Ring Around the Moon

by Mary Burnett Smith

Book Overview

In this thought-provoking and powerful coming of age novel, a young girl must grow up too soon as she watches her family disintegrate around her.

A cry in the night awakens ten-year-old Amy Beale and alerts her to the difficulties in her parents' marriage. Earlier that steamy evening in July 1940, her mother, Arleatha, witnessed yet another of her husband's infidelities at one of his notorious "rent parties." Amy overhears...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 068817227X
• ISBN13: 9780688172275
• Release Date: May 2015
• Publisher: William Morrow & Company
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.7" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Excellent!

This is an excellent book. Some mentioned, what was the point and what was the storyline? There were several points and stories relevant to those interested in African American history and the African diaspora. Among those points are issues of skin color and hair among people of color. Specifically, issues that all types of people of color (all over the color spectrum) deal with and how some of these backwards ideas were planted. Issues regarding alcoholism and its effects on the family and future generations are also brought up. In addition to these issues, sibling relationships are explored and the story of a marriage tearing apart is told. There are also many more issues in this book. Some reviewers mentioned the lack of "closure" in the book. I don't see a problem with this lack of closure. Does everything in our own lives as human beings end elegantly and neatly? This book adds one perspective to the question,"What does it mean to be human?"I was amazed at how well the author lived through 11 year old Amy's life. This is an excellent book. When I started it, I could not put it down. I highly recommend it!

Deep, Very Deep

This sister does so much more than tell a story from a child's perspective. She speaks vividly, and candidly about how our own views of skin color and hair texture and our ability to express emotion shapes our lives and relationships.Some aspects of this book are those that one can immediately relate to. Things like racial prejudice and In-law relationships.But other aspects go very deep. This book is a learning opportunity for those of us who speak and act out of our childhood experiences without really thinking. It teaches us about our own prejudices, reminds us of the roots, and challenges us to be mindful.An excellent book, Ms Burnett Smith.

Another Hit for Mary Burnett Smith!!!!!

She's done it again! Ms. Smith has once again taken us into the complicated life of a young girl and created characters, situations and places that are completely real and very familiar. I was initially reluctant to read this book because I loved Miss Ophelia and didn't want to be disappointed if this book wasn't as good. Well, I needn't have worried because Ms. Smith has once again delivered. Keep doing what you're doing - this is one fan who is behind you all the way!!!

Another wonderful lesson about life.

With the same grace and simplicity, Ms. Burnett Smith has again reminded me to look at life from a child's perspective. Adults (whether or not they are parents), need to stop and think how their words and actions impact the young people around them. Thank You, Ms. Burnett Smith,I am looking forward to your next book.

Child's eye view of the triumphs and terrors of growing up.

A ring around the moon means that "it's gonna rain the next day." Amy's world has a ring around it; we feel throughout the sense of foreboding that next page, next chapter it will rain on her always tenative happiness. Her father drinks, gambles and spends the weekends with his girlfriend. When he is at home, he quarrels with and beats her mother. Still Amy carries on - becoming a good student and befriending another "new girl" Mary Katherine Donovan, who is white. Mama supports the family by cleaning white folks houses, but she brings Miss Minnie to live with the family and care for and nuture Amy and her brothers, James and Lonnie. Written as an insightful child's cronicle of the last days and the horrifying end of her parent's marriage, Ms. Smith's second novel stirs us with laughter and tears. A wonderful read!!