Sometimes when you are just living your life you don't realize the "bigger picture" that you are a part of. All you can do if you are fortunate is appreciate the moment and then reflect on it later to see the blessings and the lessons you have had along the way.

I was reminded of this when I read MOON CHILD by author Betty Byrnes. The book is not only about Betty's father and his life while working with NASA. It's about coming of age and coming into yourself, becoming the person you were meant to be. Yes, we see Betty's life as she moved around and enjoyed the experiences of having a father who was respected and admired. But we also get to see her enjoying new jeans and a new craze started with the fast food chain McDonalds---and her exerting her independence and a bit of rebellion as kids do.

In the end, though, the book is about the power of dreams and how when you work hard and bring yourself fully to life you can achieve great things. I also feel as though readers will appreciate the sense of family that comes through, and what it means to enjoy the simple times and little things, because once they are gone all you have are the memories.

MOON CHILD reminds us that we are all here growing, learning and exploring----and hopefully at the end of the day we will leave behind a life with meaning.

Cyrus Webb - Conversations Book Club 

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My dear Betty..it was absolutely amazing.
Your book took me to places I have never been before.
I shed tears...I smiled...sometimes I was in total awe.
Thank you for this wonderful gem.
You are an amazing writer...storyteller.
Thanks for sharing with us this story. Your story.
Your childhood. Loved it.
Waiting for your next book lol....

Marcela Torres - Argentina

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Endearing, Charming and Magical......... I have just finished reading this wonderful and true account of a middle class family in Post War America which takes the reader back to a gentler era and re-ignites many memories of times past that hold a gentle and special charm. A wonderful, tender and nostalgic journey shared and told through the memories of a little girl. I have been privileged to have had that " little girl " as my friend for the last five years, we met, as did so many others, through our mutual love and respect for Michael, following his passing. Betty shares her life's journey with us........ and what a journey it has been. There were parts where I laughed and others where I cried........ a beautiful recollection of exploits, adventures and events written with Compassion and Love by " the little girl " whose love for her Daddy shines through every page..........
a thoroughly, recommended read. Loved It..........

Susan Brookes - United Kingdom 

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Dear Betty...
... You have a gift for words and I'm so thrilled you have expressed them through this amazing accomplishment. Keep writing Betty! I'd love to read the next one!

Junko - Los Angeles, California

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I am really enjoying this book! The author brings me back to moments in time that pull me into my own nostalgic memories! There's nothing like curling up to a book that warms your heart, enlightens your mind, and fulfills an ache for remembrance. I want to thank Betty Byrnes for doing just that!

BJ "Beajay" - New York

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A great read that pulls you into the life of Betty and the experiences of her childhood. She describes the neighbourhood so wonderfully that you are gently transported and immersed into her world and the various challenges and memories that she and her family experience. The story flows wonderfully from chapter to chapter and engaged me from the beginning, allowing me to walk the shoes of an extraordinary girl.

Rachel Giillard-Tew - New Zealand

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Moon Child is a touching, tender, and interesting perspective of history through the eyes of a child--I loved the descriptions of the simplest of things as autos, neighborhoods, and the passion for family, history and a unique view of the space program that touched all Americans--share this book with your friends and family -- a must read.

RCA - California

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I love Betty Byrnes' autobiography about her wonderful and adventurous life traveling with her family while her father served as the first manager of the NASA Space Research Center in Houston! It brought about sweet memories of being in elementary school and being filed into the cafeteria one by one to watch NASA's rockets take off into space! How exciting it is for me that in the future I would personally know the daughter of the man who is partly responsible for sending man to the moon! Betty's memories of her childhood are so endearing and I revel in the fact that she can remember so many intimate little details about her life, even down to a rug that she used to lie on in the living room floor to watch the rockets being launched and watching newscasts regarding the event, and how proud she was of her father! This book is just precious! I laughed, I cried, I love books that can move me either way! 'Thank you, Betty, for taking us through this journey with you!' She talks about possibly writing another book in the future and I will be waiting anxiously to read that one as well! Godspeed Betty!
 

 Brenda McDonald - Texas

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Delightful

 

I highly recommend this nostalgic book to all baby boomers out there.The book was written by a friend who takes us on her journey as a child growing up in a much simpler time...in the 50's and 60's. The story depicts a young child and her experiences as she travels across country with her family and her father who was a true pioneer of the Nasa Space Program during its initial launching....The author take us through chronological events and her delightful experiences from one state to another as she finally settles in the state she now calls home...as well as some of the interesting people and events along the way....The authors use of humor adds to this lighthearted story about her life..one does not have to be a baby boomer to enjoy this delightful book....

By Kathleen Guzman on February 12, 2015 - New Jersey
 

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Betty does an excellent job capturing middle class America in the 50s and 60s. She takes me back to a time when the country was excited about the space program and we were still innocent in our thinkings and doings.

Angela - TX