Reviews

The Ghosts We Keep by Mason Deaver

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.

marskleinb's review against another edition

emotional sad

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.75

dimky's review

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

5.0

stfuveronica's review against another edition

4.0

(book 3/3 for the trans right readaton week 2024)

this book did make me tear up !!

delz's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

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

5.0

I’m going to be honest, this was not the easiest of stories to read because the central theme was dealing with grief. The story begins after Ethan’s death. Ethan was Liam’s brother and Liam is just beginning to make their journey into life after the loss. The book is written in chapters of befores and afters and you don’t really get the entire picture until the end. This was a very good book because it felt honest. You could viscerally feel Liam’s grief. 

sweetrosegirl76's review against another edition

3.0

It's not bad, I can tell a lot of heart went into this. I think I expected some closure for me with my own grief, but I don't think it helped. Character went through all 5 stages, acceptance at the end, and it made me realize I was still in my anger/sadness. I didn't think this book was particularly interesting, I preferred They Both Die in the End, and I Wish You All the Best. This is a good book about navigating and living with grief if a bit short, since it ended like 4 months post death. I think I would like a book with snapshots of grief. 1 month later, 3 months, 5 months, 1 year, etc, of what it looks like.

Hard to review this without my own grief clouding my perspective. "I’d keep remembering him. I’d keep him alive with me." Feels like BS to me, like no it doesn't keep them alive, it's just something some ppl say to give another person comfort. It doesn't give me comfort at all. Maybe I'll get there though.