I’ve had Not Quite A Ghost on my radar for a while now and was so glad I read it recently. I usually don't find myself reading horror or middle-grade books — I’m mostly a YA and romance girlie these days — but this book was one of my favorites this year. It was gripping, honest, and poignant. I found Violet and her family’s struggles to understand her decline and health challenges post-illness incredibly relatable as she experiences medical gaslighting, loss of lifelong friendships, and confusing symptoms. Interestingly, the house on Katydid Street is also a character in the novel as it comes to life and is a magical horror that Violet has to contend with as well as dealing with her very real post-viral symptoms. One of the things I appreciated most while reading this book is that I could feel that the author had real-life experience dealing with chronic illness because the scenes of dealing with medical professionals and dismissive teachers and friends felt too authentic to be purely fictional. While those scenes were painful to read, I appreciated how Ursu showed through Violet how it's possible to reevaluate relationships and friendships and put one's energy towards ones that are affirming — an important lesson not just for pre-teens but adults too. I’d highly recommend anyone read this, but especially if you or a loved one are dealing with a post-viral illness, such as long COVID or ME/CFS. 

Highlights: 
💜 Middle-grade horror
💜 Post-viral illness
💜 Moving & transitions 
💜 Starting middle school
💜 Changing friendships 
💜 Haunted house 
💜 Chronic illness 
💜 Inspired by “The Yellow Wallpaper”

CW: medical gaslighting, medical trauma, bullying