Reviews

The Ghosts We Keep by Mason Deaver

robbins_reads's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

ireadbooks_10's review against another edition

hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

greenleafbooks's review against another edition

3.0

I did enjoy this book, although I had a few issues. The biggest one was that the middle section felt very slow and unnecessary in a way. The way grief was explored was very interesting though and there were lots of great and emotional moments, so that was a big plus.

readwithkiekie's review against another edition

4.0

I just want to start this review with some trigger warnings. This book deals with mental health, grief, death and attempt at self harm.

I was so hesitant to jump into Mason Deavers Sophmore novel. I loved I Wish You All the Best so much, as someone who identifies as Genderqueer, it means so much to me. It was the first book I read where I felt seen and understood. It's also a book I happily recommend to everyone.

However, The Ghosts We Keep did not disappoint.

I really related to Liam. When I was 12 years old I lost my Grandmother, who was basically my 2nd Mother. I never knew grief until then and it made me spiral out of control, I became someone I didn't recognise and this is exactly what happens with Liam. They don't understand how to process their feelings and emotions and it makes them do things that they usually wouldn't do. Grief is a complex thing.

Mason Deaver handled the topic of grief and mental health so well. I will happily recommend this one to people as well.

nikfernandez17177's review against another edition

4.0

If I think about this book too much it will make me very sad

breezyjean's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

whatashisreading's review against another edition

3.0

I think that the way grief was discussed felt very real and aspects of this book were mentioned that I don’t think are talked about a lot when it comes to loss. However, I think that there were some aspects about Liam’s character that just annoyed tf out of me. Like how do you talk about no one making assumptions when it comes to you but put your own brother into this perfect little box? I get that the point is that maybe people are selfish and can be self centered but idk I just couldn’t seem to get past the way they acted and treated not only Ethan but their friends as well.

readswithree's review against another edition

emotional hopeful sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

barnesbookshelf's review against another edition

5.0

I cried so much reading this. This book, more than anything, is sad. It hits you right in a deep place and makes the tears flow. And it's cathartic.

The plot was not what I was expecting. Based on the synopsis and Deaver's previous novel, I was expecting

Spoiler

it to be more of a rom-com than anything else. Instead, it's an exploration of the grief one experiences when losing a loved one so close to them

. But it's good. It's really, really good. Just make sure you have the tissue box ready.

TW: Suicidal thoughts, attempted self-harm

vief_lucas's review against another edition

5.0

This book was a hard one to read. Not only because this book has some pretty heavy topics in it but also because it's very relatable to what I'm going through right now.

This book's portrayal of grief is accurate and painful but in a good way. It made me feel seen, and I think that alone is something I really cherish about this book. I liked how the main character Liam is going through many different forms of grief, obviously the grief of their brother, but also the grief of a lost friendship.

I do have some criticisms because that's how I roll. For example, I think Liam can be a little too judgemental, especially when it comes to Marcus.

But honestly, the criticisms I have of this book cannot compare to the feelings this book gave me. It made me cry hard in the end. I think this book could help other people who are going through similar things, even if it only makes you feel seen.
It might not be for everyone, but I do highly recommend it.

This book was a 5/5⭐️ experience for me.