Who Would Like This Book:
This book is a gorgeous blend of magical realism, lush prose, and unforgettable characters. If you're a fan of dreamy, fairy-tale atmospheres, multicultural stories, and emotional coming-of-age journeys, you'll probably fall in love with Miel and Sam's story. Readers who appreciate diverse LGBTQ+ and POC representation, and those who love magic woven seamlessly with real-world issues like identity and acceptance, will find this a heartfelt, soothing read. It's especially perfect for fans of books like The Raven Boys or The Snow Child.
Who May Not Like This Book:
If you're not into flowery language or abstract storytelling, this one might not be for you - the prose is rich and sometimes a bit much, with a plot that often leans character-driven over action-packed. Readers who want clear-cut worldbuilding or hard magic systems may get frustrated by the ambiguity, and it can be slow to start if you prefer fast pacing or concrete answers.
About:
When the Moon Was Ours by Anna-Marie McLemore is a beautifully written magical realism story about two best friends who fall in love - Sam, a transgender boy, and Miel, a girl who grows roses from her wrists. The book explores themes of identity, love, and acceptance, with a storyline that is a mix of romance and magical elements, leaning more towards magical realism than fantasy. McLemore's writing style is described as lush, transformative, and filled with magnetic characters, creating a dreamy and soft atmosphere that draws readers into the world of the characters.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include potential triggering discussions around self-harm, identity struggles, bullying related to gender identity, and themes of societal rejection.
Has Romance?
The romance between Miel and Sam is central to the plot, characterized by emotional depth and growth.
From The Publisher:
From the author of The Weight of Feathers comes a young adult novel about a girl hiding the truth, a boy with secrets from his past, and four sisters who could ruin them both.
Recipient of a Stonewall Honor and longlisted for the National Book Award, McLemore delivers a second stunning and utterly romantic novel, again tinged with magic.
To everyone who knows them, best friends Miel and Sam are as strange as they are inseparable. Roses grow out of Miel's wrist, and rumors say that she spilled out of a water tower when she was five. Sam is known for the moons he paints and hangs in the trees and for how little anyone knows about his life before he and his mother moved to town. But as odd as everyone considers Miel and Sam, even they stay away from the Bonner girls, four beautiful sisters rumored to be witches. Now they want the roses that grow from Miel's skin, convinced that their scent can make anyone fall in love. And they're willing to use every secret Miel has fought to protect to make sure she gives them up.
Atmospheric, dynamic, and packed with gorgeous prose, When the Moon Was Ours is another winner from this talented author.
Ratings (5)
Incredible (3) | |
Loved It (1) | |
Liked It (1) |
Reader Stats (31):
Read It (5) | |
Want To Read (24) | |
Not Interested (2) |
What can you read after
When the Moon Was Ours?
About the Author:
Anna-Marie McLemore was born in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and taught by their family to hear la llorona in the Santa Ana winds. They are the author of THE WEIGHT OF FEATHERS, a 2016 William C. Morris YA Debut Award Finalist; 2017 Stonewall Honor Book WHEN THE MOON WAS OURS, which was longlisted for the National Book Award in Young People's Literature; WILD BEAUTY, a Kirkus, School Library Journal, and Booklist best book of 2017; BLANCA & ROJA, a New York TimesBook Review Editors' Choice; DARK AND DEEPEST RED, a Winter 2020 Indie Next List title; and the forthcoming THE MIRROR SEASON.
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