“Luna Court” by Dandy Noel is a memoir that follows the young life of Denver and her best friend Shay as they embark on a wandering, rock and roll-fueled road trip in search of Denver’s missing father. In the process, they find themselves.

After losing her mother to suicide as a young child, Denver’s early life was fraught with trouble and heartache. Now, as an 18-year-old in the early 1990s with her father missing for over a year, the call of a different life – particularly the growing Southern California music scene – is the catalyst for an adventure that begins the trajectory of the rest of her life. With dreams of opening a vintage clothing store and record shop, the friends leave home behind. As they encounter strangers, narrowly escape mishaps, and navigate the transition out of their teenage naivety – all the while searching for Denver’s father – the two girls learn invaluable lessons about friendship, acceptance, and resilience.

This true story of the author’s life is filled with twists and turns, exciting discoveries, and poignant growth, all described with beautiful clarity and careful detail. From the dangers of traveling the country with little to fall back on to appearing in the iconic Smells Like Teen Spirit music video, Noel brings readers on an emotionally charged, transformative ride toward healing past traumas and coming to terms with the joys and disappointments of reality as it truly is.

Through determination and hope, Denver’s healing journey is a lesson for people from all walks of life, a reminder that our paths are often messy, nonlinear, imperfect, and well worth the effort.

With nods to the flourishing grunge scene of the 90s, introspective moments of young adult angst, unexpected setbacks, and powerful moments of triumph, this inspiring tale is an invitation for readers to embark on their own journeys of healing and discovery, and ultimately, a tribute to the unconditional love a daughter has for her father.

Isabella Tugman

Sprecher