It also deals with loss but not in a depressing way.

Martha Brooks would be the first to admit that life isn’t always harmonious, but for her,
it’s remarkably polyphony. In fact, there’s a powerful range of voices coming just from Brooks.
There are the honest and sympathetic ones of the characters in her young adult fiction, the
versatile one she uses for singing jazz, and the quiet moment. Brooks’ evocation of sadness and
loss in her own work is masterful. When she begins to remark on this, she adds – quickly and
decisively – that there is also joy, redemption and hope. “Hope is an important ingredient in
fiction for young adults.” And yet, she admits that “Life is full of suffering. Suffering is normal.”
 What made the book appeal was the way the characters are crafted in such a realistic
way, and each of them have their own problems to face within their families. The atmosphere
and the style of writing is very compelling. Even if the story itself isn't a long read, it captures and
holds your attention for the entire time once you start reading. However, the cover of the book
does not catch the attention of the readers.

To present to the world the true meaning of life and to realize about something that feels
like life. The world is full of cleverness and fakery, that’s why Brooks note to herself, “Keep it
simple and honest, the truth is for everyone” but people, in general, seem to be hungry for real
connection and so Brooks write about love and loss and the miracle of unexpected connections
that has always been in her subject. Telling for everyone that there’s always something else in
life, was the reason for the writing of the book.

In the final analysis, this book revolutionizes oneself to be vigorous and prepared in
dealing with life. Irrespective of age, status in life and experiences, this book is surely to inspire
and to give hope for everyone who suffers from loss and encountering sorrowful and unexpected
circumstances. It may seem like reading a life-story book but that is precisely the beauty of this
work. It makes someone understand that there’s always something more in living and to continue
to go on with their lives despite of the circumstances and challenges that they take.