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mariathelibrarian's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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
3.5
annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review against another edition
3.0
I'm not entirely sure why I added this book to my wishlist. However, last week I all of a sudden saw that there was an Amazon deal to get this book for about 5 euros and therefore I decided to order it and give it a go. This afternoon, when I was 1/3rd into an epic fantasy and got a little tired of all the names and politics, I decided to grab this middle grade to power through it. About 90 minutes later I finished the book.
This is not the kind of middle grade that also has something special for adults reading the story. There are no symbolic hidden layers or messages that will fly over the kids heads. It's actually quite a simple story. Finn dies and he is not ready to leave this earth behind until he deals with his unfinished business. In his case he has to try to find the driver of the car chasing him and forcing him to make a capital error.
Since Finn is easily distracted by anything and everything it takes quite some time before he actually tries to find some clues regarding his accident. Although I understand that a lot of thirteen year olds really are like that, I had some trouble really connecting with Finn throughout the story. After all, watching a Ghost play playstation or binge-watch series isn't the most interesting thing ever. It was only when he met Isabella that the story got a lot more interesting.
However, along the way Patterson did some great things when it comes to moving on and mourning. Since Finn was actively watching his friends and parents, he saw that after some time they stopped mentioning him in all their conversations. He saw that they were moving on and life continued, one way or another. Finn also learned that life can be over at any moment and that actually he forgot to enjoy it. However, especially the latter message felt a little forced and unnatural.
Most likely the book is very entertaining for kids, but it's not that entertaining for adults.
This is not the kind of middle grade that also has something special for adults reading the story. There are no symbolic hidden layers or messages that will fly over the kids heads. It's actually quite a simple story. Finn dies and he is not ready to leave this earth behind until he deals with his unfinished business. In his case he has to try to find the driver of the car chasing him and forcing him to make a capital error.
Since Finn is easily distracted by anything and everything it takes quite some time before he actually tries to find some clues regarding his accident. Although I understand that a lot of thirteen year olds really are like that, I had some trouble really connecting with Finn throughout the story. After all, watching a Ghost play playstation or binge-watch series isn't the most interesting thing ever. It was only when he met Isabella that the story got a lot more interesting.
However, along the way Patterson did some great things when it comes to moving on and mourning. Since Finn was actively watching his friends and parents, he saw that after some time they stopped mentioning him in all their conversations. He saw that they were moving on and life continued, one way or another. Finn also learned that life can be over at any moment and that actually he forgot to enjoy it. However, especially the latter message felt a little forced and unnatural.
Most likely the book is very entertaining for kids, but it's not that entertaining for adults.
shi2147's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
bookish_mrs_w's review
4.0
3.75 this was a super quick read! It’s got a heartwarming message about leaving your life in fear. I loved the ending.
katie_samsock's review
5.0
I loved loved loved this! I’ve actually never read a James Patterson book before (sorry, Sir) and that is definitely going to change. I had seen this around but felt funny taking out a middle grade book from the library. So I made my 7 year old take it out for me.
I devoured this in an afternoon. The characters are amazing. The plot is so creative. 13 year old Finn passes away after a horrific bicycle accident caused by a crazy driver. He he then finds himself stuck on Earth in spirit form until he finishes his unfinished business.
The emotions in this book are so real, I never expected my heart strings to be tugged on as much as they were.
Mr Patterson please please PLEASE tell me there is a sequel coming!!!! Off to read this with my seven year old.
I devoured this in an afternoon. The characters are amazing. The plot is so creative. 13 year old Finn passes away after a horrific bicycle accident caused by a crazy driver. He he then finds himself stuck on Earth in spirit form until he finishes his unfinished business.
The emotions in this book are so real, I never expected my heart strings to be tugged on as much as they were.
Mr Patterson please please PLEASE tell me there is a sequel coming!!!! Off to read this with my seven year old.
yulecogs's review
fast-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
3.75
adrzeck's review
2.0
Quirky. Fun. This book was okay, but then I'm not the intended audience.
Finn dies and has to sort things out before he's ready to move on. Part detective book, part commentary on death and regrets. Will Finn find his killer or find enough closure to stop being a ghost? Or will he dwell on the fact that his death wasn't supposed to happen and just regret the chances he didn't take? What happens when your friends "move on"?
Finn dies and has to sort things out before he's ready to move on. Part detective book, part commentary on death and regrets. Will Finn find his killer or find enough closure to stop being a ghost? Or will he dwell on the fact that his death wasn't supposed to happen and just regret the chances he didn't take? What happens when your friends "move on"?
mbrandmaier's review
3.0
Finn is minding his own business riding his bike when a van runs him off the road and he is killed falling over the guard rail down a cliff.
Now that he is a ghost, Finn isn’t ready to move on to whatever comes next until he takes care of some unfinished business on earth. But the unfinished business might not quite be what he thinks it is.
Dang, this book gets really sad at times.
Now that he is a ghost, Finn isn’t ready to move on to whatever comes next until he takes care of some unfinished business on earth. But the unfinished business might not quite be what he thinks it is.
Dang, this book gets really sad at times.
btpbookclub's review
4.0
I absolutely loved this one the most recently. At 250 pages it is an easy read and beautifully illustrated throughout. Devoured it. It’s kind of a ghost story with a twist. Finn is stuck in the inbetween… Between life & death. His grandfather keeps coming to help him pass through to the other side but he has to figure out why he died, who did it before he is happy.
Along the way he meets Isabella another ghost in the inbetween and they become friends while he helps her solve her death too. It’s a brilliant story that highlights the importance of life. How fear can literally kill you and the importance of friends and family. They’re busy teleporting to their friends, family, school & death spots to get all the answers they need while having a bit of fun here and there. Being a ghost has its advantages.
Life’s too short. Highly recommend. One that will stick with me for a while. Powerful. Emotional in parts. A well deserved four stars from me.
Along the way he meets Isabella another ghost in the inbetween and they become friends while he helps her solve her death too. It’s a brilliant story that highlights the importance of life. How fear can literally kill you and the importance of friends and family. They’re busy teleporting to their friends, family, school & death spots to get all the answers they need while having a bit of fun here and there. Being a ghost has its advantages.
Life’s too short. Highly recommend. One that will stick with me for a while. Powerful. Emotional in parts. A well deserved four stars from me.