Customer Reviews

The Exact Same Moon: Fifty Acres and a Family

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
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"The Exact Same Moon" is the sequel to "Fifty Acres and a Poodle" (however, you can enjoy it without having read its predecessor). In the first book, Jeanne Marie Laskas recounted her journey from single life in the city to married life on a farm. In this follow-up, she describes her mother's illness and her own realization that she longs for a child.

This book is not as good as "Fifty Acres and a Poodle". It lacks that book's purity of voice and breadth of consideration. It is a quieter, gentler story; it is clearly written by an older and mellower woman, one who questions everything in her life out of curiousity rather than confusion, and that makes this book less poignant than the other.

Still, "The Exact Same Moon" is more than worth the read. It's a lovely tale, well-structured although true, filled with amusing character sketches and interesting little thoughts. It's a pleasant book throughout, intelligent and well-written and occasionally illuminating. Anyone who enjoyed "Fifty Acres and a Poodle" should read it; anyone who hasn't read "Fifty Acres and a Poodle" should read them both.

I read the review of "The Exact Same Moon" in Adoptive Families magazine, and it sounded good. Since I like to read books in order, if they have an order, I read "Fifty Acres and a Poodle" first. All the way through it, I kept thinking to myself, 'she writes the way I think'! She makes me laugh and laugh out loud!! I also have an adopted daughter from China, and so I could totally relate with a lot of things she was going through throughout the book; and therefore, at points, it also brought me to tears! I highly recommend this book! And especially so if you've been through the adoption process!

This is the kind of book that makes you feel so good, you want to press it on your friends. The writing is gentle and thoughtfully paced, and she writes about the kinds of everyday experiences and feelings we can all relate to.

The first book is Fifty Acres and a Poodle, which I'd recommend reading first. In this second book, the author is surprised by her unexpected but profound desire for a child to love and to share her world with. Her adoption of a little girl from China is written about with tenderness and deeply felt joy.

I can't wait for the next installment.

I just happened to chance upon this book in the library and once I started reading it, I could not put it down. What a wonderful writing style---so honest and refreshing---expressing many of the same feelings and thoughts that I have had, but have never put into words. This books is humorous, touching and gives wonderful insight and emotion into the Mother-Daughter and Mother-child relationship. It is just a happy, positive, uplifting book (even when things are not going right for the author) and I highly recommend it.

What may I say that the other reviewers haven't mentioned?

I purchased The Exact Same Moon: Fifty Acres and a Family after reading Mrs. Laskas first installment Fifty Acres and a Poodle, which I would recommend reading first. After the author has established herself at Sweet Valley Farm she decides she wants more in life. Namely, a child. She and her husband Alex try to conceive, but they have no luck. They finally decide to adopt a child from China. I believe that many women will identify with this story & all the emotions Mrs. Laskas experiences.

While this is a charming and enjoyable read, I preferred 50 Acres and a Poodle. This book felt a little forced to me. Obviously, this one wasn't as carefree and funny, as it dealt with more serious issues. It's still a great book and one I'd still recommend.

I read this book aloud with my husband. It was like reading a letter from a friend, sometimes laugh-out-loud funny and others wipe-a-tear sad. Although it's the story of moving from city to country life, it has relevance for anyone transitioning from one lifestyle to another. The situations are believable and the characters are funny and endearing. It's the kind of story that you know you'll miss when you reach the end. My husband has asked several times that I get the second book in what we hope will be a series by Ms. Laskas, so we can read aloud again.

I always enjoy Ms. Laskas' columns and looked forward to this book. I was not disappointed. Humorous but realistically touching as she deals with issues another mother certainly understands!

This follow up book was cute, but a tad slow at times. The author talks about her life on the farm, like your chatting with an old friend. You think (and wish) you were there as well! I do recommend reading it and certainly hope the author comes out with another book!

love this author, love this 2nd book! it was so funny, the author really engages you in the stories she tells. i almost felt as if i was listening to a good friend tell me about her life in the country. i highly recommend this book and its predecessor.

The first book is "Fifty Acres and a Poodle". This continues the family's adventures on their 50 acre farm and introduces their daughters. I love these books and have read all three.