Review: Great for All Ages
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 07 7, 2013
Book Review: Once in a Blue Moon​July 7, 2013Rating: 4 stars​Title: Once in a Blue MoonAuthor: Ken Christopher Ping​Genre: Fiction/short storiesReview:Once in a Blue Moon, written by Ken Christopher Ping, is a collection of three short stories that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They're quick reads, but also fun reads--perfect if you have 15-20 minutes on  hand.The first story, Of Sand and Castles, tells the story of two brothers, Alex and Aaron. Alex and Aaron are the sons of a great lord. Alex is the ideal son, in the eyes of their father. He is quick with the sword, brave and winds countless fighting competition. Aaron, on the other hand, is an idealist, a dreamer. He enjoys playing music and teaching other kids how to play the guitar. This story explores the bond between the two brothers and how society can pressure a young man into being something he doesn't want to be.​The second story, The Mother's Day Gift, was definitely my favorite. Told from the point of view of an innocent 6 year old boy, this story is sure to make you smile, tear up, or both. I know I did little bit of both. The writing really embodies the mind of a young child--it's simple yet pure. After reading The Mother's Day Gift, I could not help but think that perhaps defining things  by their simplest term--such as what love is--is also defining them by their truest term. A wonderful story to read if you ever need a pick me up on a blue day. Speaking of the color blue, this brings us to...Once in a Blue Moon, the last story of the book. Once in a Blue Moon (the story, not the whole book), tells the tale of why a blue moon exists. The story is set up very much like a folk tale involving Greek gods and goddesses plus a few other familiar faces, such as Cupid. I think this was the longest story of the three.If I had to sum up each story in one word, they would be: brotherhood (Of Sand and Castles), emotional (The Mother's Day Gift) and sweet (Once in a Blue Moon).Likes:*Varied stories with varied style of writing*ADORED The Mother's Day GiftDislikes:*I liked the over all concept of the story Once in a Blue Moon (not  talking about the entire book here), but I feel like the voice used to narrate the tale seems almost....not fitting?? I don't know...Maybe's it's just me...***received a free copy in exchange for an honest review***