Reviews: The Hundred Lies of Lizzie Lovett, and Ghostland

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion of the book or my review itself.

Title: The Hundred Lies of Lizzie Lovett
Author: Chelsea Sedoti
Genre: Young Adult/Psychological/Mystery
Publication Date: January 3, 2017
Recommend If You Like: young adult with a side of angst and hope, some mystery with your musings, psychological ponderings

The Book:

Hawthorn is a teenager who doesn't seem to fit in anywhere, and who doesn't know what she wants to do with her life. So when popular Lizzie Lovett goes missing, Hawthorn sees it as an opportunity to finally live out a great adventure and solve a mystery Inserting herself in the life Lizzie has left behind, a life Hawthorn thought she so desperately wanted, she ends up learning about her own self on her quest for answers.

What I Liked:

First of all, the mystery is really intriguing. I wanted to know what happened to Lizzie right along with Hawthorn. Sedoti does an excellent job with the build up and resolution to the central puzzle.

Sedoti also does a really good job of getting inside her characters' heads. No one comes across as a stereotype. From "mean girl" to "jock" to "loner", Sedoti makes each character three-dimensional and complex.

Anything I Didn't Like?

I almost didn't get past the first few pages of this book, because I had a really hard time liking Hawthorn. But once I pushed past the initial chapter, and Hawthorn became much more of a complex character, I found myself beginning to get sucked in. Hawthorn did still irritate me at times, but she really grew on me as the story progressed.

So...?

I would recommend this book. Just give it time, and don't get discouraged. To me, at least, it was well-worth the read.

Title: Ghostland: An American History in Haunted Places

Author: Colin Dickey

Genre: Non-Fiction/Paranormal

Publication Date: October 4, 2016

Recommend If You Like: haunted history, ghost stories, psychological musings, American history

The Book:

Dickey explores places in America that are considered haunted, from abandoned asylums to spooky hotels. Along the way, he examines the role of ghost stories in culture and country.

What I Liked:

This book was right in my wheelhouse! I am fascinated by ghosts, and haunted places, and the stories that surround them. Dickey has clearly done his research, and it has made for a great read.

I also really appreciated Dickey's analysis of what ghost stories have meant to places and people, and how they have served as an attempt to explain or justify historical events.

Anything I Didn't Like?

I just wanted more! I would happily have kept reading more and more stories in this book. I would love it if Dickey wrote more books on this subject.

So...?

I highly recommend this book! It's well-written and really fascinating.