The Moon and More

Lots of people can't wait to settle down in a relationship, although they don't expect that most of the time it's not such an easy ride, there are going to be bumps in the road at some times. Sometimes you might be pressured to be someone else you're not or you might be tempted to cheat. In the story, The Moon and More, by Sarah Dessen, Emaline has to face a complicated and sudden break up with her boyfriend of three years, Luke. Right after the break up, she ends up with a writer from New York, Theo. Emaline also has to get used to dating Theo, who is smarter and more serious than Luke, who is relaxed and fun. Throughout the book, Emaline discovers a new perspective and tries out different things. Teens can relate to this book because whether it's a friendly or romantic, we all face confusing and complicated relationships.

In the beginning of the story, Emaline has been noticing that she and Luke have been distant. Shortly after, Like cheats on Emaline and they break up. This shows the reader how a relationship can go from “perfect” to nonexistent in a small amount of time. This also shows Emaline that even people that you're the closest to can end up changing. Even though Emaline is heartbroken, the situation helps her and the reader realize that it's easiest to move on. For instance, Emaline states “Sometimes I think of Luke and my heart feels heavy. Although, I find it easier to try to move on…” (98) My trying to move on, it shows the reader that rather than sobbing about the fact that you have broken up, it's easier to move on and think positively.

At the end of the story, the book shows the reader that the solution to a break up is to focus on more important things. For example, in the story when Luke and Emaline broke up, Emaline started to focus more on her family. Emaline had a more complex family than some people. Emaline’s mother had her when she was only eighteen years old. Emaline’s birth father left her when her mom when she was only a baby. Now, her birth father are coming to visit with her half brother and her mother is happily married to a different man. She decided to think about the people in her life that have always been there for her and to spend more time with them. On page 294, Emaline explains to her friend; “‘...my father and I can talk about what happened.’” This shows how now Emaline can do important things like resolving a problem instead of worrying about being in a relationship.

In conclusion, The Moon and More shows the reader how  relationships and breakups are, for the most part, stressful and difficult. Although, you can make light out of situations. I wish that teens who have never been in a situation like Emaline's read The Moon and More because that connect to Emaline and what she was going through. I also hope people who have never been in a relationship before read the book because it can show the reader what to expect.