Secrets of the Moon: Myth and Mysticism, History and Science

by Andrew M. Osiow

Secrets of the Moon reveals a Moon that is often different from the one we think we know. We typically underestimate its importance in our lives. Very few things are linked to such a wide and diverse net of concepts and beliefs. No matter what those beliefs are, the Moon plays a role in shoring up our reality. Learning about the Moon is a chance to learn about ourselves and our world from an unbiased point of view, and that is Moon's biggest secret of all. The book is divided into sixty short sections, which are grouped into thirteen chapters and five parts. Each section tells a different story about the Moon and usually address one of two key questions: How did the Moon become so subtly influential in our lives and more importantly why is the Moon so essential to all life of Earth. Together, they form a collection of afterthoughts that will give us pause the next time we look up at the Moon. Perhaps we'll see it differently. Perhaps we'll see ourselves differently. Ultimately that is up to the reader. Secrets of the Moon will only challenge those ideas that we are ready to face. Ultimately, the Moon you see is the one you choose to see, but if you are looking to ground a personal philosophy into something you can find nearly every night of the year, Secrets of the Moon might help.

Genres: Nonfiction

264 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 31, 2023

About the author

Andrew Osiow was born in Yorkshire, England, and grew up on a farm before immigrating to the United States at the age of 10. Equally interested in technology and art, he has worked in the computer graphic entertainment industry for most of his career. A chance opportunity to teach allowed him to discover the true gift of teaching is learning from his students. An admitted sci-fi nerd, he enjoys the wealth of ideas that came from the golden age of science fiction that coincidentally ran straight through the Apollo Moon era. Although young at the time, he’s proud to have some early memories of the first time we went to the Moon.

Reviews

[Gretchen Shuler · Rating 5 out of 5]

The moon has always created awe amongst people. Throughout time people have drawn wonder and inspiration from the moon, from ancient cave drawings to modern music, both oks, and film. The Secrets of the Moon: Myth, Mysticism, and Science takes a deep dive into the history and cultural effects the moon has had on us and our planet.

I found The Secrets of the Moon to be a fascinating book filled with the many attributes of the moon. I enjoyed how Andrew Osiow integrated so much information about the moon into related categories by separating the book into four parts representing the seasons. I enjoyed reading familiar facts about the moon, while also learning new facts like the origin of the phrase blue moon, and how a solar eclipse effected the outcome of a war not once but twice! There was so many interesting facts about the moon, I found myself completely engrossed in the book and couldn’t put it down!

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Secrets of the Moon is a good overview of all things moon. It starts off a little dry and I was worried it was going to be boring, but it quickly picked up and became a very readable account. You learn a lot, and it is very approachable. You don't have to do any research to understand the science here. (Although, I have to admit, when it started talking about DNA it lost me a little.) It talks about all the beliefs, myths, legends and stories told about the moon as well. So, you get to hear why life on Earth would not exist without the moon and also why the moon became connected to werewolves and lunacy. If you are doing research this is not the book for you. But if you are interested in understanding all the ways the moon has influenced the daily lives of people since there were humans to look up at it, read this book.

[Sienna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rounding up from four & a half stars. Very easy to read, although there were a couple chapters that I had trouble following (felt like too many puzzle pieces in too small a space). Overall I liked how many strings the author tried to pull together & I definitely had some moments of understanding our home planet plus moon better than ever. There were stories I had never imagined (nuclear bomb on the moon? What could possibly go wrong?) & places where the story of humanity was so clear in the light of the moon. Loved the format of short sections organized over a year.

[Curtis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Have you ever wondered where the stories you've heard about the moon come from? Have you found yourself pondering the intertwining of fact and fiction around this ball of light in the night sky? Andrew M. Oslow is here to help answer your questions and answer several others you didn't even know you had. The book is sequenced well to take the reader through a comprehensive understanding of the moon, both now and throughout history. An engaging, educational read.

Note: I received a free copy of this book through the Early Reviewers program in exchange for an honest review.

[David Fosco · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Secrets of the Moon' is a well-written collection of Moon-related facts and insights. I enjoyed the book with the small exception of one chapter towards the end which felt like a diversity campaign insert. I understand why the author would include it; however, the execution was off and left a bad taste in an otherwise great book.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Books Forward · Rating 5 out of 5]

I personally never knew much about the truth behind the moon and how it influences our daily lives. Osiow perfectly integrates interesting and multifaceted facts with the truth behind the moon and additional astrology/astronomy books. Highly recommend this read for individuals interested in our moon and its history/nature.

[Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book for anyone with a keen interest in space and the moon. Lots of history and facts, and I adored the references to Sherlock Holmes 🕵️

I never realised the obvious until I read this book.. the moon has no name, it's just The Moon. I actually love that! I hope it never changes 🌕

*Free e-copy received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Harry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This work is beautifully written and so wonderfully organized and integrated. Like the cover says, the feature here is our Moon. This book celebrates our closest cosmic neighbor, from just about every point of view possible. Each page bring a treasure trove of ideas, insights, and knowledge connected to the Moon, Earth, Humanity and our whole cosmic world. Highly recommended for all folks!

[Corrine Pritchett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so easy to read, especially for the amount of information you're reading! It's perfect for those interested in getting into astronomy, you don't need any prior knowledge and he writes it in a very digestible way!

[Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a brilliant book. I don't think I have ever read a book about the moon before. So I am definitely glad I found this book. Do not be decived by the books cover. This is a non-fiction book, full of very interesting information. I don't think there is a stone left unturned. Everything is paced into this wonderful book. Even some interesting history about weird things. It was very well written and flowed so well. There was never a dull moment. I definitely recommend reading this book if you want to learn more about our moon.
So much praise goes out to the author and publishers for creating this very interesting book

[Morgan]

I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher.

[Reneta · Rating 3 out of 5]

if you love the moon, read this

To ‘pull’ you in…there are chapters devoted to each month’s full moon, sometimes two. If you want to know everything about our moon and also want to pass on interesting facts about the moon, this is your book. There is no way you know ALL about the moon until you read this.
I won this in a Goodreads win - thank you. The book is too technical for me, however it will appeal to many people. Every chapter is interesting and packed full of information.