Written in retreat on a small offshore island, By the Light of the Moon is a collection of inspirational essays, all in one way or another, related to the moon. Part parable, part memoir, each essay is a contemplation on what happens when we reach for and give attention to the light within us and others, even when it is eclipsed by darkness. With the moon as metaphor, McBride weaves together stories that are simple meditations on youth and age, love and marriage, community and solitude, serenity and fear, constancy and adventure, grief and healing. She reflects on the challenges of charting a spiritual course through the prevailing winds of conflict and materialism. And with thoughtful insight she counts the blessings born of working through hardships. Here is a book written with the conviction that behind every shadow there is light. From the back cover - Praise for By the Light of the Moon: "This book of meditations is a gift. I found myself underlining entire passages, marveling at McBride's beautifully spare prose and the depth and clarity of her wisdom. Using the moon as a prism through which to see her life, she reflects on the choices we make to be happy, healthy, and spiritually alive, and the simple abundance of family. By the Light of the Moon will have a special place on my shelf next to the treasured volumes I return to again and again." CHRISTINA BAKER KLINE, New York Times bestselling author of the novel Orphan Train "I love this book. It flows gracefully, expresses a deep love of humanity, and left me with a profound sense of serenity. Having been in some of the African villages Bunny describes, I was transported by her evocative prose. PIERRE PRADERVAND, author of The Gentle Art of Blessing, Gold Nautilus Book Award for Spirituality "These exquisite, consoling, inspiring essays made me want to be a better person. McBride writes with elegance, honesty, and a refreshing lack of prescription. It was like being in the company of a gentle older sister. I loved this book." MONICA WOOD, author of Any Bitter Thing and When We Were the Kennedys, May Sarton Award for best woman's memoir