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sophieguillas's review against another edition
2.0
2.5?
Saturday Night Ghost Club was fine. There were a few things that I thought were interesting. Uncle Calvin was a good character, and I wanted to see more of a distinctly Canada view on the occult and ghost stories.
Unfortunately, a lot of the book was eaten up by this awkward boy's coming of age narrative which has never appealed to me as a trope. I didn't think Jake stood out as a character at all. I thought these little tidbits from Jake's future as a neurosurgeon were much stronger. The little girl with the brain tumor in her own dream world was cool! I wanted more like that. I think Calvin's ghost stories had a chance to be cool if they had more space to breathe, but so much time is dedicated to Jake puttering around.
I think Dove was the most irritating part of the book. It seems like she's just there to be a quirky inspiration for Jake and we don't get a chance to know her as an individual.
Saturday Night Ghost Club was fine. There were a few things that I thought were interesting. Uncle Calvin was a good character, and I wanted to see more of a distinctly Canada view on the occult and ghost stories.
Unfortunately, a lot of the book was eaten up by this awkward boy's coming of age narrative which has never appealed to me as a trope. I didn't think Jake stood out as a character at all. I thought these little tidbits from Jake's future as a neurosurgeon were much stronger. The little girl with the brain tumor in her own dream world was cool! I wanted more like that. I think Calvin's ghost stories had a chance to be cool if they had more space to breathe, but so much time is dedicated to Jake puttering around.
I think Dove was the most irritating part of the book. It seems like she's just there to be a quirky inspiration for Jake and we don't get a chance to know her as an individual.
samanthainfantasyworld's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this book as my first read of Summerween. It was a quick read and I like the whole premise of the story. It had a great 80s vibe, I must say the first page grossed me out a little and turned my stomach but for some it might not. The ending tugged at my heart and I couldn’t help but love the main characters Uncle!
jennoux's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
kavanaughcori's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
kaynan1314's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.0
turboemo's review against another edition
4.0
i'd say a 4 is fitting for my experience with this book.
i think i did expect something a bit different, maybe more focused on the ghosts and the like, a real mystery unveiling with the unknown and stuff. the story was filled with urban legends and ghost stories that did link to reality somewhat - and i did like it, however i wanted a bit more of it.
the coming of age aspect was one of my favorite parts of it all. you could feel the love for cal pouring on every single word of this book. it certainly softens your heart and i ended up wanting nothing but peace and happiness for him by the end of the book.
this book was more about the ghosts, sorrows and horrors of the past more than actual ghosts. a real, terrible story mixed with fantasy... because the memory is often kind to us when the worst comes to be. the long you read, the more you realize how filled with melancholy this story is.
as for the writing, i found it beautiful. it was almost poetic and often philosophical. the memories from that summer feel "hazy" through the words, almost as if they were a dream. im sure thats how those memories worked for jake baker, after all. the interjections with jake, as a neurosurgeon, relating his medical experiences to those he lived that summer were one of my favorite parts, too.
the reason i dont felt this book as a 5 star, however, is that there was something - i cant exactly pinpoint what - that felt off to me about how dove was written, or maybe how she was viewed through jakes eyes. its probably a personal sensation, more than anything, but...
anyways.
this book was different from what i expected but still worthwhile. even as i expected more ghosts, more paranormal stuff to haunt the town, i stayed because there was love and sorrow, and lots and lots of care into the horrors that actually happened down the lane.
i think i did expect something a bit different, maybe more focused on the ghosts and the like, a real mystery unveiling with the unknown and stuff. the story was filled with urban legends and ghost stories that did link to reality somewhat - and i did like it, however i wanted a bit more of it.
the coming of age aspect was one of my favorite parts of it all. you could feel the love for cal pouring on every single word of this book. it certainly softens your heart and i ended up wanting nothing but peace and happiness for him by the end of the book.
this book was more about the ghosts, sorrows and horrors of the past more than actual ghosts. a real, terrible story mixed with fantasy... because the memory is often kind to us when the worst comes to be. the long you read, the more you realize how filled with melancholy this story is.
as for the writing, i found it beautiful. it was almost poetic and often philosophical. the memories from that summer feel "hazy" through the words, almost as if they were a dream. im sure thats how those memories worked for jake baker, after all. the interjections with jake, as a neurosurgeon, relating his medical experiences to those he lived that summer were one of my favorite parts, too.
the reason i dont felt this book as a 5 star, however, is that there was something - i cant exactly pinpoint what - that felt off to me about how dove was written, or maybe how she was viewed through jakes eyes. its probably a personal sensation, more than anything, but...
anyways.
this book was different from what i expected but still worthwhile. even as i expected more ghosts, more paranormal stuff to haunt the town, i stayed because there was love and sorrow, and lots and lots of care into the horrors that actually happened down the lane.
efein's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-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
4.0
wholecuppatea's review against another edition
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
joymargot's review
4.0
A prime example of when judging a book by its cover pays off 💁🏻♀️
There’s definite parallels with Stranger Things from the setting and the characters to the unexpectedly moving and heartwarming moments.
A speedy and enjoyable read.