Keeping the Moon - Sarah Dessen

Keeping the Moon by Sarah Dessen
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Form: Paperback Book

Fifteen-year-old Colie has never fit in. First, it was because she was fat. Then, after she lost the weight, it was because of a reputation that she didn't deserve. So when she's sent to stay with her eccentric aunt Mira for the summer, Colie doesn't expect too much. After all, why would anyone in Colby, North Carolina, want to bother with her when no one back home does? But Colby turns out to be a nice surprise for Colie. Almost without trying, she lands herself a job at the Last Chance Bar and Grill. There she meets fellow waitresses Morgan and Isabel - two best friends who teach her what friendship is all about, and help her learn to appreciate who she really is.

Source: Back of Book

This is a fantastic book. Colie is a troubled teenager, going for goth but heart of gold. She's never been given a chance, and her self esteem is crazy gone. This book is about making amends with yourself. I loved it. As a teenager I had a pretty low self esteem. I never dealt with the issues that Colie did, name calling and such, but I do think it's very common for girls to lack self confidence. Some shrink into it, while others make themselves feel better by stomping all over others.

You now me, I'm all about the characters, and let me tell you - Sarah Dessen did a wonderful job! You love Colie from the start. You understand Mira, her crazy aunt. You either were Morgan and Isbel, or knew them at some point in your life. And then there is Norman. It's so wonderful how when the book starts out you're not so keen on him, just like Colie - but by end your opinion changes right along with her. Of course, the book is written from Colie's perspective, so that should happen.

I recommend this for youth and adults alike. It had some wonderful "love yourself" lessons. I think it's worth the read. Very light and easy, it won't take up too much of your precious time!