Book Reviews

By Ethan Sacks
6/4/24
132 pages
$14.99
Image

‘A Haunted Girl’

Over the last decade or so, mental health and its importance has been a balm for anyone with a chemical imbalance. Understanding and empathy have vastly improved in many spheres, but, for children and teens, the complications of mental illness are especially harrowing. In this beautifully sad and hopeful story, it’s never been clearer just how vital it is to support the most vulnerable among us. 

Cleo struggles with intense depression that has stolen so much from her young life. She feels helpless, despite the love and support of those around her. When strange things start appearing — from terrifying ghosts to a strange little boy — she finds herself drawn into a fight only she can win. Cleo soon discovers that she has a power nothing can take from her, not even her illness.

Full of raw descriptions of depression, bold and heartfelt imagery, and a story that consumed me from the first page, this graphic novel absolutely won my heart. Highly recommended for anyone struggling to find their inner strength. ♦ — Review by Julie Goodrich

By Hildur Knútsdóttir, Mary Robinette Kowal (Translator)
9/3/24
208 pages
$19.99
Tor Nightfire

‘The Night Guest’

Are you the kind of person who counts the days until spooky season? Do you start planning your Halloween costume as soon as the fireworks are over? If so, I’ve got just the book to tingle your spine.

Iounn is exhausted; so tired, she can barely function. Despite several doctor visits and test after test, she still has no answers. With the stress of her sister’s recent tragic death causing family strife, and conflict with a coworker, Iounn resorts to trying anything to relieve her stress and get some rest. After getting a fitness watch, she learns a creepy new symptom — she’s been sleepwalking thousands of steps each night. Terrified and confused, Iounn’s journey to understand what’s happening to her is both horrifying and compulsively readable.

This is a wild psychological thriller set in the fascinating city of Reykjavik that had me at the edge of my seat. It’s fast-paced and deeply disturbing in the best ways. I desperately want to read more Icelandic literature, just maybe something with a bit less nightmare fuel. Then again, it’s almost October! ♦ — Review by Julie Goodrich