Moon Over Manifest | Clare Vanderpool | Audiobook Review

Why’d I Listen To This Book?

I am partial to reviews by bloggers I trust and I tend to put a lot of stock in them. I actually first came across Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool through a review on Bunbury In The Stacks. Heidi, the reviewer, basically pointed out why Moon Over Manifest is so awesome and one of the things she noted was nuns and you guys I cannot resist a nun, ever. Also, this book won a Newbury award. Furthermore, the audiobook narrators are some super star heavyweights as far as audiobooks go. Thus, I was convinced to give this historical fiction middle grade novel a whirl and yo, I was not disappointed in the least.

Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool | Good Books And Good Wine

What’s The Story Here?

Okay, so basically Abilene Tucker, a little girl and our main character, is sent to live in Manifest for the summer by her father, Gideon. He’s always told her stories about Manifest, so she expects it to be totally awesome. Only the joke is on her. Manifest, Kansas is a boring town. This perception changes when Abilene finds a cigar box of letters to a spy called the Rattler and refuses to leave it alone, but rather goes on to investigate who the Rattler is with her new friends Lettie and Ruthann, who are also awesome you guys. So anyways, Abilene eventually finds herself working for Miss Sadie, the town psychic who tells Abilene a story about the two boys from the town’s past. And ugh, my heart is already slashed just remembering. There are dual story lines and it hits you right in the emotion maker and this book is flawless.

What Did I Think Of Abilene Tucker?

I loved that she is tenacious. I loved her love of her father. I loved that she is so headstrong about the Rattler thing. She’s a main character worthy of my time, you guys.

What About The Other Characters?

Straight from my immediate reaction upon finishing on goodreads:

Way too many emotions – in a good way.
Loved dual narratives.
Love how the story came together.
Loved Jinx and Ned – I AM STILL IN SOBS YOU GUYS.
Loved Abilene.
Loved Sister Redempta – because nuns are the ish.
Loved Shady – who doesn’t love a con artist?
Loved Lottie and Ruthann.
Loved Hattie May Harper and her articles.

Ugh, this book. You guys my heart hurts in such a wonderful, beautiful way. If the audiobook is in your library, or if you have an audible credit handy, BUY IT NOW. I literally can’t explain how great this book is. It’s also been like months since I listened to it, but that is neither here nor there. I realize this review isn’t telling you much, but seriously, Manifest Kansas is best discovered on your own without me telling you all the good parts.

How’s The Narration?

Really? Ah, well if you are looking for melodic narration where you sort of lean your head in because you are listening so intently you have come to the right audiobook. The audiobook of Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool is narrated by Jenna Lamia, Cassandra Campbell, and Kirby Heybourne. Like I said, SUPERSTARS. Each one totally owns their portion and kept my attention. The audiobook is 9 hours and 31 minutes and a super listen if you’re driving a long distance — the different narrators are sure to keep you on your toes.

Sum It Up With A GIF:

This was basically my exact face after finishing the audiobook.

Disclosure: Purchased My Own Copy Of This Book

Other reviews of Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool:

Bunbury In The Stacks – “I recommend this one with all my heart.
Reading Everywhere -“This novel works very well as an audiobook”
Girls In The Stacks – “Vanderpool’s prose is also quite beautiful

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April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.
About April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

Comments

  1. Ummm, wow, so I want this. Also, I have another audio by this author coming up and I hope it’s just as good as this one. Please may I have all the feels? Also, I generally love multi-voice narration, because I feel like it’s a sign that they put a lot of thought into the book, you know?

  2. April, I’m so glad you liked Moon Over Manifest!!! This could be my favorite Newbery winner. I tend to like the Newbery Honors so much more than the winners, usually, but Moon Over Manifest was just perfect in my mind. I love the two stories, and Abilene, and how those stories blended into each other.

  3. I love that you loved this book so much — and that I can tell that from your review! It seems like the story and these characters really struck a chord with you, and I really would like to check it out now. Great review!