While Walk Two Moons does not have a direct sequel that continues Salamanca Tree Hiddle's journey in the traditional sense, there is a companion novel by Sharon Creech that expands on the world and characters: Absolutely Normal Chaos.
Exploring the Companion Novel: Absolutely Normal Chaos
Many readers of Sharon Creech's Newbery Medal-winning novel Walk Two Moons wonder if there's more to explore in Sal Hiddle's poignant world. The connection lies in Absolutely Normal Chaos, a book that features one of Sal's best friends from Walk Two Moons, Mary Lou Finney.
Instead of picking up exactly where Sal's story left off, Absolutely Normal Chaos shifts the narrative focus to Mary Lou, offering her perspective and detailing her own experiences over a summer. This type of literary connection is often referred to as a "companion novel" or "spin-off." It allows readers to delve deeper into the lives of secondary characters and gain new insights into the literary universe established in the first book, even if the primary plot doesn't directly continue.
Walk Two Moons is celebrated for its exploration of grief, family, and self-discovery through Sal's road trip and the stories she hears. Absolutely Normal Chaos maintains Creech's distinctive narrative style and themes of family, friendship, and everyday adventures, viewed through Mary Lou's quirky and relatable lens.
Companion Novel vs. Direct Sequel
Understanding the distinction between a direct sequel and a companion novel is key:
- Direct Sequel: A book that continues the main plotline and primary protagonist's story directly from where the previous book ended. For example, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is a direct sequel to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.
- Companion Novel: A book set in the same fictional world, often featuring characters from the original story, but with a new main protagonist or a parallel storyline. It enriches the original narrative rather than continuing its exact plot.
Absolutely Normal Chaos falls squarely into the companion novel category. It provides an additional layer to the Walk Two Moons universe, allowing fans to spend more time with familiar characters and experience the world from a different viewpoint.
Key Differences and Connections
Here’s a quick overview comparing Walk Two Moons and its companion, Absolutely Normal Chaos:
| Feature | Walk Two Moons | Absolutely Normal Chaos |
|---|---|---|
| Main Protagonist | Salamanca Tree Hiddle (Sal) | Mary Lou Finney |
| Primary Focus | Sal's journey, her mother's disappearance, grief | Mary Lou's summer, family life, diary entries |
| Connection | Original story, introduces the Finney family | Companion novel featuring Sal's friend, Mary Lou Finney |
| Narrative Style | First-person (Sal), intertwined stories | First-person (Mary Lou), diary/journal format |
| Themes | Grief, identity, family, friendship, coming-of-age | Family chaos, friendship, first crushes, everyday life |
Why Read Absolutely Normal Chaos?
For readers who loved Walk Two Moons, diving into Absolutely Normal Chaos offers several rewards:
- Deeper Character Insight: Get to know Mary Lou Finney, her eccentric family, and her daily life in more detail, beyond her role as Sal's friend.
- Expanded World: Explore another facet of the world Sharon Creech created, often through a lighter, more humorous lens than Walk Two Moons.
- Author's Distinctive Voice: Enjoy more of Sharon Creech's unique storytelling, witty observations, and heartwarming prose.
- Familiar Faces: While Mary Lou takes center stage, brief mentions or appearances by other characters from Walk Two Moons might occur, making it a nostalgic read.
If you're looking to extend your experience with the characters and setting of Walk Two Moons, Absolutely Normal Chaos serves as a wonderful and enriching addition to the reading journey.
