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jilli_reads 's review for:
Ghost Roast
by Shawneé Gibbs, Shawnelle Gibbs
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
i really enjoyed this story and felt like it was pretty unique. i loved the MC, Chelsea, and the dynamic with her family and the ghosts. the art was so good and the color palette was engaging. i appreciate the way they tell the stories of the manor’s past and don’t necessarily sugar-coat anything but they still keep in mind the targeted age group and keep the details age-appropriate while still shedding light on the atrocities of American history.
with that being said, i was a bit confused as to why the 2 friends of the MC (Jasmine and Alexis) and their microaggressions were not addressed in the story. i thought it was being brushed off in the beginning to later be discussed further in the plot, but this never happened. Chelsea learned about a hidden activist from a historically racist family and helped bring him the recognition he deserved all while going back to being buddy buddy with her “friends” that said racist things to her.
I also could have missed something and maybe it was all jokes all along and nothing needed addressing, but it just didn’t seem like jokes to me.
despite not liking Chelsea’s “friends”, i still really liked this book and the story. it was cool to see how Chelsea became comfortable with her gift while unraveling the truth about Oliver’s life (and death). i still think Chelsea should’ve blasted Uncle Garrett tho.
with that being said, i was a bit confused as to why the 2 friends of the MC (Jasmine and Alexis) and their microaggressions were not addressed in the story. i thought it was being brushed off in the beginning to later be discussed further in the plot, but this never happened. Chelsea learned about a hidden activist from a historically racist family and helped bring him the recognition he deserved all while going back to being buddy buddy with her “friends” that said racist things to her.
I also could have missed something and maybe it was all jokes all along and nothing needed addressing, but it just didn’t seem like jokes to me.
despite not liking Chelsea’s “friends”, i still really liked this book and the story. it was cool to see how Chelsea became comfortable with her gift while unraveling the truth about Oliver’s life (and death). i still think Chelsea should’ve blasted Uncle Garrett tho.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Toxic friendship
Moderate: Bullying, Death, Emotional abuse