The Pull of the Moon

A Novel

By: Elizabeth Berg

Narrated by: Barbara Caruso

Best-selling author Elizabeth Berg has published fiction and nonfiction in The New York Times Magazine, Ladies’ Home Journal, and New Woman. She has been nominated for a National Magazine Award for her graceful, witty writing. In The Pull of the Moon, she alternates letters and journal entries to trace a middle-aged woman’s impulsive, and solitary, drive across country.

Can the middle age years still hold as much promise as the full moon of youth? Nan has no answer to that question, but she knows that the moon of her life is on the wane. As she drives away from home, turning the wheel toward an uncertain future, Nan begins to contemplate her relationships with her husband and her daughter. Slowly, over nights spent in highway motels, and meals eaten in booth-lined diners, she regains a focus in her life that she had given up for lost.

Funny, poignant, and often dazzling, Elizabeth Berg’s novel will instantly appeal to women of all ages. From the moments spent studying the time lines of her body to Nan’s re-examination of what keeps her in her marriage, each word resonates with gentle honesty and growing strength.

©1996 Elizabeth Berg (P)1997 Recorded Books, LLC

A nice thought filled older woman adventure

I could relate to this woman’s story. I liked being a part of her journey. It may not be for everyone but if you’re a woman 50 or over it’s a good read.

A touching story of a woman's escape from routine and her discoveries

Nan is fifty and although she grew up in the sixties, experimenting with drugs and free love, she became a mother and housewife according to the model of the fifties. In the process, she lost her identity and sense of self. However, she leaves her husband to travel and reflect on her future. Through her letters and journal, we experience the changes and growth as exquisitely written by E Berg.
Unfortunately, the quality of the audio recording is poor. An annoying echo spoils the enjoyment of this book.

CHANGE PROVOKING. Thanks for showing my inner Martin!

A wonderful book for this point in my life when I am separated from my only true love. I must change to keep her.

Lovely Coming of Age Story

I can hardly imagine a woman in her 50s (or beyond) who wouldn’t enjoy this one. Elizabeth Berg is brilliant at capturing just the right stretch of words and Barbara Caruso is wonderful at sending them along to the listener. It’s the perfect companion for a journey—whether that’s a car trip or your daily walk.

Almost returned it but glad I didn't....

The narrator was excellent… Absolutely perfect! The story was very good about a woman who goes on a trip of sorts to find herself and reevaluate her life. I am 64 right now, older than Nan in the book. But having gone through a similar period of my life I could relate to this woman Nan. Elizabeth Berg knows how to write as a woman for women. My only problem, the only reason I thought of returning the book was due to the quality of the recording. After the narrator would speak I could hear faintly in the background the same sentence. There were long pauses, periods of dead air. But because I loved the story so much I could overlook all these glitches. Maybe others couldn't so maybe you want to listen to a sample first. If you can't take the recording then I recommend buying the book or getting it from your library, sitting in a comfy chair and read, read and read some more.

The story every women wants to tell

If you could sum up The Pull of the Moon in three words, what would they be?

Honest ,captivating, proud

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Pull of the Moon?

Her first letter home and the decision to keep going.

What about Barbara Caruso’s performance did you like?

Like any sister, mother, aunt

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Empathy and pride

Any additional comments?

Without dramatic twists and turns this books reaches into you and reminds us that sometimes being brave is as simple as putting yourself first

Very Enjoyable Listen

I love how Elizabeth Berg connects with her reader/listener. I enjoyed reading her books when I was in my 20s and 30s. I am now in my late 50s and reading some of them again and some (like this one) for the first time. This one resonates with me because she speaks of thoughts that I’ve had since turning 50 over half a decade ago. I feel understood. I feel more normal now. I thank her.

Delightful!

This was a summer treat! The story is really well written and easy to follow. Love the style- swapping between journal entries and letters home to tell this marvelous story of a woman in a midlife identity crisis.

Awful! Has this author heard of show don't tell

I want a refund this book was 100% narration and not good narration about somebody self-pity it was awful

couldn't finish

not my kind of book
I returned it because I just couldn't handle the way TOOOOOO much
personal information!