Stone Garden - by Molly Moynahan (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A New York Times Notable Book

"A wonderful and wise novel, a story told with unflinching courage and honesty, and with keen insight into the most universal of all conditions, the struggle of the human heart." -- Ken Wells, author of Meely LeBauve

"Lyrical and honest....Moynahan has created a well-written story dealing with loss and coming of age reminiscent of Alice Sebold's The Lovely Bones." -- Library Journal

A smart young woman making her way through the privileged terrain of northeastern prep-school land, Alice McGuire is certain of her world and her future -- until the summer her best friend and soul mate, Matthew Swan, vanishes on a trip to Mexico. Stunned, Alice and the rest of the close-knit town that adored Matthew search for answers. For Alice, the journey of heartbreak leads from everything that is familiar to forbidden places and forgotten people who will teach her about kindness and forgiveness: lessons that will open her to new possibilities and unexpected hope.

Vividly wrought, deeply resonant, and told in a remarkable voice that sparkles with wit and wisdom, Stone Garden is a splendid triumph from an accomplished writer.

From the Back Cover

A smart young woman making her way through the privileged terrain of northeastern prep-school land, Alice McGuire is certain of her world and her future -- until the summer her best friend and soul mate, Matthew Swan, vanishes on a trip to Mexico. Stunned, Alice and the rest of the close-knit town that adored Matthew search for answers. For Alice, the journey of heartbreak leads from everything that is familiar to forbidden places and forgotten people who will teach her about kindness and forgiveness: lessons that will open her to new possibilities and unexpected hope.

Vividly wrought, deeply resonant, and told in a remarkable voice that sparkles with wit and wisdom, Stone Garden is a splendid triumph from an accomplished new writer.

Review Quotes

"Moynahan's smooth, playful prose is engaging." -- Publishers Weekly

"Well-told...moving...Moynahan has crafted an excellent story." -- Dallas Morning Star-Telegram

"Moynahan can read the geography of grief with her fingertips and it shouts from every page." -- Jacquelyn Mitchard, New York Times bestselling author

"Stone Garden is tender and touching and casts a spell over the reader from the very first page." -- John Searles, author of Boy Still Missing

"Wonderful and wise...with keen insight into the most universal of all conditions, the struggle of the human heart." -- Ken Wells, author of Meely LeBauve

"Lyrical and honest....reminiscent of Alice Sebold's The Lovely Bones." -- Library Journal

"Moynahan's...novel is about grief. It is also fun to read. Everyone should have a friend like [the narrator] Alice." -- New York Times Book Review

"Alice McGuire...is just as smart and funny as Holden Caulfield...[Her] voice is newly wise and altogether heartbreaking....Remarkable." -- Trenton Times

"Moynahan's gift to her reader is this fully realized character; I found myself missing Alice's voice." -- Chicago Tribune