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Between Us and the Moon
A luminous YA love story that evokes Judy Blume's Forever for a new generation.
Sarah—Bean to her friends and family—is an aspiring astronomer and champion mathlete. She lives behind her beloved telescope, with her head in the stars and her feet planted firmly on the ground. For as long as she can remember, she's also lived in the shadow of her beautiful older sister, Scarlett.
But after a traumatic end to the school year, Sarah goes to Cape Cod for the summer with her family, determined to grow up. It's there that she meets gorgeous, older college boy Andrew. He sees her as the girl she wants to be. A girl like Scarlett. He thinks she's older, too—and she doesn't correct him.
For Sarah, it's a summer of firsts. Before she knows what's happened, one little lie has transformed into something real. And by the end of August, she might have to choose between falling in love, and finding herself.
Fans of Jenny Han and Stephanie Perkins are destined to fall for this romantic and heartfelt coming-of-age novel about how life and love are impossible to predict.
Sarah—Bean to her friends and family—is an aspiring astronomer and champion mathlete. She lives behind her beloved telescope, with her head in the stars and her feet planted firmly on the ground. For as long as she can remember, she's also lived in the shadow of her beautiful older sister, Scarlett.
But after a traumatic end to the school year, Sarah goes to Cape Cod for the summer with her family, determined to grow up. It's there that she meets gorgeous, older college boy Andrew. He sees her as the girl she wants to be. A girl like Scarlett. He thinks she's older, too—and she doesn't correct him.
For Sarah, it's a summer of firsts. Before she knows what's happened, one little lie has transformed into something real. And by the end of August, she might have to choose between falling in love, and finding herself.
Fans of Jenny Han and Stephanie Perkins are destined to fall for this romantic and heartfelt coming-of-age novel about how life and love are impossible to predict.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2015
40 people are currently reading
8267 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Maizel
7 books1,093 followersRebecca Maizel hails from Rhode Island, where she teaches high school literature at her alma mater the Wheeler School. She tries not to force her students to read her books, though. Rebecca is the author of several published novels for young adults, and recently achieved an MFA in Writing for Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. She also enjoys Indian food, her dog Georgie, and running moderately long distances.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 385 reviews
May 23, 2015
"You watch the world. I'm not even sure you live in it."
It's so weird how nearly every 2015 YA book that promises fast-paced action and/or fantasy turns into a story about that guy (or guys) with the beautiful eyes, and yet most YA books pitched as cutesy summer romances turn out to be powerful and moving coming-of-age stories. Between Us and the Moon is just that.
This is a story about Sarah - the baby of the family, who everyone calls "Bean". Her older sister, Scarlett, is the beautiful one, the popular one, the one who rebels and goes to parties; their parents don't even ask Sarah where she's going when she leaves the house because they know how sensible she is. They know she only wants to study comets and stars, and apply for a scholarship.
Except there's a different side to Sarah. One that is growing up in her sister's shadow. One that hurts inside when her aunt buys Scarlett beautiful slinky gowns and buys her pink frills instead. Like many teenagers, she's torn between the pull of who she is and the need to be someone likable and desirable. I thought it was an exceptionally honest portrait of a confused, scared, selfish teenage girl, right from the very first chapter.
“I want to be able to care about clothes and boys, but be good at science, too. I want to be both."
The book opens with Sarah being dumped by her boyfriend, Tucker. Following the advice of her amazing, gay, hippie grandmother, Sarah decides that she does not need this stupid boy and will continue applying for her scholarship and being awesome (hell yeah!). But, of course, she's an insecure teenager and things aren't quite so simple. She wants to understand why her sister is this popular goddess and no one looks twice at her. And to understand that, she does what she does best - a science experiment.
“Scarlett does and says specific things that make people want to be around her all the time. Just like Becky. There has to be a direct correlation between Scarlett’s specific behaviour and style to the response of acceptance and popularity.”
I know some readers won't like that Sarah essentially tries to change who she is and wear different clothes because she gets dumped by a guy - I respect that - but I also think there's an important lesson to be learned here, in the end. I remember a little something about trying to become someone else to fit in back in high school, so this book made me a little nostalgic and sad. Sarah was selfish at times but I sympathized with her and felt her sadness and frustration at every turn.
Between Us and the Moon does have a romance that is central to the story, but I think it acts as the stage on which the author plays out the themes of growing up and learning to accept who you are. I personally didn't get as much of a sense of the "forbidden" from Sarah's relationship with Andrew. She's sixteen and he's nineteen (nearly twenty), which might cause issues with maturity but is still completely legal in the U.K. Though while that didn't come across, I enjoyed reading about them together.
My favourite thing about the book was Sarah's growth. Both her personal growth and the development of her relationships with her family members. So many lessons to be learned. Her family has to see her in a new light, as she grows up, and she also has to realize that there's more to them than she first thought. There were some really great family dynamics that left me feeling quite emotional at times.
A surprisingly great book.
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It's so weird how nearly every 2015 YA book that promises fast-paced action and/or fantasy turns into a story about that guy (or guys) with the beautiful eyes, and yet most YA books pitched as cutesy summer romances turn out to be powerful and moving coming-of-age stories. Between Us and the Moon is just that.
This is a story about Sarah - the baby of the family, who everyone calls "Bean". Her older sister, Scarlett, is the beautiful one, the popular one, the one who rebels and goes to parties; their parents don't even ask Sarah where she's going when she leaves the house because they know how sensible she is. They know she only wants to study comets and stars, and apply for a scholarship.
Except there's a different side to Sarah. One that is growing up in her sister's shadow. One that hurts inside when her aunt buys Scarlett beautiful slinky gowns and buys her pink frills instead. Like many teenagers, she's torn between the pull of who she is and the need to be someone likable and desirable. I thought it was an exceptionally honest portrait of a confused, scared, selfish teenage girl, right from the very first chapter.
“I want to be able to care about clothes and boys, but be good at science, too. I want to be both."
The book opens with Sarah being dumped by her boyfriend, Tucker. Following the advice of her amazing, gay, hippie grandmother, Sarah decides that she does not need this stupid boy and will continue applying for her scholarship and being awesome (hell yeah!). But, of course, she's an insecure teenager and things aren't quite so simple. She wants to understand why her sister is this popular goddess and no one looks twice at her. And to understand that, she does what she does best - a science experiment.
“Scarlett does and says specific things that make people want to be around her all the time. Just like Becky. There has to be a direct correlation between Scarlett’s specific behaviour and style to the response of acceptance and popularity.”
I know some readers won't like that Sarah essentially tries to change who she is and wear different clothes because she gets dumped by a guy - I respect that - but I also think there's an important lesson to be learned here, in the end. I remember a little something about trying to become someone else to fit in back in high school, so this book made me a little nostalgic and sad. Sarah was selfish at times but I sympathized with her and felt her sadness and frustration at every turn.
Between Us and the Moon does have a romance that is central to the story, but I think it acts as the stage on which the author plays out the themes of growing up and learning to accept who you are. I personally didn't get as much of a sense of the "forbidden" from Sarah's relationship with Andrew. She's sixteen and he's nineteen (nearly twenty), which might cause issues with maturity but is still completely legal in the U.K. Though while that didn't come across, I enjoyed reading about them together.
My favourite thing about the book was Sarah's growth. Both her personal growth and the development of her relationships with her family members. So many lessons to be learned. Her family has to see her in a new light, as she grows up, and she also has to realize that there's more to them than she first thought. There were some really great family dynamics that left me feeling quite emotional at times.
A surprisingly great book.
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October 13, 2015
WARNING: If you don’t like mean reviews, do not read this. If you don’t like RANTS, do not read this. If you don’t like curse words, demoralization of fictional characters, or just an all around bad attitude….DO NOT MOTHERFUCKING READ THIS.
No one has ever seen me post a mean review. I have NEVER lost my shit before. If anyone-ANYONE-is curious as to what my INITIAL reaction is after a book I am just all around generally disgusted by? THIS WOULD BE THE REVIEW TO READ.
FUCK MY FORMAT.
FUCK BEING POLITE.
FUCK ALL MY RULES.
FUCK ALLLLL THE THINGS.
**P.S. It has been two days since I wrote this and while I am cringing as I look at the review, I also still stand by these thoughts and why I was pushed to the edge. My delivery is harsh, but I am choosing to leave this as is. So, again, I warn you: Don’t read this if you want nice normal Chelsea**
I don’t know why this is the book that flipped my bitch switch-I really don’t. But I’ll tell you this: Not in YEARS have I been literally dog ass tired and wanted to go to sleep and finished a book I didn’t like right before bed and IMMEDIATELY catapulted out of bed to dust off my laptop to write emotions I fear I will sleep on and let slip by once I wake up. I don’t do this-EVER. I finish a book. I go to sleep-even if it’s hard-and I think on it. I wait, I deliberate…I write a fair review. But no. I can’t-NO-I WILL NOT, let this one slide. I don’t know why-
Oh, I know, wait, perhaps it’s because I have this irreparable, totally illogical, neurotic, irrational PHOBIA of spiders (oh no, believe me, there’s a motherfucking point to this) and after finishing this lovely gem of a book, I went to take my dog out (yeah, I can still be level-headed whilst in a rage) and was oh-so-nicely (not) waiting on her to come inside when I felt my BARE FOOT STEP PARTIALLY onto a crunchy ‘ol leaf. Oh nonononono, it wasn’t a leaf, my friends, it was a fucking LARGE BLACKISH BROWN (the devil is in the details) spider I had stepped on and it was STILL ALIVE because I have this weird thing where I can tell I’m about to crush something (probably because my dogs are forever under my feet) and what does it even matter???? I stepped on a SPIDER-something I have avoided doing MY WHOLE LIFE-after finishing this book. Coincidence? I THINK NOT. Oh! And even better-it’s little (I kid, it was BIGGER) friend was in the corner one foot from him! So I had TWO spiders surrounding me in my bare feet and my cantankerous dog WOULD NOT COME INSIDE and I am in hysterics trying to kill the bastards and one GETS AWAY. Needless to say? I HAVE LOST MY SHIT.
This review is A MUST. I still feel like they are in my hair or something. I feel just plain GROSS.
Where was I? Oh yeah, I thought I would conduct a scientific experiment-you know, like my FAVORITE main character here. She’s so smart…didn’t you know??
This is the
How to lose a guy in one summer:
✔ Lie.
✔ Lie.
✔ Lie.
✔ Impersonate, oh whoops, emulate your sister’s nonchalant, flippant, bitchy ways to prove to your ex, and everyone, that you aren’t merely an observer in this world, that you have a personality and that you exist.
Oh yeah, because becoming someone completely different is showing you have a personality.
SPOILER ALERT: SHE HAS NO PERSONALITY. Like..for real. None. Zilch. Nada. I ALWAYS love my main characters, but this girl?? She had no backbone. No zest. No VOICE. I never care in stories but her lies….they hurt someone. You know what? In fact? They hurt literally THE ONLY PERSON IN THIS STORY THAT EARNED A STAR. Actually, he earned two, because I loved him. HAHAHAHA A boy! Shocking right??? I DON’T CARE.
And when you mess with the ONLY redeemable character in the story? I, again, lose my shit.
✔ Admit to having a nickname with the word ‘bean’ in it. I’m sorry, that name, in any form, elicits mockery and horribly disturbing thoughts. OH BEAN, ya little turd, come’re will ya?? Grab the forks, BEANIE!!! Come’re BEANIE WEENIE!!!
I’m sorry, are we talking about a dog…or a human being?? And don’t even get me STARTED on THE UGLY TRUTH movie pertaining to that beautifully coined phrase. Sorry if you have this nickname-for real, it’s probably cute on you. But this bitch??? She’s just asking to be smacked.
✔ PUSS THE FUCK OUT at every opportunity you receive to come clean. SERIOUSLY. YOU LITTLE WUSSY POS. YOU ARE RUINING SOMEONE ELSE’S LIFE!!!! Do you NOT understand this????
Oh! Let me get y’all up to speed: Our little astronomer? She’s 16. Literally-she JUST turned 16, And guess how old the lovely-and totally not in the know-Andrew is? He is 19, folks.
Frankly? This doesn’t bother me. It doesn’t make me feel weird. It’s normal, to me. I know a TON of people who date like this. I realize once you have one partner in HS and one not it gets tricky, I really do, but I just don’t care. And don’t clutch your pearls at me!
My point? If shit went south….HE’D get in trouble. HISSSSS life would be over. Think about that, you inconsiderate little twat.
How to lose readers after one chapter:
✔ Think scientifically All. The Damn. Time.
Like, what is this, the Big Bang theory??? I didn’t realize this was a Sheldon book. But, you know, I’ve seen this done before in other realistic fiction books…but not ONCE has it made me want to suffocate myself with my fluffy socks. In fact, one of my UNFORGETTABLE ABSOLUTE FAVORITE BOOKS has someone who relates a ton of things to physics. But this chick? Shoot me…shoot me now. Everything came back to….I don’t even know what. Constellations blah blah mathematic experimentation and tracking the comet blah blah SHUT THE FUCK UP, BEAN !
✔ ALWAYS PITY yourself and your lack of voice-that’ll do it, too.
✔ MAKE. MY. BOY. CRY. Because of your lies. YOU SIT ON A THRONE OF LIES, and they are poorly constructed at best. Need I say more? You hurt my guys, you pretty much shoot yourself in the foot-capiche?
✔ You make me kinda start to like you, like you enough to pity you and tear up for you (even though you were still at a soft 2.5 star-you were never special to me, even when you started to figure shit out). I start to FEEL for you…and then you STILL don’t do your job. And when you do??? You crush someone’s soul. How do you like them apples??
You pretentious little shit-GO TO HELL.
Yes, I still gave this a two. Andrew was wholly quotable…and this story?? It had a ton of potential. I swear it did. I liked it, then I hated, I liked it, then I hated it. And, more often than not, the parts I would start to like would have Andrew in them. And when she was alone, I started to hate it and skim. Hmmm….curiouser and curiouser…
I wish, I truly do, that I had a pensieve like Dumbledore had in Harry Potter so I could pull all my thoughts at the moment out of my head and hold them in the swirling crystal ball of not-so-forgotten memories, because I have so much I want to say right now and so little time. And I know I’ve lost numerous people by now-sorry guyzzz-but I just HAD to get this evil out of my system. I would not recommend this to one person… I never say that, but I just can’t find it in my heart to push this on ANYONE….
Actually…
If you like twatwaffles who use their own sadness to experiment against innocent and down in spirits college guys for their own gain, girls who are incapable of telling people NO, girls who can’t speak their mind, girls who literally-And I do mean literally-say mean shit about the boy they’re dating to act all nonchalant to girls she barely knows but assumes are cool or popular to gain status quo….then be my guest-Enjoy it. REALLY. Enjoy. It.
And yeah, I feel bad because I truly want to cocoon Andrew and pull him from this book and transport him into a more promising and substantial novel, because she just isn’t worth my breath. But he is: He is the most concerned, thoughtful, patient, friendly, protective guy…and she didn’t deserve an ounce of his time if she couldn’t be braver than she was. She was a coward and she deserves to be left in the dust. But what do I know? I’m just merely a girl whose spirit was crushed as surely as that one dead spider’s spindly, creepy (okay I’ll stop) legs. Eew. Just…eew.
Ohohohohohohhoh! I just thought of some other people who might like this book! If you’ve ever wronged me….YOU’D LOVE THIS…I JUST KNOW IT!
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April 21, 2021
Ugh, I hated the way Sarah/Bean kept lying to Andrew, every time she did it I cringed, and I understood why she did it, but it was never going to turn out well! 🙈 If felt a little sorry for Sarah when her parents seemed to have no interest in her. They were so concerned about her sister getting home safely, but didn't even notice if Sarah didn't come home all night 🙈
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to HarperCollins and Edelweiss.)
“You watch the world. I’m not even sure you live in it.”
This was a touching YA romance, and I felt really sorry for Sarah.
I liked Sarah in this story, and I felt really sorry for her in the way her best friend/boyfriend dumped her totally out of the blue. I knew her lying to Andrew was a bad idea, but it was also easy to see why she did it, especially living in the shadow of her sister Scarlett the way she did.
“There has to be a direct correlation between Scarlett’s specific behaviour and style to the response of acceptance and popularity. If I figure this out, maybe I’ll get Tucker to see who I am – that I’m not ‘watching the world.’”
The storyline in this was about Sarah finding who she was after Tucker dumped her, and finding new love with Andrew. There was also some stargazing stuff in here, but it didn’t really interest me.
“The Scarlett Experiment.
I want to start the Scarlett Experiment now.”
Andrew and Sarah were pretty cute together, and it was sad that Sarah’s lie would at some point come between them. (Note – there are some sexual scenes in this book.)
“He breaks into the smallest smile.
And it’s a smile just for me.”
The ending to this was okay, but because it wasn’t the ‘happily-ever-after’ that I wanted, it left me wanting more!
7 out of 10.
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to HarperCollins and Edelweiss.)
“You watch the world. I’m not even sure you live in it.”
This was a touching YA romance, and I felt really sorry for Sarah.
I liked Sarah in this story, and I felt really sorry for her in the way her best friend/boyfriend dumped her totally out of the blue. I knew her lying to Andrew was a bad idea, but it was also easy to see why she did it, especially living in the shadow of her sister Scarlett the way she did.
“There has to be a direct correlation between Scarlett’s specific behaviour and style to the response of acceptance and popularity. If I figure this out, maybe I’ll get Tucker to see who I am – that I’m not ‘watching the world.’”
The storyline in this was about Sarah finding who she was after Tucker dumped her, and finding new love with Andrew. There was also some stargazing stuff in here, but it didn’t really interest me.
“The Scarlett Experiment.
I want to start the Scarlett Experiment now.”
Andrew and Sarah were pretty cute together, and it was sad that Sarah’s lie would at some point come between them. (Note – there are some sexual scenes in this book.)
“He breaks into the smallest smile.
And it’s a smile just for me.”
The ending to this was okay, but because it wasn’t the ‘happily-ever-after’ that I wanted, it left me wanting more!
7 out of 10.
July 12, 2015
4.5 stars -
I am not going to sugar coat it. This book ruined all my pre-conceived notions of what I need in a story in order to fall totally in love with it. I think many of you are either going to love it or hate it.
Sarah (Bean) has lived her life in the shadow of her older sister Scarlett. She’s spent her life focusing on Science and school instead of getting out and meeting people and making friends. Except for Tucker. Tucker who she’s been best friends with for as long as she can remember. Tucker who kissed her and pushed their friendship into a whole new territory. Tucker who broke her heart by breaking up with her because he felt like she spent too much time watching the world around her instead of living in it.
So Sarah’s summer plans are to be more like her beautiful older sister. Which is how Project Scarlett is born.
And it’s a relative success when she meets the engaging Andrew on the beach and is immediately drawn to him. I can’t lie. I was completely sucked in by him too. He’s everything a swoony, summer love should be. But the catch is that Andrew is 19 and Sarah… well, she’s only just 16. Instead of telling him the truth though, in order to keep her plan alive, she lies and tells him that she’s 18 and on her way to MIT in the fall.
UGH – this is where it gets so hard to understand my love for this book because … because she lies. Outright lies and you see where their relationship is headed. BUT the age thing is the only thing she lies about. She’s truly herself when she is with him and it’s so hard to watch them fall for each other knowing that the road ahead isn’t going to be pretty. I totally get her struggle to come clean because she finally HAS found someone who appreciates all her quirks and geekiness and how do you honestly give that up easily? You don’t is the answer to that by the way, and the story shows just how painful the whole thing can be once the truth comes out.
I struggled a bit with the family dynamics… the relationship between Sarah & Scarlett and also between Sarah and her parents. I get being the little sister but it’s like none of these people wanted to see the person that was right in front of them.
I think what I really liked here was seeing the eventual growth of our main character. Yes, she’s immature, insecure and naïve and doesn’t see the full picture almost up until the very end of the book, but she does grow in other ways. Her insecurity over the idea that people won’t like the real her all but vanishes and all it took was letting a few people know who she is and what she’s about… and they didn’t go running. Her confidence is another way, being face to face with her ex best friend and boyfriend after knowing that the things he said are no longer true really changed her.
And of course the romance. Hard as it is to swallow, was done really, really well. I loved the way these two got to know each other and it was truly what you would imagine a summer romance to be. Especially because Andrew is totally one of the loveliest book boys I've read in quite some time.
Overall, I still really am struggling with how much I loved this… because it almost doesn’t make sense based on my normal feelings. This lie that Sarah tells… it has more of an implication than just fibbing about your age. Especially between her and Andrew, and when that comes to light I honestly wanted to throw the book because my heart was broken.
The epilogue was definitely needed and though it didn’t make everything all bright and shiny again, it eased my heart a bit and left me definitely wanting more… maybe something a few summers after. I’m just saying… I would read it.
If you like a coming of age story with a very complicated romance … and an MC that while she isn’t perfect is learning who she is and wants to be, definitely pick this one up!
Thank you to HarperCollins for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
I am not going to sugar coat it. This book ruined all my pre-conceived notions of what I need in a story in order to fall totally in love with it. I think many of you are either going to love it or hate it.
Sarah (Bean) has lived her life in the shadow of her older sister Scarlett. She’s spent her life focusing on Science and school instead of getting out and meeting people and making friends. Except for Tucker. Tucker who she’s been best friends with for as long as she can remember. Tucker who kissed her and pushed their friendship into a whole new territory. Tucker who broke her heart by breaking up with her because he felt like she spent too much time watching the world around her instead of living in it.
So Sarah’s summer plans are to be more like her beautiful older sister. Which is how Project Scarlett is born.
And it’s a relative success when she meets the engaging Andrew on the beach and is immediately drawn to him. I can’t lie. I was completely sucked in by him too. He’s everything a swoony, summer love should be. But the catch is that Andrew is 19 and Sarah… well, she’s only just 16. Instead of telling him the truth though, in order to keep her plan alive, she lies and tells him that she’s 18 and on her way to MIT in the fall.
UGH – this is where it gets so hard to understand my love for this book because … because she lies. Outright lies and you see where their relationship is headed. BUT the age thing is the only thing she lies about. She’s truly herself when she is with him and it’s so hard to watch them fall for each other knowing that the road ahead isn’t going to be pretty. I totally get her struggle to come clean because she finally HAS found someone who appreciates all her quirks and geekiness and how do you honestly give that up easily? You don’t is the answer to that by the way, and the story shows just how painful the whole thing can be once the truth comes out.
I struggled a bit with the family dynamics… the relationship between Sarah & Scarlett and also between Sarah and her parents. I get being the little sister but it’s like none of these people wanted to see the person that was right in front of them.
I think what I really liked here was seeing the eventual growth of our main character. Yes, she’s immature, insecure and naïve and doesn’t see the full picture almost up until the very end of the book, but she does grow in other ways. Her insecurity over the idea that people won’t like the real her all but vanishes and all it took was letting a few people know who she is and what she’s about… and they didn’t go running. Her confidence is another way, being face to face with her ex best friend and boyfriend after knowing that the things he said are no longer true really changed her.
And of course the romance. Hard as it is to swallow, was done really, really well. I loved the way these two got to know each other and it was truly what you would imagine a summer romance to be. Especially because Andrew is totally one of the loveliest book boys I've read in quite some time.
Overall, I still really am struggling with how much I loved this… because it almost doesn’t make sense based on my normal feelings. This lie that Sarah tells… it has more of an implication than just fibbing about your age. Especially between her and Andrew, and when that comes to light I honestly wanted to throw the book because my heart was broken.
The epilogue was definitely needed and though it didn’t make everything all bright and shiny again, it eased my heart a bit and left me definitely wanting more… maybe something a few summers after. I’m just saying… I would read it.
If you like a coming of age story with a very complicated romance … and an MC that while she isn’t perfect is learning who she is and wants to be, definitely pick this one up!
Thank you to HarperCollins for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
June 6, 2016
Review posted on Fafa's Book Corner !
Beware spoilers ahead!
DNF
I had heard about this book last year through GR. It looked interesting. At the time it wasn't in my library so I made a mental note of it. Luckily it had come to my library and I was excited to read it! Unfortunately I did not enjoy it.
The book begins with Sarah talking to her sister Scarlett about the stars. Scarlett calls Sarah a dork and leaves. Their mother calls and announces that Sarah's boyfriend Tucker is here. Sarah goes to greet Tucker. She notices something off about him but pushes it aside. Tucker takes Sarah outside and breaks up with her. During their conversation Tucker mentions that he has changed but because Sarah has her head in science she never noticed. He also implies that he has been cheating on her. He leaves.
Sarah goes back in her house in a daze. She can't believe what just happened. She always thought that Tucker and her would be forever. They've been friends since kindergarten and share a love for science. Sarah is very happy that her family will be spending the summer in Cape Cod.
Once in Cape Cod Sarah still feels hurt by Tucker. One day her sister Scarlett goes to the beach. Sarah wants to go as well but Scarlett says that she wants to spend some time with her friends. Sarah goes anyways and ends up following Scarlett. Sarah realizes that if she becomes Scarlett she'll never be hurt again. Thus creating The Scarlett Experiment.
The reason I didn't finish this book is because of all the lies that Sarah ends up telling. Literally before the epilogue she reveals everything. Which didn't sit well with me. My family considers me the epitome of honesty so that might be part of the reason I couldn't finish this.
I have rated this 2 stars because despite all hte lies Sarah does develop. And the premise sounded interesting.
Overall this was not for me. I still recommend it to fans of contemporary. If you can get past the lying then I think you'd enjoy this.
Beware spoilers ahead!
DNF
I had heard about this book last year through GR. It looked interesting. At the time it wasn't in my library so I made a mental note of it. Luckily it had come to my library and I was excited to read it! Unfortunately I did not enjoy it.
The book begins with Sarah talking to her sister Scarlett about the stars. Scarlett calls Sarah a dork and leaves. Their mother calls and announces that Sarah's boyfriend Tucker is here. Sarah goes to greet Tucker. She notices something off about him but pushes it aside. Tucker takes Sarah outside and breaks up with her. During their conversation Tucker mentions that he has changed but because Sarah has her head in science she never noticed. He also implies that he has been cheating on her. He leaves.
Sarah goes back in her house in a daze. She can't believe what just happened. She always thought that Tucker and her would be forever. They've been friends since kindergarten and share a love for science. Sarah is very happy that her family will be spending the summer in Cape Cod.
Once in Cape Cod Sarah still feels hurt by Tucker. One day her sister Scarlett goes to the beach. Sarah wants to go as well but Scarlett says that she wants to spend some time with her friends. Sarah goes anyways and ends up following Scarlett. Sarah realizes that if she becomes Scarlett she'll never be hurt again. Thus creating The Scarlett Experiment.
The reason I didn't finish this book is because of all the lies that Sarah ends up telling. Literally before the epilogue she reveals everything. Which didn't sit well with me. My family considers me the epitome of honesty so that might be part of the reason I couldn't finish this.
I have rated this 2 stars because despite all hte lies Sarah does develop. And the premise sounded interesting.
Overall this was not for me. I still recommend it to fans of contemporary. If you can get past the lying then I think you'd enjoy this.
February 19, 2016
I'm kind of pissed off right now after finishing this book... The beginning of this book started off promising, and I actually thought it was going to be a cute summer romance novel. This is a "coming of age" novel about a girl named Sarah who always lives in the shadows of her sister Scarlet. Scarlet is a ballerina and she always gets all the attention from their parents and from boys and Sarah is an awkward social outcast who spends all of her time stargazing and being a scientist.
“You watch the world. I’m not even sure you live in it.”
Don't get me wrong, this book has some wonderful moments and some beautiful quotes and a very likeable, sweet, caring love interest Andrew. However, our main character Sarah is kind of an asshole and she pissed me off again and again. I actually related to her a lot in the beginning, I've always been the less outgoing sister too, and I am also obsessed with astronomy, and I've never had a lot of friends either, but that doesn't mean she gets to self-pity herself so much. I was interested in this experiment she decided to conduct over the summer: The Scarlet Experiment. She decided that if she started acting, dressing, and behaving more like her sister then she would get more friends and maybe even a boyfriend. It's a juvenile concept and sends the wrong message (because it's always a better idea to just be yourself) but I didn't mind it. I went along with it and it was fun at first. I enjoyed her first few interactions with Andrew, and it was like Sarah was finally living for the first time.
My problem began when she started leading Andrew on, and telling him more and more lies. She crossed a line. It's one thing to dress up like your sister and pretend you're more outgoing than you actually are, but How could she not tell him? She had a million opportunities to bring it up... I'm not kidding, there were literally so many scenes where I was like, just TELL HIM. Is it really so hard?
I have no sympathy for liars, sorry. It was one thing after another. Like Chelsea said in this review, it might as well be called "How To Lose A Guy In One Summer". That's actually an extremely fitting title for this book. This is not my kind of coming of age story. Not when it involves hurting others and only caring about yourself. Bleh.
“You watch the world. I’m not even sure you live in it.”
Don't get me wrong, this book has some wonderful moments and some beautiful quotes and a very likeable, sweet, caring love interest Andrew. However, our main character Sarah is kind of an asshole and she pissed me off again and again. I actually related to her a lot in the beginning, I've always been the less outgoing sister too, and I am also obsessed with astronomy, and I've never had a lot of friends either, but that doesn't mean she gets to self-pity herself so much. I was interested in this experiment she decided to conduct over the summer: The Scarlet Experiment. She decided that if she started acting, dressing, and behaving more like her sister then she would get more friends and maybe even a boyfriend. It's a juvenile concept and sends the wrong message (because it's always a better idea to just be yourself) but I didn't mind it. I went along with it and it was fun at first. I enjoyed her first few interactions with Andrew, and it was like Sarah was finally living for the first time.
My problem began when she started leading Andrew on, and telling him more and more lies. She crossed a line. It's one thing to dress up like your sister and pretend you're more outgoing than you actually are, but How could she not tell him? She had a million opportunities to bring it up... I'm not kidding, there were literally so many scenes where I was like, just TELL HIM. Is it really so hard?
I have no sympathy for liars, sorry. It was one thing after another. Like Chelsea said in this review, it might as well be called "How To Lose A Guy In One Summer". That's actually an extremely fitting title for this book. This is not my kind of coming of age story. Not when it involves hurting others and only caring about yourself. Bleh.
November 14, 2015
Initial reaction: Bean was a relatable character that I liked following for the most part in this narrative of a geeky stargazing girl trying to navigate her way through several changes that occur in her life back-to-back. Still meditating on the rating (Probably between 3.5 and 4 stars), but I think Rebecca Maizel's talent for showing character intimacy was well-noted here.
Full review:
I honestly had no idea what to expect picking up Rebecca Maizel's "Between Us and the Moon" - I did know that it was a book where the main character is an awkward, geeky teenager who's just coming of age (she turns 16 in the story), and it's a rollercoaster emotional ride of first-times, social awkwardness, and other things. I would definitely classify this as YA, but it contains mature themes and discussions (i.e. sex).
I know the blurb compares this with Judy Blume's "Forever", but I'm casting that comparison out of the window because I hate comparisons (Dangnabit, let a book sell on its own merits!). Instead, I'm just going to talk about the book itself.
Let me first say that with the scheme of events in this book, I didn't think I'd like it, because it's built on the premise that Bean (Sarah) is a girl who's lying about her identity and she translates that lie in several places of her life in an effort to be what she thinks other people thinks she should be. Bean's dumped by her boyfriend (cheated on and dumped, actually) and she thinks that she needs to change herself in order to be more accepted. She sees her older sister Scarlett as someone to model herself over, thus she begins the "Scarlett experiment", where she models behavior she *thinks* her sister would embody - overt displays of confidence, dressy clothes, etc.
(For the record: she's 15 starting this story turning 16, so her insecurities and actions given the context of this book - it makes sense. I didn't like her actions or behavior, but the book does a decent job of showing why she acts like this, and I felt sorry for the poor girl because her family practically doesn't seem like they give her enough attention or guidance for certain things.)
She ends up meeting a college guy named Andrew and the "experiment" continues with him being a part of it, but unwittingly. For the record, I loved Andrew and thought the narrative did a great job of showcasing his character. Bean, on the other hand, starts feeling the weight of this "experiment" and the contradictions as time goes forward.
Sometimes I was icked out, but I could see this actually happening to/with someone (and I wish it didn't). I almost want to say that this book reminds me of how torn I was reading Katie Cotugno's "99 Days" - it's well written, the characterization is very on point, and expands on its subject well despite how contentious the overarching story may be. I actually think this feels more realistic (and more maturely handled) than many purported New Adult novels tend to be on its subject matter. But did it build a memorable connection with me? Yes and no. I'm glad at least it was realistic in its handling and that Bean has a coming to terms that progressively came across in the novel, but it was still something that I had a hard time connecting with - in part for the relationships (Bean's lie, the context and events that happened before the reveal was made, including sexual relationships) and in part for the very nature of it, I guess.
The open ending left me feeling neutral about the narrative as a whole because there's something unspoken about the relationship there, which could work, but it still doesn't feel like there's some follow-up of consequence from that.
Overall, I'm putting this up half a star because Luci Christian did a fantastic job of the audio narration, and I'd certainly read more from Maizel in the future, though I'm familiar with her narratives already, just not in this particular genre.
Overall score: 3.5/5 stars.
Full review:
I honestly had no idea what to expect picking up Rebecca Maizel's "Between Us and the Moon" - I did know that it was a book where the main character is an awkward, geeky teenager who's just coming of age (she turns 16 in the story), and it's a rollercoaster emotional ride of first-times, social awkwardness, and other things. I would definitely classify this as YA, but it contains mature themes and discussions (i.e. sex).
I know the blurb compares this with Judy Blume's "Forever", but I'm casting that comparison out of the window because I hate comparisons (Dangnabit, let a book sell on its own merits!). Instead, I'm just going to talk about the book itself.
Let me first say that with the scheme of events in this book, I didn't think I'd like it, because it's built on the premise that Bean (Sarah) is a girl who's lying about her identity and she translates that lie in several places of her life in an effort to be what she thinks other people thinks she should be. Bean's dumped by her boyfriend (cheated on and dumped, actually) and she thinks that she needs to change herself in order to be more accepted. She sees her older sister Scarlett as someone to model herself over, thus she begins the "Scarlett experiment", where she models behavior she *thinks* her sister would embody - overt displays of confidence, dressy clothes, etc.
(For the record: she's 15 starting this story turning 16, so her insecurities and actions given the context of this book - it makes sense. I didn't like her actions or behavior, but the book does a decent job of showing why she acts like this, and I felt sorry for the poor girl because her family practically doesn't seem like they give her enough attention or guidance for certain things.)
She ends up meeting a college guy named Andrew and the "experiment" continues with him being a part of it, but unwittingly. For the record, I loved Andrew and thought the narrative did a great job of showcasing his character. Bean, on the other hand, starts feeling the weight of this "experiment" and the contradictions as time goes forward.
Sometimes I was icked out, but I could see this actually happening to/with someone (and I wish it didn't). I almost want to say that this book reminds me of how torn I was reading Katie Cotugno's "99 Days" - it's well written, the characterization is very on point, and expands on its subject well despite how contentious the overarching story may be. I actually think this feels more realistic (and more maturely handled) than many purported New Adult novels tend to be on its subject matter. But did it build a memorable connection with me? Yes and no. I'm glad at least it was realistic in its handling and that Bean has a coming to terms that progressively came across in the novel, but it was still something that I had a hard time connecting with - in part for the relationships (Bean's lie, the context and events that happened before the reveal was made, including sexual relationships) and in part for the very nature of it, I guess.
The open ending left me feeling neutral about the narrative as a whole because there's something unspoken about the relationship there, which could work, but it still doesn't feel like there's some follow-up of consequence from that.
Overall, I'm putting this up half a star because Luci Christian did a fantastic job of the audio narration, and I'd certainly read more from Maizel in the future, though I'm familiar with her narratives already, just not in this particular genre.
Overall score: 3.5/5 stars.
December 11, 2015
I think I ended up liking this a lot (except for the awkwardness I felt).
July 28, 2015
3.5 stars!
Jointly reviewed with my co-blogger, Becca!
THE STORY:
Lisa : Becca and I were so excited to start this book. We are huge fans of summer beach reads, and this one seemed like it would be perfect. A story set in the summer months on Cape Cod... YES!
Sarah has forever lived in her sister, Scarlett's, shadow. Scarlett is three years older than Sarah, beautiful, and extremely popular. Sarah has always been considered the "little sister". Though she's 15, she's treated as if she's 12. From clothes, makeup, her overall appearance, to the way people treat her, she's always felt young and not as good as her sister. Her family calls her Bean, which she used to enjoy, but now it just feels like they're mocking her. She decides to have a Scarlett Experiment over the summer, borrowing her sister's clothes, acting like her sister would in certain situations, and even partaking in events that Scarlett would have, such as summer beach parties. She meets Andrew, pretending to be someone who she's not, and her summer takes a turn. Filled with excitement, adventure, and lots of lies, Sarah begins living the summer she's always dreamed of. But is it at a cost? What will happen in August when her summer inevitably comes to an end?
Becca : I couldn't have summed it up better myself Lisa! This really was an excellent Summer read! I felt as if I was right there on the Ocean with Sarah, Scarlett ans Andrew :) Sarah is a bit of a nerd and I loved it! She is huge into astronomy and science and her logical take on the "Scarlett Experiment" was quite funny in places. Watching this socially awkward 15 year old, find herself and her confidence over the Summer pretending to be her sister was both funny and at times frustrating. This really was a very sweet and summery coming of age story.
THE CHARACTERS:
Becca : This cast of characters had my feelings all over the place! At times they were so lovable and others so irritating! I really liked Sarah, I really empathized with her and understood her need to grow up! I loved her sweet, nerdy side and rooted for her throughout the book as she gained more confidence in herself! Her love of astronomy was also infectious and I loved the different facts that Rebecca Maizel included. There were times I absolutely wanted to shake Sarah, I was literally yelling out loud at her! "No Sarah!!!" However, these moments did not make me like her any less, and really helped to develop her character and build the story.
I loved Andrew, he was so sweet, patient, a little tortured and absolutely adorable! He treated Sarah in a way that all girls wish they would be treated. He was overcoming some obstacles in his past, and his sense of doing right and loyalty to his friends and family totally won me over!
The cast of secondary characters were a bit tough to take at times. Sarah's sister Scarlett came across so self absorbed and selfish. Their parents were just as obsessed with Scarlett as she was herself! Not to mention their Aunt Nancy, whose house they stay at throughout the Summer. Sarah was just invisible to them all, despite her intelligence and how hard she worked they still ignored her for the most part. These things really helped me to understand Sarah.
Andrew's group of friends were also important to this story, they were typical teens that were partying for the Summer. All different types of personalities helped to create this story!
Lisa : Aunt Nancy... *eye roll* I had such a hard time with her presence in this family. She didn't come off like an aunt at all. She came off as more of a God in their eyes. It really annoyed me. Because of her help paying the girls' school tuition, it seemed as if they lived like they owed her something. Everything went through Aunt Nancy. Aunt Nancy made the decisions. That whole thing really rubbed me the wrong way.
I have to agree with Becca on Andrew and Sarah. Andrew was adorable. And though Sarah was kind of annoying and made very silly teenage decisions more often than not, she was just trying to find herself, and at the same time trying to grow up.
OVERALL:
Lisa : Overall, a fun beach read that I'm happy Becca and I buddy read together. It was cute, fun, had just the right amount of adventure and drama, and overall kept me entirely entertained. Despite the issues I had with the story, I don't think others will be as bothered by them as I was so I would definitely still recommend this book to YA contemporary fans.
Becca : I agree with some of the issues Lisa had as well, they really bugged me too. Overall I really enjoyed this novel, issues aside, it was summery and fun and a wonderful read for fans of this genre!
(Thanks to HarperTeen for the review copy!)
Find this review and others like it at Lost in Literature!
Jointly reviewed with my co-blogger, Becca!
THE STORY:
Lisa : Becca and I were so excited to start this book. We are huge fans of summer beach reads, and this one seemed like it would be perfect. A story set in the summer months on Cape Cod... YES!
Sarah has forever lived in her sister, Scarlett's, shadow. Scarlett is three years older than Sarah, beautiful, and extremely popular. Sarah has always been considered the "little sister". Though she's 15, she's treated as if she's 12. From clothes, makeup, her overall appearance, to the way people treat her, she's always felt young and not as good as her sister. Her family calls her Bean, which she used to enjoy, but now it just feels like they're mocking her. She decides to have a Scarlett Experiment over the summer, borrowing her sister's clothes, acting like her sister would in certain situations, and even partaking in events that Scarlett would have, such as summer beach parties. She meets Andrew, pretending to be someone who she's not, and her summer takes a turn. Filled with excitement, adventure, and lots of lies, Sarah begins living the summer she's always dreamed of. But is it at a cost? What will happen in August when her summer inevitably comes to an end?
Becca : I couldn't have summed it up better myself Lisa! This really was an excellent Summer read! I felt as if I was right there on the Ocean with Sarah, Scarlett ans Andrew :) Sarah is a bit of a nerd and I loved it! She is huge into astronomy and science and her logical take on the "Scarlett Experiment" was quite funny in places. Watching this socially awkward 15 year old, find herself and her confidence over the Summer pretending to be her sister was both funny and at times frustrating. This really was a very sweet and summery coming of age story.
THE CHARACTERS:
Becca : This cast of characters had my feelings all over the place! At times they were so lovable and others so irritating! I really liked Sarah, I really empathized with her and understood her need to grow up! I loved her sweet, nerdy side and rooted for her throughout the book as she gained more confidence in herself! Her love of astronomy was also infectious and I loved the different facts that Rebecca Maizel included. There were times I absolutely wanted to shake Sarah, I was literally yelling out loud at her! "No Sarah!!!" However, these moments did not make me like her any less, and really helped to develop her character and build the story.
I loved Andrew, he was so sweet, patient, a little tortured and absolutely adorable! He treated Sarah in a way that all girls wish they would be treated. He was overcoming some obstacles in his past, and his sense of doing right and loyalty to his friends and family totally won me over!
The cast of secondary characters were a bit tough to take at times. Sarah's sister Scarlett came across so self absorbed and selfish. Their parents were just as obsessed with Scarlett as she was herself! Not to mention their Aunt Nancy, whose house they stay at throughout the Summer. Sarah was just invisible to them all, despite her intelligence and how hard she worked they still ignored her for the most part. These things really helped me to understand Sarah.
Andrew's group of friends were also important to this story, they were typical teens that were partying for the Summer. All different types of personalities helped to create this story!
Lisa : Aunt Nancy... *eye roll* I had such a hard time with her presence in this family. She didn't come off like an aunt at all. She came off as more of a God in their eyes. It really annoyed me. Because of her help paying the girls' school tuition, it seemed as if they lived like they owed her something. Everything went through Aunt Nancy. Aunt Nancy made the decisions. That whole thing really rubbed me the wrong way.
I have to agree with Becca on Andrew and Sarah. Andrew was adorable. And though Sarah was kind of annoying and made very silly teenage decisions more often than not, she was just trying to find herself, and at the same time trying to grow up.
OVERALL:
Lisa : Overall, a fun beach read that I'm happy Becca and I buddy read together. It was cute, fun, had just the right amount of adventure and drama, and overall kept me entirely entertained. Despite the issues I had with the story, I don't think others will be as bothered by them as I was so I would definitely still recommend this book to YA contemporary fans.
Becca : I agree with some of the issues Lisa had as well, they really bugged me too. Overall I really enjoyed this novel, issues aside, it was summery and fun and a wonderful read for fans of this genre!
(Thanks to HarperTeen for the review copy!)
Find this review and others like it at Lost in Literature!
May 3, 2018
✧･ﾟ:* ✩ 4.5 SHINY STARS ✩*:･ﾟ✧
LISTEN, I DON’T KNOW WHAT WAS IT ABOUT THIS BOOK BUT I REALLY LIKED IT DON’T JUDGE ME, OKAY? Cool. Now, I really enjoyed. this book. I mean in the end it ripped my heart to tiny little pieces but it had to happen….btw don’t get me wrong this book did pissed me off in some points but overall I really liked it and it was fun to read.
So one of the things that I liked about Between Us & The Moon is that even tho Sarah wanted to become ‘somebody else’ with the Scarlett Experiment in the end she ended up finding herself and discovering that she can be a science girl and also love clothes and hang out with the ‘cool’ people and that people will love her because of who she is.
“There was so much more to me. I never knew. So much more than that American flag string bikini. More than a closet full of clothes that weren’t mine and a telescope pointed up to the sky and away from the earth.”
I wish I would’ve read this when I was around 15-16 because just like Sarah it was hard for me to talk to people and I related to her in some aspects, like when her dad tells her that maybe the reason she doesn’t hang out with new people is because she is afraid that they don’t find her interesting or want to hang out with her and that was someting that I struggled with too
Let’s talk about the rOmAnCE shall we?
First I’ve got to say that I really liked Andrew, he was really nice and cute and he cared about Sarah and never pushed her, etc. They were really lovely together I liked their dynamic HOWEVER it was hard to focus in that kinda aspect when you had Sarah lying through the hole motherF CKING BOOK.
At some point I guess I sort of expected they weren’t going to end up together but I don’t know I thought we were going to have an epilogue of them like 4 years later where they were together or idk BUT NOOO.
Man I was sobbing when Sarah finally tells Andrew, because I felt that they were so good for eachother and like I said he was so sweet but at the same time I understand, not only she freaking lied to him but also the age gap…I don’t think that 4 years is a lot but in this case Sarah is underage so the situation is different.
Even tho we don’t have that 4 years later epilogue that I was talking about I still liked how it ended, I wish they would’ve talked to eachother but I’ll settle with that smile, the smile was good.
“Swimming to the moon is scientifically impossible.”
“But isn’t that what makes life great? Something unexpected?” Andrew asks.”
January 5, 2015
I adored this book... right up until the last page.
Okay, let me rephrase that. I adored Andrew through the last page and beyond, Sarah--and that ending--not so much. We’ll get into that, though.
Let’s start with Sarah first.
She’s young. Fifteen. She's immature, still finding out what her purpose in life should be. She thought she had it figured out. She was pretty certain it involved science and the sky and the endless number of stars she’d spent the last year looking at particularly hard while she tracked a comet that could make or break her chances at a prestigious scholarship. But when her best friend since childhood, and boyfriend over the last year, breaks up with her right at the start of summer vacation, things begin to change. She quickly loses focus on the things that were important to her, and decides instead that she’d like to step out from beneath the big fat shadow of her older sister, Scarlett, and see what life would be like for her if she were her sister.
Sara’s experiment starts off innocently enough, with her wearing her sister’s clothes and trying to perfect that unforgettable hair-flip…but it quickly leads to dangerous territory when her new-found image grabs the attention of nineteen year old Andrew.
Yes, nineteen.
Sarah’s so enamored with the attention, she lies to him about her age. Adding a few years on to her almost-sixteen and claiming there’s a spot for her at MIT in the fall.
And he believes her.
He was one of the sweetest boys. I swooned. I definitely swooned a lot. But I hurt for him so bad. I wanted to choke Sarah for him. I won’t spoil it all for you, but he obviously ends up somewhere he never planned to be and it’s just…gah. My heart. The feels.
That ending though. I am…not a fan.
I needed more. I wanted more.
I hate being disappointed by the ending of a book I really enjoyed (which is why this didn’t get all my stars). It felt very much like the ending to E&P for me, with no real resolution or answer. I mean, I know they were in an impossible situation, but at least give me something. I know some will appreciate that there were no pretty boxes with perfect bows, but I am not that person. I want bows, damnit.
June 29, 2015
If I were to pitch Between Us and The Moon is one sentence it would be something like this: A summer romance filled with lies and stars.
Sarah “Bean” Levin, scientist and stargazer, is sick of being in the shadow of her older sister Scarlett. After she’s dumped by her long time best friend turned boyfriend Tucker, she decides that she’s going to start working on The Scarlett Experiment—an attempt to observe how exactly her sister has all the boys wrapped around her finger. Sarah changes her clothes, her attitude, her speech and finds herself Andrew, the sweetest boy in Cape Cod, and finds the romance she wants.
Except there’s one important thing she changes—her age.
I didn’t agree with Sarah’s plan of lying to Andrew about her age. The constant lies and deception, and the absurd lengths she went to in order to keep the truth from coming out were off-putting and while I cheered for her and thought that she was one of the most real characters I’ve read all summer, I knew right away that she had a lot of growing up to do. She was enthusiastic about stars and the periodic table of elements and all things science, but I agreed that she had kind of set aside people and experiences and adventures and preferred to lock herself up all day to study or research. She was a follower, also, but we can’t possibly expect every person to be a natural born leader. What was more important to me, was that Sarah learnt from her mistakes and became a better person from them. Sarah was kind and trusting and of course, her summer love with Andrew was what I loved so, so much because I want me one of those <3
Andrew was a boy I really, really loved. He wasn’t perfect, far from it, but he was not even the stereotypical boy that I have come to expect from YA. He was a nineteen year old boy, with the hot blood of nineteen year old boys because, um, obviously, but not once did he do anything to make Sarah (or the reader) feel uncomfortable. There was understanding and patience, traits I had not expected from a teenage boy, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that Andrew went above and beyond to make sure that everything went at Sarah’s pace. Many a times, I felt like the connection between Sarah and her sister should have been obvious to Andrew, more so considering that Scarlett was there at Cape Cod too, but it was overlooked and I overlooked it because the message of the book was deeper and I couldn’t stop reading Sarah!
The thing that pissed me off, however, more than the lies, more than anything was Sarah’s relationship with her family. It was simply unnatural. It’s quite difficult to put in words but I’m going to try. To put it crudely, neither of Sarah’s parents gave a shit about her. They were ignorant and self-absorbed, neither paying attention to nor showing any interest in their daughters’ lives. At one point, Sarah doesn’t come home until way past her curfew and no one knows. Not even the next day! And then there was the part where Andrew stayed over at her house, in her room, without their knowledge, and they didn’t have a clue. Her Aunt Nancy in Cape Cod was cruel and manipulative and the reason given to justify herself was unacceptable to me.
In spite of this, or maybe because of it, the growing up that Sarah had done was remarkable. She was brilliant at the beginning of the book, and at the end of it she shone.
Rebecca Maizel did an awesome job of taking me into Sarah’s head and making me never want to get out! She was clever in her prose, and Sarah was, I assume, an excellent MC because I could just feel how the words flowed out into paper, making her story known. I didn’t agree with Sarah’s choices and her motivations, but I could understand them, and see where they came from. Even though the romance was what the book revolved around, I do believe that this book needs to be read because while we don’t always make the right decisions, it is important to understand that we’ll almost always learn something from them.
*I was provided a free ecopy of this book in exchange of an honest review. This did not in any way, however, influence the content of this review.*
Sarah “Bean” Levin, scientist and stargazer, is sick of being in the shadow of her older sister Scarlett. After she’s dumped by her long time best friend turned boyfriend Tucker, she decides that she’s going to start working on The Scarlett Experiment—an attempt to observe how exactly her sister has all the boys wrapped around her finger. Sarah changes her clothes, her attitude, her speech and finds herself Andrew, the sweetest boy in Cape Cod, and finds the romance she wants.
Except there’s one important thing she changes—her age.
I didn’t agree with Sarah’s plan of lying to Andrew about her age. The constant lies and deception, and the absurd lengths she went to in order to keep the truth from coming out were off-putting and while I cheered for her and thought that she was one of the most real characters I’ve read all summer, I knew right away that she had a lot of growing up to do. She was enthusiastic about stars and the periodic table of elements and all things science, but I agreed that she had kind of set aside people and experiences and adventures and preferred to lock herself up all day to study or research. She was a follower, also, but we can’t possibly expect every person to be a natural born leader. What was more important to me, was that Sarah learnt from her mistakes and became a better person from them. Sarah was kind and trusting and of course, her summer love with Andrew was what I loved so, so much because I want me one of those <3
Andrew was a boy I really, really loved. He wasn’t perfect, far from it, but he was not even the stereotypical boy that I have come to expect from YA. He was a nineteen year old boy, with the hot blood of nineteen year old boys because, um, obviously, but not once did he do anything to make Sarah (or the reader) feel uncomfortable. There was understanding and patience, traits I had not expected from a teenage boy, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that Andrew went above and beyond to make sure that everything went at Sarah’s pace. Many a times, I felt like the connection between Sarah and her sister should have been obvious to Andrew, more so considering that Scarlett was there at Cape Cod too, but it was overlooked and I overlooked it because the message of the book was deeper and I couldn’t stop reading Sarah!
The thing that pissed me off, however, more than the lies, more than anything was Sarah’s relationship with her family. It was simply unnatural. It’s quite difficult to put in words but I’m going to try. To put it crudely, neither of Sarah’s parents gave a shit about her. They were ignorant and self-absorbed, neither paying attention to nor showing any interest in their daughters’ lives. At one point, Sarah doesn’t come home until way past her curfew and no one knows. Not even the next day! And then there was the part where Andrew stayed over at her house, in her room, without their knowledge, and they didn’t have a clue. Her Aunt Nancy in Cape Cod was cruel and manipulative and the reason given to justify herself was unacceptable to me.
In spite of this, or maybe because of it, the growing up that Sarah had done was remarkable. She was brilliant at the beginning of the book, and at the end of it she shone.
Rebecca Maizel did an awesome job of taking me into Sarah’s head and making me never want to get out! She was clever in her prose, and Sarah was, I assume, an excellent MC because I could just feel how the words flowed out into paper, making her story known. I didn’t agree with Sarah’s choices and her motivations, but I could understand them, and see where they came from. Even though the romance was what the book revolved around, I do believe that this book needs to be read because while we don’t always make the right decisions, it is important to understand that we’ll almost always learn something from them.
*I was provided a free ecopy of this book in exchange of an honest review. This did not in any way, however, influence the content of this review.*
August 18, 2015
Sarah is just about to turn sixteen and is sick of being overlooked by her family. Her mother and father mostly ignore her and her older sister treats her horribly. Sarah has always admired her sister's social skills and confident air in public—Scarlett is beautiful, popular, and attracts attention at every corner. She's the center of her group of friends and certainly never has to try to be charming.
So Sarah, who is a nerdy, intelligent young scientist at heart, decides to undergo the "Scarlett Experiment." She's going to take on Scarlett's personality and way of life for a little while to see what being popular feels like.
I loved that Sarah was a realistically written, insecure teenage girl. She isn't perfectly satisfied with her body and envies Scarlett's willowy ballerina frame (like any girl naturally would). She's also pretty terrible at starting conversations with guys. There was a certain depth to her that really made her come to life, and though she was a very flawed character and made a number of bad choices, she was smart and relatable and I found myself sympathizing with her.
This book's main focus is on Sarah growing up and coming to terms with herself and her family, but there is also a romantic aspect. Let me tell you about the love interest, Andrew. Sarah meets Andrew on the beach on the first day of the Scarlett Experiment. They talk and laugh on the sand and Sarah finds out that Andrew is a lifeguard. Then Andrew asks Sarah her age (he's nineteen) and she lies, telling him she's eighteen.
There were some really sweet moments between these two. Sarah is studying astrology and tracking a comet, and she and Andrew watched the stars together by the ocean a few times. But Andrew is also his own person and isn't just there to fuel the romance. He's struggling over the loss of his best friend who died in a car accident (which Sarah helps him cope with). I really liked that he was far from perfect, but still likable.
At first glance, this book might seem like it's all fluff, but it can be dark and emotional at times. Sarah's experiment isn't an immediate success; she screws up a few times and eventually has to deal with the consequences of her mistakes. But I liked that everything wasn't all rainbows and sunshine in the end. It closed off leaving me feeling satisfied . . . but not entirely happy. It was more realistic than a lot of endings I've read.
So Sarah, who is a nerdy, intelligent young scientist at heart, decides to undergo the "Scarlett Experiment." She's going to take on Scarlett's personality and way of life for a little while to see what being popular feels like.
I loved that Sarah was a realistically written, insecure teenage girl. She isn't perfectly satisfied with her body and envies Scarlett's willowy ballerina frame (like any girl naturally would). She's also pretty terrible at starting conversations with guys. There was a certain depth to her that really made her come to life, and though she was a very flawed character and made a number of bad choices, she was smart and relatable and I found myself sympathizing with her.
This book's main focus is on Sarah growing up and coming to terms with herself and her family, but there is also a romantic aspect. Let me tell you about the love interest, Andrew. Sarah meets Andrew on the beach on the first day of the Scarlett Experiment. They talk and laugh on the sand and Sarah finds out that Andrew is a lifeguard. Then Andrew asks Sarah her age (he's nineteen) and she lies, telling him she's eighteen.
There were some really sweet moments between these two. Sarah is studying astrology and tracking a comet, and she and Andrew watched the stars together by the ocean a few times. But Andrew is also his own person and isn't just there to fuel the romance. He's struggling over the loss of his best friend who died in a car accident (which Sarah helps him cope with). I really liked that he was far from perfect, but still likable.
At first glance, this book might seem like it's all fluff, but it can be dark and emotional at times. Sarah's experiment isn't an immediate success; she screws up a few times and eventually has to deal with the consequences of her mistakes. But I liked that everything wasn't all rainbows and sunshine in the end. It closed off leaving me feeling satisfied . . . but not entirely happy. It was more realistic than a lot of endings I've read.
July 28, 2015
Before I start this review, I just want to say that this is probably the case of "Ït's not you, it's me".Since it looks like I'm the only one giving it a one star. So, I'm just gonna say it. I didn't like this book.
I'm gonna start off by saying I found the main character i.e. Sarah aka Bean very annoying. Her lying in the beginning actually had a pretty good reason. She was always in the shadows of her perfect sister and nobody saw her for who she really was. She just had a pretty rough breakup. She was lost and was trying to find herself by carrying out this thing called "The Scarlet Experiment". It was actually more like a cry for attention. It was. So I know it was probably justifiable, her lying in the beginning, considering the things she just went through, but I just couldn't take it anymore when she just continued lying one lie after another to multiple persons through out the ENTIRE book. That moment when she belittled her relationship with Andrew in front of her new friends, I was like "I've had it with you, Sarah." There is a limit to things and she just crossed it. After that I just skipped through chapters, because Sarah had started getting on my nerves and I had this really strong urge to strangle her. Esp whenever she would meet someone, first she always thought of how Scarlet would act or what Scarlet would say or what Scarlet would do. I can't..I just can't..
I know she wanted to be like her sister. I got it...at first. But come on, we're about to reach the end of the book, you would think there would be some progress by now. I actually LIKED Bean a lot better than Sarah. Bean was smart and witty. I liked Bean more than Scarlet. But Sarah was just plain stupid and selfish, ALL THE TIME.
The whole time she was trying so hard to be like Scarlet that she didn't even give a chance to be herself. And I.. I just couldn't stand seeing that happen, I guess. That's why I hated the second half of the book, with the ending and everything.
So...yeah..
#NotMyKindOfBook
The End
I'm gonna start off by saying I found the main character i.e. Sarah aka Bean very annoying. Her lying in the beginning actually had a pretty good reason. She was always in the shadows of her perfect sister and nobody saw her for who she really was. She just had a pretty rough breakup. She was lost and was trying to find herself by carrying out this thing called "The Scarlet Experiment". It was actually more like a cry for attention. It was. So I know it was probably justifiable, her lying in the beginning, considering the things she just went through, but I just couldn't take it anymore when she just continued lying one lie after another to multiple persons through out the ENTIRE book. That moment when she belittled her relationship with Andrew in front of her new friends, I was like "I've had it with you, Sarah." There is a limit to things and she just crossed it. After that I just skipped through chapters, because Sarah had started getting on my nerves and I had this really strong urge to strangle her. Esp whenever she would meet someone, first she always thought of how Scarlet would act or what Scarlet would say or what Scarlet would do. I can't..I just can't..
I know she wanted to be like her sister. I got it...at first. But come on, we're about to reach the end of the book, you would think there would be some progress by now. I actually LIKED Bean a lot better than Sarah. Bean was smart and witty. I liked Bean more than Scarlet. But Sarah was just plain stupid and selfish, ALL THE TIME.
The whole time she was trying so hard to be like Scarlet that she didn't even give a chance to be herself. And I.. I just couldn't stand seeing that happen, I guess. That's why I hated the second half of the book, with the ending and everything.
So...yeah..
#NotMyKindOfBook
The End
March 20, 2015
Between Us And The Moon is a great summer story. As summer comes I am thinking beaches, fruits, and long walks on the beach. After looking at the cover of this book I knew I was going to read this book and love it.Summer romances happen all summer long and sometimes they last and sometimes they don't. I will not give away the ending but it is definitely perfect for this book.
This book is about a girl Sarah who lives in the shadow of her older sister Scarlett. She wants to be like her sister outgoing and have lot's of friend and a great boyfriend.But Sarah is just a simple girl who likes what she likes. Then Sarah and her family go to the Cape for the summer and she decides she is going to reinvent herself and be more like her sister.
This is where the story had me reading fast because she meets Andrew who is much older and in college and Sarah starts to lie and her lies snowball and things get a little crazy. When the summer is over and Sarah has to make a decision to tell the truth or keep up the lie what will she choose?
Summer love can either make or break the heart...........
This book is about a girl Sarah who lives in the shadow of her older sister Scarlett. She wants to be like her sister outgoing and have lot's of friend and a great boyfriend.But Sarah is just a simple girl who likes what she likes. Then Sarah and her family go to the Cape for the summer and she decides she is going to reinvent herself and be more like her sister.
This is where the story had me reading fast because she meets Andrew who is much older and in college and Sarah starts to lie and her lies snowball and things get a little crazy. When the summer is over and Sarah has to make a decision to tell the truth or keep up the lie what will she choose?
Summer love can either make or break the heart...........
August 20, 2015
Sarah has always felt like she's lived in the shadow of Scarlett, her older sister. When her boyfriend breaks up with her right before the family is leaving to go to Cape Cod for the summer, Sarah decides it's an opportunity for an experiment. She'll act more like her older sister and see if that attracts friends and boys. This is how she meets college boy Andrew. She finds herself having real feelings for him, feelings that seem to be returned, but he doesn't know the real her. If she tells him the truth, she'll lose him. But if she doesn't, it all might come crashing down anyway at her sister's going-away party.
I went into this book thinking it would be a cute, lighthearted read that would be perfect for summer. It was still cute and a great book for the summer, but it wasn't as lighthearted as I expected. There was a lot of depth to it that I found myself both enjoying and appreciating.
I found myself really relating to Sarah. She surrounded herself with science and astronomy the same way I would surround myself with books and baking. Her story arc became more about her discovering who she was as a person than about her experiment. She made mistakes, sometimes big ones, and she would have to learn from them and accept them. I loved how scientific she was about the experiment. It really suited her.
I did find the love story part of the book hard to get behind. It was cute and I thought they did work well together, but it was based on a lie and I knew something would likely happen. Either he would find out, she would confess, someone would use it against her, so many options for some drama. He knew her only from the persona she was pretending to be, even if that persona was slowly turning out to be the real Sarah. If their whole relationship hadn't started on lies, I probably would have gotten into them more than I did.
The coming-of-age arc was my favourite part of the book. Sarah's experiment may have started because her boyfriend broke up with her and accused her of watching the world instead of living in it, but it turned into a great growth arc that had Sarah stepping out of her sister's shadow, discovering new things she liked, and making mistakes that caused her to grow as a person. I also loved that her discovering herself didn't mean she lost her love of astronomy and science.
Overall, I know it started out with Sarah changing who she is because of something a guy said, but it turned out to be the catalyst behind an enjoyable coming-of-age story.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I went into this book thinking it would be a cute, lighthearted read that would be perfect for summer. It was still cute and a great book for the summer, but it wasn't as lighthearted as I expected. There was a lot of depth to it that I found myself both enjoying and appreciating.
I found myself really relating to Sarah. She surrounded herself with science and astronomy the same way I would surround myself with books and baking. Her story arc became more about her discovering who she was as a person than about her experiment. She made mistakes, sometimes big ones, and she would have to learn from them and accept them. I loved how scientific she was about the experiment. It really suited her.
I did find the love story part of the book hard to get behind. It was cute and I thought they did work well together, but it was based on a lie and I knew something would likely happen. Either he would find out, she would confess, someone would use it against her, so many options for some drama. He knew her only from the persona she was pretending to be, even if that persona was slowly turning out to be the real Sarah. If their whole relationship hadn't started on lies, I probably would have gotten into them more than I did.
The coming-of-age arc was my favourite part of the book. Sarah's experiment may have started because her boyfriend broke up with her and accused her of watching the world instead of living in it, but it turned into a great growth arc that had Sarah stepping out of her sister's shadow, discovering new things she liked, and making mistakes that caused her to grow as a person. I also loved that her discovering herself didn't mean she lost her love of astronomy and science.
Overall, I know it started out with Sarah changing who she is because of something a guy said, but it turned out to be the catalyst behind an enjoyable coming-of-age story.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
October 5, 2016
What an excellent contemporary that digs deeper and challenges everything in your typical average love story! While the books starts off pretty slow paced, it speeds up and leaves you craving, yearning, and crying for more.
Between Us and the Moon is about Sarah, more commonly known as Bean, who has always felt as though she lives in her vivacious older sister, Scarlett’s shadow. Sarah is this genius astronomer that lives with her head in the clouds. After her childhood best friend and boyfriend breaks up with her, Sarah is determined to prove that she is more complex than what they believe. Sarah decides to become her own Scarlett.
What starts as a lie, grows into something greater and as the ending of summer looms closer, Sarah is stuck facing the consequence of the choices she has made. She can either continue living the lie, or bite the bullet and come clean about who she really is, the question is, will it be too late?
This book made me feel it all! I cried and laughed and smiled and cooed. This is an incredible coming-of-age story that really makes you dig beyond the outer surface to find what really makes us who we are.
Sarah’s growth is the most notable occurrence in this book. She lives two lives, to her family, she’s the nerdy-innocent-stargazer and to Andrew and his friends, she’s exciting-party-girl. She always feel overshadowed by Scarlett, less important, like her parents and great-aunt can’t help but not take notice of her presence, and she’s adamant to change that.
I absolutely loved the relationship that grew between Andrew and Sarah. Andrew is a little darling child. Totally love him! I wanted this book to last forever, once I finished I felt completely ripped off, I mean, YOU CAN’T MAKE ME INVEST IN THESE CHARACTERS AND THEN SLAM THE ENDING IN MY FACE! *sigh* Seems like this is happening too often to me.
I’d LOVE to read a sequel of this fantastic book. I feel like the themes that are taught here are so important for youth to know. The beginning of the book throws you off course slightly, it seems drawn out and slow but do not be fooled, the awesomeness is right around the corner.
“You watch the world. I'm not even sure you live in it.”
4 stars!!
May 12, 2015
My thanks to HarperTeen
There are some (a little) explicit sex scenes which may not be suitable for young readers.--------------------------------------------------------------
Point of View: Single (Sarah, aka Bean)
Writing: First Person | Present Tense
Setting: Rhode Island/Nantucket/New Orleans
Genre: Young Adult | Contemporary Romance
--------------------------------------------------------------
As much as I didn't like what Bean had done and the fact she was starving for attention to the point that she pretended to be someone she was not was a serious no-no for me, I ended up enjoying this book more that I should have.
By the way, a sequel would be more than welcome!
Story-wise, it was well-written. The story developed with such a nice pace and interesting storyline. I found the romance sweet and believable. The way the book ended was realistic enough for me because I actually couldn't see it end any other way.
As for the characters, asides from Bean annoyed me a bit with her trying to be someone she wasn't, I thought it was pretty great as well. Bean had just turned 16, and as far as I'm concerned, it isn't that abnormal for a girl as this age to find and make sense of who she really is. So I was somehow cool with Bean. And Andrew was a babe.
All in all, it was a nice read for me. I really had a wonderful time reading this book and I just loved how beautifully the story ended.
July 1, 2015
This book was amazing. I finished it a few months ago, and I still remember everything in vivid detail. Anyone who loves contemporary romances will love this book, especially if you don't believe in heroines that always need to be perfect. Bean is flawed and infuriating but lovable and real, and so is every other character in this book.
While I can't say it was perfect because it made me angry, I actually can say that it's perfect for the very same reason. Everyone in this book is complex and worth reading about. The plot of this book is deep and immersive. It was realistic, beautiful, vibrant, and... I can't possibly recommend it enough, honestly.
July 6, 2015
See this review, and others, on my blog, Here's to Happy Endings!
So, it's kind of more like 3.5 stars for this one.
When I picked this book up, I expected a sweet, summer romance that would make a quick, heartwarming read, but I didn't get that. I mean, don't get me wrong, the book wasn't bad...but I just had a lot of problems with it.
For one, Sarah (or Bean - her nickname, even though I don't remember any point in the book where it describes why she is called Bean), spends the entire book pretty much hating who she is (an incredibly smart girl who loves science and is tracking a comet so she can get a really great scholarship to help pay for school?) and trying to be someone she isn't (her gorgeous, popular sister Scarlett). Yeah, I guess I can see why you should trade being who you are (which is pretty awesome in itself) to wear an American flag string bikini that doesn't even cover your boobs.
Apparently she thinks that being that kind of girl is more important than being a well respected, smart, and decent human being.
And then these are the types of girls who complain when no one takes them seriously.
Anyway, that rant aside...let me go into a little detail about the book itself.
The story starts off with Sarah (I hate her nickname, and I'm not using it) waiting for her boyfriend, Tucker, in the backyard, so they can track the comet together. Sarah has been tracking this comet since it had first been discovered so that she can have a shot at winning an important scholarship that will help her to pay for the tuition at her school. When Tucker finally shows up, he breaks up with Sarah, saying he needs different things in his life, and that Sarah merely "watches the world" instead of living and having new experiences. She's obviously heartbroken, but she's on her way to spend the summer her Aunt Nancy at her beach house, where she will spend the time filling out her scholarship applications and tracking the comet, so she sucks it up and moves on (as well as can be expected).
When she notices her sister, Scarlett, spending the summer days on the beach with guys and the friends she has at the beach house, she starts to wonder what it would be like to actually live her life like her sister, be popular, get guys, and so on. So she begins the "Scarlett Experiment," in which she starts by "borrowing" her sister's clothes and acting like her (snobbish, popular...you get the idea). She of course, attracts the attention of a guy she thinks is dreamy, Andrew, but it turns out he's 19 (yeah, she's 15). They have a few more chance encounters that eventually leads to a date, in which she informs him that she is 18 and on her way to MIT in the fall (she doesn't tell him that she is related to Scarlett, even though Scarlett is friends with Andrew's friends.
Well, they spend the entire summer going on dates, to parties, and Andrew is falling in love with her. Sarah feels herself falling in love with him, too, but she still hasn't told him the truth about her age, her relation to Scarlett, or how she isn't really going to MIT. Eventually she has to tell him about it, but she's dreading it, and until Scarlett lets her know what she has done, she doesn't realize how it's so horrible that she lied.
...How can she not realize what she was doing? Seriously...he's 19. She's 16. How does she not see how bad that is? At least her sister made her realize it. Geez.
Like I said, it wasn't a bad a book, I just felt like Sarah was a typical girl who would rather be a blonde, stick-thin, snobby girl, instead of being someone who could make a difference in the world. Granted she does show Andrew her true colors over time, but she just irritated me.
Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
So, it's kind of more like 3.5 stars for this one.
When I picked this book up, I expected a sweet, summer romance that would make a quick, heartwarming read, but I didn't get that. I mean, don't get me wrong, the book wasn't bad...but I just had a lot of problems with it.
For one, Sarah (or Bean - her nickname, even though I don't remember any point in the book where it describes why she is called Bean), spends the entire book pretty much hating who she is (an incredibly smart girl who loves science and is tracking a comet so she can get a really great scholarship to help pay for school?) and trying to be someone she isn't (her gorgeous, popular sister Scarlett). Yeah, I guess I can see why you should trade being who you are (which is pretty awesome in itself) to wear an American flag string bikini that doesn't even cover your boobs.
Apparently she thinks that being that kind of girl is more important than being a well respected, smart, and decent human being.
And then these are the types of girls who complain when no one takes them seriously.
Anyway, that rant aside...let me go into a little detail about the book itself.
The story starts off with Sarah (I hate her nickname, and I'm not using it) waiting for her boyfriend, Tucker, in the backyard, so they can track the comet together. Sarah has been tracking this comet since it had first been discovered so that she can have a shot at winning an important scholarship that will help her to pay for the tuition at her school. When Tucker finally shows up, he breaks up with Sarah, saying he needs different things in his life, and that Sarah merely "watches the world" instead of living and having new experiences. She's obviously heartbroken, but she's on her way to spend the summer her Aunt Nancy at her beach house, where she will spend the time filling out her scholarship applications and tracking the comet, so she sucks it up and moves on (as well as can be expected).
When she notices her sister, Scarlett, spending the summer days on the beach with guys and the friends she has at the beach house, she starts to wonder what it would be like to actually live her life like her sister, be popular, get guys, and so on. So she begins the "Scarlett Experiment," in which she starts by "borrowing" her sister's clothes and acting like her (snobbish, popular...you get the idea). She of course, attracts the attention of a guy she thinks is dreamy, Andrew, but it turns out he's 19 (yeah, she's 15). They have a few more chance encounters that eventually leads to a date, in which she informs him that she is 18 and on her way to MIT in the fall (she doesn't tell him that she is related to Scarlett, even though Scarlett is friends with Andrew's friends.
Well, they spend the entire summer going on dates, to parties, and Andrew is falling in love with her. Sarah feels herself falling in love with him, too, but she still hasn't told him the truth about her age, her relation to Scarlett, or how she isn't really going to MIT. Eventually she has to tell him about it, but she's dreading it, and until Scarlett lets her know what she has done, she doesn't realize how it's so horrible that she lied.
...How can she not realize what she was doing? Seriously...he's 19. She's 16. How does she not see how bad that is? At least her sister made her realize it. Geez.
Like I said, it wasn't a bad a book, I just felt like Sarah was a typical girl who would rather be a blonde, stick-thin, snobby girl, instead of being someone who could make a difference in the world. Granted she does show Andrew her true colors over time, but she just irritated me.
Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 18, 2015
Confession: This cover was calling my name! I love the pretty shades of blue and the picture of the beach and this is what initially attracted me to this book. Plus, I’ve had a book by this author on my shelves for years and figured it was time I finally read one of her books. There were a few issues that bothered me with this book, but overall I ended up liking this one.
Sarah has always live din the shadow of her older, prettier and more popular sister Scarlett. Scarlett has no problem making friends or flirting with boys, a fact that Sarah has never minded since she has a serious boyfriend and has her future planned out and it too busy with school to care about things like that. But when her boyfriend dumps her out of nowhere and Sarah and her family go spend the summer with her aunt (who helps them financially) she starts to wonder if she has let life pass her by and how much she has lost out on by focusing on school so much. She’s terrible at making friends or talking with boys, but after seeing Scarlett in action she realizes that all she has to do is look and behave like Scarlett. And so, operation Scarlett begins. In no time, Sarah reels in her first victim, Andrew. It starts with one innocent lie about her age, but the more time Sarah spends with Andrew, the more she wants Andrew to get to know the real her. She tries to balance the new Scarlett traits with her true Sarah personality, and there are a few times when she slips or completely messes up. But no matter how many real facts Andrew knows about Sarah, she doesn’t know how to admit that she isn’t 18 and that they aren’t headed to the same area for college. Soon, all of Sarah’s little lies start catching up with her and she knows she can’t keep Andrew and her lies.
My issue with this was the lie about the age thing. Sarah is only 16 but she claims to be 18, normally that wouldn’t bother me but the fact that Andrew is 19 raises some major flags. Especially since he could lose his job if he’s caught with a minor. Sarah had so many opportunities to tell the truth, but she kept waiting and waiting and it only made things worse. I don’t know how many times she was supposedly gonna tell him the truth only to chicken out at the last minute and it got annoying after a while. But, I did like her growth and the family relationship (although that took some time). This book was frustrating at times, but I actually really ended up enjoying it. Especially the ending, which wasn’t what I was expecting at all.
Audiobook Comments: Luci Christian is a first time narrator for me and I would definitely listen to her again. I thought she was great as Sarah she did a great job capturing the feel and the emotions of the story very well. She did sound a little bit younger, which makes sense she she was supposed to be 16. She sounded very age appropriate for her characters and did a good job with all the characters. I have no complaints about her as a narrator and she really added to the performance. I love listen to contemporary stories on audio, and this one was another great one that I could re-listen.
Sarah has always live din the shadow of her older, prettier and more popular sister Scarlett. Scarlett has no problem making friends or flirting with boys, a fact that Sarah has never minded since she has a serious boyfriend and has her future planned out and it too busy with school to care about things like that. But when her boyfriend dumps her out of nowhere and Sarah and her family go spend the summer with her aunt (who helps them financially) she starts to wonder if she has let life pass her by and how much she has lost out on by focusing on school so much. She’s terrible at making friends or talking with boys, but after seeing Scarlett in action she realizes that all she has to do is look and behave like Scarlett. And so, operation Scarlett begins. In no time, Sarah reels in her first victim, Andrew. It starts with one innocent lie about her age, but the more time Sarah spends with Andrew, the more she wants Andrew to get to know the real her. She tries to balance the new Scarlett traits with her true Sarah personality, and there are a few times when she slips or completely messes up. But no matter how many real facts Andrew knows about Sarah, she doesn’t know how to admit that she isn’t 18 and that they aren’t headed to the same area for college. Soon, all of Sarah’s little lies start catching up with her and she knows she can’t keep Andrew and her lies.
My issue with this was the lie about the age thing. Sarah is only 16 but she claims to be 18, normally that wouldn’t bother me but the fact that Andrew is 19 raises some major flags. Especially since he could lose his job if he’s caught with a minor. Sarah had so many opportunities to tell the truth, but she kept waiting and waiting and it only made things worse. I don’t know how many times she was supposedly gonna tell him the truth only to chicken out at the last minute and it got annoying after a while. But, I did like her growth and the family relationship (although that took some time). This book was frustrating at times, but I actually really ended up enjoying it. Especially the ending, which wasn’t what I was expecting at all.
Audiobook Comments: Luci Christian is a first time narrator for me and I would definitely listen to her again. I thought she was great as Sarah she did a great job capturing the feel and the emotions of the story very well. She did sound a little bit younger, which makes sense she she was supposed to be 16. She sounded very age appropriate for her characters and did a good job with all the characters. I have no complaints about her as a narrator and she really added to the performance. I love listen to contemporary stories on audio, and this one was another great one that I could re-listen.
July 3, 2015
Sarah, who is 16 and the main character in this book, wants to be more like her older sister, Scarlett. She doesn't want to base her whole life around astronomy, she wants to date guys and be a girl. So, she comes up with the Scarlett Plan. She'll borrow her sister's clothes and makeup and try to pick up a guy. Surprisingly, she meets Andrew, who is everything her Scarlett Plan boyfriend is. The only bad thing is, she's lied about her age, going to college, even though she's still in high school, and Scarlett being her sister. All, except for her love for astronomy. Now, Sarah has to find a way to tell Andrew who she really is and hope that he will still love her, and hope that he doesn't figure it out himself.
I really did love this story. It shows that life isn't always perfect and that not everything ends with a happy ending. I found that this story was a lot like Slammed by Colleen Hoover, especially with the whole age misunderstanding situation. I loved Sarah and Andrew together as a couple and really did hope that Andrew would understand her about lying about her age and pretty much her whole life. But, there was a big part inside of me that knew it couldn't turn out well if he didn't. I actually read this while I was at the beach, on vacation, in between going out into the ocean but, there wasn't a long gap in between not reading this book!
Overall, Between Us and the Moon is a heart warming and heart breaking book that teaches you to always be yourself and not someone the other person wants you to be.
Thank you so much Harper Collins for providing me with this Advanced Readers Copy!
I really did love this story. It shows that life isn't always perfect and that not everything ends with a happy ending. I found that this story was a lot like Slammed by Colleen Hoover, especially with the whole age misunderstanding situation. I loved Sarah and Andrew together as a couple and really did hope that Andrew would understand her about lying about her age and pretty much her whole life. But, there was a big part inside of me that knew it couldn't turn out well if he didn't. I actually read this while I was at the beach, on vacation, in between going out into the ocean but, there wasn't a long gap in between not reading this book!
Overall, Between Us and the Moon is a heart warming and heart breaking book that teaches you to always be yourself and not someone the other person wants you to be.
Thank you so much Harper Collins for providing me with this Advanced Readers Copy!
September 9, 2015
This book is so beautiful. I actually needed this, it reminded me so much of Jenny Han's The Summer I Turned Pretty, I absolutely loved it. What I loved the most about it was the character growth of both Sarah and Andrew. At first I wasn't sure where I stood, I never formed an opinion on relationships that are forbidden due to age gaps, involving an underaged. After reading this book I realized it doesn't bother me, if the gap isn't big and the underaged is mature enough to know what they want. Now the part that really bothered me here was the lie, the big fat lie. She manipulated him. We could tell she really loved him but that's screwed up. Thank god she realized the repercussions of her lie in time to avoid ruining his life any further.
I absolutely loved this book but I have one complaint. The ending. It felt rushed? I wanted to know what happened to Andrew, if his feelings for Sarah changed after she came clean?
I absolutely loved this book but I have one complaint. The ending. It felt rushed? I wanted to know what happened to Andrew, if his feelings for Sarah changed after she came clean?
April 5, 2015
I really enjoyed this story, and could not put it down toward the end. I did find the main character Sarah and her lies off-putting, but I absolutely loved Andrew! Full review to come.
May 16, 2017
I can't even explain how much I loved this.
It was everything I wanted and more.
It was everything I wanted and more.
March 9, 2019
This book began with some heartbreak and ended with some heartbreak, at least for me. I didn't agree with all the posturing and lying Sarah did along the way, but she did grow a lot from the whole experience, and it moved many of the relationships in her life in a positive direction.
Things I loved:
• All the science nerd stuff was top notch for me. I ❤️ science
• I loved being out at the Cape again. It's been years and it was fun to revisit
• I was a fan of the romance. It was sweet and Andrew was a doll. Even if it started with some misconception, almost everything else was real, and I wish circumstances could have been different for these two.
• The epilogue was bittersweet, but necessary for me
Overall: I wasn't happy with the way Sarah went about it and the collateral damage along the way, but I was happy with the outcomes with respect to Sarah, herself, and her relationship with her family.
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Things I loved:
• All the science nerd stuff was top notch for me. I ❤️ science
• I loved being out at the Cape again. It's been years and it was fun to revisit
• I was a fan of the romance. It was sweet and Andrew was a doll. Even if it started with some misconception, almost everything else was real, and I wish circumstances could have been different for these two.
• The epilogue was bittersweet, but necessary for me
Overall: I wasn't happy with the way Sarah went about it and the collateral damage along the way, but I was happy with the outcomes with respect to Sarah, herself, and her relationship with her family.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
June 9, 2015
Oh this book had me feeling so many things upon finishing it! It's the type of story that causes me to pick up my phone just after finishing to text a friend my immediate thoughts. I did not agree with the MC's actions, and to be honest it left me feeling a bit unsettled. However, it gives a portrayal of how our actions, no matter how messy they may be, can dictate the outcomes of our future. I need to let my thoughts marinate a bit before I write a more detailed review.
January 26, 2015
This book was so great!!!! I loved but I'm so disappointed in the ending!! It all ended up way too fast and was bony really wrapped up nor did we get an epilogue that would suffice. I hate these open "make up your own mind" endings....
And I really loved all the rest!!!
And I really loved all the rest!!!
September 18, 2015
is there going to be a second book to this? I need more
September 6, 2022
I give this book 5 stars, although it took a while to get into the book, once I got into it, it was one of the best books I have ever read. This book is intended for teens and up, I don’t think younger children should read this book. It is more mature, so it all depends on what you think your mature level is at.
If you like astronomy and love stories, this is perfect for you. Sarah’s summer is much different this summer than her previous ones at Cape Cod. This book got me attached to the storyline and I couldn't put it down. I never knew what would happen next, and the author did a good job at make the story relatable and having lots of plot twists.
If you like astronomy and love stories, this is perfect for you. Sarah’s summer is much different this summer than her previous ones at Cape Cod. This book got me attached to the storyline and I couldn't put it down. I never knew what would happen next, and the author did a good job at make the story relatable and having lots of plot twists.
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