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The Moon Won't Talk
It' s 1966, and George Parker, a reclusive teenager with a bright mind and a vivid imagination, is facing a boring summer in Eden, South Carolina, an oak-shrouded riverside town with magic seeping from the cracks and fissures of its peaceful antebellum faç ade. George has resigned himself to battling boredom with his faithful dog, Buster, a box of comic books, his bike, Lightning, and a fishing rod, but plans change when Gerard Free moves into the decaying old mansion next door. A handsome, flamboyant outsider with bad habits and mysterious secrets, Mr. Free, who claims he can talk to the moon, is on a mission to recover the soul of his dead lover. As summer unfolds, George defies his parents to assist Mr. Free in his quest, embarking on an adventure that includes a crazy flying ghost; the enchanting music of the big bands; odd neighbors who are far more than the eye reveals; and a beautiful girl, who is forbidden in George' s world.
266 pages, Paperback
Published December 10, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 10, 2025
From the start, I loved the vibe of this book. That narrative voice instantly sent me to The Sandlot-- it felt like an older version of our main character, looking back at a transformative summer. But unlike that classic movie, this book is full of the kind of magic and mystery I can never get enough of.
The characters are so loveable and so vivid, I felt like I could have had a whole book about each of them. When neighbors came together in community, it warmed my heart. When people stood up for what they believed in, I felt triumphant. When death came near the end of the story, the loss felt heavy. There was so much love in this book, of all different kinds. That was probably my favorite thing about the main character, he used the word 'love' liberally and he meant it every time.
There were some things I didn't particularly like about this book. Throughout, I was wrestling with the question of whether the book was casually sexist or just the characters were, and whether that distinction was even significant. I don't feel like the main character's poor behaviour at the beginning of the book was necessarily taken as seriously as I thought it should be, and I don't think that he really learned to value women in his life as more than pretty objects even by the end of the book. In fact, the female characters were pretty background in general. And that isn't to say that a book can't just be about this young man and his relationships with the men around him, I think that there is a real place for coming of age books about young men in young adult literature. However if men are going to be centered in the story, rather than just making women peripheral, the women characters need to still be multidimensional in real ways (other than just 'she also reads books'). The ways in which the narrator talked about women, particularly young women, disturbed me even a little further when I found the author to be an old man.
I would still recommend this book, because I think that it was a great read, so long as you are reading it with a critical feminist lens. The main character is 14, and I think that would be a good age for it, but probably no younger than that. Readers who liked A Snake Falls to Earth by Darcie Little Badger, The Great Cool Ranch Dorito in the Sky by Josh Galarza, and Here and Only Here by Christelle Dabos might like this book.
The characters are so loveable and so vivid, I felt like I could have had a whole book about each of them. When neighbors came together in community, it warmed my heart. When people stood up for what they believed in, I felt triumphant. When death came near the end of the story, the loss felt heavy. There was so much love in this book, of all different kinds. That was probably my favorite thing about the main character, he used the word 'love' liberally and he meant it every time.
There were some things I didn't particularly like about this book. Throughout, I was wrestling with the question of whether the book was casually sexist or just the characters were, and whether that distinction was even significant. I don't feel like the main character's poor behaviour at the beginning of the book was necessarily taken as seriously as I thought it should be, and I don't think that he really learned to value women in his life as more than pretty objects even by the end of the book. In fact, the female characters were pretty background in general. And that isn't to say that a book can't just be about this young man and his relationships with the men around him, I think that there is a real place for coming of age books about young men in young adult literature. However if men are going to be centered in the story, rather than just making women peripheral, the women characters need to still be multidimensional in real ways (other than just 'she also reads books'). The ways in which the narrator talked about women, particularly young women, disturbed me even a little further when I found the author to be an old man.
I would still recommend this book, because I think that it was a great read, so long as you are reading it with a critical feminist lens. The main character is 14, and I think that would be a good age for it, but probably no younger than that. Readers who liked A Snake Falls to Earth by Darcie Little Badger, The Great Cool Ranch Dorito in the Sky by Josh Galarza, and Here and Only Here by Christelle Dabos might like this book.
August 29, 2024
I can't remember when I last enjoyed a novel so much. The Moon Won't Talk was beautifully written with the most delightful cast of characters who dazzled on each page. With an original and page-turning plot, themes that resonate the power of love and acceptance, I'll remember this one for many years. Bravo, Morgan Howell.
June 13, 2024
There’s a certain kind of outré adult willing to introduce a child to unknown worlds and there’s a certain kind of peripheral child receptive to the sharing. In The Moon Won't Talk, the telling of such a moment is set in the unlikeliest of settings: a sleepy 1960s southern town. For adults that grew up in such a place, and young people looking to escape them, this is a read for you. Authentic and redolent with details that resonate with immediacy. Just a wonderful read! Highly recommend!
December 23, 2025
The Moon Won’t Talk is a beautifully written, magical coming-of-age novel that captures the wonder, confusion, and emotional intensity of youth with remarkable grace. Set in 1966 in the small Southern town of Eden, South Carolina, this story blends nostalgia, magical realism, and Southern Gothic elements into an unforgettable reading experience.
George Parker is a thoughtful, curious protagonist whose vivid imagination and sharp observations pull readers deeply into his world. His voice feels authentic, tender, and often quietly humorous, allowing us to experience the magic and heartbreak of growing up through his eyes. The summer he spends navigating boredom, curiosity, first love, and moral awakening becomes extraordinary with the arrival of Gerard Free an eccentric, flamboyant outsider whose stories, secrets, and grief reshape George’s understanding of the world.
Morgan Howell’s writing is rich, atmospheric, and deeply immersive, evoking classic American literature while maintaining a fresh, modern emotional sensibility. The town of Eden feels alive, filled with unforgettable characters, hidden histories, prejudice, longing, and quiet rebellion. The magical elements ghosts, moonlit mysteries, and whispered secrets are woven seamlessly into the narrative, enhancing rather than overpowering the emotional core of the story.
While the novel carries a sense of wonder and nostalgia, it never shies away from difficult truths. Themes of race, loss, grief, desire, and societal constraint are handled with honesty and care, grounding the magic in a very real emotional landscape. The result is a story that feels both timeless and deeply human.
This is one of those rare books where the beauty of the writing elevates an already enchanting story. The Moon Won’t Talk is a moving, magical, and deeply satisfying novel that will resonate with readers long after the final page especially those who cherish coming-of-age stories set in the American South.
George Parker is a thoughtful, curious protagonist whose vivid imagination and sharp observations pull readers deeply into his world. His voice feels authentic, tender, and often quietly humorous, allowing us to experience the magic and heartbreak of growing up through his eyes. The summer he spends navigating boredom, curiosity, first love, and moral awakening becomes extraordinary with the arrival of Gerard Free an eccentric, flamboyant outsider whose stories, secrets, and grief reshape George’s understanding of the world.
Morgan Howell’s writing is rich, atmospheric, and deeply immersive, evoking classic American literature while maintaining a fresh, modern emotional sensibility. The town of Eden feels alive, filled with unforgettable characters, hidden histories, prejudice, longing, and quiet rebellion. The magical elements ghosts, moonlit mysteries, and whispered secrets are woven seamlessly into the narrative, enhancing rather than overpowering the emotional core of the story.
While the novel carries a sense of wonder and nostalgia, it never shies away from difficult truths. Themes of race, loss, grief, desire, and societal constraint are handled with honesty and care, grounding the magic in a very real emotional landscape. The result is a story that feels both timeless and deeply human.
This is one of those rare books where the beauty of the writing elevates an already enchanting story. The Moon Won’t Talk is a moving, magical, and deeply satisfying novel that will resonate with readers long after the final page especially those who cherish coming-of-age stories set in the American South.
February 28, 2026
The Moon Won’t Talk by Morgan Howell is a nuanced and compelling literary work that explores the intricate dynamics of human relationships through a lens of emotional subtlety and narrative sophistication. Howell demonstrates a keen understanding of character psychology, crafting protagonists whose internal conflicts and unspoken struggles resonate with authenticity and depth.
The novel’s prose is precise and evocative, capturing both the external atmosphere and the internal emotional landscapes of its characters. Howell balances reflective passages with moments of tension and revelation, creating a narrative rhythm that engages readers intellectually and emotionally. Thematically, the book examines the complexities of communication, memory, and the silences that define human connection, offering insights that linger well beyond the final page.
The Moon Won’t Talk is particularly suited for readers of contemporary literary fiction, those interested in character-driven narratives, and audiences who appreciate stories that combine emotional resonance with stylistic elegance. Howell’s work stands as a testament to thoughtful storytelling that marries introspection with compelling narrative momentum.
The novel’s prose is precise and evocative, capturing both the external atmosphere and the internal emotional landscapes of its characters. Howell balances reflective passages with moments of tension and revelation, creating a narrative rhythm that engages readers intellectually and emotionally. Thematically, the book examines the complexities of communication, memory, and the silences that define human connection, offering insights that linger well beyond the final page.
The Moon Won’t Talk is particularly suited for readers of contemporary literary fiction, those interested in character-driven narratives, and audiences who appreciate stories that combine emotional resonance with stylistic elegance. Howell’s work stands as a testament to thoughtful storytelling that marries introspection with compelling narrative momentum.
March 30, 2024
Anyone who loves a magical adventure will immediately be drawn into the world of George Parker, no matter what age you are. At the beginning of the book, it's 1967, the Summer of Love, and George is just a young teenager with too much time on his hands, prone to bad behavior and laziness, trying to find something to do in his small town of Eden, South Carolina. However, as the story progresses, he's introduced to his new next-door neighbor, Mr. Free, a mysterious man who claims that he can talk to the moon. George soon learns the true reason why Mr. Free has come to Eden: George is the key to freeing the soul of Mr. Free's dead lover, Jolie. As the summer progresses, George meets a helpful ghost, gains a new friend, and finds true love, although their relationship is frowned upon by certain small-minded members of the town. In the end, George finds the courage he needs to complete his quest and to stand up for what he believes. 'The Moon Won't Talk' is a story filled with warmth, humor, and heart. It's well-written and a quick read---you won't want to put it down until you finish it!
November 11, 2024
I received a free ARC from Reedsy Discovery and you can find my original review on their site here. Authors and readers might want to check their website, as they offer recommendations, services, blog posts, and other interesting and useful content.
This novel is full of magic and imagination. It is the coming-of-age story of George Parker, a fourteen/fifteen-year-old boy growing up in a small town (Eden, South Caroline) in 1966, and spending an unforgettable summer full of incredible characters: a new neighbor whose stories can only rival his sense of style; a boy his age whose heart is as big as a house and whose body isn’t far behind; a girl from the wrong race and the wrong side of town; a couple of neighbors who hide more than a few secrets; and even a ghost, or several.
The story immerses readers in a world reminiscent of American Classics (Mark Twain comes to mind), with a touch of magic realism and Southern Gothic thrown in. The writing is beautiful, and the novel is full of adventures and events that keep the readers on their toes while capturing the wonder of youth and the atmosphere of a golden place and time, charming and enchanting. Despite the nostalgic and old-fashioned feel, this is not a rose-tinted version of life. Even the protagonist, George, is less than perfect (he is called Spy Boy), and there are prejudices at play, as well as bullies, busybodies, and haunted buildings with their tragic stories. Women have their place in this society, and they don’t stray far from it (although there are indicators that future generations might). George narrates his story in the first person, and he is an observant and curious boy with a sense of humor, who notices much even when he doesn’t quite understand everything he sees or feels. There are some fragments of the story where there is a fair degree of telling because we come across a few raconteurs, but their tales are fascinating and don’t slow down the story. Rather, they suffuse it with a little magical dust.
There are some violent scenes (not extreme), some disturbing events, loss, and grief, and this is a story about a young boy and his first experience of love (among many other things), so although there are no explicit scenes, lust does feature in the story, in case this might put some readers off.
This is that rare combination: a novel where the story is magical, full of imagination and wonderful characters (so much so that you don’t want it to end), and where the style of writing not only matches it in beauty but takes it to another level. A joyful gift for anybody who loves coming-of-age stories, especially those set in the South of the USA.
This novel is full of magic and imagination. It is the coming-of-age story of George Parker, a fourteen/fifteen-year-old boy growing up in a small town (Eden, South Caroline) in 1966, and spending an unforgettable summer full of incredible characters: a new neighbor whose stories can only rival his sense of style; a boy his age whose heart is as big as a house and whose body isn’t far behind; a girl from the wrong race and the wrong side of town; a couple of neighbors who hide more than a few secrets; and even a ghost, or several.
The story immerses readers in a world reminiscent of American Classics (Mark Twain comes to mind), with a touch of magic realism and Southern Gothic thrown in. The writing is beautiful, and the novel is full of adventures and events that keep the readers on their toes while capturing the wonder of youth and the atmosphere of a golden place and time, charming and enchanting. Despite the nostalgic and old-fashioned feel, this is not a rose-tinted version of life. Even the protagonist, George, is less than perfect (he is called Spy Boy), and there are prejudices at play, as well as bullies, busybodies, and haunted buildings with their tragic stories. Women have their place in this society, and they don’t stray far from it (although there are indicators that future generations might). George narrates his story in the first person, and he is an observant and curious boy with a sense of humor, who notices much even when he doesn’t quite understand everything he sees or feels. There are some fragments of the story where there is a fair degree of telling because we come across a few raconteurs, but their tales are fascinating and don’t slow down the story. Rather, they suffuse it with a little magical dust.
There are some violent scenes (not extreme), some disturbing events, loss, and grief, and this is a story about a young boy and his first experience of love (among many other things), so although there are no explicit scenes, lust does feature in the story, in case this might put some readers off.
This is that rare combination: a novel where the story is magical, full of imagination and wonderful characters (so much so that you don’t want it to end), and where the style of writing not only matches it in beauty but takes it to another level. A joyful gift for anybody who loves coming-of-age stories, especially those set in the South of the USA.
June 11, 2024
Morgan Howell’s fantastical coming-of-age tale reveals its author as the real wizard: He conjures an American village of the 1960s, not as nostalgia might soften it – with warmth and joy only – but with all the shameful customs and painful social and economic realities of the era. Though this Eden is not one, it is on the verge of urgently needed change that will start it and its residents down the road to the future. Teen readers will experience both shock and wonder as a young man named George finds his humdrum, small-town summer magicked into a wild eruption of truth and amazing possibility that offers him the chance to lead the revolution he and his flawed Eden need.
February 12, 2024
I got caught up in this novel’s characters and wildly inventive situations, and in the unexpected, surprising, hidden worlds that Howell brings to light. Although the book is highly entertaining, it doesn’t shy away from heady issues, such as racism in the deep South, budding sexuality, and the rewards of faith. I admired the way the author brought together these various themes and created a compelling novel that kept me turning the pages. This book should appeal to both young-adult readers and adult readers.
February 16, 2025
4.5/5 stars
With shades of To Kill a Mockingbird in the setting, and in the social mores, casual racism and sexism, the author did an effective job of creating 1966. He also wove a rich tapestry of small town life and brought it together so beautifully. Another reviewer, Katherine, compared it to the Sandlot, and I’d have to agree with that vibe.
This is novel is a refreshing glass of ice cold Coke on a hot summer day.
With shades of To Kill a Mockingbird in the setting, and in the social mores, casual racism and sexism, the author did an effective job of creating 1966. He also wove a rich tapestry of small town life and brought it together so beautifully. Another reviewer, Katherine, compared it to the Sandlot, and I’d have to agree with that vibe.
This is novel is a refreshing glass of ice cold Coke on a hot summer day.
August 28, 2024
If you want to read about a young boy growing up in a small Southern town who spent his summers pedaling from one end of town to the other, getting up to mischief with his friends........or if you spent time with the eccentric who lived in the spooky house on the corner........or if you love a little touch of magic......you will love this book!
November 28, 2024
A heartfelt moving story with laughter, tears and depth.
I loved this book so much. It’s not really my genre usually but perhaps I should start being more open minded as my experience with this book was so enjoyable. I’m so proud of Morgan for this huge accomplishment!
I loved this book so much. It’s not really my genre usually but perhaps I should start being more open minded as my experience with this book was so enjoyable. I’m so proud of Morgan for this huge accomplishment!
November 11, 2024
Spell-binding narrative combined with Southern charm and raw emotions. A beautiful story with great emotional range and a surprising ending.
January 10, 2025
I wanted to give this a 5 because I loved it up to the very confounding end! Seriously? I get wanting to leave room for a sequel but that left too much unsaid!
May 7, 2025
Strange
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews