ruthhelizabeth's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Marjorie is not having the easiest time, even compared to other 13 year old girls. Her mum has passed away and ever since her dad has been like a ghost, floating around their home and family laundromat and barely speaking, leaving Majorie to handle running the business, looking after them all and somehow staying on top of school work. A local ghoul of another type in the shape of a man is hovering, forcing his hostile plans to open a spa in the building Majorie and her family call home by any means necessary.
Meanwhile, another more literal ghost is trying to grapple with the afterlife.
I really enjoyed this book. It handled grief and mental health incredibly well, and the artwork is beautiful. I feel it would be a wonderful addition to any middle school or high school library, and would really enrich the lives of anyone who read it, particularly as an age appropriate tool to start conversations and spark empathy.
As an adult I also really enjoyed reading and will be on the look out for other books by the same author.
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Death of parent, Child death, Death, Gaslighting, and Mental illness
indieandajean's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
The plot itself is good, showing the weight upon the shoulders of a child who has had to take on the role of a parent after the death of her mother. The juxtaposition of this with the story of a child who has died and is looking for belonging from the beyond is well done, but the real heavy hitter here is the visual element. The art is stunning, I cannot fully explain how perfectly it conveys the emotion and carries the plot forward.
The plot does drag at times, and until the context of the ghosts arrives in the plot, the story is a bit confusing. Overall, however it is an enjoyable read, and I would recommend it to those who are working through loss themselves, and to those looking for a teaching tool for their children (10+) to talk about grief, death, and dying.
Moderate: Child death, Grief, Death, Death of parent, and Mental illness
Minor: Gaslighting, Bullying, and Abandonment
sadiaa's review
4.5
This novel touches on grief and loneliness in an easy and enjoyable way. Will definitely keep an eye out for more in this series.
Graphic: Alcoholism, Grief, Child death, Death of parent, Mental illness, Death, and Bullying
theespressoedition's review against another edition
3.5
Graphic: Bullying and Mental illness
Moderate: Death of parent, Death, and Abandonment
amysteriousglowingblob's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Graphic: Abandonment, Mental illness, and Grief
Moderate: Child death, Death of parent, and Death
justabookholic's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Death of parent, Child death, and Gaslighting
Minor: Alcoholism and Mental illness
megwilli's review
4.0
Graphic: Mental illness, Death of parent, Bullying, and Child death
lorriss's review
2.5
Graphic: Death of parent, Child death, Grief, Death, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Child abuse, Gaslighting, and Mental illness
bookishlybecca's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Death of parent, Grief, and Bullying
Moderate: Child death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, and Misogyny
ruthmoog's review
4.75
Despite the theme of weathered resilience and well, ghosts, the story is cute and there are some heartwarming moments.
Graphic: Child death, Death of parent, Mental illness, and Death
Moderate: Bullying, Emotional abuse, and Grief
Minor: Alcoholism and Cultural appropriation
Drowning, Financial insecurity