Keeping the Moon Summary & Key Insights

Sarah Dessen's "Keeping the Moon" follows the intertwined lives of three young women navigating the complexities of love, loss, and self-discovery during a pivotal summer. The narrative centers around 17-year-old Sal, who’s grappling with the recent death of her mother and the subsequent unraveling of her previously stable family life. Her father, a renowned astronomer, is emotionally distant, absorbed in his work and retreating into his grief. Sal's older sister, Luna, feels similarly adrift, her dreams of being a filmmaker stalled and her own relationship struggling.

Their lives intersect significantly with those of their childhood friend, Phoebe, and her boyfriend, Joe. Phoebe, an aspiring artist, has just returned from a trip to Italy, seemingly changed and more mature. This transformation, coupled with Joe's unpredictable behavior, puts a strain on their long-term relationship and prompts Sal to confront her own romantic uncertainties. A budding relationship with a charming but slightly mysterious boy named Tyler offers Sal an escape from her grief, but also highlights her own insecurities and reluctance to truly commit.

The setting of the novel, a small, beach-side town, plays a vital role. The ocean, the moon, and the celestial imagery woven throughout the story reflect the characters' emotional landscapes, highlighting both the vastness of their feelings and the cyclical nature of grief and healing. The moon, a recurring symbol, becomes a metaphor for the lasting impact of the past on the present, reflecting how the girls try to reconcile with their personal history and move forward. Sal's father's work with the stars also provides a symbolic contrast—the vastness and consistency of the universe juxtaposed against the chaos and unpredictability of human relationships.

Throughout the summer, the girls support each other as they confront their individual struggles. Sal grapples with her mother's death, her father's withdrawal, and her own developing romantic feelings. Luna confronts her artistic aspirations and the complex dynamics of her long-term relationship. Phoebe navigates the complexities of commitment and independence in her own romance. They learn to rely on each other and find strength in their shared experiences.

"Keeping the Moon" ultimately explores the theme of finding your place within the ever-shifting tides of life. The girls’ journeys show that healing from grief and loss is a gradual process, one that requires acceptance, self-reflection, and the support of others. The novel emphasizes the importance of family, friendship, and the resilience of the human spirit in overcoming adversity. The characters' eventual acceptance of change and their embrace of the uncertain future underscore the overarching message of hope and the possibility of finding joy even amidst heartbreak.