Review of 'Ghosts'
By Raina Telgemeier, 2017
Graphic novel, Middle grade, Magical realism, Ghost story
Rating: 👻👻👻👻 (4 out of 4 boos)
“Catrina and her family are moving to the coast of Northern California because her little sister, Maya, is sick. Cat isn't happy about leaving her friends for Bahía de la Luna, but Maya has cystic fibrosis and will benefit from the cool, salty air that blows in from the sea. As the girls explore their new home, a neighbor lets them in on a secret: There are ghosts in Bahía de la Luna. Maya is determined to meet one, but Cat wants nothing to do with them. As the time of year when ghosts reunite with their loved ones approaches, Cat must figure out how to put aside her fears for her sister's sake—and her own.”
What’s the main character like?
Cat is a loving sister trying to figure herself out and trying to find her place in a new hometown. Her hesitancy to embrace life is a great contrast to her sister’s excitement about everything.
How scary is it?
Ghosts does have ghosts, but this ghost story is sweet and mysterious, not scary.
Who might like this book?
I have yet to read anything else by Rania Telgemeier, but I imagine readers of her other work will like this book. For the element of humans interacting with ghosts in a town known for its ghosts, I was also reminded of Out of the Wild Night.
What did I like best?
This book has a character suffering from cystic fibrosis, yet this character is inspirational in how full of life she is!
What was not so great?
I wanted more! I found myself a little startled by the ending. It’s not that things weren’t wrapped up; the book is just such a fast read that the ending slaps you in the face like an icy, ghostly wind!