Pack Up the Moon
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4.7 • 21 Ratings
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- $10.99
Publisher Description
Funny, heartbreaking and uplifting, New York Times bestselling author Kristan Higgins delivers an unforgettable romance about how love can transcend even the greatest obstacles.
They used to joke about her “honey do” lists. He just never realized how much he would need one when she was gone.
Being a widower is not something Joshua Park ever expected. Given his solitary job as a scientist, his small circle of friends and family, and the social awkwardness he’s always suffered from, Josh has no idea how to negotiate this new, unwanted phase of life. But his beloved wife Lauren had a plan to keep him moving forward, to lead him on a journey through grief, anger, and denial—twelve letters.
Twelve letters to see him through the first year without her, and to lead him on a heartrending, beautiful, often humorous journey to find joy again. From his first outing as a widower to buy groceries to finding a new best friend while sobbing in a clothing store, Joshua’s grief makes room for him to learn Lauren’s most valuable lesson: The path to happiness doesn’t follow a straight line.
Emotional, heartwarming, and perfect for book clubs, TikTok sensation Pack Up the Moon illuminates how love always finds a way to carry bring us joy, even when we least expect it.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Higgins (Good Luck with That) delivers an outstanding romantic weeper with this tale of young newlyweds facing a terminal illness. Lauren Park is dying from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis—"twelve syllables of doom"—but she's determined to leave a little bit of herself in her husband Josh's life after she's gone. She does so by writing letters to Josh and leaving them with her best friend to dole out month by month after her death. The letters are structured as to-do lists, ranging from basic tasks to ensure Josh takes care of himself ("Go to the grocery store and stop eating food from cartons over the sink. Don't be a loser!") to encouragement to start new relationships. After Lauren dies, Josh's raw grief is palpable, as is Lauren's reluctance to leave the love of her life, which comes through in her letters. Delightful supporting characters add to the charm, such as a Banana Republic salesman who comforts Josh after he has a breakdown while trying to fulfill one of Lauren's tasks. Perfect pacing and plotting lift Higgins's masterly latest. This is going to break (and restore) plenty of hearts.
Customer Reviews
Tough subject, well handled
I was nervous that the story might become too maudlin, but every time my throat tightened and my eyes became moist Josh would make one of his comments and I found myself smiling again. Kristin did such a great job!
Life affirming!
I look forward to Kirstan’s new book each year! This one did not disappoint. Strong female characters in multi-generational families. They volunteer! They all have a pet dog! This book is particularly heart wrenching but also inspiring. I loved it!