Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Keeping the Moon summary
Brief summary
Keeping the Moon by Sarah Dessen is a captivating coming-of-age story that follows the journey of a young girl named Colie as she learns to embrace her true self and find her place in the world.
Topics
Table of Contents
Keeping the Moon
Summary of key ideas
Acceptance and Self-Discovery
In Keeping the Moon by Sarah Dessen, we meet Colie, an insecure teenager who has been labeled as 'Colie Control' by her peers due to her mother's success as a fitness guru. After her mother goes on a European tour, Colie is sent to spend her summer with her eccentric aunt, Mira, in the small beach town of Colby, North Carolina. Mira is a unique character, an artist who owns a diner and encourages Colie to open up and embrace her true self.
Despite her initial reluctance, Colie starts to explore her artistic side and begins to accept herself. She makes friends with Isabel, a bold and confident girl, and Morgan, a former 'big girl' like herself who has undergone an incredible transformation. Through her interactions with them, Colie learns about self-acceptance and the value of true friendship.
Understanding and Forgiveness
As the story progresses, we unravel the girls' pasts. Isabel, who initially seems to have it all, struggles with her parents' failed marriage and the pressure to maintain her confident facade. Morgan, on the other hand, has her own insecurities, stemming from her past as an overweight girl. Their shared experiences help Colie realize that everyone has their own battles, and appearances can be deceiving.
Colie's understanding of her friends' stories helps her see that she is not the only one with issues. She learns to forgive herself for her past behavior, especially her attempt to fit in by being someone she is not. As a result, she becomes more open and honest with those around her, strengthening her friendships with Isabel and Morgan even further.
Growth and Confidence
Throughout the summer, Colie discovers her passion for photography, thanks to the encouragement of Norman, a local boy who is also an aspiring photographer. With his guidance, she learns to see the world through a different lens, finding beauty in unexpected places. This newfound passion gives her the confidence to showcase her work in Mira's diner, marking a significant milestone in her journey of self-discovery.
By the end of the summer, Colie has transformed from a shy, self-conscious girl into a confident, independent young woman. She has learned to embrace her unique qualities, appreciate her true friends, and follow her passions. When her mother returns, she finds herself no longer needing to impress her, as she is content with who she has become.
Conclusion
In Keeping the Moon, Sarah Dessen beautifully illustrates the transformative power of self-acceptance and the importance of genuine connections. Colie's journey, from a girl burdened by her mother's reputation to a young woman comfortable in her own skin, resonates with readers of all ages. The book teaches us that true beauty lies in embracing our individuality, and the strongest relationships are built on honesty and acceptance.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Keeping the Moon about?
Keeping the Moon by Sarah Dessen is a heartwarming coming-of-age novel that follows the journey of a teenage girl named Colie as she spends a summer in a small beach town. Through new friendships and self-discovery, Colie learns to embrace her true self and let go of her insecurities. Dessen beautifully captures the complexities of adolescence and the power of acceptance.
Keeping the Moon Review
Keeping the Moon (1999) revolves around self-discovery and finding a sense of belonging. Here's why this book is worth picking up:
- Featuring relatable characters facing common struggles, it offers a realistic portrayal of growing up and navigating relationships.
- The heartfelt exploration of insecurities and personal growth resonates with readers, highlighting the importance of self-acceptance and authenticity.
- With its engaging narrative and uplifting themes, the story captivates without a dull moment, ensuring a refreshing read that stays with you.
Who should read Keeping the Moon?
Readers who enjoy coming-of-age stories
Teenagers navigating friendships and self-discovery
People who appreciate realistic and relatable characters
Categories with Keeping the Moon
Book summaries like Keeping the Moon
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.8 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
35 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Keeping the Moon FAQs
What is the main message of Keeping the Moon?
The main message of Keeping the Moon is about self-acceptance and finding your inner strength.
How long does it take to read Keeping the Moon?
Reading Keeping the Moon takes a few hours, while the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Keeping the Moon a good book? Is it worth reading?
Keeping the Moon is a heartwarming story that encourages us to embrace our uniqueness and grow from our experiences.
Who is the author of Keeping the Moon?
Sarah Dessen is the author of Keeping the Moon.
What to read after Keeping the Moon?
If you're wondering what to read next after Keeping the Moon, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susann Jeffers
- Making It All Work by David Allen
- The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
- The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss
- Mindset by Carol Dweck
- Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely
- Switch by Chip Heath & Dan Heath
- The Da Vinci Curse by Leonardo Lospennato
- The Defining Decade by Meg Jay
- The Art Of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau