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The Ghost of You #1
The Ghost of You
Emmy has everything she’s ever wanted: a hot boyfriend she adores, great friends, a promising future, and even a well-connected family. But one night rips it all away.
A car accident shatters her world, claiming the lives of her twin brother and her best friend. In the wake of the accident, her friends drift away, her family falls apart, and her boyfriend cheats.
The grief is more than she can handle, so she finds escape at the bottom of a bottle of painkillers. Taking the pills makes her brother alive again, if only in her head. Seeing and talking to her brother as if he were still alive is the only thing that keeps her going. Until Logan King moves to town.
Logan sees past the mask of pristine popularity she wears in public and he’s the only one who can tell she hasn’t moved on. His uncanny ability to read her forces her to open up and she starts to fall for him, no matter how unwilling she is to admit it. But Emmy isn’t the only one keeping secrets and when a close brush with death sparks events that bring everything to light, Emmy will have to decide what’s more important: learning how to forgive and move on, or holding onto the pills and the ghost of her past.
"A lovely, haunting, captivating tale from the first page to the last. It grips your heart and keeps it until the very end." - Natalie Decker
A car accident shatters her world, claiming the lives of her twin brother and her best friend. In the wake of the accident, her friends drift away, her family falls apart, and her boyfriend cheats.
The grief is more than she can handle, so she finds escape at the bottom of a bottle of painkillers. Taking the pills makes her brother alive again, if only in her head. Seeing and talking to her brother as if he were still alive is the only thing that keeps her going. Until Logan King moves to town.
Logan sees past the mask of pristine popularity she wears in public and he’s the only one who can tell she hasn’t moved on. His uncanny ability to read her forces her to open up and she starts to fall for him, no matter how unwilling she is to admit it. But Emmy isn’t the only one keeping secrets and when a close brush with death sparks events that bring everything to light, Emmy will have to decide what’s more important: learning how to forgive and move on, or holding onto the pills and the ghost of her past.
"A lovely, haunting, captivating tale from the first page to the last. It grips your heart and keeps it until the very end." - Natalie Decker
Unknown Binding
First published February 24, 2015
About the author
Amanda Burckhard
1 book85 followersAmanda Burckhard grew up exploring bat caves and hunting for dinosaur bones in the Black Hills of South Dakota. When she wasn’t crossing paths with mountain lions, she was making up stories and devouring books at the library. Although, she still does that.
Amanda loves to travel and cross out things on her adrenaline packed bucket list. Some of the things she's been able to cross out include see an active volcano erupt, ride a gondola in Venice, and pet a tiger.
She currently lives in South Dakota and works as a microbiologist by day. Some of her obsessions include comic book movies, hot chocolate, sushi, sunshine, and Doctor Who.
Amanda loves to travel and cross out things on her adrenaline packed bucket list. Some of the things she's been able to cross out include see an active volcano erupt, ride a gondola in Venice, and pet a tiger.
She currently lives in South Dakota and works as a microbiologist by day. Some of her obsessions include comic book movies, hot chocolate, sushi, sunshine, and Doctor Who.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 5, 2015
Emmy has the perfect life - perfect grades, friends, family and boyfriend. But when her twin and his girlfriend dies in a car accident, everything goes astray. She takes pills to "see" her brother, her family is torn and her grades are dwindling. Then she meets Logan, who sees past the mask that she is wearing. Slowly, her feelings for him grows, but she has to choose between the past and the present - the pills or Logan.
The Ghost of You was an emotional roller coaster ride, and it was an exhilarating one. I was caught by surprise by how much I enjoyed this one because I had a debate in my head whether to join the blog tour for this one or not. In the end, my curiosity got the best of me, which is just as well.
There are a lot of things that I liked about this book. The first is how Skye stayed by Emmy's side, even if Emmy doesn't really confide in her. She knew when there was something wrong, and she was always there for Emmy without being too pushy. Second is how close Brayden, Emmy and Derek were. Last, and most importantly, how Emmy went through a journey in this book - from relying on pills to survive, to realizing that she has a problem, to admitting it and deciding to get help. That was an amazing journey, and I just loved how the book ended that way.
The reason why I couldn't give this book a full 5 stars was because I think the book didn't explain that Brayden is a cousin near the beginning of the book, but correct me if I'm wrong because I'm not sure about this one. My main pet peeve about this was how for the first few chapters, the description of the characters always preceded the name of the character even though Emmy knew who that character is. It annoyed me in a manner because it was done more than twice, and all to characters that Emmy already knew. Other than these two however, I found the book quite enjoyable.
The Ghost of You was an emotional roller coaster ride, and it was an exhilarating one. I was caught by surprise by how much I enjoyed this one because I had a debate in my head whether to join the blog tour for this one or not. In the end, my curiosity got the best of me, which is just as well.
There are a lot of things that I liked about this book. The first is how Skye stayed by Emmy's side, even if Emmy doesn't really confide in her. She knew when there was something wrong, and she was always there for Emmy without being too pushy. Second is how close Brayden, Emmy and Derek were. Last, and most importantly, how Emmy went through a journey in this book - from relying on pills to survive, to realizing that she has a problem, to admitting it and deciding to get help. That was an amazing journey, and I just loved how the book ended that way.
The reason why I couldn't give this book a full 5 stars was because I think the book didn't explain that Brayden is a cousin near the beginning of the book, but correct me if I'm wrong because I'm not sure about this one. My main pet peeve about this was how for the first few chapters, the description of the characters always preceded the name of the character even though Emmy knew who that character is. It annoyed me in a manner because it was done more than twice, and all to characters that Emmy already knew. Other than these two however, I found the book quite enjoyable.
February 24, 2015
THE GHOST OF YOU is a haunting and captivating YA novel about loss, grief, and how every person deals with the demons of their past differently. It's a beautiful and gripping story that had me hooked from start to finish. It made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me FEEL. I can't recommend it more highly.
February 12, 2015
A lovely, haunting, captivating tale from the first page to the last. It grips your heart and keeps it until the very end.
March 5, 2015
This review originally appeared on Such a Novel Idea.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion in any way.
4.5 / 5 stars
I’ve read a lot of books about death and suicide this year. A LOT. So much so that I had to put myself on a self-imposed ban of these books, because it was flat out depressing me. And as someone who suffers from anxiety and depression, sometimes it is smart to stay away from triggers. However I am a HUGE advocate for tough issues books and I want these books out there in the world, accessible to teens and anyone who needs them. Even so, I needed a break to see the sunshine again.
So when I remembered I had already signed up for this tour, I was a little hesitant to start reading it. However, quickly into the book I realized this one wasn’t like the others. It was one that sucked me in and didn’t bring up those thoughts and feelings that were so dark it was hard to muddle through.
The book starts in a dark place; a party that leads to a wreck that kills a brother and a best friend. The grief is palpable, but soon after Emmy finds her brother returns with the help of painkillers. At this point, we move forward into the story a year. And thus, a lot of the immediate grief and loss has ended, and the aftermath of unprocessed emotions leads the story. The brother as a “ghost” was an interesting and unique way to handle this. Even though Derek wasn’t a real character, he felt just as real as the others. And even so, it wasn’t the same as a magical realism book; Emmy knows that her brother is a figment of her imagination, and thus the book maintains a realistic quality.
The book deals with a serious topic and gets pretty serious in places. There are a lot of “go there” moments, and even though this book is YA, the author doesn’t shy away from ‘real teen behavior’. This book isn’t sanitized, so there is sex, drugs, alcohol, and lots of bad teen decisions. However, it is also an amazing portrait of a girl suffering from the loss of her twin and going through the process of becoming a prescription painkiller addict.
We don’t always realize what legal drugs can do in the wrong hands in the wrong way, but I thought the author hit the nail on the head. The more Emmy struggled, the more I understood her struggle. She took me through her battle with hopeless, loss, grief, depression, anxiety, apprehension, and as someone who has experienced all these things, I was able to slowly work through my own feelings as Emmy had to work through hers.
The storyline with Logan was a bit surprising; I expected some things, but I was caught off guard by others. I thought it was well done, although I would have liked to see more of his plight. I honestly think this book, as short as it was, could have been a dual perspective book. Logan had a lot to say and I would gladly have listened.
I loved that the secondary characters offered support to the story, but didn’t distract from Emmy’s journey. The storyline with Zane was handled well and I was proud of Emmy for standing firm in her feelings.
In the end, I was surprised by just how much I enjoyed this book — not because I expected less, but because it was so much more. The beautiful cover matches the beautiful insides and I’ll definitely be recommending this one to my friends.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion in any way.
4.5 / 5 stars
I’ve read a lot of books about death and suicide this year. A LOT. So much so that I had to put myself on a self-imposed ban of these books, because it was flat out depressing me. And as someone who suffers from anxiety and depression, sometimes it is smart to stay away from triggers. However I am a HUGE advocate for tough issues books and I want these books out there in the world, accessible to teens and anyone who needs them. Even so, I needed a break to see the sunshine again.
So when I remembered I had already signed up for this tour, I was a little hesitant to start reading it. However, quickly into the book I realized this one wasn’t like the others. It was one that sucked me in and didn’t bring up those thoughts and feelings that were so dark it was hard to muddle through.
The book starts in a dark place; a party that leads to a wreck that kills a brother and a best friend. The grief is palpable, but soon after Emmy finds her brother returns with the help of painkillers. At this point, we move forward into the story a year. And thus, a lot of the immediate grief and loss has ended, and the aftermath of unprocessed emotions leads the story. The brother as a “ghost” was an interesting and unique way to handle this. Even though Derek wasn’t a real character, he felt just as real as the others. And even so, it wasn’t the same as a magical realism book; Emmy knows that her brother is a figment of her imagination, and thus the book maintains a realistic quality.
The book deals with a serious topic and gets pretty serious in places. There are a lot of “go there” moments, and even though this book is YA, the author doesn’t shy away from ‘real teen behavior’. This book isn’t sanitized, so there is sex, drugs, alcohol, and lots of bad teen decisions. However, it is also an amazing portrait of a girl suffering from the loss of her twin and going through the process of becoming a prescription painkiller addict.
We don’t always realize what legal drugs can do in the wrong hands in the wrong way, but I thought the author hit the nail on the head. The more Emmy struggled, the more I understood her struggle. She took me through her battle with hopeless, loss, grief, depression, anxiety, apprehension, and as someone who has experienced all these things, I was able to slowly work through my own feelings as Emmy had to work through hers.
The storyline with Logan was a bit surprising; I expected some things, but I was caught off guard by others. I thought it was well done, although I would have liked to see more of his plight. I honestly think this book, as short as it was, could have been a dual perspective book. Logan had a lot to say and I would gladly have listened.
I loved that the secondary characters offered support to the story, but didn’t distract from Emmy’s journey. The storyline with Zane was handled well and I was proud of Emmy for standing firm in her feelings.
In the end, I was surprised by just how much I enjoyed this book — not because I expected less, but because it was so much more. The beautiful cover matches the beautiful insides and I’ll definitely be recommending this one to my friends.
March 4, 2015
What I liked: I liked seeing how Emmy changed over the book. It's clear from the chapter after the funeral for her twin how she's changed. It's in the way she talks, the way she acts. Yet despite all that, you can see the few things that Emmy enjoys still. She still has her cousin Brayden and her best friend Skye right there for her. Even though Emmy doesn't tell Skye everything you can see how close the two are and the connection between the two girls told me of a long friendship. Emmy made a choice that she thought was for the best for her after the accident, and maybe she was right, maybe she wasn't with her choice to rely on drugs to help her. I don't know her exact pain, but I do know how devastating the loss of someone close to you can be, so I understand her choice with what happened. She makes mistakes in the book, which made her relatable as a person and I really liked her. Skye was the friend she needed even when Emmy didn't know it herself, and I liked that despite everything that had to have happened in the year following the accident that she stuck by Emmy and did what she could. True mark of a best friend right there.
What I didn't like: I think my biggest complaint was that Emmy described the other characters that she knew before telling us their name. It just seemed like it should have been the other way around. You recognize a person by name if you know them and then remember the details that make that person stand out to you. It's a minor thing that didn't happen very often.
Overall Review: I love the way everything played out for the characters, it was different from what I was expecting. Logan's past wasn't an overshadowing, come-back-to-haunt-you thing, it was mentioned and learning about it made me understand him better as a character. Yeah he makes mistakes, but it makes him more understandable than having him be some mysterious, brooding guy with a traumatic past that he's trying to run away from only to fail. It makes him real in a good way. Emmy's fall was different from what I expected and the ending for her was just what I was hoping for her since she deserved it. Overall, a lovely story and I look forward to the next book!
Recommend?: Definitely! I really liked this book!
What I didn't like: I think my biggest complaint was that Emmy described the other characters that she knew before telling us their name. It just seemed like it should have been the other way around. You recognize a person by name if you know them and then remember the details that make that person stand out to you. It's a minor thing that didn't happen very often.
Overall Review: I love the way everything played out for the characters, it was different from what I was expecting. Logan's past wasn't an overshadowing, come-back-to-haunt-you thing, it was mentioned and learning about it made me understand him better as a character. Yeah he makes mistakes, but it makes him more understandable than having him be some mysterious, brooding guy with a traumatic past that he's trying to run away from only to fail. It makes him real in a good way. Emmy's fall was different from what I expected and the ending for her was just what I was hoping for her since she deserved it. Overall, a lovely story and I look forward to the next book!
Recommend?: Definitely! I really liked this book!
February 25, 2015
Powerful. Heart breaking. Emotional. Affecting. Compelling. These are just a few of the words I would use to describe this amazing book, which had me crying in bed at 2am. Crying like a complete and utter baby.
I don’t even know where to begin. I had an incredible amount of feeling hitting me while reading this book. It’s a crazy roller coaster ride, which ended in the perfect way. It wasn’t one of those books that took you for a ride, and then crashed. One of the best stand alone books I have read this year.
I can’t imagine how it would feel to lose someone, so close to you. Especially a twin. In a way, you can’t blame her for the drug abuse. She honestly felt it was a way to keep her connected with someone SO close to her, who could never be replaced. The scary use of drugs, and the pain she goes through, makes you think so much about so many subjects in regards to the book. Death. Drug Abuse. Moving on. This book is completely haunting, and yet completely compelling.
Logan is a new guy in town, who bumps into Emmy one day in school. Sometimes he seems like he wants to be close to her, sometimes his eyes seem distant, not knowing. We watch as they grow closer together, and she tries her hardest to keep her problem from him. When he finds out, he reacts as you would expect someone to. We watch him try and help her with the drinking and pills, and he gives it his all trying to be her rock.
This book is one that will pull at your heart strings, make you cry and yet, make you smile at the same time.
I don’t even know where to begin. I had an incredible amount of feeling hitting me while reading this book. It’s a crazy roller coaster ride, which ended in the perfect way. It wasn’t one of those books that took you for a ride, and then crashed. One of the best stand alone books I have read this year.
I can’t imagine how it would feel to lose someone, so close to you. Especially a twin. In a way, you can’t blame her for the drug abuse. She honestly felt it was a way to keep her connected with someone SO close to her, who could never be replaced. The scary use of drugs, and the pain she goes through, makes you think so much about so many subjects in regards to the book. Death. Drug Abuse. Moving on. This book is completely haunting, and yet completely compelling.
Logan is a new guy in town, who bumps into Emmy one day in school. Sometimes he seems like he wants to be close to her, sometimes his eyes seem distant, not knowing. We watch as they grow closer together, and she tries her hardest to keep her problem from him. When he finds out, he reacts as you would expect someone to. We watch him try and help her with the drinking and pills, and he gives it his all trying to be her rock.
This book is one that will pull at your heart strings, make you cry and yet, make you smile at the same time.
March 29, 2016
On the eve of their junior year of high school, Emmy loses her brother Derek and his girlfriend Jess in a car crash. Unable to cope with his loss, Emmy turns to painkillers, which literally allow her to "see" and "speak" to Derek. Is Derek haunting her, or is Emmy going crazy? As her dependence on the pills grows, Emmy's grades start slipping, and she becomes more withdrawn from her friends as she tries to hide her secret from them. The only one who can seem to get through to her is the new boy Logan, who is hiding a secret of his own. After losing Derek, is Emmy strong enough to risk loving someone again?
This is an emotional and heartbreaking story about how seemingly inconsequential actions can result in tragedy. I loved the relationship between Emmy and Logan, and it was great to see the support her friend Skye gave her. As a parent, it was distressing that Emmy's parents were totally oblivious to what she was going through. I know if I had been in the same situation, I would have paid even more attention to her, not less. Even though this story is complete, a follow-up book is in the works. I look forward to reading it.
Warnings: drug use, alcohol abuse, sex (not explicit), coarse language, emotional abuse.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
Full blog post: http://booksdirectonline.blogspot.com...
This is an emotional and heartbreaking story about how seemingly inconsequential actions can result in tragedy. I loved the relationship between Emmy and Logan, and it was great to see the support her friend Skye gave her. As a parent, it was distressing that Emmy's parents were totally oblivious to what she was going through. I know if I had been in the same situation, I would have paid even more attention to her, not less. Even though this story is complete, a follow-up book is in the works. I look forward to reading it.
Warnings: drug use, alcohol abuse, sex (not explicit), coarse language, emotional abuse.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
Full blog post: http://booksdirectonline.blogspot.com...
March 25, 2016
I adored this YA romance ~ but so much more. I don't know what it is but YA is so much more angsty and seeing that my YA, heck even NA, years are well past me perhaps I'm able to stand back and gauge the reality of the characters and whether the story would be more "believable" to me. This has a paranormal element to it I'd rather think that then go the other direction ~ this only makes sense if you've read the book.
It was an emotional read for me but I intentionally look for these types of reads irregardless of YA, NA or Adult. If I'm ripped to pieces I'm excited. I cried, of course, I cried. There were so many elements to this story that were just plain sad, but, then you had the giddiness of a new love. A stranger just moved to town that you KNOW there's so much more to his story. When I found out I cried.
I actually loved this beautiful heartbreaking read. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the author gives us more of this series!!!
It was an emotional read for me but I intentionally look for these types of reads irregardless of YA, NA or Adult. If I'm ripped to pieces I'm excited. I cried, of course, I cried. There were so many elements to this story that were just plain sad, but, then you had the giddiness of a new love. A stranger just moved to town that you KNOW there's so much more to his story. When I found out I cried.
I actually loved this beautiful heartbreaking read. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the author gives us more of this series!!!
February 20, 2015
This book was such a wild ride, my emotions are everywhere but I loved The Ghost of You so much. Definitely recommend it. Full review to be posted Feb. 24th :D
February 27, 2015
4.5/5
I enjoyed this one way more than I thought I would! So intense; I couldn't put it down!
I enjoyed this one way more than I thought I would! So intense; I couldn't put it down!
December 11, 2017
This is what we call cliffhanger, i need more!
November 18, 2016
4 Tearjerking Stars
I decided to read this book because the blurb got me curious as to how the story is going to play out. It's the first time I've ever read a story about a heroine who gets addicted to painkillers to mask the pain and grief that threatens to consume her.
Emmy had everything a young woman such as herself could ever ask for. But all that gets taken away from her in a blink of an eye; she loses her twin brother, her parents, her friends, and her boyfriend simultaneously, and although she lost them in different ways, they all hurt the same nonetheless. She has no idea whatsoever how to deal with that sort of wreckage and so, she resorts to escaping through her painkillers. And just like it says on the blurb, taking these pills have their "benefits" (for lack of a better word) -- not only does it cancel out the pain, but Emmy also discovers that it brings her twin brother, Derek, back in her life, despite it being only via hallucinations. After more than a year of dealing with her issues that way, someone comes into her life who will change the dependency that she's built around her pills.
Logan King has gone through his own trials and tribulations, but despite that, he finally chose to change his destructive behavior and lifestyle and become better. Upon meeting Emmy, he knows something is up with her despite the mask she puts on whenever she interacts with people and no matter how many times she denies the fact that she hasn't moved on at all. Logan doesn't give up on Emmy though, and eventually, his persistence and sincerity forces her to ultimately open up to Logan and reveal parts of herself to him she never planned on revealing to anyone. Because of this intimacy, she then ends up falling for Logan and vice versa. You could really see and feel how much Logan loves and cares for Emmy after certain revelations take place. This becomes a dilemma for Emmy because the more she spends time and relies on Logan, the less she sees her brother, whom she doesn't think she can be without again. Having said this, these events will then lead up to the revelations of more secrets to both Logan and Emmy (I know that sounds quite vague, but I don't want to spoil or give anything away because it's so much better to experience it on your own while reading the book) and at this point, you'll end up asking yourself how both these individuals will choose to deal with the situations that they find themselves in. I really felt for both Emmy and Logan in a way that I understood where they both were coming from and what lead their actions on. It was hard to be in either of their shoes, because so many major and relevant factors affect whatever choices they choose to make. But ultimately, these choices and experiences they face both as individuals and as a couple are what's going to strengthen them.
I was so proud of Emmy and Logan, and how they were able to overcome their struggles and how they didn't let these break them apart, but rather, solidify their relationship as a couple who truly and sincerely love each other. It was evident how far they've both come and how much they've grown. It was a very emotional, yet heartwarming read and I'm glad I took the time to get to know Emmy and Logan. I can't wait to read the next book, which will hopefully continue their story.
I decided to read this book because the blurb got me curious as to how the story is going to play out. It's the first time I've ever read a story about a heroine who gets addicted to painkillers to mask the pain and grief that threatens to consume her.
Emmy had everything a young woman such as herself could ever ask for. But all that gets taken away from her in a blink of an eye; she loses her twin brother, her parents, her friends, and her boyfriend simultaneously, and although she lost them in different ways, they all hurt the same nonetheless. She has no idea whatsoever how to deal with that sort of wreckage and so, she resorts to escaping through her painkillers. And just like it says on the blurb, taking these pills have their "benefits" (for lack of a better word) -- not only does it cancel out the pain, but Emmy also discovers that it brings her twin brother, Derek, back in her life, despite it being only via hallucinations. After more than a year of dealing with her issues that way, someone comes into her life who will change the dependency that she's built around her pills.
Logan King has gone through his own trials and tribulations, but despite that, he finally chose to change his destructive behavior and lifestyle and become better. Upon meeting Emmy, he knows something is up with her despite the mask she puts on whenever she interacts with people and no matter how many times she denies the fact that she hasn't moved on at all. Logan doesn't give up on Emmy though, and eventually, his persistence and sincerity forces her to ultimately open up to Logan and reveal parts of herself to him she never planned on revealing to anyone. Because of this intimacy, she then ends up falling for Logan and vice versa. You could really see and feel how much Logan loves and cares for Emmy after certain revelations take place. This becomes a dilemma for Emmy because the more she spends time and relies on Logan, the less she sees her brother, whom she doesn't think she can be without again. Having said this, these events will then lead up to the revelations of more secrets to both Logan and Emmy (I know that sounds quite vague, but I don't want to spoil or give anything away because it's so much better to experience it on your own while reading the book) and at this point, you'll end up asking yourself how both these individuals will choose to deal with the situations that they find themselves in. I really felt for both Emmy and Logan in a way that I understood where they both were coming from and what lead their actions on. It was hard to be in either of their shoes, because so many major and relevant factors affect whatever choices they choose to make. But ultimately, these choices and experiences they face both as individuals and as a couple are what's going to strengthen them.
I was so proud of Emmy and Logan, and how they were able to overcome their struggles and how they didn't let these break them apart, but rather, solidify their relationship as a couple who truly and sincerely love each other. It was evident how far they've both come and how much they've grown. It was a very emotional, yet heartwarming read and I'm glad I took the time to get to know Emmy and Logan. I can't wait to read the next book, which will hopefully continue their story.
October 21, 2015
*I received a copy of this book for a blog tour.
*Review can be found on The Fox's Hideaway.
My Review!
Books like these are always so hard for me to read and review. They hit closer to home than any other stories. I knew The Ghost of You would be emotional, and although it was, it didn't impact me as much as I thought it would.
I think a lot of it had to do with the main character. Although I liked Emmy, I wasn't completely connected to her story. She's not bad or anything, and I know a lot of her actions have to do with her grief and her brother and not wanting to lose him again. I understand. So. Much. I could not imagine losing one of my brothers, and I would probably want to do everything possible to see them again. She had a low of growth to go through; she made mistakes, hurt people she loved, couldn't move on from Derek's death. She didn't even want to try, because she thought living without him would destroy her. But with the arrival of Logan King, Emmy starts to live again. And she had to decide between letting go and looking forward to a bright future or holding onto Derek and losing the people she cared about. The people who were still alive and who loved her so much, even if they couldn't show it.
I thought the romance was sweet, though I wish it'd been just a *bit* more developed. Logan helped her find the will to live again, but Emmy couldn't let go of Derek. She didn't want to lose them both, so it ends up creating a rift in their relationship. One that makes them stronger together, after everything they go through.
There were quite a few secondary characters, and I'm glad they were all fleshed out well (though, I think I would have liked a less perfect reunion with her and her parents because it didn't feel that believable to me). I really loved Skye, and how she was always there for Emmy, even when she wasn't being a good friend. There was a bit of drama with other people, but it never felt irrelevant. Everyone was grieving in their own way, and it leads to fights and arguments and broken relationships.
This was very much a character-driven novel, so sometimes not much was happening. But I was never bored with the story-line. It was a book about tragedy and grief and healing. It was about moving on from the past and looking toward the future. But most of all, it gave the message that you should never stop living. The Ghost of You was about one character's journey of losing her brother, realizing she was hurting herself and others, and finding what it means to really live again.
Rating: 4 Paw Prints!
*Review can be found on The Fox's Hideaway.
My Review!
Books like these are always so hard for me to read and review. They hit closer to home than any other stories. I knew The Ghost of You would be emotional, and although it was, it didn't impact me as much as I thought it would.
I think a lot of it had to do with the main character. Although I liked Emmy, I wasn't completely connected to her story. She's not bad or anything, and I know a lot of her actions have to do with her grief and her brother and not wanting to lose him again. I understand. So. Much. I could not imagine losing one of my brothers, and I would probably want to do everything possible to see them again. She had a low of growth to go through; she made mistakes, hurt people she loved, couldn't move on from Derek's death. She didn't even want to try, because she thought living without him would destroy her. But with the arrival of Logan King, Emmy starts to live again. And she had to decide between letting go and looking forward to a bright future or holding onto Derek and losing the people she cared about. The people who were still alive and who loved her so much, even if they couldn't show it.
I thought the romance was sweet, though I wish it'd been just a *bit* more developed. Logan helped her find the will to live again, but Emmy couldn't let go of Derek. She didn't want to lose them both, so it ends up creating a rift in their relationship. One that makes them stronger together, after everything they go through.
There were quite a few secondary characters, and I'm glad they were all fleshed out well (though, I think I would have liked a less perfect reunion with her and her parents because it didn't feel that believable to me). I really loved Skye, and how she was always there for Emmy, even when she wasn't being a good friend. There was a bit of drama with other people, but it never felt irrelevant. Everyone was grieving in their own way, and it leads to fights and arguments and broken relationships.
This was very much a character-driven novel, so sometimes not much was happening. But I was never bored with the story-line. It was a book about tragedy and grief and healing. It was about moving on from the past and looking toward the future. But most of all, it gave the message that you should never stop living. The Ghost of You was about one character's journey of losing her brother, realizing she was hurting herself and others, and finding what it means to really live again.
Rating: 4 Paw Prints!
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February 7, 2016
You'd think a contemporary with an actual hallucination/ghost would be a bit on the weird side, but it wasn't at all. I pretty much enjoyed having Derek around, probably because he was cute-boyish-snarky at first, but was also Emmy's conscience -- the one she should've listened to. It's one of those very weird mysteries of traumas, I guess, that people like her hallucinate a lost piece of themselves half because they need it to feel better, and half to make them feel worse when those hallus do act as a strict conscience or something similar. Something generally fascinating! Aside from that, it was pretty "normal" contemporary romance -- harsh truths, broken relationships, dramas, verbal as well as fist fights, the works.
However, it wasn't totally boring. It still had a few twists I didn't expect, or only expected in a different version. Like... Logan made move that was so... I don't even have the right word for it. It was something you have read a dozen times from a female lead, but I for one haven't encountered it from a male lead yet. I was a little baffled, but it was a nice change! Or that his past didn't really catch up with him, like you get so often from male leads, it was merely mentioned. I liked that very much, because this story really was well enough without it.
Emmy was likable, aside from the fact that any kind of drug addiction is generally a no-go, and I liked that she totally lost it and screwed it all up. It was a nice change that the female lead doesn't get to be the saint here... It's like Burckhard took any existing story and switched the genders around, not much really, but effect is pretty awesome, I think!
Logan, I totally loved. All things considered, I think he made all the right calls and did the best he could. He made mistakes, yes, in the past and present, but it made him as realistic as possible without switching to his PoV to get a look inside his head.
Lastly, that Emmy got a tattoo for her 18th birthday was very cool! I liked that it was an act of defiance against her parents, even though it'd take them forever to notice, but I think I would've liked it even better if she got it at the end, when she had really moved on from Derek's death. In any case, I believe it's a very nice way to remember someone you love.
I really can't say what I want more for the sequel: to revolve around this pairing again, or to pick up a new one. I could imagine some Brayden x Skye... Guess I have to wait and see, and hope to be part of the tour again! =)
Area Scan: Idea: 5/5 -- Flow: 5/5 -- Vocab: 5/5 -- Plot: 4/5 -- Heroes: 5/5 -- Sidekicks: 3/5 -- Villains: 4/5 -- Romance: 5/5 -- Drama: 5/5 -- Suspense: 3/5
However, it wasn't totally boring. It still had a few twists I didn't expect, or only expected in a different version. Like... Logan made move that was so... I don't even have the right word for it. It was something you have read a dozen times from a female lead, but I for one haven't encountered it from a male lead yet. I was a little baffled, but it was a nice change! Or that his past didn't really catch up with him, like you get so often from male leads, it was merely mentioned. I liked that very much, because this story really was well enough without it.
Emmy was likable, aside from the fact that any kind of drug addiction is generally a no-go, and I liked that she totally lost it and screwed it all up. It was a nice change that the female lead doesn't get to be the saint here... It's like Burckhard took any existing story and switched the genders around, not much really, but effect is pretty awesome, I think!
Logan, I totally loved. All things considered, I think he made all the right calls and did the best he could. He made mistakes, yes, in the past and present, but it made him as realistic as possible without switching to his PoV to get a look inside his head.
Lastly, that Emmy got a tattoo for her 18th birthday was very cool! I liked that it was an act of defiance against her parents, even though it'd take them forever to notice, but I think I would've liked it even better if she got it at the end, when she had really moved on from Derek's death. In any case, I believe it's a very nice way to remember someone you love.
I really can't say what I want more for the sequel: to revolve around this pairing again, or to pick up a new one. I could imagine some Brayden x Skye... Guess I have to wait and see, and hope to be part of the tour again! =)
Area Scan: Idea: 5/5 -- Flow: 5/5 -- Vocab: 5/5 -- Plot: 4/5 -- Heroes: 5/5 -- Sidekicks: 3/5 -- Villains: 4/5 -- Romance: 5/5 -- Drama: 5/5 -- Suspense: 3/5
February 25, 2017
Lovely quick read.
March 5, 2015
The Ghost of You caught me off guard. I did read the blurb before joining the tour but it totally slipped off my mind when I began reading this. When I started reading, I was like sure-sure a party, then... then... Emmy's brother dies.
The Ghost of You is one of those beautifully written, heartbreaking contemporary novels I've read. The moment Emmy's brother died, I already found myself loving the story and how it was written. Emmy voice and how she faced the death of her brother - the things in her mind, talking to her brother, the pills.
Emmy is a heroine that's very easy to get into; easy to sympathize with her; very easy to understand. Reading this was really crazy. Emmy's words are so powerful. First she made me try to stop my tears, I was able to. Then she made me want cry again, I tried to stop it (again) but failed. I tear up. Then I just had to let things be. This book, Emmy, her story, the way she tells it were all just striking to me.
Perhaps what really made me love this is how nicely develop Emmy was. There was a gradual development on Emmy. Burckhard really wrote Emmy well from the way she dealt with the lost of her brother to the way she tries to recover from it, really recover from it. Emmy feels so real. But perhaps the only thing I didn't like is how her brother, Derek, would sometimes talks about what she should do. Why didn't she do this? Do that? But that's just a small part. Her relationship with her brother and how she talks about him really just makes me heart ache at times.
The entrance of Logan was 100% pure cliché-ness but how his relationship with Emmy develop was really beautiful. I love how realistic they seem (well I already mentioned this earlier), how gradual things for them, how Logan stuck to and helped Emmy.
Overall, The Ghost of You is a MUST READ contemporary novel. It's heartbreaking but it's that kind of story that would make you cry yet at the end would make you smile and be happy for them.
The Ghost of You is one of those beautifully written, heartbreaking contemporary novels I've read. The moment Emmy's brother died, I already found myself loving the story and how it was written. Emmy voice and how she faced the death of her brother - the things in her mind, talking to her brother, the pills.
Emmy is a heroine that's very easy to get into; easy to sympathize with her; very easy to understand. Reading this was really crazy. Emmy's words are so powerful. First she made me try to stop my tears, I was able to. Then she made me want cry again, I tried to stop it (again) but failed. I tear up. Then I just had to let things be. This book, Emmy, her story, the way she tells it were all just striking to me.
Perhaps what really made me love this is how nicely develop Emmy was. There was a gradual development on Emmy. Burckhard really wrote Emmy well from the way she dealt with the lost of her brother to the way she tries to recover from it, really recover from it. Emmy feels so real. But perhaps the only thing I didn't like is how her brother, Derek, would sometimes talks about what she should do. Why didn't she do this? Do that? But that's just a small part. Her relationship with her brother and how she talks about him really just makes me heart ache at times.
The entrance of Logan was 100% pure cliché-ness but how his relationship with Emmy develop was really beautiful. I love how realistic they seem (well I already mentioned this earlier), how gradual things for them, how Logan stuck to and helped Emmy.
Overall, The Ghost of You is a MUST READ contemporary novel. It's heartbreaking but it's that kind of story that would make you cry yet at the end would make you smile and be happy for them.
March 2, 2015
There should be a warning that this was part tragedy or maybe I just forgot about it based on the blurb.
This was heartbreaking, highly emotional for me, how one copes up with their situations, and at the same time it's about surviving and moving forward.
At first I thought it was a paranormal genre but it isn't really (though I still think it could be).
I felt Emmy's pain and grief when she lost her twin brother. I'd like to say I can't imagine it but I do. The only difference is how you cope up with it. And when she took those pills, I could understand but as always there are consequences for it. And her parents were to busy in their work to be there for her. After her brother's death, she puts up an act but the only one who saw through that was the new guy Logan.
In a turn of events, they are both attracted to each other, the only problem is that Emmy has to choose, her brother or Logan. And Logan has secrets that could also spoil their relationship. And I was surprised about that secret kept.
I was kind of frustrated to the mixed signals they were giving each other but each have their own reasons. It worked out in the end anyways.
I find the ending bittersweet but I knew what choice she was going to make. I liked Derek's character because even if he was just a hallucination he was there for his sister and despite Emmy not so good choices, he still tried his best to help her out. I really got teary eyed on those scenes that included Derek and especially when the author wrote how Emmy was feeling about losing him and those memories they have. And those parting words between Derek and Emmy gutted me even though it was the right choice.
I loved how it ended. The choices Emmy made and that her family, friends, and especialy Logan were there for her.
I received an arc for a blog tour.
This was heartbreaking, highly emotional for me, how one copes up with their situations, and at the same time it's about surviving and moving forward.
At first I thought it was a paranormal genre but it isn't really (though I still think it could be).
I felt Emmy's pain and grief when she lost her twin brother. I'd like to say I can't imagine it but I do. The only difference is how you cope up with it. And when she took those pills, I could understand but as always there are consequences for it. And her parents were to busy in their work to be there for her. After her brother's death, she puts up an act but the only one who saw through that was the new guy Logan.
In a turn of events, they are both attracted to each other, the only problem is that Emmy has to choose, her brother or Logan. And Logan has secrets that could also spoil their relationship. And I was surprised about that secret kept.
I was kind of frustrated to the mixed signals they were giving each other but each have their own reasons. It worked out in the end anyways.
I find the ending bittersweet but I knew what choice she was going to make. I liked Derek's character because even if he was just a hallucination he was there for his sister and despite Emmy not so good choices, he still tried his best to help her out. I really got teary eyed on those scenes that included Derek and especially when the author wrote how Emmy was feeling about losing him and those memories they have. And those parting words between Derek and Emmy gutted me even though it was the right choice.
I loved how it ended. The choices Emmy made and that her family, friends, and especialy Logan were there for her.
I received an arc for a blog tour.
August 25, 2016
Big thanks to Amanda and YA Bound Book Tours for an ARC copy for review.
Amanda Bruckard, oh my gosh..
Seriously, my feelings were going through this the entire time I was reading. Amanda knows how to give my emotions a work out, but it was so worth it because I loved this book. It was both heartbreaking and truly touching.
I really loved Emmy Grayson and Logan King. They were perfectly flawed characters, sincere and real. It made me so sad seeing them both broken inside, especially watching Emmy's devastation from the recent loss of her brother, Derek. The relationship between Emmy and Logan was very gradual and endearing. I enjoyed their friendship with each other just as much as the romantic aspect. It was very sweet seeing how much Logan adores Emmy.
"I got you something." He reached into the backseat and pulled out a bouquet of peach roses.
My face lit up and I took the bundle and inhaled their perfume. "My favorite."
"I know." ~ Emmy and Logan
Aside from the romance, there were a lot of up and downs, and secrets. It brought tears to my eyes seeing Emmy's struggle with letting Derek go. Not to mention a heart dropping moment towards the end and I have to be honest it scared me a little. Now I know there is a sequel coming that I am very excited for, but this ending leaves you with a good feeling of a bright and hopeful future for Emmy and Logan.
Amanda Bruckard, oh my gosh..
Seriously, my feelings were going through this the entire time I was reading. Amanda knows how to give my emotions a work out, but it was so worth it because I loved this book. It was both heartbreaking and truly touching.
I really loved Emmy Grayson and Logan King. They were perfectly flawed characters, sincere and real. It made me so sad seeing them both broken inside, especially watching Emmy's devastation from the recent loss of her brother, Derek. The relationship between Emmy and Logan was very gradual and endearing. I enjoyed their friendship with each other just as much as the romantic aspect. It was very sweet seeing how much Logan adores Emmy.
"I got you something." He reached into the backseat and pulled out a bouquet of peach roses.
My face lit up and I took the bundle and inhaled their perfume. "My favorite."
"I know." ~ Emmy and Logan
Aside from the romance, there were a lot of up and downs, and secrets. It brought tears to my eyes seeing Emmy's struggle with letting Derek go. Not to mention a heart dropping moment towards the end and I have to be honest it scared me a little. Now I know there is a sequel coming that I am very excited for, but this ending leaves you with a good feeling of a bright and hopeful future for Emmy and Logan.
March 26, 2015
This is one of the best books I've read in a while. I immediately felt connected to Emmy... in a way I haven't since Isabella Swan and Hermione Granger. Emmy has a beautiful spirit and I love how real she is with Logan. There dialogue was spot on and he treated her with the utmost respect. The boy is fabulous. Her and her brothers relationship is dynamite- and it made me realize how much I want an older brother (even if he was only 2 minutes older lol)... I LOVED her relationship development with Zane- the twists and turns with their relationship were so exciting. And more than anything, I absolutely loved the way Amanda described Emmy's grief. I could literally feel what Emmy was feeling (I cried twice during this fabulous book), and I really empathized with the reasons behind her addiction. This book is an absolute winner. I am just in absolute awe.
March 19, 2015
Hold onto your heart, this book is going to take you on an incredible journey of loss and love. Your heart will break and begin to mend right along with Emmy's, so get ready to feel all the the entire spectrum of emotions, from sublimely wonderful and to heart wrenchingly painful. This well written and impossible to put down. What more can you ask for?
July 29, 2016
It was perfect! Smooth reading, I didn't know why I couldn't take just a second for break, I was coaxed the past 4 hours to turn to the next & next pages. I could feel Emmy's emotion & it felt so real. Amanda Burckhard is very talented, I'm new fan, I'll keep my eyes on her books from now on, and obviously for the sequel :)
April 6, 2015
Review coming up!
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