It has been too long since I last posted. I’ve been reading less young adult lately. But here is a good one. Jenn Bennett knows how to write teen romance with well developed characters, a strong sense of place and swoon worthy moments. Serious Moonlight is a great read to enjoy while sheltering in place. Her settings make me feel like I am not stuck at home, but wondering around Seattle with Birdie and Daniel. Birdie lost her mom at age ten and was homeschooled by her protective and overbearing grandmother. Daniel has his own secrets. Both are relieved to meet a person who does not have preconceived notions about them and a hookup ensues. Birdie leaves the scene, mortified only to discover that Daniel works at her new job. The job she hopes that will prove to her recently widowed Grandfather that she is a responsible adult. Birdie loves a good mystery and is a sleuth herself, hoping the famous hotel where she works as a night desk clerk might give her a mystery to solve. Daniel discovers a famous mystery writer has strange comings and goings on the celebrity, high income client floor. They investigate together. Birdie is embarrassed by their hookup but is still drawn to him. I love how their relationship unfolds. Bennett’s male characters are always decent human beings. Which is a nice switch from the brooding, disappointing types that often show up in novels for teens. She is also unapologetic about her female character’s sexuality. Her characters are safe and nothing tragic happens to them. Birdie’s Aunt Mona has a very healthy take on Birdie’s experience with Daniel. It is refreshing and great advice. Aunt Mona is a delightful character. The hotel, diner, island, Mona’s movie theater home and hippie commune are also well developed characters in the book. This was a perfect escape read. Fans of Bennett will be thrilled. I’ll be reading Chasing Lucky next.
Some ideas for discussing with teens:
Discuss Birdie and Daniel’s first encounter. How would you have handled it?
How would Birdie’s life have been different if she was raised by her mother? How would that have changed who she is?
Discuss Birdie’s relationship with Aunt Mona. Her relationship with her grandfather.
What is appealing about Daniel?
Discuss Daniel’s family.
What are your thoughts about the octopus. What does the octopus represent to you?
Discuss what happens between Birdie and Aunt Mona’s boyfriend.
Pick some mystery quotes from the beginning of the chapter. Discuss what they mean to you.
Discuss how Birdie processes her feelings about what Daniel shares about his past.
Discuss second and even third chances.
Discuss narcolepsy.
Discuss this passage, “Missing people is hard. Letting new people inside is harder.”
Hickey Picks - Young Adult Readers Advisory 