El libro fantasma

by Remy Lai

Hace doce años, un niño y una niña vivieron. Uno de ellos tenía que morir. July Chen ve fantasmas, pero su padre insiste en que los fantasmas no existen, así que ella finge que no existe. Esto, por supuesto, es increíblemente difícil durante el Mes de los Fantasmas Hambrientos, que es cuando las Puertas del Inframundo se abren y los fantasmas campan a sus anchas por el mundo de los vivos. Cuando July salva a William, un niño fantasma que está a punto de ser devorado por uno de esos fantasmas hambrientos, la amistad entre los dos es inmediata. Sin embargo, parece que William no es un fantasma de verdad, sino un alma errante que se debate entre la vida y la muerte... y a la que todavía pueden salvar. Mientras los nuevos amigos se disponen a devolver a William a su cuerpo, la verdad surge a la luz: para que William viva, July debe morir.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Fantasy, Ghosts, Comics, Paranormal, Fiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published August 15, 2023

Reviews

[rae ✿ · Rating 4 out of 5]

sprited away and coco? say no more

[Stay Fetters · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Who are you talking to?
A-a ghost?
Well, lower your voice. This is the Library, not the underworld."

Ah! Ghosts! Ghosts have always been a part of my life, just like haunted houses. I'll never forget the time that I was scared while sleeping on the top bunk of a bunkbed and putting the covers over my head. Then I hear something, it sounds like heavy breathing. I quickly look behind me and there's a ghostly figure with her head underneath the blanket by my head. I don't think anyone got to sleep that night. So I may know a thing or two about these mystical beings. Plus my life has been pretty eerily interesting.

Ghost Book looked like a book that I needed to read from the title to the amazing artwork on the cover. Yes, I did something we aren't supposed to do but it lead me here and I'm forever grateful.

The story was something that was new to the ghostly world. A human girl who seems to be easily forgotten teams up with a ghost boy who seems to get himself into a lot of near-death experiences to find a way for him to keep his human form.

This book was so kindhearted and incredibly sweet. July is the best friend we all want in our lives and the strength she showed was unmatchable. She is the new superhero we all need. The story was interesting and had me fully invested. I finished this in one sitting because I needed to know more about these hungry ghosts and the truth behind July's life. The art was just spectacular and perfect for this kind of story.

Ghost Book was an amazing book. I can't wait to go on more ghostly adventures with July.

"A broken heart is a heart that has loved and been loved."

[TL *Humaning the Best She Can* · Rating 4 out of 5]

*libby app, Overdrive was better *

The artwork was beautiful 😍!
4 stars 🌟 for the artwork and the story

This was a fun story. It was hard to put down and had some sweet/touching moments along with some got me tearing up as well :).

The story flowed wonderfully and the world felt plausible and so Alive to me. You feel like you are on this journey side by side with July and William, trying to find the truth and survive.

I guessed early on what the twist was but it didn't dampen my enjoyment of the story at all.

Would highly recommend :) ❤️ Definitely want a copy for my Shelves

[Estíbaliz Montero Iniesta · Rating 4 out of 5]

YOUTUBE / INSTAGRAM 

Una de mis novelas gráficas middle-grade favoritas hasta la fecha, porque me ha parecido muy redonda (cuando a menudo me da la sensación de que les falta profundidad y una historia mejor construida que complemente bien las ilustraciones). Sin embargo, El libro fantasma ha supuesto una grata sorpresa, tanto porque aporta algo nuevo al mundo de las historias de fantasmas como por lo bien construida que está.

La trama no tiene agujeros y es sólida, los personajes son estupendos y únicos, además de bien desarollados. Contiene fantasmas, toques de humor, enseñanzas sobre la cultura china del más allá (eso me ha gustado muchísimo), es original y entretenida pero también sentida.

El dibujo es sencillo, de líneas claras y limpias y creo que ayuda a atraer la atención sin distraer en exceso de la trama.

Además, es una historia enfocada a un público middle-grade, pero trata temas como la pérdida de un ser querido y la realidad de convivir con la muerte de una forma sencilla pero no condescendiente, y transmitiendo el complejo conjunto de emociones que acompaña a estos temas.

Sin duda una novela gráfica que voy a recomendar, especialmente durante la spooky season (aunque es una buena lectura para cualquier momento del año) y para todos los públicos, porque la historia está tan bien que cualquier adulto va a poder disfrutarla igual.

[CW ✨]

As expected from Remy's book, this book tugged on my heart strings and I wept in my office lunch room.

A sweet, funny, and fun book about Hungry Ghost month and friendship.

[Anniek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saved this for spooky season, and I'm so glad I did, because this was amazing. I expected to enjoy this, but it seriously exceeded my expections, and I LOVE when that happens. This is a middlegrade graphic novel that I would describe as having very similar vibes to Cemetery Boys and Spirited Away. I'm surprised I haven't seen more hype surrounding it, because I think it's such a good read for anyone, regardless of age.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute and sweet, and slightly scary, middle grade graphic novel about friendship. The ghosts were creepy, the human characters realistic and the art was appropriately icky for the ghosts, but nice looking for the rest.

My one quibble with this book is a pet peeve that has gotten larger as time has passed for me. The "adults know what is going on, but can't trust the kids with the info even though the info is necessary for keeping them safe, because ignorance is SOOOOOO much safer than the truth, so the kids make BAD decisions that put them in the danger the adults were hoping they would somehow magically avoid by not knowing anything about what to do" trope. Or also, the "Harry Potter" trope as I sometimes call it.

Ignorance is NEVER safer. The daughter in this is 11 or 12, old enough to know the truth and to be able to act appropriately with said truth. Yet the father tells her NOTHING and it almost gets her/her new friend killed. It also subtly teaches kids that you can't trust adults to tell you the truth, even when it's safer for them if they know it. That's not a lesson we should be teaching to children.

3.5 stars, rounded down because that pet peeve trope really annoys me. Not a bad book and if that's not a pet peeve for you, I recommend this book. The friendship story is really heartwarming.

3, I wish the dad had told his daughter the truth sooner, stars.

My thanks to NetGalley and Henry Holt BYR/Macmilllan for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.

[౨ৎ Brooke ౨ৎ (SURPRISE BARNIE!!) {67} · Rating 3 out of 5]

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Rating!
★★★☆☆ fine / undecided 😐
I'm mostly neutral...like, it's not my FAVORITE book but it wasn't awful. It was fine.
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"Remember me."
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Trigger warnings
death, grief, trauma, ghosts (obviously)
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language:
None
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Characters:
Name: July
I loved her (more than william tbh). I felt so bad for her bc everyone kept secrets from her and bc she keeps being forgotten. I can relate to her because sometimes people spell my name wrong (which I know isn't as bad as forgetting the person completely but ig it can be related)

Name: William
He was so kind. The only complaint I had was how his personality changed so much so quickly. Like, when he tried to summon the lady (I forgot her name) but then faked it so July would write her name...It just didn't really make sense to me and was hard to follow.
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writing style and structure:
fine
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favorite parts (INCLUDES SPOILERS!!)
I liked the end when they can both live.
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dislike parts (MAY INCLUDE SPOILERS!!)
eh not much. Not that this book was PERFECT but it was mostly just all the same.
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overall:
Overall, I probably would say it wasn't very interesting. I mostly picked this up because it's an award thing for my school.
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[emma kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

“a broken heart is a heart that has loved and been loved.”

thank goodness for that kiki’s delivery service-esque resolution because i am crying at work rn! yay! 😀

[viee ୨୧⋆˙ᝰ.ᐟ [lwk inactive] · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short but sweet read was just what I needed after a long day. The world building and plot twists were excellent, this is a must read. I couldn’t put this down.

[Keisha | A Book Like You · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A broken heart is a heart that has loved and been loved."

After reading Remy's book Pawcasso and loving it, I knew I had to pick this one up. I read a lot of spooky middle grade books, and I thought this was a great addition to the genre. If you want a spooky, heart-felt, and Chinese culture-filled novel with moments reminiscent of Raina Telgemeier's Ghosts or really any book or movie that has explored cultural lore, this is the book for you!

Thank you to NetGalley & Henry Holt Books for Young Readers for the e-arc!

[Jessika Hoover · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been searching for a book that would give me the same vibes as Anya's Ghost for YEARS--and it brings me so much pleasure to say that Ghost Book did all of that and more. What a great read! I absolutely loved how heartwarming this story was, and I thought the inclusion of Chinese culture, particularly surrounding views of death and the afterlife, was totally fascinating. I think readers of all ages will find something to enjoy here!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions presented here are my own.

[Niina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matka kuoleman rajamailla jatkuu, mutta tällä kertaa kiinalaisen mytologian puolella (luin edellisenä sarjiksena Anzu and the Realm of Darkness). Tässä oli hauska piirrostyyli. Suosittelen!

July on tyttö, jonka kaikki unohtavat. Kukaan opettajista ja luokkakavereista ei koskaan muista häntä, mikä on ollut tytöstä aina kovin erikoista. Hänen isänsä tekee työkseen dumpling-nyyttejä, mutta July saa aina vain rumia, kurttuisia ja vinoja dumplingeja joita hänen isänsä ei voi myydä. July myös näkee kummituksia, kuten itsensä tavoin 12-vuotiaan Williamin. Paitsi että William sanoo, ettei hän ole kuollut vaan koomassa.

Todella hienosti rakennettu mysteeri ja seikkailu kuoleman porteilla.

[Shu Wei Chin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ghost Book, a graphic novel by Brisbane-based Remy Lai, follows July Chen, a girl who sees ghosts. However, no one seems to remember her, until she saves William Xiao, a wandering soul, from being devoured by a Hungry Ghost. These fast friends then embark on a journey that tests their wits, courage, and loyalty.

The story is a wonderful blend of supernatural elements inspired by Chinese mythology as well as hopeful themes about friendship and familial love. It is perfect for older children with a penchant for the macabre, ones capable of recognising nuanced themes such as open communication with, and sacrifice for, loved ones. Further, the rounded art style and high contrast colours creates adorable characters and softens creepier elements, thus effectively but gently engages young readers capable of delving into darker themes in their literature.

[Lucca Ángel · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A broken heart is a heart that has loved and been loved.”

[ボート • lilbbtpinbookland · Rating 5 out of 5]

น่ารักมากกก ซึ้งด้วยน้ำตาคลอ 🥺💕 เสียดายที่สั้นไปหน่อย คือมันสนุกอ่ะ อยากอ่านอีก เขาวาดผีได้ขยะแขยงมากสภาพตอนที่มันหิวโหยอ่ะ 555

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this arc via Netgalley Shelf.

July Chen's mother died when she was born, and she was meant to be taken by the ghostly creatures who collect souls. Her miraculous survival led her to be able to see ghosts, even if her father insists ghosts aren't real. But during Hungry Ghost month, July sees a ghost boy, William, who sees her. After discovering that his body is still alive even though he's trapped in the ghost world, July is determined to help him, with the aid of her father's dumplings.

This cute graphic novel highlights a Chinese tradition and turns it into a fun adventure story that's only a little spooky, despite all the ghosts. There's also the mystery of July's "yin-yang eyes" and her birth that ties into William's story. I feel like "Hungry Ghosts" would be a better title than "Ghost Book", because there's a lot going on with the dumplings, and the tradition of burning offerings for the ghosts during the Hungry Ghost month. I really loved how the traditions of this festival are brought in as key parts of the story. This would be a great read for anyone who liked Anya's Ghost, This Was Our Pact, or Raina Telgemeier's Ghosts.

[Nicole M. Hewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction

Look at me, posting reviews of two ghost books at once (in June, no less). I read this one because it was nominated for the B&N kids’ book of the year, and I think it was my favorite of all the books nominated! This fun graphic novel is about July, a girl who sees ghosts and spirits. One day a soul shows up who’s being hunted by death, except he’s not actually dead yet! July decides she must help him, but discovers that doing so might have dire consequences for herself. I loved everything about this book–the illustrations are incredible, the story is fun and exciting (and spooky – but more in a fun way than a truly scary way), and the characters are relatable. The story is inspired by Chinese mythology, which makes it that much more intriguing. I loved every single moment of this book!

[Raina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Those hungry ghosts are creepy! Kid has always been able to see ghosts, but at a certain time of year, Hungry Ghosts come out!

This book does a great job of centering Lai's Chinese-Australian background. This feels very different than the creepy fairytales I've read based on European folklore.
Appreciated the rep of someone who feels invisible in her daily life, and of single parenting. There's relatable stuff there. It's also heftier than it might seem at first glance - took me a couple of sittings to get through it.

Great full-color, Lai's an author to watch!

[Genielysse Reyes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily one of my favorite reads of the year. Threaded with friendship, culture, and that timeless longing to be seen, GHOST BOOK is a hauntingly beautiful time. Bravo to Remy Lai!

[Brooklyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is the first YR graphic novel that’s ever made me cry. love it

[Jaclyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

more of a 3.5 from me. I really like the scenes where the characters face their mortality but I wish there was more world building. It felt like I was thrust into a world I didn't know as well as I wanted to

[Madison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute! A little muddled, but cute.

[Kari]

this was such a cute, fun, ghosty read for this time of year. thanks to the publisher & goodreads for my copy!!

[Claire Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edvard Munch must have had yin yang eyes because his Scream is obviously a hungry ghost. What if my dead pets were following me everywhere??

[Claire Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish my dad bought memory forgetting dumplings for me so the servants of the underworld didn't take my soul. Parent goals

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A graphic novel about friendship, sacrifice, loss and belonging. This was a recommendation from Finny 😁

[Jesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a twisty, turny adventure! The ghosts were gross, but the story was unique and fun!

[Sammie :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartfelt adventure that will make you hungry for dumplings.

[Em H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute. Loved the art and the narrative. The pacing was a bit uneven, but this has a lot of heart.