Walk Two Moons

One of the best books I've read. Seriously. But here's the thing - I read this book about seven years ago and didn't like it at all. I forced myself through it, and I remember asking myself, "What's the big deal about this book? It's not that great." My only answer is that I just wasn't ready for it. It wasn't a just-right book for me seven years ago. But I'm glad I was ready for it now.

Here's the major problem in the story - Sal's mom has left her and Sal's father. Sharon Creech brilliantly weaves three stories together: 1)Sal and her grandparents are going to Idaho, and Sal hopes to bring her mother back. 2)Sal's good friend Phoebe has family problems. HER mother disappears as well. 3)You get the "back" story - the story of Sal's family before her mother left. By telling and understanding Phoebe's story, Sal begins to understand her own story. The characters are quirky, interesting, and loveable. I was mesmerized by Gram and Grandpa - they are people who live life to the fullest. And there are so many themes woven into the story! I laughed and cried and laughed and cried all throughout the book.

Sharon Creech is also the author of Love That Dog and Heartbeat, two incredible books.