This is for when you are intrigued by the idea of those “ghosts” that follow you in your grief… taken quite literally while incorporating heartwarming character dynamics. Especially one that takes the usually-creepy supernatural elements and turns it into a touching story that makes you want to hug the next ghost you come across.

This was probably one of the most relatable explorations on grief i have ever read in a contemporary/magical realism setting. It’s not the lightest of reads for obvious reasons but not too heavy since it leans more towards more hopeful discussions between the characters. It’s poignant but with beautiful prose that makes the ghosts in this haunted farm far less scarier than we ought they’d be.

I loved the big family dynamic that was put into play with the themes on belonging and mental health. The main character is also a sapphic queen if anyone was wondering.

“The thing is, I’m learning that it’s good to think about what scares you, to bring it into the light, if you can. And feel how it can’t hurt you anymore. To think of it and say: I am not afraid.

It takes away it’s power, to think of it that way”

This is my first time reading a Nina LaCour book and I’m definitely going to be watching out for more books from her in the future~

— 4.0 —
⇢ content warnings// Abandonment, Death of grandparent, Depression, Drug addiction, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Fire, Gaslighting, Grief, Mental abuse, Neglect, Physical abuse