Scan barcode
thefakebabayaga's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
One of my favorite books as a kid, trying to reread as much Hahn as I can.
lauding_42's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
andmingmingtoo's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I read this book for the first time in middle school because Mary Downing Hahn was my favorite author, and I decided to read it again as an adult to get me out of a slump. It worked!
I saw other reviews complain that the characters were too unlikeable, but for me, that's part of the magic of this story. The characters feel like real people, and real people are messy and irrational.
In the end, I'm a firm believer that a lot of good horror is about the love people have for each other, and this book is very similar, because it captures one of the most central, unifying desires people have: to be seen, liked, and understood.
I saw other reviews complain that the characters were too unlikeable, but for me, that's part of the magic of this story. The characters feel like real people, and real people are messy and irrational.
In the end, I'm a firm believer that a lot of good horror is about the love people have for each other, and this book is very similar, because it captures one of the most central, unifying desires people have: to be seen, liked, and understood.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child death, Death, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Mental illness, Physical abuse, and Grief
Minor: Medical content, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
This book revolves around a girl who died byshartcuterie90210's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
did anyone else want to fistfight dulcie or just me
bkkramer's review against another edition
This is obviously a children's book but still fun to read. It's like I wanted it to be darker and spookier but then I remembered it's for children and that would probably not be appropriate.
terriblelynne's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
mehsi's review against another edition
2.0
I have noticed a pattern in the books I read by this author. In her books there are always 1 or more people who are super annoying. Sadly in this book I didn't like any of the characters. I felt like throwing away the book a few times because the characters were annoying.
The story was ok, and I liked the ending, but 2 stars max.
The story was ok, and I liked the ending, but 2 stars max.
samantha_refvik's review against another edition
4.0
I’m not the intended audience for this one anymore but I’m rating it for the scholastic book fair version of myself :’)
guillemette_gagliano's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.5
caitiep92's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
3.5