The Oceanography of the Moon

A Novel

By: Glendy Vanderah

Narrated by: Brittany Pressley, Zachary Johnson

Length: 10 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's summary

A heartfelt novel of shedding secrets, facing the past, and embracing the magic of love and family by the Amazon Charts and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Where the Forest Meets the Stars.

After the untimely deaths of her aunt and mother, young Riley Mays moved from Chicago to her cousins’ Wisconsin farm. Here she found solace in caring for her extraordinary adoptive brother, exploring the surrounding wild nature, and gazing at the mystical moon - a private refuge in which she hides from her most painful memories. But ten years later, now twenty-one, Riley feels too confined by the protective walls she’s erected around herself. When a stranger enters her family’s remote world, Riley senses something he’s hiding, a desire to escape that she understands well.

Suffering from writer’s block, bestselling novelist Vaughn Orr has taken to the country roads when he happens upon the accommodating, if somewhat unusual, Mays family. He’s soon captivated by their eccentricities - and especially by Riley and her quiet tenacity. In her, he recognizes a shared need to keep heartbreaking secrets buried.

As the worst moments of their lives threaten to surface, Riley and Vaughn must find the courage to confront them if they’re to have any hope of a happy future. With the help of Riley’s supportive family, a dash of everyday magic, and the healing power of nature, can the pair let go of the troubled pasts they’ve clung to so tightly for so long?

©2022 Glendy Vanderah. (P)2022 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Of special appeal to readers with an interest magical realism and domestic family fiction…brought to life with the combined narrative talents of Brittany Pressley and Zachary Johnson…[an[ outstanding production.” —Midwest Book Review

“Set against a backdrop of family and the mysterious, all-encompassing beauty of the natural world, Vanderah’s gloriously readable new novel is a warm story of two damaged people desperate to heal and to find hope, resilience, and—just perhaps—each other. Such a beautifully written tale of buried secrets, dark pasts, and rare courage.” —Caroline Leavitt, New York Times bestselling author of Pictures of You and With or Without You

“Glendy Vanderah’s beautifully rendered The Oceanography of the Moon tackles the enormity of fate, identity, and climate crisis, while tending to the most delicate intricacies of the human heart. Vanderah’s suspenseful and heartbreaking story prods readers to reconsider their preconceived ideas about guilt and redemption, destiny and self-determinism, and magic and unavoidable realities. I couldn’t help but cheer for these characters, who navigate darkness but never fail to recognize the beauty of a moth’s wing or a distant crater on the moon.” —Julie Carrick Dalton, author of Waiting for the Night Song

How Did I Miss This Being a Romance Novel?

I realized too late. I do not read romance novels. The men always think and behave like romantic women, and it kind of makes me throw up a little. But I used a credit, so I finished it. That being said, this book did actually have a good plot and it was well written.

Peace and forgiveness

The author stretches the agenda for the transgender. None of the other books relies so heavily on this topic and it felt so forced.

Loved it!

This book kept me captivated the entire time. I always listen to books when I walk and this had me looking forward to my walk every day. I was shocked that people gave it so-so reviews. It goes to show a book can be absolutely wonderful even when a few think it's not.

Applauding

This is a must read. I felt like I was a part of the story. Love, suspense, courage and truth.

Just ok

The plot seemed far fetched to me, and to a certain extent, predictable. The female narrator was better.

Transcribing emotions into words

As love starts to bloom Vaughn’s conscience becomes unbearable for the lies he’s told. The universe works in mysterious ways when two dark hearts share the universal moon.
…
Vaughn needed a break from writing and fame. He found himself on a farm where he met Sachi and Alec two individuals who are kind hearted and magical. They invited them into their home where Vaughn embraced the beauty of family and magic.
…
Riley came to live with her cousins after her mother died. It’s been difficult for Riley learning to live with the guilt. It’s also been healing. Kiran was brought into their lives to offer a unique perspective on life.
…
Glendy Vanderah graces readers with her knowledge about nature. It’s clever how she incorporates her knowledge into her stories by enriching readers lives. All three of her books have similarities with embracing nature and living off the land. I’m beginning to believe in the magic. Of course, she educated readers about climate control in a way that offers clarity.
…
Glendy Vanderah builds a curiosity around art, clocks, and nature. Her signature footprints are spread throughout this masterpiece. She is very knowledgeable about nature. She’s studied Ecology, Ethology and Evolution which is noted in each of her three books. Each book is like an extension of the prior book. Each book is unique in its own approach to studying nature. This one focuses on the clouds, moon, and water. I leave each book feeling empowered by the beauty of nature. She’s enriched my life with magic.
…
Brittany Pressley has graced listeners with her stunning voice acting skills bringing Riley’s voice to life.

Zachary Johnson performed the voice of Vaughn a character who was riddled with guilt and fear.

This was a dual performance by two top performers. I listened using the audible app. Since I’m an eyes and ears person requiring both ebook and audiobook to enhance my experience I’m pleased with both the writing talent of Glendy Vanderah and these two professional narrators.

Excellent Story

This is the second book I have read by this author. It is as good if not better than the other one. I enjoy the descriptions of the outdoors and the storyline. The ending was a surprise.

not what i was expecting

I really wanted to like this book as I love the previous one, Where the Forest Meets the Stars, but it felt too short for my taste.

The idea of the story was good but I felt like some parts were really rushed and the characters were not emotionally mature. Vaughn and Riley felt like two teenagers giving so many excuses for whatever mistake they made. I never felt connected with them.

Riley was too naive for my taste, she never shows any strength, it was like she was very co-dependant, on everybody even to her memories. The love between Railey and Vaughn was even faster than Formula 1, and there was no build-up.

the narrations by Brittany Pressley and Zachary Johnson were great I enjoy their work and the depth they added to the story.

Overall the idea was good but I think the story got lost with the nativity of the characters.

Makes for a happy heart!

Must read if you want to chuckle. cry, be in suspense, feel sad, and be delighted! Whimsical, creative, surprising, and fills your heart with joy! Don’t miss this gem!

The absolute best book I listened to ever!

I really loved it, Glenys two other books are also so very very good! But this one even tops them. The performances are also one of the best and make the characters really comes to life. I loved everything about this book ❤️