Luna: A Novel
by Julie Anne Peters
2004
Little, Brown and Company
New York
ISBN: 0316733695
Plot Summary:
Regan and Liam are the daughter and son of a troubled and dysfunctional suburban family. Regan narrates the story of her brother Liam's long and painful transformation from boy to woman.
Liam has known since he was a small boy that he was a girl deep down inside, and rather than repressing or refusing this instinctive knowledge, he confides relentlessly to Regan. Providing a space in her closet for his feminine clothing, a table and mirror for his make-up and trinkets, and a stalwart ear, shoulder and heart for his confidences of troubles and dreams, she remains the only person for whom Liam can become Luna.
This relationship weighs heavily upon Regan however, and Luna builds into a series of climactic encounters forcing Regan to learn how to become her own woman and not just her sister's support system.
Critical Evaluation:
Regan and Liam's complicated emotional struggles are described in an unassuming and sympathetic way, the daily traumas of high school rendered acutely and sensitively. Liam's absolute reliance on Regan is three-dimensionally portrayed, allowing the reader to see both Liam's pain and its emotional toll on Regan.
Luna's complex themes are exquisitely drawn; however the simplicity of its writing often conversely works to simplify the tale, producing a feeling of starkness and aridity. Though Regan's newfound love interest provokes relief, it provides a kind of cliched romanticism at the same time. Why must a boyfriend be the cure for what ails?
Reader's Annotation:
As a cocoon hides the beauty of the butterfly that lies inside, so too does Liam's physical boyness disguise his true inner girl. Through the help of his sister and his own inherent belief in himself, Liam struggles to actualize his transformation into Luna.
Author Information:
Julie Anne Peters is a prolific writer of YA fiction, her books largely concerned with teens grappling with their sexuality. Her novels have won numerous awards, and she has helped develop a literary support system for transsexual and homosexual teens.
Genre:
Transsexualism/ Coming-of-age/ YA fiction
Booktalking Ideas:
*How do the numerous flashbacks provided help to illuminate Liam's lifelong struggle?
*Are Liam's and Regan's parents truly as clueless and selfish as they seem?
*Is the figure of Chris too good to be true?
*Is the reader left with the impression that Luna's struggles will be over when her transformation is complete?
Reading Level/ Interest Age: Categorized as 12 and up, Luna's serious concerns and themes make it pertinent for any age, challenging for both children and adults.
Challenge Issues:
Challenges: Transgenderism, transsexuality, drug abuse.
Answer to challenges: Be familiar with book and its contents, providing personal answers to any challenges. Refer to library's policy regarding challenges. Provide reviews from local teen readers and those posted on reading sites. Provide local LGBT resources and support for book and its themes.
Why include?
Luna is assigned book topic for graduate class. Luna is also emblematic of teen books that both challenge morality police and status quo, and provide support for those real-life teens with struggles comparable to Luna's.