Skip to main content

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin


There is a barren mountain aptly called Fruitless Mountain, and by it lies the dark Jade River. In the shadow of the mountain is a poor village where everything is the dull color of mud. In this village live Ba and Ma and their quick-thinking daughter Minli. Ba, Ma, and Minli work hard in the fields every day, yet they only have plain rice to eat for their meals. Ma sighs with discontentment all the time. Minli looks at her weary father, her dissatisfied mother, and her desolate village and wishes she knew how she could change their fortune.

Ba has told Minli wonderful stories about the Never-Ending Mountain and the Old Man of the Moon who knows the answer to all important questions, for he alone holds and reads the Book of Fortune. Minli decides to find the Never-Ending Mountain and climb up to the moon so that she can ask the Old Man how she can change her family's fortune. And so begins Minli's journey. Along the way, she makes many new friends, including a dragon, a buffalo boy, and a king.

Minli's story is generously sprinkled with the stories told by Ba and by the animals and people she meets. These magical stories and Minli's own story were inspired by Chinese folktales and all are connected in surprising and delightful ways.

There isn't a lot of external action during the journey, but there is so much going on inside Minli. Readers will find the internal transformation she goes through in her quest for good fortune very satisfying. There is so much wisdom in this book. It is about kindness, generosity, and hospitality. It is about faith and the secret to happiness. It is about the truth in and the power of stories.

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon is not just an example of fine storytelling. It is also an example of fine bookmaking. It is an object of art. The book is filled with engaging, intricately-detailed spot and full-page illustrations in rich, jewel-like colors.

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon is a quietly impressive book from a truly skilled author and illustrator.


[Where the Mountain Meets the Moon was a finalist in the middle grade science fiction and fantasy category of the 2009-2010 Cybils awards. I bought my own copy so that I could read it as a Cybils judge.]

Comments

  1. Susan, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon made me cry! I thought it was just so beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great review for a wonderful book!

    Jules
    7-Imp

    ReplyDelete
  3. Truly a lovely book! I've added your review to my weekly round-up...

    ReplyDelete
  4. I want to read this book so so badly! It sounds wonderful and it made me you cry? :0 It looks beautiful. As soon as I do reviews for all the books I need to review asap, I'm going to read this one.

    Awesome review, Tarie!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Jules, I love this book so much!

    Charlotte, thanks so much for including me in your round-up!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Ari, some readers find the book a little slow. But I really think Where the Mountain Meets the Moon is an excellent example of literary merit.

    I cried when Minli realizes the secret to happiness. It was like a light bulb going off in her head and in MY head. There are books that make you want to live in their world. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon gave me inspiration to live in the real world!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Just read this recently, and thought it was exquisite! Grace Lin has such a light touch while she writes with lasting impact. I *loved* Minli -- all of the characters were wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi, Olugbemisola! I agree! Grace Lin's light touch is so fresh, and I can count Where the Mountain Meets the Moon as a life-changing book for me.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thank you so much for the link love, Susan!!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I really look forward to reading this one! Thanks for the review to pique my interest. :) (I'm going to have a HUGE post-Cybils reading list...)

    ReplyDelete
  11. I really hope you enjoy it, a. fortis! =D

    ReplyDelete
  12. telecom infrastructure corp promotes economic development, enhances welfare and helps provide the basis for more sustained, inclusive growth.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Uwatchfree holds various movies like a thriller, adventure, crime, romance, sci-fi, love, mystery, uwatchfree and much more available on the uwatchfree movies site.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hi ,
    Thank you for Valuable information,
    Zazz is a leading iOS app development company in the United States Find the Best ios app developers that can transform your ideas into a reality. think what is the difference between zazz iOS Developer than other iOS App Developer companies. The app developer company is the ideal solution for all your app requirements. From ios applications to iphone apps, they can help you with any and all your app needs without any hassle

    ReplyDelete
  15. In the contemporary era, as concerns about climate change and environmental sustainability continue to gain momentum, the adoption of renewable energy sources has become a key focal point
    Visit site :
    Solar energy

    ReplyDelete
  16. Discover the extraordinary saffron benefits, a prized spice known for its numerous health advantages. From its potent antioxidant properties to mood-enhancing effects, explore how incorporating saffron into your diet can positively impact overall well-being. Learn more about saffron's potential anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant, and anti-cancer properties, making it a valuable addition to a healthy lifestyle. Uncover the secrets of saffron and harness its natural goodness for a vibrant and thriving you.


    Read more : write for us fashion

    ReplyDelete
  17. isaimini 2023 isaimini 2023 Movies Download isaimini 2023 HD Movies Download isaimini 2023 Tamil Movies Download isaimini 720p HD Movies 2023 Download.isaimini Tamil Movies Download isaimini HD Mobile Movies Download isaimini Tamil Mp4 Movies Download isaimini 1080p HD Movies Free Download.isaimini 720p Movies Download isaimini Tamil 720p HD Mobile Movies Download. Yes you can download movie in 720p HD Format with Mobile Resolution with Mp4 File Format from isaimini.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. casino write for us Gambling refers to the act of wagering money or something of value (referred to as "stakes") on an event with an uncertain outcome, with the primary intent of winning additional money or material goods. It involves risk and reward based on chance rather than skill in many cases.The legality of casinos and gambling varies significantly worldwide. Some countries or regions have strict regulations, allowing only certain forms of gambling or prohibiting it altogether. In contrast, others may have a more liberal approach with numerous licensed establishments and online platforms.

    ReplyDelete
  19. write for us + wedding The bride and groom often wear special attire that holds cultural significance. For instance, in Western cultures, brides typically wear white wedding gowns, while grooms wear suits or tuxedos. In contrast, traditional Indian brides might wear colorful sarees or lehengas, and grooms might wear sherwanis or dhoti-kurtas.Wedding venues can range from religious institutions like churches, temples, or mosques to outdoor settings like beaches, gardens, or banquet halls. The choice often depends on personal preference, cultural norms, and the type of ceremony.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Ako'y Isang Mabuting Pilipino (I Am A Good Filipino) by Noel Cabangon and Jomike Tejido

This one is a real crowd pleaser: Ako'y Isang Mabuting Pilipino , Lampara Books ' 2012 picture book adaptation of Noel Cabangon 's song, with Cabangon's original Filipino lyrics, functional English translations by Becky Bravo , and illustrations by Jomike Tejido ! Cabangon's inspiring lyrics remind children of the ways they can be good Filipinos, such as doing their best in school and obeying their parents. There are plenty of reminders for adults too, such as following traffic rules and not selling their votes during elections. Tejido's illustrations are warm and wholesome, acrylic paintings on hand-woven mats that depict different ways to be good citizens.    You just can't go wrong with Ako'y Isang Mabuting Pilipino ! Children and adults will understand and appreciate the lyrics and paintings. The chords of the song are provided, so music lovers can play and sing along. There are notes and guide questions for educators. There is even

Author Interview: Edna Cabcabin Moran

This was originally posted at Into the Wardrobe on May 28, 2009. Today, I am SO PROUD to present my interview with Filipino American author illustrator Edna Cabcabin Moran . *bursts with pride* Welcome, Edna!! Author/Illustrator, Edna Cabcabin Moran. Photo by Mark Moran. Can you tell us a bit about your Asian American heritage? My parents are from Eastern Samar, Philippines, an historic island in the Visayan island chain. My father was a U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer who brought my mom and older siblings to this country. I am the first American-born child in the family. Growing up, I always felt like I straddled two cultures. I'm very American in the way I dress, speak and carry myself. I don't know Tagalog and I lost touch with my parent's dialect, Waray Waray. However, I have strong cultural roots and have retained much of my Filipino-ness which includes a deep, abiding respect for the elders and their stories. Perhaps the family meal is a good indicator of how one is ra

Bugtong Bugtong 2: More Filipino Riddles by Daniel Palma Tayona

Bugtong Bugtong 2: More Filipino Riddles By Daniel Palma Tayona Tahanan Books, 2013 A tribute to Rene O. Villanueva's 1998 classic book Bugtong, Bugtong Riddle: Sariling-sarili mo na, ginagamit pa ng iba. Answer: Pangalan ! This illustrated collection of 57 Filipino riddles is fun for everyone. I can definitely see a parent or child reading aloud from this book, trying to stump the rest of the family. I can see bored teens reading these riddles to each other too! I read some of the riddles to my teen students and some to my adult friends and there's just something so satisfying about seeing one triumphant face shout out the correct answer from among a group of confused faces. I can also see a child poring over this book by his or herself. Everything about Bugtong Bugtong 2 's book design is kid friendly: Everything from the type size and face to the book's size and the thickness of the paper make the book very inviting and easy to read. The ink and gouache