Where the Mountain Meets the Moon: Chapters 4 - 8

So Minli has made the typical parents' worst nightmare come true: She has run off to be with the talking goldfish and the dragons while searching for the "Old Man on the Moon", a character in a story. It's the beginning of an adventure, quite possibly one that has to do with Coming of Age.
*Incoming seriousness* I believe that as Minli progresses and matures through this journey she will learn more about herself and life as a whole. She will return to her home wiser than she was in the beginning of the story. *Departing seriousness* This world that's been created in the novel has such a dreamy, childlike feel, and it's such a great escape from all of the stresses of college and growing up. I'm not that far into the story at the moment, but when I start reading, it's difficult to stop. If the demands of college and sleep weren't so high, I would have finished it by now. However, I look forward to reading more and progressing though this plot with Minli (and possibly binge-reading this on a free day). ^~^

-thedoctormoreau

Blog link: http://thedoctormoreau.blogspot.com/

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon: Chapters 2 and 3

While reading these, I came across another theme I love (and even incorporate into my life): fate. In the second chapter, Minli is exhausted from working outside, when she wishes for the fortune. Coincidentally, a man passes through the village pushing a cart with goldfish. He says, "Goldfish. Bring fortune into your home." When Minli comes out of her house to investigate, she locks eyes with one goldfish in particular, and buys it almost immediately. Her parents, or her mother rather, are not happy with the fact that she spent half of the house's money on a goldfish, but she believes what the man said was true and that the fish will grace them with fortune somehow. Naturally, I also believe that is the case because when does something presented so significantly not have a large part in a story? So I'm curious to see where that goes.
austed by field work and finally sees her life as one of poverty. She wishes to bring her family fortune, but does not know how.
Also, the story of the Old Man of the Moon was quite mysterious, but pleasing. As I stated earlier, I admire the idea of fate. And now that the baby was described in an interestingly similar way to Minli (blue with white bunnies), my interest in the story has peaked even more. Perhaps Minli will mature throughout the story and a love interest will be introduced? HMMM.....^~^

-thedoctormoreau

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon: Chapter One

I had a feeling this novel would be fun to read ^~^ The cover on its own made me wonder what it was about, and after reading this chapter, I am not disappointed. The story seems to allude to a somewhat ancient era in Asia, what with the mention of poverty, value of story-telling, and the melancholy, yet, simple tone of the text. The book is easy to follow and also displays symbolism. For instance, when "Ba", Minli's father, told the story of the Fruitless Mountain, there was a noticeable reference to the Bible; although it was adjusted. The Jade Dragon (God) used the rain to supply water for the village; however, the people of the village were ungrateful and she took the rain away. Then her children (Christ figures) sacrificed themselves for the sake of the people. I found the reference quite deep compared to the wording of the text...I have a feeling there will be many more forms of symbolism as I read more chapters, and I can't wait to identify them as well as simply enjoy the story as a whole.
Between Minli's bubbly, vivacious personality, the book's sentimental values and the symbolism, I believe this will be a very enjoyable novel to continue reading ^-^

-thedoctormoreau