lizzydennyreadsabook's review against another edition
4.0
I read this all in one sitting! This is a great GN that mixes the creepy with the real!
raven_kxl's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
marla_a's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
samidhak's review against another edition
3.0
Great way of describing what toxic and dominating relationships can feel like; especially when one is a young, impressionable, raddled with insecurities, pubescent. These relationships traumatize and scar way more, and are often difficult to break out of!
yoteach87's review against another edition
5.0
Great story that took a sudden turn I did not see coming.
sierra_color's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely love this book! I practically grew up reading it, and I'm so happy I have my own copy (it's a hardcover too! >:D)
Anyway. I never realized how clever and just how needed this story was for me growing up. I used to be just like Anya, and what makes this book so unique is the fact that the main character is so snarky, sarcastic, and etc. But not in the usual "oh I'm just a tough asshole way" but in the "I've been hurt and bullied, so this is how I treat people."
I love how the ghost is a literal representation of what Anya could become if she continues down the path of judging other people, pushing everyone away, and not appreciating her life. And little by little, as the story progresses, we see how Anya is hurting and why, because she was bullied as a kid, and is still insecure about that fact, while also having a complicated relationship with her cultural identity. Seeing her go from that bitter, and hurtful person, to one that cared about people and appreciated everyone, while also being understanding, was not only believable, but absolutely perfect! It kinda reminded me of Sarah's character arc from the labyrinth, in the sense that Anya learns of her own inner strength, and learns to let some fantasies-- like the fantasy of being with Sean, and having a perfect life where she's just like the other kids in her school-- go.
So yeah, all in all, I fucking adore this book and I am so, so happy i have it on my bookshelf. I want to stop raving and just post this review already, but I can't wait to re-read this book over and over!
Anyway. I never realized how clever and just how needed this story was for me growing up. I used to be just like Anya, and what makes this book so unique is the fact that the main character is so snarky, sarcastic, and etc. But not in the usual "oh I'm just a tough asshole way" but in the "I've been hurt and bullied, so this is how I treat people."
I love how the ghost is a literal representation of what Anya could become if she continues down the path of judging other people, pushing everyone away, and not appreciating her life. And little by little, as the story progresses, we see how Anya is hurting and why, because she was bullied as a kid, and is still insecure about that fact, while also having a complicated relationship with her cultural identity. Seeing her go from that bitter, and hurtful person, to one that cared about people and appreciated everyone, while also being understanding, was not only believable, but absolutely perfect! It kinda reminded me of Sarah's character arc from the labyrinth, in the sense that Anya learns of her own inner strength, and learns to let some fantasies-- like the fantasy of being with Sean, and having a perfect life where she's just like the other kids in her school-- go.
So yeah, all in all, I fucking adore this book and I am so, so happy i have it on my bookshelf. I want to stop raving and just post this review already, but I can't wait to re-read this book over and over!
kkrehemker's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0