{Book Review} The Ghost and the Goth (The Ghost and The Goth #1)

Author: Stacey Kade

Genre: YA paranormal fantasy
Published: May 10th 2011
Publisher: Hyperion Book
Pages: 304
Source: Purchased Paperback

Goodreads Summary:

After a close encounter with the front end of a school bus, Alona Dare goes from Homecoming Queen to Queen of the Dead. Now she’s stuck as a spirit in the land of the living with no sign of the big, bright light to take her away. To make matters worse, the only person who might be able to help her is Will Killian, a total loser outcast. He alone can see and hear (turns out he’s been “blessed” with the ability to communicate with the dead), but he wants nothing to do with the former mean girl of Groundsboro High.

Alona has never needed anyone for anything, and now she’s supposed to expose her deepest, darkest secrets to this pseudo-goth boy? Right. She’s not telling anyone what really happened the day she died, not even to save her eternal soul. And Will’s not filling out any volunteer forms to help her cross to the other side. He only has a few more weeks until his graduation, when he can strike out on his own and find a place with less spiritual interference. But he has to survive and stay out of the psych ward until then. Can they get over their mutual distrust—and the weird attraction between them—to work together before Alona vanishes for good and Will is locked up for seeing things that don’t exist?

My Rating of this Book – 5 out of 5 Stars!

What I Didn’t Like:

• N/A – Loved, loved, loved this book!!!

What I Did Like:

• The Plot – The plot was amazing! Not only are the characters trying to find themselves and learn from each other, but they have mystery to solve. As you read, you’ll find several unexpected twists and turns. I found myself continually asking questions and became anxious to find out the answers. All in all, the plot in general was engaging, intriguing, and entertaining.
• The Dual Point of View – This book is written in first person, but you see it from two sides: Will’s and Alona’s. I really enjoyed this dual point of view because it really gave depth to the plot and the mystery.
• The Afterlife – Stacey Kade presents a whole new world of what it could be like after death.  It can really make you rethink dimensions, karma, and life’s energy. And the depth of thought Stacey Kade put into what the afterlife might be like was amazing! She put me right into Alona’s shoes, helping me understand her pain and confusion after death.
• Will and Alona – The chemistry between these two characters is hilarious! And, yet, so perfect! Will is an outsider. He’s not part of the popular crowd. He doesn’t care about wearing the latest fashion. And is considered to be a bit weird by his fellow students. (Honestly, normal is vastly overrated). Alona is the most popular girl in the school: cheerleader, homecoming queen, etc… So, you can see how this dynamic can be so much fun to read!