cover image Two Moons in August

Two Moons in August

Martha Brooks. Little Brown and Company, $15.95 (0pp) ISBN 978-0-316-10979-6

After her mother dies, Sidonie's life is chilled and empty. Her father retreats into his work, leaving Sidonie and her older sister, Bobbi, to their own devices. Sidonie gets involved in an ornery--but finally rewarding--romance with Kieran, the new boy in town. Gradually, the grief that has frozen Sidonie and her family begins to thaw. The novel's conclusion is replete--not with garish false optimism--but with the silent unfurling of true hope. Lavish use of period details--glamorous Jantzen swimsuits, Revlon Torch Song Red lipstick and plenty of the era's music--makes the 1959 setting easy to picture; the shimmering, sleepy midsummer atmosphere is just plain luscious. Potent, concentrated language make this densely written novel one that readers will want to savor. Ages 12-up. (Jan.)