Customer Reviews

Growing Up Moffett: The Rise and Fall of Innocence in a Pathos Plagued Year

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So, okay. Here's the deal. I made an enormous fool of myself, and it's entirely Sarah Moffett's fault. I brought this book to my son's medical appointments and read it while trapped in numerous waiting rooms. I actually made heads turn and drew the wrath of the receptionists.

What did I do? Well, first, I guffawed (All I'll say is it involves square dancing and a suitor sporting Underoos. ) Then, I shrieked. (What does she mean chocolate isn't her favorite food?) And finally, I wept. Loudly. It wasn't pretty. Nope, it wasn't pretty at all and it almost got me escorted out. It was, however, well worth it.

GROWING UP MOFFETT is funny, sweet, funny, tender, funny, absolutely heartbreaking, and did I say funny? My heart broke for this young girl and it cheered for the young woman she becomes. But more importantly I walked away thinking about what we do for those we love, and how it changes us all. So yes, it was definitely worth it.

I adored this book. From the first page through until the last, I was completely taken by the words I read. I laughed out loud several times (and earned strange looks from those around me) and I even cried. I couldn't put the book down, but I wanted to...only because I wanted the experience of reading it to last longer. Yep, that good.

The story is told from the perspective of a young girl growing up in a family filled with closeness, happiness and trust. It's full of anecdotes and humor, and at some point or other will remind most any reader of their own childhood. As Sarah, our trusty narrator, grows up, so too does the tone of the story. Everything changes one afternoon with a phone call--a phone call with news of a dying family member. Suddenly death becomes a prevelant part of Sarah's world...and we watch as her outlook on life changes. Through it all though, Sarah is witty and intelligent. You can't help but identify with her as she reminds you of parts of yourself that you had forgotten about.

I can't say enough good things about "Growing Up Moffett," you need to read it for yourself to see what I mean. Its one of the best coming of age memoirs I have read in...well, ever, and you'll adore it too.

I heard about this book after seeing it mentioned in the Leadville,CO newspaper. Being obsessed with all things Leadville, I had to read this. I love coming of age books, especially when the author is around my age (in this case, she's a few years younger.) I thought the "precociousness" of her toddler self was a little over the top, but enjoyed the entire story and the book had me crying at several points right up to the end. I, too, had a hard time putting the book down and going to sleep but did always want to save more for the next day. I would love to see more from this author.

Here's a remarkable first book by a recent college grad. Hope it isn't her last! Moffett is such a cool writer, makes this an entertaining and insightful read on some of the ecstasies and agonies of growing up in the 80's and 90's.

Be ready to experience your childhood again! Through the eyes of a passionate, witty girl, you will recognize her challenges, successes, and losses. It's a well-balanced portrayal of the life of a young girl just trying to figure things out on her own. I loved this book, and would recommend it to everyone.

Don't you adore precocious twelve-year-olds? Their every word is so precious, so funny, so wise. Someone please tell Terry Gross about this book. It's perfect for her show.