It's All About The Moon When The Sun Ain't Shining

by Ernest Hill

Book Overview

"Hill offers a poignant portrait of a young man at a crossroads, struggling with the true meaning of love and torn between the pleadings of the women in his life." --Booklist

Maurice Dupree is the first person in his family to go to college, and now he's on his way to becoming the first African American attorney in his hometown. If only the woman he loved, the woman he'd hoped to marry since high school, were as happy for him...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0758202806
• ISBN13: 9780758202802
• Release Date: May 2005
• Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corporation
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.1" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

...about the moon and so much more

I have recently read and been in a discussion group that included the author of this wonderful book. I appreciated the shift in theme from the others he has written and I believe that it is his best effort to date. One can actually feel the growth of the character, Maurice, as he comes to terms with trying to strike a compromise with the two important women in his life--his mother and the women he loves. He has to choose between them, but greater than this, between giving up perhaps his life's greatest opportunity or an ordinary, hum-drum existence. I especially appreciate how Mr. Hill developed memorable characters like Miss Audrey, Grandpa and Omenita--everybody knows someone like each one, and the powerful expressions of emotion in Maurice. This, I have rarely noticed in a man, but he is not demished by this exhibition. I liked the sprinklings of humor from the diner workers, also. The book is really well worth the time I spent with it. I didn't want to let it go. Audrey F. Martin

Entertaining and Educating

I am a member of "Booklovers" Trinity Book Club where we had the pleasure of having Mr. Ernest Hill present to discuss the book. I enjoyed the book immensely. I felt that I knew each character personally. I have seen many Miss Audreys. It was great to see Maurice grow from boyhood to manhood. It really made one see the difference between 'love' and 'being in love.' It also makes one realize that there are choices to be made and that they should not be made hastily. I would love to read a sequel to this book. What happens to Maurice and Danielle? If a relationship develops, how does this affect all families? What will the friends and neighbors say? Does Omenita become the jealous, outraged ex-girlfriend who tries to win Maurice back? I have read all of Mr. Hill's books, and by far, this was the best. Keep up the good work.

Nice - Really Nice

This book is great. Sometimes you just need something to entertain the soul. There are days when you are feeling down and out and you need a moment to explore the world of others. A world that is delightful; a world that offers a glimpse at the way others view life. I picked up It's All About The Moon When The Sun Ain't Shining as a book club adventure and forgot I had problems. I enjoyed this book so much. I laughed, I cried and I started talking to the characters. Does that mean I am losing it? I cheered them on and gave them advice when I thought they were making mistakes. Guess what, the characters had it all figured out! All I had to do is continue reading!I want to thank this author for giving me an escape. In fact, I think that is what a great book should do - allow you to escape and journey into the lives of others. I liked these people and wish they were my neighbors . . . everybody except Omenita. Okay, maybe she could live in the neighborhood but not next door. Maurice has to decide on whether he is going to give his heart away to a young lady that can be wonderful but has issues. You will have to read this to believe it. Fantastic. This is a wonderful love story. Yes, it is about people trying to find out what is best for them and if they are best for each other. Sounds simple -- it isn't. There are so many wonderful characters and twists and turns in this novel that you will be surprised that there are so many wonderful lessons weaved throughout the novel. One thing I do know for sure, I didn't expect the end results. I was fooled! Great ending.This is a great book to take on a plane ride or just to the beach. Take it anywhere - but make sure you read it. I am glad our book club has chosen it to read.

As Always- The Best For His Readers

What an incredible message! ERNEST HILL is a gifted and insightful author. This book deals cleverly with an age old theme (love and relationships)in such a contemporary way. The protagonist, Maurice has been challenged to be a man and to make a decision that will impact him for life. Maurice is in love and has been with the same girl for as long as he can remember. But there is the possibility she just might not be the right one for him because their relationship is based on a series of ultimatums, but the pitter patter of his heart tells him he loves her and can't do without her. Omenita, is his girl. She is not satisfied waiting on Maurice to get his life together(Maurice wants to go to law school). She wants him to marry her within days to prove his love to her and help them escape Brownsville and their folks. But Maurice's momma refuses to let any of this happen. After all, she is a mother( and has some words of wisdom to impart). She does not want her son to waste his life on the wrong girl. Talking about fireworks in a matter of days!This novel is excellent. The novel is so vividly written and the characters are so very real. I can't get the various characters out of my head! The book explores the depths of being in tumultous relationships, coping with emotions and the dilemma of determining what's good for the heart may not always be good for the soul. Mr. Hill allows his characters to offer solutions via wonderful dialogue and creatively mapping out life through everyday situations. This NOVEL is FRESH AND VERY UPLIFTING. LOVE HAS NO BOUNDARIES. Can you imagine how Maurice handled all of these emotions and manages to find out how what being a man really entails? Well, you better start reading. This novel is very intriguing.Thank you Mr. Ernest Hill for slapping us in the face with proof that there are ways to solve problems and given time, most people will make the best decisions based on their circumstances. I loved the characters. I keep thinking could this be my son or daughter? I wonder if I would act like Maurice's mother? I am not telling! Your novels always offer meaningful messages. Keep writing, we need authors that write with a purpose. You entertain and teach us how to be better people through your creative endeavors. I am SUGGESTING THIS BOOK FOR FAMILIES TO READ AND DISCUSS. BOOK CLUBS, IF YOU NEED to have a GREAT DISCUSSION - HERE'S THE ONE. This was a fun and interesting book. If you miss reading this one, you have missed the best book of the summer!

Jeepguy, USA - The Best Just Got Better!

Ernest Hill has done what every author desires - to capture his reader's attention from the FRONT COVER (not the first page, but the front cover) to the very LAST PAGE of this MASTERPIECE. You gotta be mesmerized by his title in anticipation of something very special. I have read all of Hill's novels and have come to expect the best and he keeps bringing it on! His literary vision has made me appreciate greatness. It's All About the Moon When the Sun Ain't Shining is (sigh) "Wow!"The characters are real people in real situations (I don't care if it is fiction - I feel like I know these people)struggling to love, struggling to survive, battling with inner conflicts, clashing with outer interferences. Maurice has to make a life altering decision that conflicts with his heart and his head. He knows what he feels but he also knows what is right. Does he allow emotions to take him over the top or does he allow a level head to propel him to the next level? Who other than a dear mother has plenty to say about this matter? The woman he endears, Omenita, well let's just say, her goal is to seek happiness at all cost and to deal with the consequences later . . . Of course, there are folks involved in each of their lives that "knows what is best" for each of them and doesn't hesitate to "share." Sounds interesting? Well, trust me it is the NOVEL TO READ. I can't fathom taking the bite out of this novel by giving you any more clues. It is a must read -one line at a time. Oh, did I mention, when I finished the last word, I immediately flipped to the front and started over?The complexity of the subject matter (exquisitely written, I must add) - love is dealt with in such a beautiful, compassionate manner from the point of view of all involved. There should be a money back guarantee on this one!Finally, Mr. ERNEST HILL leaves you salivating for more. Somebody with authority needs to tell Mr. Hill to give us a sequel . . . if not a sequel, please write another book real soooooooooon! Mr. Hill, sure hope you are listening!!