Everybody at Women on Writing is talking about Sisterhood today. And so am I. But first I want to tell you about Therese Walsh’s new novel The Moon Sisters so you can join our celebration.
In The Moon Sisters, her second novel, Therese Walsh wanted to write about one sister’s quest to find will-o’-the-wisp light, which was her mother’s unfulfilled dream. Also called foolish fires, these lights are sometimes seen over wetlands and are thought to lead those who follow them to treasure. Despite the promise, they are never captured and sometimes lead to injury or even death for adventurers who follow them. The metaphor of that fire that some dreams and goals are impossible to reach, and that hope itself may not be innately good eventually rooted its way into deeper meaning as the Moon sisters tried to come to terms with real-world dreams and hopes, and with each other, in their strange new world.
Olivia and Jazz Moon are polar opposites: one a dreamy synesthete, able to see sounds and smell sights and the other controlling and reality driven. What will happen when they are plunged into 24/7 togetherness and control is not an option? Will they ever be able to see the world through the other’s eyes and confront the things they fear the most? Death. Suicide. The loss of faith and hope. Will they ultimately believe that life is worth living, despite the lack of promise?
The writing of The Moon Sisters was a five year journey and at times author Therese Walsh felt like it was her own foolish fire. But remember, some fires are worth the chase!
For an opportunity to receive your free copy of The Moon Sisters, leave a comment here and go to the WOW Muffin for a list of other blogs celebrating Therese’s new book. You may enter as many times as you like.
Here’s my sisterhood story:
I was nine years old when my sister was born. I adored her. She was a real baby doll to play with and care for I fed her, I changed her diapers, I wheeled her around in her baby carriage, and for many years I was her official baby sitter. However, by the time I was in high school I didn’t want to be bothered by the antics of a little sister who liked to get into my things.
As she grew older she became more interesting. I especially liked that she sought me out for advice I was a generation between her and our parents. And since our parents were well into their forties when she was born, we felt they couldn’t relate to her the way I could.
Those mentoring times sealed it for us. As she grew into her adult years we became closer and closer it’s as if there is no age difference between us now at all. My husband and I always like to spend time with her and husband whenever we get a chance. They don’t live very close but come to visit us often in Manhattan Beach because their daughter lives near by. And on occasion we go up to Portland to visit them. One of the best times we had together was my birthday weekend a year ago. My sister just took charge and gave me a birthday celebration I’ll always remember.
My Sister Sure Knows How to Throw a Birthday Party
In my experience it’s always
gray, overcast and rainy
where my sister and her family
live in Oregon.
But not my last birthday weekend.
Warm, not-a-cloud-in-the-sky weather
greeted us as we arrived.
You don’t need a jacket, my sister said.
That set the mood.
Everything she planned
was perfect in every way.
including the weather.
First she took me to a luncheon
complete with fashion show
at the old cultured University club
where anyone dressed in denim
is not allowed.
Later after a long walk around Lake Oswego
she prepared my first birthday dinner.
Salmon, my favorite,
and a huge spinach salad.
Candles burned in vegan chocolate cupcakes
to cater to all our family dietary restraints.
The next day we drove up the Oregon coast
to a small beach town
reminiscent of the place where I live,
except for Haystack Rock
out a ways from the choppy shore.
And that night she cooked another dinner
on my real birthday
roast chicken, lots of veggies
al dente the way I like them
and a blueberry pie
of course it was vegan.
After a long morning walk,
the following day
we drove to Willamette Valley
to taste Oregon’s claim to fame Pinot Noir,
just coming into its own
after thirty-five years of hard work.
Later on we listened
to some avant garde jazz,
my sister and brother-in-law’s
music of choice
and dined on the most marvelous
Peruvian food.
I wanted to go back the next day,
but we opted for an Italian lunch
including another round
of dessert with birthday candles
on our way to the airport.
Four days in Oregon
to celebrate my birthday
with my sister and her family
what more could I wish for
as I blew out all those candles?
***
Some more information about Therese and The Moon Sisters:
Her website: http://www.theresewalsh.com/
Book Club Materials Therese has some great book club materials here: http://www.theresewalsh.com/the-moon-sisters/book-clubs/. We also heard a rumor that in the future there will be a contest just for book club members that includes a Skype visit by Therese to their book club meeting
Personality Quiz Find out which character from The Moon Sisters you are most like here http://www.theresewalsh.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Personality-Quiz.pdf
Name Generator If you were a train hopper (read The Moon Sisters to learn more about train hoppers) what would your name be? Find out here http://www.theresewalsh.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Ng.jpg
Amazon link to purchase The Moon Sisters: http://www.amazon.com/Moon-Sisters-Novel-Therese-Walsh/dp/0307461602/ref=wri
Link to Muffin book review We reviewed The Moon Sisters at The Muffin on Wednesday, February 19. The link is here: http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/2014/02/the-moon-sisters.html
Remember to leave your comment by March 17 for your chance to win a copy of The Moon Sisters.
That book tantalizes my imagination. I especially love your wonderful tale in this post about Lake Oswego, which is almost always sunny when I visit. Maybe because my son shines there? And Haystack Rock! And fresh Pacific salmon. I tasted every course of your feast, saw your sights, heard the surf … if your post is this great, your book has got to be amazing.
Dear Sharon, Thanks so much for the kudos. I’m so glad you could relate to my poem. It really was a special time with my sister.
I love your words: “my son shines there.” That is so true. The weather is never ever bad when we’re with those we love.
Best, M.
Madeline, thank you so much for this post and for participating in WOW’s, Everybody’s Talking About Sisterhood to celebrate the release of my novel, The Moon Sisters! I had such a similar situation with my sisters; I was eight when my first sister was born (and twelve when my second sister was born). But as the years passed, the age gap mattered less and less. Thank you again for your time and for sharing your story with other “sisters.” Happy Reading!
You are so welcome, Therese. I have very happy to share about The Moon Sisters on Choices. I wish you all the best.