Maybe the Moon

This is the first novel I've read by Maupin, and wooah, do I get it. I get why people fall in love with his work. There were so many reasons why this novel should not have worked - I mean, it's characters are just about every stereotype you can think of, and it's "issues" practically smack you in the face. But somehow it transcends all those pieces that shouldn't work, and transforms into this somewhat magical, definitely emotional, and wholly unforgettable reading experience. I haven't read Maupin before, but I certainly will again.

I was rooting for her all the way, I wanted her to get on that stage and sing in front of Hollywood and be seen for who she was. I found the ending sad and a little bitter. Especially the letter from the writer about how he would excise her story.

Now, this is how I would have ended it. I'll be brief.

Jeff creates a diversion so she can get on stage with Renee, who has her moment in the limelight in front of all the stars she idolizes.
Callum (that was his name?) realizes he's been an arsehole and introduces her onto the stage properly, then gets back with Jeff, and comes out of the closet.
The director guy, is suitably chastened when she sings her song about him forgetting her. Ditto her agent.
She gets her singing career with her guy at show more the piano.

HAPPY ENDING!!

That wasn't so hard, was it?

I know this story was based on the author's friend Tamara who actually played ET, so there is an element of honoring her memory with the truth. But, the book is not presented that way! All I can say is Gah! show less

Never would have picked this up on my own, having no need of stories about Hollywood, and no fond memories of the one other by Maupin I did read (so long ago I'm not sure which).

But I'm glad I did read it. It was easy and fun, and enlightening, to read, until the heavy and slightly implausible ending, which brought the fantasy of thinking that we could have some sort of HEA back to reality.

I picked this book up at the English speaking meetup in Vienna and I finished it in 3 days. It's one of those books I read on the subway and looked up and thought:"Oh no, I'm here already!".
The book is great, I love how the character is strong, brave, and has a self-deprecating humour but never gets whiny or annoying. I've never read a book told from the first person perspective before that pulled this off as well as Maybe the Moon.
I even got excited on Casey's behalf before her big appearance. I found the story to be powerful. And the letters at the end of the book make it even more powerful.

Armistead Maupin has been a long time favourite of mine. He bases his first fiction outing since Tales of the City on the life of Tamara de Treaux, one of four little people who brought to life the immortal ET. While ET lives on, Tamara is basically forgotten.
Maupin touchingly explores the effect this has on his little friend in Maybe the Moon, his best and most beautiful work to date. Her troubles are painfully, humorously, and insightfully retold in a style which far surpasses that of Maupin's earlier books. Although homosexuality is central to Maupin's life and work, the gay subplot seems a little out of place here - the real star with the most absorbing cause is Cadence/Tamara. She is Maupin's most memorable character in all his show more work, more human and full of more fire than even the venerable Mrs. Madrigal. I wept as the book came to an end because I knew, even though the work is labeled "fiction," it was a story about a real human being. What a lovely way to say goodbye to a dear friend. show less

Cadence Roth is a heroine one will not soon forget. All of 31 inches tall, Cady played Mr. Woods, an E.T.-like character, in a hit movie a decade ago. Now 30 years old, she performs at birthday parties and bat mitzvahs, on the fringe of an industry that doesn't have much need for chubby dwarfs. In a strong and witty voice, Cady records daily life with her dizzy, star-struck roommate Renee, the physical challenge of turning on a shower, discrimination by people, and harassment by dogs. She begins a charming romance with a tall, handsome pianist and then, with her best friend, Jeff--a writer active in gay politics--she plots her comeback.

Cadence Roth is a heroine one will not soon forget. All of 31 inches tall, Cady played Mr. Woods, an E.T.-like character, in a hit movie a decade ago. Now 30 years old, she performs at birthday parties and bat mitzvahs, on the fringe of an industry that doesn't have much need for chubby dwarfs. In a strong and witty voice, Cady records daily life with her dizzy, star-struck roommate Renee, the physical challenge of turning on a shower, discrimination by people, and harassment by dogs. She begins a charming romance with a tall, handsome pianist and then, with her best friend, Jeff--a writer active in gay politics--she plots her comeback. A story and a subtle fable about difference. Not the easiest read.