Review of ‘The Gift Moves’
by Steve Lyons

Reviewed by Byron Merritt

The Gift Moves, by Steve Lyons, is this author’s first literary accomplishment. And a worthy one. Geared toward the fifth to ninth grade reader, it has a cadence and beauty that will not be lost on those who choose to read it, even those of us who might be a bit older, too (like me!). I usually don’t comment on the cover art of a book (“you can’t judge a book by its cover”), but I think it is noteworthy to mention that the eye-catching design has insightful meaning to the story (the sandy beach, a girl’s legs running on that beach, the colorful purple dress, the tattoo running up her legs, and, of utmost importance, the Sun and Moon pendant that is a significant symbol within the narrative).

The story unfolds around the life of Path, a young girl who is leaving her country home of Boon to live as a Hand (that’s a weaver’s apprentice) at a stodgy old ladies loom house. Bringing with her from Boon, she carries a special pendant — the Sun and Moon — that she took from her mother just before she died.

Once in her new community she is swiftly snatched up by Heron, her grumpy new loom house boss, and befriended by Bird, a nice young boy who works in the bakery next door. Excitement is palpable as everyone in this little village prepares for the Midsummer’s Day celebration; everything (and I do mean everything) is packed into a burning pyre in the Circle of town, indicating the ending of the old year and beginning of the new.

But Path isn’t very hip about Midsummer’s Day. It’s where her mother left her and turned her over to her father many years ago. Path has never forgiven her mother for that — the abandonment she feels throughout the story is achingly present — and hasn’t attended a Midsummer’s Day celebration in years because of it. Can she release the Moon and Star pendant, throwing it into the fire to live anew? Or will the fire envelope her instead?

The interesting thing about this book is that it can be enjoyed on many different levels. In order, there is: a coming of age story, a futuristic society turned back to a bartering civilization, a science fiction element in the development of trees that absorb and produce everything from batteries to earthen items, a love story, and unusual family dynamics. Although this may sound like something that would confuse younger readers, on the contrary I believe it will stimulate their imaginations. And even if they don’t catch all the nuances to other themes, they’re sure to enjoy at least a few levels of understanding after they’re done with the novel.

I’m loaning the book (only loaning!) to my sixteen year old daughter to see if she enjoys it. I’m sure she will. I’m curious to see how many different themes she picks up on, too.