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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.
adamxcx's review against another edition
2.0
The twist at the end was actually pretty good but the book wasn’t gripping enough I’m glad it was so short honestly LOL it reminded me of stranger things and I don’t like stranger things
lord_lut's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
daniielaph's review
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
njdarkish's review against another edition
4.0
A lovely little book with beautiful prose and a sad, earnest story.
shelbymarie516's review against another edition
4.0
Wanted more fun or more paranormal but it was enjoyable. Pretty good.