Walk Two Moons
"Don't judge a man until you have walked two moons in his moccasins."
As Salamanca Hiddle travels cross-country with her eccentric grandparents, she tells them the story of Phoebe Winterbottom, who met a "potential lunatic" and whose mother disappeared. Beneath Phoebe's story is Salamanca's own: Her mother left for Idaho, and although she promised to return, she has not. Sal hopes to bring her mother home, despite her father's warning that she is "fishing in the air."
This novel is in turns funny, mysterious and touching, as Salamanca comes to a new understanding of aspects of her life.
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Community Reviews
This is technically young adult/youth lit, but it's also just one of those great reads. Full of humor and tenderness and heartache, it's impossible not to empathize with each and every character whose story is told. The narrative drifts in and out of the past with perfect pacing. The language is conversational but poetic. It makes me think of Barbara Kingsolver's novels - there's a message or moral that, in simplest form is obvious, but is made complex and heart-changing because of the realness of the characters and their experiences.
There are many stories out there that are thoroughly entertaining. They're good stories because they continually compel us to find out what happens next. Walk Two Moons definitely tells a good story,and I certainly never wanted to put it down, but it also totally transcends that "good story" category. Every device the author uses - from perspective, to foreshadowing, to metaphor - elevates it to artistic masterpiece. And not the kind you stare at and grunt, "Huh." It'll change your heart in just small enough a way that you'll know the change is there for good.
There are many stories out there that are thoroughly entertaining. They're good stories because they continually compel us to find out what happens next. Walk Two Moons definitely tells a good story,and I certainly never wanted to put it down, but it also totally transcends that "good story" category. Every device the author uses - from perspective, to foreshadowing, to metaphor - elevates it to artistic masterpiece. And not the kind you stare at and grunt, "Huh." It'll change your heart in just small enough a way that you'll know the change is there for good.
I read this book when I was a tween and was struck with the mystery and multilevel story. I found I still enjoyed it as an adult!
I just finished re-reading this as my 6th grade students did and it brought back some wonderful memories of being an avid childhood reader. This book is a quirky, lovely, coming of age story. The main character is unique and flawed - but this makes her a wonderful character for young readers. As Sal discovers herself and goes on a personal journey, both physically and internally, she faces some tough issues but handles them with grace. The supporting characters are funny, the plot well-developed, and the story simply lovely and full of life lessons. This is a classic. I enjoyed reading it as an adult and found it thought-provoking still.
My daughter read this book and loved it so much that she's gone on to read every other Sharon Creech book. I thought I'd give it a look, if only as a conversation piece, and I'm so glad I did. Not only did I love the book, but I'm so glad that such a talented writer has dedicated herself to kids' books—what a treasure!
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