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The Paper Boy
Daniel’s paper route is his refuge from the harsh realities of growing up. Navigating a neighborhood filled with unique and often troubling characters, he seeks solace in his imagination.
When Daniel discovers the body of a young boy hanging from a tree, his world is shaken. Haunted by the ghost, he forms an unlikely bond, teaching his new friend about superheroes and sci-fi. But the truth about the Corpse Boy’s death leads Daniel to a sinister revelation involving Cowboy, a dangerous figure from the trailer park.
As a storm brews, Daniel must confront his deepest fears and face a chilling showdown with Cowboy. In a neighborhood on the brink of chaos, Daniel’s courage will be tested in ways he never imagined.
"The Paper Boy" is a gripping tale of friendship, loss, and the dark secrets that lurk beneath the surface.
When Daniel discovers the body of a young boy hanging from a tree, his world is shaken. Haunted by the ghost, he forms an unlikely bond, teaching his new friend about superheroes and sci-fi. But the truth about the Corpse Boy’s death leads Daniel to a sinister revelation involving Cowboy, a dangerous figure from the trailer park.
As a storm brews, Daniel must confront his deepest fears and face a chilling showdown with Cowboy. In a neighborhood on the brink of chaos, Daniel’s courage will be tested in ways he never imagined.
"The Paper Boy" is a gripping tale of friendship, loss, and the dark secrets that lurk beneath the surface.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2024
7 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Josiah Golojuh
5 books3 followersThis author is also published under Josiah Daniel Golojuh.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 13, 2024
A teenage paperboy stumbles upon a dead boy in a forest and thus starts an odd friendship between Paperboy and Corpse Boy.
I was a little hesitant to start this since this type of book is nowhere near what I would normally pick up. A high school classmate wrote this book and wanting to support him, I asked to read it.
It was really fun to read about the area we grew up in and easily picture the setting in my mind. I was pleasantly surprised about 10 pages in when a character named Old Man Mumbles turned out to be my Pap!!! It was an incredible feeling!
While I’m not in to comic books at all, I have to say that this book was a really good read and how Daniel found himself in his own live action comic was a cool story. The characters were well written and it brought out many different emotions towards the end of the book. I laughed and cried but was mostly on the edge of my seat wondering how this would end for Corpse Boy.
I really enjoyed this book and all of the characters in it, especially Old Man Mumbles 😉. I am looking forward to seeing what the author comes up with next!
I was a little hesitant to start this since this type of book is nowhere near what I would normally pick up. A high school classmate wrote this book and wanting to support him, I asked to read it.
It was really fun to read about the area we grew up in and easily picture the setting in my mind. I was pleasantly surprised about 10 pages in when a character named Old Man Mumbles turned out to be my Pap!!! It was an incredible feeling!
While I’m not in to comic books at all, I have to say that this book was a really good read and how Daniel found himself in his own live action comic was a cool story. The characters were well written and it brought out many different emotions towards the end of the book. I laughed and cried but was mostly on the edge of my seat wondering how this would end for Corpse Boy.
I really enjoyed this book and all of the characters in it, especially Old Man Mumbles 😉. I am looking forward to seeing what the author comes up with next!
September 30, 2024
An exciting journey through the adventures of Daniel, the friendly neighborhood paper boy. If you've ever been a teenager, lived in a small town, had/lost a friend, had a crush on someone, or solved a murder, this book will resonate with you. Author Josiah Golojuh captures very real teenage thoughts and emotions that are relatable to a 40-something year old or a 14 year old. The Paper Boy has it all: murder, mystery, explosions(ok, maybe just one), a love story, a plethora of feels, and touches of nostalgia wrapped in pop culture references of the era!
August 7, 2024
A book that in some ways took a lifetime. I'm hidden in here and I hope you found me. More than finding me, I hope you find yourself, I hope you find your families, I hope you find a hero, a villain, and a tale to which you connect.
The Paper Boy began when I delivered newspapers in a trailer park in Wester PA. Many years later, the other aspects of the story wove their way onto the fabric of the that time. Fiction and reality blurred into the narrative before you. This became the story of Daniel and Oliver.
The Paper Boy began when I delivered newspapers in a trailer park in Wester PA. Many years later, the other aspects of the story wove their way onto the fabric of the that time. Fiction and reality blurred into the narrative before you. This became the story of Daniel and Oliver.
November 13, 2024
It’s got mystery, it’s got suspense, but the best part is that the characters come alive from the first sentence on. I also love the various nicknames The Paper Boy (i.e. Daniel) comes up for the people he delivers the paper to, characters who turn out to play a part in the mystery.
September 17, 2025
Honestly, this book blew me away. I will try to tell my thoughts with no spoilers and then just go all in on some spoilers. I want to thank Mr.Josiah for bringing my attention to this book with his pop-up in the Irvine Barnes & Noble when I was on an outing with a friend.
The Paperboy is a wonderful book for all ages. It exemplifies the fun of knowing comic book and sci-fi pop culture references. While it may start slow, that is how many small town stories should start. Get familiarized with the town and characters in it and slowly weave in the upcoming mystery and excitement that comes with it. I had no expectations and was unsure of the what was to come but having picked this book up on impulse with the enjoyable and trailer-like explanation from Josiah himself. I felt it was a perfect book to read. The length of the book made it easy to read through when I found the time in between work and the gym. Despite the slow beginning, it had a lot going for it that made it a page turner. From the fun dialogue from Daniel and the people on his paper route to the teen angst that goes with having a friend and a potential love interest. I felt the need to read it further. The plot definitely fit the description of Josiah’s when pitching the book for me to read: “like stranger things but if Steven Spielberg wrote it.” The book had a cartoonish feel but the setting felt very real. That was almost my visual representation of the book in my head. Thus it made reading this book a blast.
Now to the spoilers,
I found the corpse boy to be a unique and fun character. His death being a mystery made page turning a breeze and how Daniel slowly picked away at the pieces pushed me to further my delve into the plot. Cowboy is the perfect villain. A clearly misguided evil child molester that unfortunately had a redeemable quality of him. A troubled evil man that clearly had terrible stints of schizophrenia and multiple personality disorder. It made Daniel sympathize even if there was moments where he wish he was dead. The obvious unveiling left the idea of “how can Daniel effect the possible outcome of this inevitable demise of a truly troubled person?” Well It was written as well as I could have expected. Confronting the man and letting him absorb his reality was a great way to do it. Not to get to deep in that confrontation, it made me bitterly happy that he found a solace in his climactic death. Now the deaths of Evgeni and the sweetest lady ever may have pushed this climax to new brinks. It definitely made me sad due to the reality that these characters were fleshed out to be truly great people; the slow beginning made sure of this pathos. Evgeni’s confrontation that lead to his death I think is one of my favorite parts of the book, in my head I envisioned a young evgeni switching to the older present evgeni many times throughout the chapter. This was a personal highlight for me in the book. While the beginning feels like a small town sitcom ghost mystery. The last 100 pages is where it shines brightest ergo, I give it a 4 stars. Beginning is somewhere from 3-4 stars and those last 100 pages shoot it to a pure 5. It was what I wanted from the book and it provided. Now there is highlights from the beginning. The stumbling on corpse boy, Jimmy and Daniel beefing and Daniel’s romance with Sheila made the beginning definitely worthwhile to read. Yet, the ending is what provides this book its Spielberg and Stranger Things feel. I personally would love to be a person who could direct a book like this into a movie because there are many moments worth considering cinematic shots and direction. That’s why I think the book as whole was written in the way it was. My rambling seriously can’t do it justice but I think the story holds these ideas in a beautiful manner that makes my ramblings only hold a candle to it. I can go on and on about the intricacies of this book but, in the end. It was great
p.s. Layla by Derrick and The dominoes being a song choice for the climactic death of Cowboy was probably one of the greatest things I have read. It was so reminiscent of the use of Danny Boy with the accordion by Murakami that it gave me chills. So well done and I love when books make a small playlist for you. That is truly my favorite part. Well done Josiah, well done!
The Paperboy is a wonderful book for all ages. It exemplifies the fun of knowing comic book and sci-fi pop culture references. While it may start slow, that is how many small town stories should start. Get familiarized with the town and characters in it and slowly weave in the upcoming mystery and excitement that comes with it. I had no expectations and was unsure of the what was to come but having picked this book up on impulse with the enjoyable and trailer-like explanation from Josiah himself. I felt it was a perfect book to read. The length of the book made it easy to read through when I found the time in between work and the gym. Despite the slow beginning, it had a lot going for it that made it a page turner. From the fun dialogue from Daniel and the people on his paper route to the teen angst that goes with having a friend and a potential love interest. I felt the need to read it further. The plot definitely fit the description of Josiah’s when pitching the book for me to read: “like stranger things but if Steven Spielberg wrote it.” The book had a cartoonish feel but the setting felt very real. That was almost my visual representation of the book in my head. Thus it made reading this book a blast.
Now to the spoilers,
I found the corpse boy to be a unique and fun character. His death being a mystery made page turning a breeze and how Daniel slowly picked away at the pieces pushed me to further my delve into the plot. Cowboy is the perfect villain. A clearly misguided evil child molester that unfortunately had a redeemable quality of him. A troubled evil man that clearly had terrible stints of schizophrenia and multiple personality disorder. It made Daniel sympathize even if there was moments where he wish he was dead. The obvious unveiling left the idea of “how can Daniel effect the possible outcome of this inevitable demise of a truly troubled person?” Well It was written as well as I could have expected. Confronting the man and letting him absorb his reality was a great way to do it. Not to get to deep in that confrontation, it made me bitterly happy that he found a solace in his climactic death. Now the deaths of Evgeni and the sweetest lady ever may have pushed this climax to new brinks. It definitely made me sad due to the reality that these characters were fleshed out to be truly great people; the slow beginning made sure of this pathos. Evgeni’s confrontation that lead to his death I think is one of my favorite parts of the book, in my head I envisioned a young evgeni switching to the older present evgeni many times throughout the chapter. This was a personal highlight for me in the book. While the beginning feels like a small town sitcom ghost mystery. The last 100 pages is where it shines brightest ergo, I give it a 4 stars. Beginning is somewhere from 3-4 stars and those last 100 pages shoot it to a pure 5. It was what I wanted from the book and it provided. Now there is highlights from the beginning. The stumbling on corpse boy, Jimmy and Daniel beefing and Daniel’s romance with Sheila made the beginning definitely worthwhile to read. Yet, the ending is what provides this book its Spielberg and Stranger Things feel. I personally would love to be a person who could direct a book like this into a movie because there are many moments worth considering cinematic shots and direction. That’s why I think the book as whole was written in the way it was. My rambling seriously can’t do it justice but I think the story holds these ideas in a beautiful manner that makes my ramblings only hold a candle to it. I can go on and on about the intricacies of this book but, in the end. It was great
p.s. Layla by Derrick and The dominoes being a song choice for the climactic death of Cowboy was probably one of the greatest things I have read. It was so reminiscent of the use of Danny Boy with the accordion by Murakami that it gave me chills. So well done and I love when books make a small playlist for you. That is truly my favorite part. Well done Josiah, well done!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2024
A Heartwarming Friendship between a Paperboy and a Corpse Boy
This story follows Daniel, a teenage paperboy, who stumbles upon a ghost, Corpse Boy, in the forest. Their friendship develops quickly but naturally, with the narrative balancing dark themes with lighthearted moments. With vivid setting descriptions and well-crafted characters, this coming-of-age story explores themes of courage, loss, and confronting fear. I appreciated the nods to superheroes and sci-fi throughout the story. While the pacing was occasionally slow, the plot remained engaging and emotionally relatable.
"The Paper Boy" is a good blend of supernatural and childhood imagination, making it a worthwhile read for fans of character-driven fiction. This book could resonate with anyone who has ever felt like they don’t quite fit in, and it’s perfect for readers who enjoy coming-of-age stories, supernatural plots, and well developed characters.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This story follows Daniel, a teenage paperboy, who stumbles upon a ghost, Corpse Boy, in the forest. Their friendship develops quickly but naturally, with the narrative balancing dark themes with lighthearted moments. With vivid setting descriptions and well-crafted characters, this coming-of-age story explores themes of courage, loss, and confronting fear. I appreciated the nods to superheroes and sci-fi throughout the story. While the pacing was occasionally slow, the plot remained engaging and emotionally relatable.
"The Paper Boy" is a good blend of supernatural and childhood imagination, making it a worthwhile read for fans of character-driven fiction. This book could resonate with anyone who has ever felt like they don’t quite fit in, and it’s perfect for readers who enjoy coming-of-age stories, supernatural plots, and well developed characters.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 8, 2024
The Paper Boy, by Josiah Golojuh, is a nostalgic, imaginative, and relatable read about a young paperboy named Daniel, who finds himself going through life in a mundane small town suddenly stumbling into a supernatural mystery. One of the most enjoyable aspects of The Paper Boy is its humor, which Golojuh weaves effortlessly into the narrative. From awkward encounters with eccentric townsfolk to Daniel's internal monologues, there’s a self-deprecating wit throughout the story that makes you both laugh out loud and relate to Daniel. This book also shines for its underlying empathy; Daniel's reflections on life, observations of others who are also struggling, is an impressive balance to the darker themes within the story. I highly recommend this book for both young adults and us 80s/90s kids who are young at heart!
August 26, 2024
The Paper Boy by Josiah Golojuh is a gripping mystery that masterfully blends nostalgia with suspense. The story follows Daniel, a young paperboy, who discovers a dead body and soon finds himself haunted by the boy's ghost. As they form an unlikely friendship, Daniel unravels the chilling mystery behind the boy's death, leading to a shocking connection with one of his own customers. Set against the backdrop of 90s pop culture, with references to comic books and other beloved icons of the era, this novel is both a thrilling page-turner and a heartfelt tribute to a bygone time. Golojuh’s vivid storytelling and well-crafted characters make The Paper Boy a must-read for fans of mystery and nostalgia alike.
October 8, 2024
**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.**
The Paper Boy is a story about friendship, secrets and loss. While it certainly hits all of those topics, I have to be honest and say that the beginning of the book definitely didn’t grab my attention. I was around 60% of the way done reading when I felt like the pace really started picking up. Some of the story felt like it wasn’t necessarily adding anything to the plot, it was just kind of there. I almost wanted to DNF, but I also wanted to see how it turned out in the end, so I pressed on—and I’m glad I did. The end of the book was definitely very touching and made everything worth it, the pacing was just off for me at the beginning. But, overall, I did enjoy it.
The Paper Boy is a story about friendship, secrets and loss. While it certainly hits all of those topics, I have to be honest and say that the beginning of the book definitely didn’t grab my attention. I was around 60% of the way done reading when I felt like the pace really started picking up. Some of the story felt like it wasn’t necessarily adding anything to the plot, it was just kind of there. I almost wanted to DNF, but I also wanted to see how it turned out in the end, so I pressed on—and I’m glad I did. The end of the book was definitely very touching and made everything worth it, the pacing was just off for me at the beginning. But, overall, I did enjoy it.
October 12, 2024
This book starts out as a fun, nostalgic romp through 90s fandom, comic books, superheroes, and more. It is a familiar landscape for those who grew up in that era. I didn’t grow up in PA, but I relate as a latchkey kid.
The whole thing takes a darker turn into some serious topics, which are incredibly relevant to adult readers and entertaining for younger readers.
Covering topics of loss, violence, mystery, responsibility, and friendship, this is a great read and an exciting adventure.
I definitely recommend picking up a copy for you and your middle grade reader.
The whole thing takes a darker turn into some serious topics, which are incredibly relevant to adult readers and entertaining for younger readers.
Covering topics of loss, violence, mystery, responsibility, and friendship, this is a great read and an exciting adventure.
I definitely recommend picking up a copy for you and your middle grade reader.
September 10, 2024
Daniel is an utterly relatable character, living in a world that is lame. His interactions with others are strange, believable, and frequently funny. This book is at once delightful and unsettling. A fun read full of heart and reverence for great media. I'd recommend this book to anyone who remembers what it feels like to ask themselves if they are too old to still be reading comics and playing with toys. And to anyone who has ever daydreamed about befriending a decomposing corpse ghost.
September 14, 2024
This book is an awesome blend of childhood nostalgia, supernatural mystery, and heartfelt emotion. The way the book balances dark themes of loss and mortality with humor and whimsical moments is impressive. I loved the unique mix of adventure and emotional depth, especially Daniel's reflections on life and growing up. Some supernatural elements were a bit confusing, but the overall narrative kept me hooked. This is a must read for those who enjoy coming of age stories with a supernatural twist!
November 19, 2024
I really enjoyed this! I was immediately hooked and immersed in the story. It did start off a little slow but eventually picked up and was a really great adventure with an even better and fitting ending. Along the way, I did find some elements to be a bit confusing but overall I was very satisfied with this read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 12, 2024
A paperboy stumbles across a small child dead hanging from a tree while delivering newspapers. The ghost of the child attaches himself to the paperboy seeking help.
Josiah does a great job detailing people and places helping paint a picture for the reader. The book is full of nostalgia, 90s references, humor and creepiness that makes this a fun read for adults young and old alike.
Josiah does a great job detailing people and places helping paint a picture for the reader. The book is full of nostalgia, 90s references, humor and creepiness that makes this a fun read for adults young and old alike.
August 17, 2024
This book is a beautifully written love letter to the 90s as well as a bravely emotional story about the kids who don't quite fit in. It's particularly refreshing to see a story about a young male character dealing with difficult feelings and vulnerabilities.
I'd recommend it to YA and middle-grade readers, but adult comic book lovers will be equally entertained!
I'd recommend it to YA and middle-grade readers, but adult comic book lovers will be equally entertained!
September 25, 2024
I had the privilege of reading one of the earliest drafts of The Paper Boy, and the final version is even better. I also witnessed the countless hours, sweat, and tears in the creation of this amazing story. This is a must read for anyone, especially those who have struggled with mental health, abuse, relationships, and grief. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! 💚
October 29, 2024
I loved this book! It is not something I would normally read, and the comic book references mostly went over my head, but at its heart is a moving coming of age story about a boy dealing with grief and growing up and friends and family. I laughed; I cried; I yelled at Daniel’s childish decisions, and rooted for him as he became a true superhero. An all around fantastic read!
January 29, 2025
I wasn’t expecting the subjects that were covered to be so deep but the that’s what made the characters so special. It was such an insight into an imaginative middle schooler’s brain with the weight of coming of age and navigating the world. Wonderful story and wonderful book! I enjoyed it and so did both my middle schooler kiddos.
October 9, 2024
A Great story that finds itself in the company Richard Peck’s The Ghost Belonged to Me and The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold, The Paperboy perfectly blends some very heavy and dark tones with nostalgia and fantasy into a heartfelt coming of age tale of loss and redemption.
January 27, 2025
This book is definitely not my usual choice when it comes to reading but after growing up in the trailer park that is alluded to in this book and recognizing some of the characters that are alluded to as well I couldn’t resist. I was surprised at how invested I was in finding out the ending!
August 12, 2024
Daniel uses his imagination while on his paper route. But he discovers something that changes his life. Daniel must face his fears to save people. Great for all ages.
October 8, 2024
This was a really fun read. I enjoyed reading it to my older kiddos. ❤️
October 16, 2024
Absolutely loved this book, the story amd brilliant writing! My son is super into spooky-horror-ish types of books and he was a HUGE fan of this! Can’t wait for your next YA book to come out 😊
January 8, 2025
“I’m starting to think regret is just a choice we make in life. So…I guess I’ll make that choice when I come to it. Or not.”
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews