Water from the Moon [Hardcover]

Jane Breskin Zalben (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1987

During her sophomore year in high school, Nicole Bernstein of New York City learns that relationships with girlfriends or admired boys can be painful, and that not everyone is capable of giving or loving to the same degree.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Although this book possesses an engaging heroine in Nicole, 16, well-drawn characters and good dialogue, the story is a bit bland and lacks direction. Nicole's account of meeting a cute college student, attending life-drawing classes and squabbling with best friend Amy over a mysterious new girl in their high school flows along well enough. But there are conflicts in the storyNicole wants more from their friendship than the new girl can give, and brother Robby argues with their fatherbut no sense of building tension, and thus no resolution at story's end. The book is an enjoyable read, particularly the jibes at parents who give kids "classy" names like Nicole and Kimberley. But the plot is so featureless that readers will be hard-put to remember what exactly happens. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 8-11 When 16-year-old Nicole meets Josh, the college intern at her father's Madison Avenue advertising agency, it's love at first sightat least as far as Nicole is concerned. As she struggles with her infatuation, Nicole must also deal with life's other problems: quarrels with her girlfriend; tension at home caused by her brother's shaky academic status; and curiosity regarding Tanya, the exotic, secretive new girl at school. Unfortunately the connection between these elements is tenuous, and development is incomplete. Nicole's interest in art, for example, dominates the opening chapters but diminishes drastically later on. More is hinted at than is revealed regarding her brother's poor grades, but the situation is resolved with little fanfare or elaboration. Tanya, so central to the story that she summarizes the essence of the book and sermonizes regarding the meaning of the title (there are some things you can never have), disappears for large segments of the story and is never missed. Although the New York City setting is strong and the characterization consistent, there are too many separate elements to make this story work. When a character has to tell you what it's all about, something in the writing is missing. Susan Schuller, Milwaukee Public Library
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 185 pages
• Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux; 1st edition (March 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0374382387
• ISBN-13: 978-0374382384
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,051,172 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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