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Da quando ho incontrato Jessica
Quando Francis e Jessica si incontrano, è amicizia a prima vista. Francis non ha paura di mostrarle i suoi segreti, e a Jessica non sembra vero di avere finalmente un compagno di avventure. C'è solo un piccolo particolare: Jessica è un fantasma. Ma è davvero così importante? Be', forse non lo è, ma di sicuro è divertente. Perfino l'ora di matematica passa più in fretta se la tua migliore amica invisibile ti passa le risposte. Presto però si scopre che Francis non è il solo a vedere Jessica, e altri amici si uniscono a lui, dando vita a un trio - o meglio, a un quartetto - tanto unito quanto improbabile. Perché proprio loro? Che cos'hanno in comune? E perché Jessica non ricorda nulla della sua morte?
186 pages, Hardcover
First published March 5, 2015
67 people are currently reading
1814 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 333 reviews
February 17, 2020
'Neither Francis, nor Andi nor Roland, had ever told anyone they had been thinking about 'ending it all', and to find they could share these thoughts and talk about them with others who had felt the same way, was curiously liberating.'
The most touching part of the story. This book was endorsed in the Amnesty International UK and rightly so.
There are so many people out there going through feelings wherein they assume that no one can understand them anymore and hence they just shut themselves and their feelings off from sharing it with anyone even though all their loved ones are ready to support them through thick and thin.
Francis, Andi, Roland and Lorna are four kids who are teased and bullied by their co students since they have their own unique hobbies/liking/nature which does not fit in the standard societal norms. They are made fun of to such an extent that they can't take it anymore and decide to end it all by giving up on their lives. They have their families support to them, however, they feel that by not telling them and ending their lives, everything will get sorted. Just then comes a girl, Jessica, in their lives who very easily changes their thinking by taking interest in each of their hobbies and listening to their point of view. The four of them get so much involved in their friendship that they no longer care what the other students think about them.
And then one day, Jessica has to leave and go where she actually belongs; but then she is really happy that she could do her part in saving the kids from ending their lives. All the kids now enjoy their lives to the fullest and want to make sure that if there are any kids who need their help in sharing their feelings, they are always there to support them. The situations these four of them had to go through, they don't want anyone else should ever go through again.
A must read for everyone though it's mainly based around for the kids.
The most touching part of the story. This book was endorsed in the Amnesty International UK and rightly so.
There are so many people out there going through feelings wherein they assume that no one can understand them anymore and hence they just shut themselves and their feelings off from sharing it with anyone even though all their loved ones are ready to support them through thick and thin.
Francis, Andi, Roland and Lorna are four kids who are teased and bullied by their co students since they have their own unique hobbies/liking/nature which does not fit in the standard societal norms. They are made fun of to such an extent that they can't take it anymore and decide to end it all by giving up on their lives. They have their families support to them, however, they feel that by not telling them and ending their lives, everything will get sorted. Just then comes a girl, Jessica, in their lives who very easily changes their thinking by taking interest in each of their hobbies and listening to their point of view. The four of them get so much involved in their friendship that they no longer care what the other students think about them.
And then one day, Jessica has to leave and go where she actually belongs; but then she is really happy that she could do her part in saving the kids from ending their lives. All the kids now enjoy their lives to the fullest and want to make sure that if there are any kids who need their help in sharing their feelings, they are always there to support them. The situations these four of them had to go through, they don't want anyone else should ever go through again.
A must read for everyone though it's mainly based around for the kids.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2016
Unbelievably amazing. If someone asked me if a middle grade book could address mental illness, suicide and bullying as successfully and as profoundly as this book, I would be doubtful. However, this book does it in droves.
August 30, 2017
Wow, das hat mich jetzt doch umgehauen. Viel tiefgründiger als erwartet und es enthält viele wichtige Botschaften.
August 22, 2017
Zweimal in der Hand gehabt und schon durchgelesen! Es ist keine sehr lange Geschichte, aber eine die es in sich hat! Ein wichtiges Thema ganz toll aufbereitet! Was für's Herz (aber keine Schnulze) und für die Gedanken! Ein schöner und leichtgängiger Schreibstil! Am besten den "Klappentext" hier nicht lesen, denn sonst ist der Aha-Moment in der Mitte des Buches, schon vorweggenommen und das ist mehr als blöd - Wie ich selbst feststellen musste!
Also einfach das Buch holen, lesen und ein eigenes Bild machen!
Also einfach das Buch holen, lesen und ein eigenes Bild machen!
Read
November 22, 2017Review to come.
Overall this was a lot lighter than I was expecting for a book about suicide... The omnipotent narrator and resultant head-hopping was rather annoying at times, but it was an easy read.
Didn't really feel much connection to the characters as a result of the head-hopping and obvious narrator, but this would be good for encouraging discussion with younger readers having suicidal thoughts.
Overall this was a lot lighter than I was expecting for a book about suicide... The omnipotent narrator and resultant head-hopping was rather annoying at times, but it was an easy read.
Didn't really feel much connection to the characters as a result of the head-hopping and obvious narrator, but this would be good for encouraging discussion with younger readers having suicidal thoughts.
December 30, 2018
"[Escrever um livro sem planejamento prévio] trata-se de uma técnica, eu sei, que produz tanto o melhor quanto o pior da literatura, mas eu mesmo só tentei aplicá-la uma vez – e o resultado foi este livro. Comecei com a ideia de uma menina morta (sem saber o motivo) que encontrava um menino… e segui daí em diante."
As palavras de Andrew Norris nos agradecimentos do livro explicam porque os acontecimentos desse livro soam estranhos: o autor não sabia aonde queria chegar. 'Amigos para vida' começa bem, com essa amizade de um menino que sofre bullying por gostar de moda e de uma menina fantasma, mas logo desanda.
É quando novos personagens são introduzidos aqui que a história se torna desconfortável, o que se torna ainda pior se levado em consideração que esse deveria ser um livro sobre saúde mental e suicídio. Quando Andi logo aparece no livro, é assim que ela é descrita: como uma menina masculina demais para ser atraente.
"A figura parada na porta da frente era baixa e atarracada, com pernas fortes e roliças, um par de braços musculosos que pairavam rígidos nas laterais do corpo e uma cabeça coberta por cachos curtos e estreitos de cabelos ruivos. Aquela era, sem qualquer sombra de dúvida, uma das adolescentes menos atraentes que a Sra. Meredith já vira."
(Spoiler: no final do livro, depois do discurso sobre aceitar as diferenças, a Andi reaparece, só que dessa vez com um visual completamente novo, mais "feminina" que antes.)
As coisas pioram. Um segundo personagem, Roland, também ganha destaque na história. Suas descrições são as piores possíveis.
"Já o próprio Roland estava diante do computador, e ele era… grande. Sentado numa cadeira giratória que gemia sob seu peso quando ele se mexia, a carne nas laterais do seu corpo transbordava por sobre os descansos da cadeira. Francis nunca vira um garoto tão gordo."
"Meia hora depois, os dois entraram na piscina, e o novo amigo de Francis se mostrou um exímio nadador. Podia ser lento e desajeitado em terra, mas na água se movia com a confiança casual de uma morsa."
"O pai de Roland trinchou as galinhas. Era um homem bronco, de aparência dura, não muito maior que a mulher, e, para Francis, era impossível não pensar como duas pessoas tão atarracadas poderiam ter produzido um filho que era maior que os dois juntos."
(Spoiler: mais uma vez, depois que o livro afirma a necessidade de celebrar as diferenças, o garoto perde 10kg.)
Bom, além disso, é revelado que a menina fantasma morreu porque se suicidou. Ela ainda está na forma de fantasma porque precisa realizar essa missão de juntar jovens com potencial suicida e fazer com que eles mudem de ideia. Isso não é muito bem feito.
"– Se eu tivesse sido expulsa, você sentiria a minha falta?
– Imensamente – disse Francis. – Na verdade, provavelmente teria que me matar.
E, por algum motivo, aquilo fez os dois caírem na gargalhada."
Como se não bastasse, no final do livro temos o Francis (o garoto que gosta de moda) e a tia da fantasma trabalhando num centro de apoio à vida caseiro, dando recomendações óbvias e atingindo o ápice da hipocrisia em toda essa história. Como o livro pode afirmar que é importante respeitar os outros, evitar o bullying, quando sua descrições são desrespeitosas e preconceituosas?
"Por que, pensou Francis, 'ser diferente' tinha que ser tão doloroso? Por que era assim tão importante, quando, se refletíssemos bem, todo mundo era diferente de uma maneira ou de outra?"
Esses são alguns problemas de 'Amigos para a vida', esse livro com um enredo tão raso quanto seus personagens esteriotipados unidimensionais. A única qualidade da história é a fluidez, que basicamente foi o único motivo para que eu conseguisse chegar ao final sem muito esforço.
Não recomendo esse livro.
As palavras de Andrew Norris nos agradecimentos do livro explicam porque os acontecimentos desse livro soam estranhos: o autor não sabia aonde queria chegar. 'Amigos para vida' começa bem, com essa amizade de um menino que sofre bullying por gostar de moda e de uma menina fantasma, mas logo desanda.
É quando novos personagens são introduzidos aqui que a história se torna desconfortável, o que se torna ainda pior se levado em consideração que esse deveria ser um livro sobre saúde mental e suicídio. Quando Andi logo aparece no livro, é assim que ela é descrita: como uma menina masculina demais para ser atraente.
"A figura parada na porta da frente era baixa e atarracada, com pernas fortes e roliças, um par de braços musculosos que pairavam rígidos nas laterais do corpo e uma cabeça coberta por cachos curtos e estreitos de cabelos ruivos. Aquela era, sem qualquer sombra de dúvida, uma das adolescentes menos atraentes que a Sra. Meredith já vira."
(Spoiler: no final do livro, depois do discurso sobre aceitar as diferenças, a Andi reaparece, só que dessa vez com um visual completamente novo, mais "feminina" que antes.)
As coisas pioram. Um segundo personagem, Roland, também ganha destaque na história. Suas descrições são as piores possíveis.
"Já o próprio Roland estava diante do computador, e ele era… grande. Sentado numa cadeira giratória que gemia sob seu peso quando ele se mexia, a carne nas laterais do seu corpo transbordava por sobre os descansos da cadeira. Francis nunca vira um garoto tão gordo."
"Meia hora depois, os dois entraram na piscina, e o novo amigo de Francis se mostrou um exímio nadador. Podia ser lento e desajeitado em terra, mas na água se movia com a confiança casual de uma morsa."
"O pai de Roland trinchou as galinhas. Era um homem bronco, de aparência dura, não muito maior que a mulher, e, para Francis, era impossível não pensar como duas pessoas tão atarracadas poderiam ter produzido um filho que era maior que os dois juntos."
(Spoiler: mais uma vez, depois que o livro afirma a necessidade de celebrar as diferenças, o garoto perde 10kg.)
Bom, além disso, é revelado que a menina fantasma morreu porque se suicidou. Ela ainda está na forma de fantasma porque precisa realizar essa missão de juntar jovens com potencial suicida e fazer com que eles mudem de ideia. Isso não é muito bem feito.
"– Se eu tivesse sido expulsa, você sentiria a minha falta?
– Imensamente – disse Francis. – Na verdade, provavelmente teria que me matar.
E, por algum motivo, aquilo fez os dois caírem na gargalhada."
Como se não bastasse, no final do livro temos o Francis (o garoto que gosta de moda) e a tia da fantasma trabalhando num centro de apoio à vida caseiro, dando recomendações óbvias e atingindo o ápice da hipocrisia em toda essa história. Como o livro pode afirmar que é importante respeitar os outros, evitar o bullying, quando sua descrições são desrespeitosas e preconceituosas?
"Por que, pensou Francis, 'ser diferente' tinha que ser tão doloroso? Por que era assim tão importante, quando, se refletíssemos bem, todo mundo era diferente de uma maneira ou de outra?"
Esses são alguns problemas de 'Amigos para a vida', esse livro com um enredo tão raso quanto seus personagens esteriotipados unidimensionais. A única qualidade da história é a fluidez, que basicamente foi o único motivo para que eu conseguisse chegar ao final sem muito esforço.
Não recomendo esse livro.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2015
Wow, I'm not exactly sure what to write here. As soon as I read the premise for this book I knew I wanted to read it. I fought to buy this book for my library and I am so glad I did. I don't want to give too much away so this will be a very general review. The start of the book threw me off a bit. It didn't exactly start out slow but it felt a bit stilted. I am also not a huge fan of British literature, mostly because of my own bias against words like "mum" and the fact that I don't really understand the culture. (I need to be more open-minded about that, I know.) However, it didn't take me long to get immersed in the story and attached to the characters. I didn't expect what happened in the second half of the book but it made this story so much more! More powerful, more emotional, more uplifting, more everything. I cannot wait to recommend this to patrons, and discuss it with colleagues. I would recommend this book for 5th grade and up, mostly because of the content. However, I think most every child should read this book sometime in their life. It's a great story of feeling different from your peers, making new friends, seeing your own worth through the eyes of others, and dealing with issue of depression. Loved it but now I need to read something light-hearted so I can put the tissues away for the moment.
November 25, 2019
Short and sweet.
March 6, 2015
So, let's start a review of Andrew Norriss's new book by talking about Alan Garner. Yes, that Alan Garner - Weirdstone of Brisingamen, Moon of Gomrath, Elidor - one of the finest children's writers - no, one of the finest writers - of the last fifty years. But I bring Alan up because there are clear parallels - and just as clear divergences - between him and Andrew, and they serve to throw light upon both writers.
Style first suggested affinity: both write the tautest prose around, with not a single spare word. (Although I don't know this, I suspect that both write in similar ways, boiling the word stew down until only the strongest broth remains.) Indeed, in Alan Garner's case, the paring away cuts so deep that even the bones are weakened (Red Shift for example) and the story suffers. However, where it works, it works wonderfully, inviting and inducing the reader to fill in the gaps and the silences, as in a Guo Xi painting.
But style is nothing without substance, and both Alan and Andrew deal with wonder: the eruption or eliding into the everyday of things and people extraordinary and unusual - although Andrew puts in jokes, and Alan definitely does not do humour. But more fundamental is the importance in their written worlds of the fantastic: it drives everything, whether it be Aquila, an intelligent, alien space car, or the Weirdstone itself: different worlds intersect and in their crossing lies story.
But this is where things get interesting, for in the different moods of each writer we can detect something of their hopes and fears of the supernatural. With Garner, the supernatural, while more encompassing and more powerful (the Wild Hunt in The Moon of Gomrath), yet there is a sense, a desperate sense, that it may all be in the mind, nothing more than mental phantoms; if a child should ask the key question, 'Is it true, is it real?' the book answers that it desperately wants it to be real, but fears, with a dread full, reality draining fear, that it is not. It is, just, words, and even these are slowly draining of meaning. This is what gives Garner's books their fragile, desperate beauty, like a spun metal sculpture, trembling and under tension.
With Andrew Norriss, on the other hand, behind the jokes and the carefully constructed comedy there is a lightness, a surety that can only come from the written conviction that, yes, this is real, this is true: the world is not only more wonderful than we imagine, it is more wonderful than we can imagine. So, while there is not the tension that fills Garner's novels, there is a peace that issues in the joy (and laughter) that pervades them.
Jessica's Ghost is something of a departure for Andrew Norriss - its protagonists are older, its themes more serious, its issues more immediately applicable to the troubled life so many young people live. It will be read at many different levels; it may pull some back from the abyss, while others it may allow to grow into themselves. Andrew Norriss is not so tense as Alan Garner, but he is more complete. Jessica's Ghost is a fine, fine story; please, do read it. (Try to ignore the front cover, which seems calculated to put people off buying the book.)
Style first suggested affinity: both write the tautest prose around, with not a single spare word. (Although I don't know this, I suspect that both write in similar ways, boiling the word stew down until only the strongest broth remains.) Indeed, in Alan Garner's case, the paring away cuts so deep that even the bones are weakened (Red Shift for example) and the story suffers. However, where it works, it works wonderfully, inviting and inducing the reader to fill in the gaps and the silences, as in a Guo Xi painting.
But style is nothing without substance, and both Alan and Andrew deal with wonder: the eruption or eliding into the everyday of things and people extraordinary and unusual - although Andrew puts in jokes, and Alan definitely does not do humour. But more fundamental is the importance in their written worlds of the fantastic: it drives everything, whether it be Aquila, an intelligent, alien space car, or the Weirdstone itself: different worlds intersect and in their crossing lies story.
But this is where things get interesting, for in the different moods of each writer we can detect something of their hopes and fears of the supernatural. With Garner, the supernatural, while more encompassing and more powerful (the Wild Hunt in The Moon of Gomrath), yet there is a sense, a desperate sense, that it may all be in the mind, nothing more than mental phantoms; if a child should ask the key question, 'Is it true, is it real?' the book answers that it desperately wants it to be real, but fears, with a dread full, reality draining fear, that it is not. It is, just, words, and even these are slowly draining of meaning. This is what gives Garner's books their fragile, desperate beauty, like a spun metal sculpture, trembling and under tension.
With Andrew Norriss, on the other hand, behind the jokes and the carefully constructed comedy there is a lightness, a surety that can only come from the written conviction that, yes, this is real, this is true: the world is not only more wonderful than we imagine, it is more wonderful than we can imagine. So, while there is not the tension that fills Garner's novels, there is a peace that issues in the joy (and laughter) that pervades them.
Jessica's Ghost is something of a departure for Andrew Norriss - its protagonists are older, its themes more serious, its issues more immediately applicable to the troubled life so many young people live. It will be read at many different levels; it may pull some back from the abyss, while others it may allow to grow into themselves. Andrew Norriss is not so tense as Alan Garner, but he is more complete. Jessica's Ghost is a fine, fine story; please, do read it. (Try to ignore the front cover, which seems calculated to put people off buying the book.)
October 5, 2018
2,5
Ich bin etwas enttäuscht, weil ich mir das Buch sehr viel emotionaler gewünscht hatte. Es fühlte sich eher an wie eine Nacherzählung vieler emotionaler Erlebnisse eines Jungen. Durch die Kürze konnte ich kaum eine Verbindung aufbauen, obwohl die Figuren interessant und der Plot spannend war. Ein unglaubliches Ereignis folgt auf das nächste, aber die Gefühle werden eher erzählt als gezeigt.
Ich bin etwas enttäuscht, weil ich mir das Buch sehr viel emotionaler gewünscht hatte. Es fühlte sich eher an wie eine Nacherzählung vieler emotionaler Erlebnisse eines Jungen. Durch die Kürze konnte ich kaum eine Verbindung aufbauen, obwohl die Figuren interessant und der Plot spannend war. Ein unglaubliches Ereignis folgt auf das nächste, aber die Gefühle werden eher erzählt als gezeigt.
January 28, 2019
I kinda liked this book but it wasn't something that I was very interested in. I just don't think that this book was something that I like. I would not read it again.
March 15, 2015
Light of touch and yet rich in depth, this novel explores issues from fitting in to depression and even suicide through a perfectly pitched story for the 9-12 audience.
I really enjoyed this and would absolutely recommend it to children in the target age range. The story and the characters are charming and quirky; I loved Francis particularly but they are all really well realised. It's the best kind of 'misfits' book, and perfect for this age group when kids are busily sorting out whether and where they fit with their peers. Without being didactic or dogmatic, the book has a clear message of self-acceptance which will be valuable for many children to absorb.
In terms of the 'darker' content, I am so impressed with how this is handled: it didn't feel inappropriate, heavy or awkward at all and I would have no hesitation sharing this book with children regardless of their existing understanding of depression and suicide. Sometimes a book featuring issues is clearly intended for those already in the know, while others may be most suitable for those on the outside of an issue. In this case, I think neither is true and would happily use it to introduce the topic, or recommend it to a child who I knew to be struggling.
Overall, I hope it's clear that I definitely recommend this one!
I really enjoyed this and would absolutely recommend it to children in the target age range. The story and the characters are charming and quirky; I loved Francis particularly but they are all really well realised. It's the best kind of 'misfits' book, and perfect for this age group when kids are busily sorting out whether and where they fit with their peers. Without being didactic or dogmatic, the book has a clear message of self-acceptance which will be valuable for many children to absorb.
In terms of the 'darker' content, I am so impressed with how this is handled: it didn't feel inappropriate, heavy or awkward at all and I would have no hesitation sharing this book with children regardless of their existing understanding of depression and suicide. Sometimes a book featuring issues is clearly intended for those already in the know, while others may be most suitable for those on the outside of an issue. In this case, I think neither is true and would happily use it to introduce the topic, or recommend it to a child who I knew to be struggling.
Overall, I hope it's clear that I definitely recommend this one!
January 27, 2015
A really lovely little book that is full of heart. Perfect for the teenager in your life who is struggling to fit in because they are a little bit different. I loved what it had to say about friendships and their value. Loved the main characters and loved how the story played out. A really fabulous read.
August 1, 2020
This is classified as a “Teen” book, one that is aimed at readers younger than “Young Adult”. Much is therefore simplified yet the main topic, which I am avoiding for spoiler reasons, is a deadly serious one. Certainly even the cover material does not disclose the real topic of this book.
So, as an adult reader I was a little bored with the simplicity and with weird factual statements ( like a 6 story building being 130 feet tall; or taking 20 minutes to change a flat tire on a bike—did the cyclist carry a spare tire?). I also admired the spirit of the book, engaging head on with feelings of despair, depression, and difference, and how to survive bullying.
My rating reflects how much I think the target audience might appreciate this book, if it fell into their hands at just the right moment.
So, as an adult reader I was a little bored with the simplicity and with weird factual statements ( like a 6 story building being 130 feet tall; or taking 20 minutes to change a flat tire on a bike—did the cyclist carry a spare tire?). I also admired the spirit of the book, engaging head on with feelings of despair, depression, and difference, and how to survive bullying.
My rating reflects how much I think the target audience might appreciate this book, if it fell into their hands at just the right moment.
June 1, 2015
What a lovely story about friendship and celebrating each other's and our own differences. I loved how this book explored really serious topics as bullying, grief, depression, isolation and suicide but with such a light and gentle touch.
I knew very little about Jessica's Ghost by Andrew Norriss before I started reading it. Only that it came with high praise by people whose opinions I trust. I sat down to read this book and it felt a little bit like the whole rest of the world fell away while I was reading. Nothing else mattered and I was wrapped up in this beautiful and gentle story.
I absolutely adored Jessica's Ghost. It is a wonderful story about friendship and embracing our differences and it explores some very heavy topics such as depression and suicide with a very light and gentle touch. This book is adorable but also very important. The only thing I really knew about this book beforehand is that this book features a ghost, called Jessica. But it's also so much more than that.
Jessica's Ghost is for a middle grade audience but it's one of those books that can be enjoyed by people of any age. It starts off with Francis, this isolated boy who has no friends and doesn't seem to fit in anywhere. He's sitting on a bench at school and a girl sits next to him, Jessica. And that's where this incredible story starts. With Francis and Jessica becoming friends. And they both mean a huge deal to each other because with Jessica Francis can be himself and share his passion without fear of judgement and Jessica is thrilled that somebody can see her at long last.
Together Francis and Jessica meet other people who feel like they live on the outside of normality. Either because of their appearance or interests or behaviour. And though they are all different they realise that they have things in common, even if it just that they can all see Jessica. And I loved the heartwarming overall message of being different is okay.
What I love the most about this book is that from the start this book was always just a great story with great writing and then it becomes something larger than itself and I love the way in which the darker elements to this story and introduced. I think it's wonderful to see a book aimed at a younger audience that deals so wonderfully with topics such as suicide and depression and what to do if you a) feel like this or b) know somebody who does.
Jessica's Ghost is a beautiful story with a wonderful message and deserves to be very widely read.
I knew very little about Jessica's Ghost by Andrew Norriss before I started reading it. Only that it came with high praise by people whose opinions I trust. I sat down to read this book and it felt a little bit like the whole rest of the world fell away while I was reading. Nothing else mattered and I was wrapped up in this beautiful and gentle story.
I absolutely adored Jessica's Ghost. It is a wonderful story about friendship and embracing our differences and it explores some very heavy topics such as depression and suicide with a very light and gentle touch. This book is adorable but also very important. The only thing I really knew about this book beforehand is that this book features a ghost, called Jessica. But it's also so much more than that.
Jessica's Ghost is for a middle grade audience but it's one of those books that can be enjoyed by people of any age. It starts off with Francis, this isolated boy who has no friends and doesn't seem to fit in anywhere. He's sitting on a bench at school and a girl sits next to him, Jessica. And that's where this incredible story starts. With Francis and Jessica becoming friends. And they both mean a huge deal to each other because with Jessica Francis can be himself and share his passion without fear of judgement and Jessica is thrilled that somebody can see her at long last.
Together Francis and Jessica meet other people who feel like they live on the outside of normality. Either because of their appearance or interests or behaviour. And though they are all different they realise that they have things in common, even if it just that they can all see Jessica. And I loved the heartwarming overall message of being different is okay.
What I love the most about this book is that from the start this book was always just a great story with great writing and then it becomes something larger than itself and I love the way in which the darker elements to this story and introduced. I think it's wonderful to see a book aimed at a younger audience that deals so wonderfully with topics such as suicide and depression and what to do if you a) feel like this or b) know somebody who does.
Jessica's Ghost is a beautiful story with a wonderful message and deserves to be very widely read.
November 13, 2024
I genuinely don’t understand how this book has a 4.13 star rating on Goodreads because…this book was wild and not in the good way. I first spotted this in a bookstore and was drawn in by the synopsis. And listen, I thought this was going to be a beautiful story of friendship, about a boy who befriends a ghost and together they uncover how she died and help her cross over. Which, that’s more or less the story. But it didn’t hit in the way that I wanted it to. Instead, this reminded me more of those classic children’s books that definitely did not age well and has some crazy out-of-pocket passages, and you’re sitting there thinking to yourself, “This is a children’s book??” Think Roald Dahl’s books:
The most glaring issue hands down is just how much of this story is centered around bullying the young characters?? Aside from our protagonist Frances, there are two other characters who Frances befriends: Andi and Roland. And the sole personality traits that they are each given is just how fat and unattractive they are. This is where the comparison to older children’s books comes in, because I feel there was A LOT of that in children’s literature, this emphasis on how fat and unattractive a character is and going into great detail. From Matilda to Harry Potter to…probably so many others I could name. It was a very common trope, and once you become aware of it, the more you won’t be able to unsee it. But whereas those books at least were written decades ago, this was written…in 2015. Yes, still almost ten years ago at this point (gulp), but still recent enough that I feel it should’ve known better. Like, the way this was written, I almost expected it to be published in the 70s or 80s. It reads very dated. But yes, there is so much emphasis on how fat and unattractive these two characters are. The author can’t seem to help but remind us of this over and over throughout the entire book…just in case we forgot!
Let’s start with Andi.
I haaaate how Andi is written. I hate how she’s written clearly as this tomboy, but everyone around her can’t stop commenting on how NOT like a girl she is. Our introduction to her is when Frances’s mother first meets her: She was without a doubt one of the most unattractive adolescents Mrs. Meredith had ever seen. Like…why would you even have that thought about an innocent middle school aged-girl and one of your son’s friends? And it isn’t even just Frances’s mom who thinks this. Andi’s own mother barely considers her a girl and only refers to her as “Thuglett.” When Andi befriends Frances and her mother notices how much her daughter is transforming right before her eyes, she just has to comment: “She looked quite different when she smiled. Almost like a girl.”Speaking as someone who was also a tomboy growing up, this narrative of tomboys aren’t “real girls” and seeing them as these repulsive, unattractive other beings is so disgusting and I hate it.
And I am not kidding when I say Andi’s only two personality traits are that she’s a tomboy and that she beats people up. THAT’S IT. That’s all she does for the whole book is beat people up…including adults! At one point, she literally assaults a security guard. It’s like the author had no idea what to do with this character and only had two ideas at their disposal and couldn’t think of anything else. Plus I’ve seen this “hulking girl bully” stereotype so many times that I’m just so tired of it, and it absolutely doesn’t do any justice to her character.
And then there’s Roland, who unfortunately takes the brunt of the fat phobia in this book. Again, he only exists in this book to drive home just how fat he is, and doesn’t hold any punches:
“Sitting in a swivel chair that groaned under his weight when he moved, the flesh at the sides of his body spilled over the armrests. Francis had never seen anyone so big.”
“There was a lot of him to faint.”
“Watching the amount Roland tucked away gave some explanation of his size.”
Like, it is relentless. Just in case we needed reminding for the twentieth time just how fat Roland is…! The treatment of these two characters is beyond appalling.
I would say that it gets better from there, but it honestly just gets more nuts. So, over the course of the novel, Frances starts to gain the reputation as this sort of miracle worker with troubled teens who previously were antisocial and didn’t want to go to school until Francis came along and worked his magic with them. Well, the actual reason is because all of these troubled teens can also see Francis’s ghosty BFF Jessica, so they all end up bonding over that. But the parents of these kids don’t know that and think he just has this magical way about him, and it creates this phenomenon of parents requesting that Francis talk to their troubled kids. That alone is already about of pressure to put on a kid.
But then it gets crazier. This all eventually builds up to this scene where one of Francis’s classmates is on the edge of a roof and wanting to commit suicide. Jessica uses her ghosty powers to get Francis, along with her aunt, to come to the scene and help this girl since she’s unable to. Long story short, Francis, along with the help of Jessica’s aunt, help talk the girl down and it makes the news. So in the aftermath Francis, this poor child, gains international fame overnight and has now inadvertently become a public figure for teen suicide prevention and gets sent HUNDREDS of letters from people who ALSO want to kill themselves, asking for his advice.
And rather than having a responsible adult step in like, ”Yeah, no, this is way too much pressure to put on a young kid, he’s not equipped to handle all of this…” Francis is just left having to answer all of these letters, even resorting to working through his entire summer vacation, turning down a month-long trip to Canada, so that he can finish answering these letters.
BRO.
WHAT. IS. THIS. NOVEL?!
Final thoughts:
Yeah, I just really didn’t like this. I went in hoping this would be a sweet story about friendship and maybe a bit of a tearjerker, but my actual experience was like reading one of those older children’s books that didn’t age very well because of it being wildly offensive. Between the raging fatphobia and how poorly Andi and Roland were both written and treated, along with the way that suicide is handled in this, which is… not great and honestly more sensationalized than anything. This book was a big ol’ yikes for me.
The most glaring issue hands down is just how much of this story is centered around bullying the young characters?? Aside from our protagonist Frances, there are two other characters who Frances befriends: Andi and Roland. And the sole personality traits that they are each given is just how fat and unattractive they are. This is where the comparison to older children’s books comes in, because I feel there was A LOT of that in children’s literature, this emphasis on how fat and unattractive a character is and going into great detail. From Matilda to Harry Potter to…probably so many others I could name. It was a very common trope, and once you become aware of it, the more you won’t be able to unsee it. But whereas those books at least were written decades ago, this was written…in 2015. Yes, still almost ten years ago at this point (gulp), but still recent enough that I feel it should’ve known better. Like, the way this was written, I almost expected it to be published in the 70s or 80s. It reads very dated. But yes, there is so much emphasis on how fat and unattractive these two characters are. The author can’t seem to help but remind us of this over and over throughout the entire book…just in case we forgot!
Let’s start with Andi.
I haaaate how Andi is written. I hate how she’s written clearly as this tomboy, but everyone around her can’t stop commenting on how NOT like a girl she is. Our introduction to her is when Frances’s mother first meets her: She was without a doubt one of the most unattractive adolescents Mrs. Meredith had ever seen. Like…why would you even have that thought about an innocent middle school aged-girl and one of your son’s friends? And it isn’t even just Frances’s mom who thinks this. Andi’s own mother barely considers her a girl and only refers to her as “Thuglett.” When Andi befriends Frances and her mother notices how much her daughter is transforming right before her eyes, she just has to comment: “She looked quite different when she smiled. Almost like a girl.”Speaking as someone who was also a tomboy growing up, this narrative of tomboys aren’t “real girls” and seeing them as these repulsive, unattractive other beings is so disgusting and I hate it.
And I am not kidding when I say Andi’s only two personality traits are that she’s a tomboy and that she beats people up. THAT’S IT. That’s all she does for the whole book is beat people up…including adults! At one point, she literally assaults a security guard. It’s like the author had no idea what to do with this character and only had two ideas at their disposal and couldn’t think of anything else. Plus I’ve seen this “hulking girl bully” stereotype so many times that I’m just so tired of it, and it absolutely doesn’t do any justice to her character.
And then there’s Roland, who unfortunately takes the brunt of the fat phobia in this book. Again, he only exists in this book to drive home just how fat he is, and doesn’t hold any punches:
“Sitting in a swivel chair that groaned under his weight when he moved, the flesh at the sides of his body spilled over the armrests. Francis had never seen anyone so big.”
“There was a lot of him to faint.”
“Watching the amount Roland tucked away gave some explanation of his size.”
Like, it is relentless. Just in case we needed reminding for the twentieth time just how fat Roland is…! The treatment of these two characters is beyond appalling.
I would say that it gets better from there, but it honestly just gets more nuts. So, over the course of the novel, Frances starts to gain the reputation as this sort of miracle worker with troubled teens who previously were antisocial and didn’t want to go to school until Francis came along and worked his magic with them. Well, the actual reason is because all of these troubled teens can also see Francis’s ghosty BFF Jessica, so they all end up bonding over that. But the parents of these kids don’t know that and think he just has this magical way about him, and it creates this phenomenon of parents requesting that Francis talk to their troubled kids. That alone is already about of pressure to put on a kid.
But then it gets crazier. This all eventually builds up to this scene where one of Francis’s classmates is on the edge of a roof and wanting to commit suicide. Jessica uses her ghosty powers to get Francis, along with her aunt, to come to the scene and help this girl since she’s unable to. Long story short, Francis, along with the help of Jessica’s aunt, help talk the girl down and it makes the news. So in the aftermath Francis, this poor child, gains international fame overnight and has now inadvertently become a public figure for teen suicide prevention and gets sent HUNDREDS of letters from people who ALSO want to kill themselves, asking for his advice.
And rather than having a responsible adult step in like, ”Yeah, no, this is way too much pressure to put on a young kid, he’s not equipped to handle all of this…” Francis is just left having to answer all of these letters, even resorting to working through his entire summer vacation, turning down a month-long trip to Canada, so that he can finish answering these letters.
BRO.
WHAT. IS. THIS. NOVEL?!
Final thoughts:
Yeah, I just really didn’t like this. I went in hoping this would be a sweet story about friendship and maybe a bit of a tearjerker, but my actual experience was like reading one of those older children’s books that didn’t age very well because of it being wildly offensive. Between the raging fatphobia and how poorly Andi and Roland were both written and treated, along with the way that suicide is handled in this, which is… not great and honestly more sensationalized than anything. This book was a big ol’ yikes for me.
December 27, 2021
this book was really interesting to read(in a good way)! it was kind of boring in the beginning but i will say that it did not disappoint. it tackled a sensitive (but very serious) topic that definitely needs to be talked about, which was even better since I found this book in the kid's chapter book section. I would definitely recommend it!!
August 2, 2022
bardzo bym chciała przeczytać to mając 13 lat!!!! dziewczynka z mojej grupy na obozie to czytała, płakała na końcu i powiedziała, że muszę przeczytać, no to przeczytałam. cudowna książka dla dzieci, z morałem, dobrze napisana i w ogole nskaakxjah!!!! bajer
December 7, 2023
É muito interessante o modo como é abordado o suicídio e o bullying.
Aconselho.
Aconselho.
April 19, 2022
واقعا لذت بردم از خوندنش 🥺
June 29, 2016
I read this book impulsively, as I was browsing through the 'teen fiction' section of my local library, after reading the very short 'blurb' at the back of the book: "'Do you have any idea,' Jessica said eventually, 'why you can see me, when no one else can?'" And I am proud to say that I have absolutely no regrets. I enjoyed this book very much - and I read it in just two sittings (only reason being I was reading before bed and I was forced to sacrifice reading for sleep).
I usually never pick up books that I haven't heard of before, and I generally tend to read the books that I've heard good reviews about, or ones that other people recommend to me (even if it's just watching a BookTube video xD). But with this book, I had never heard of the title or the author before, and no one I know has given this book a review on Goodreads either. And despite that, I still picked up the book because I just loved the idea that there was a ghost that no one else can see but the main protagonist(s), and I would definitely read this book again.
It's quite short and definitely not a difficult read - and it has the most heart-warming story with absolutely stunning character growth. I loved the whole concept of this book, and although I didn't realise it dealt with such serious issues like suicide until almost halfway through, I loved where it all ended up going, and how the author addressed these issues.
In all honesty though, the writing style kind of threw me off a little in the beginning, because it was very simplistic and I felt as though it wasn't as sophisticated or as well thought out as some of the other books I've read. Nevertheless, for whatever reason, something about this book just urged me to keep on reading and intrigued me so much that I could not put this book down. Although this book didn't focus on romance (and I usually always go for romance books because I'm a sucker for cute romances), I STILL LOVED THIS BOOK. I'm trying to stay as formal as possible in this review but I just can't because ARGH THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD.
I wouldn't say this book blew my mind or that it's the most amazing book I've ever read type of book, but I still gave it a 5 out of 5 stars as it just really hit home. It touched my heart with such delicate fondness (idek what I'm trying to say now) that I found myself on the verge of tears several times throughout this novel. Plus, I also really loved how this book ended, although it was still heart-breaking not to have Jessica with us until the end.
All in all, it was a great book. It kind of reminds me of 'A Monster Calls' by Patrick Ness for a reason I cannot recall. But what I will say is that if you liked this book, then you should try reading that too. Or vice versa. They're both great books - short, but still containing very thought provoking moral messages that you'd want to keep on your shelves forever so you can re-read it again and again. I do wish this book was longer, but I feel like this book ended where it had to, and it's best for it to just stay the way it is. KYA I love this book. I would recommend it to anyone who's feeling down in the dumps (The Pit), or to anyone who has felt even remotely sad during their lives (which is basically everyone, if you haven't realised already).
I usually never pick up books that I haven't heard of before, and I generally tend to read the books that I've heard good reviews about, or ones that other people recommend to me (even if it's just watching a BookTube video xD). But with this book, I had never heard of the title or the author before, and no one I know has given this book a review on Goodreads either. And despite that, I still picked up the book because I just loved the idea that there was a ghost that no one else can see but the main protagonist(s), and I would definitely read this book again.
It's quite short and definitely not a difficult read - and it has the most heart-warming story with absolutely stunning character growth. I loved the whole concept of this book, and although I didn't realise it dealt with such serious issues like suicide until almost halfway through, I loved where it all ended up going, and how the author addressed these issues.
In all honesty though, the writing style kind of threw me off a little in the beginning, because it was very simplistic and I felt as though it wasn't as sophisticated or as well thought out as some of the other books I've read. Nevertheless, for whatever reason, something about this book just urged me to keep on reading and intrigued me so much that I could not put this book down. Although this book didn't focus on romance (and I usually always go for romance books because I'm a sucker for cute romances), I STILL LOVED THIS BOOK. I'm trying to stay as formal as possible in this review but I just can't because ARGH THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD.
I wouldn't say this book blew my mind or that it's the most amazing book I've ever read type of book, but I still gave it a 5 out of 5 stars as it just really hit home. It touched my heart with such delicate fondness (idek what I'm trying to say now) that I found myself on the verge of tears several times throughout this novel. Plus, I also really loved how this book ended, although it was still heart-breaking not to have Jessica with us until the end.
All in all, it was a great book. It kind of reminds me of 'A Monster Calls' by Patrick Ness for a reason I cannot recall. But what I will say is that if you liked this book, then you should try reading that too. Or vice versa. They're both great books - short, but still containing very thought provoking moral messages that you'd want to keep on your shelves forever so you can re-read it again and again. I do wish this book was longer, but I feel like this book ended where it had to, and it's best for it to just stay the way it is. KYA I love this book. I would recommend it to anyone who's feeling down in the dumps (The Pit), or to anyone who has felt even remotely sad during their lives (which is basically everyone, if you haven't realised already).
May 8, 2015
When Jessica sits down next to Francis on a bench during recess, he is surprised to learn she is a ghost. It doesn't freak him out too much, but it is interesting since he is the first person who has been able to see her since she died. They quickly become fast friends, something that Francis isn't exactly used to consider his--eccentricities. A bit of an outcast, Francis is a boy who is into fashion, designing clothes in his attic that he puts on dolls. He thought he would be embarrassed if anyone ever saw this, but Jessica loves it. Then, on a whim, his mother insists that Francis try to befriend a new boy down the street who doesn't want to go to school. Except the new boy is a girl, Andi, and Andi and Francis have absolutely nothing in common. Except that Andi can see Jessica too. The three bond so well that Francis begins to get quite the reputation as a people fixer. Soon he is "hired out" to help another person, Roland, who never leaves his bedroom. Roland is the third person who can see Jessica. But why can they all see her when no one else can? The secret lies with Jessica and her death and the reason why she hasn't been able to move on. The reason why she returns to her hospital room every night. The reason they are all friends for life.
When this story began I expected it to be a story about friends despite differences, learning to love who you are, and overcoming bullies. And to some extent those things are all a part of this story. However, without giving too much away, once Jessica's secret is revealed this story takes a turn into something deeper, darker, and far more important. It made me uncomfortable, forcing me to question if a child should be reading this. This is always a good question in my mind, because this is the protective nature of an adult. We want to protect children from darkness, from the untidy things in life, and some kids need that protection as they aren't yet ready to deal with those things. But there are kids out there that need this book. It's fictional nature may be just the thing the Francis, Rolands, and Andis of the world need. There is a good deal of power in these pages and as truths are revealed, a great deal of revelation too.
When this story began I expected it to be a story about friends despite differences, learning to love who you are, and overcoming bullies. And to some extent those things are all a part of this story. However, without giving too much away, once Jessica's secret is revealed this story takes a turn into something deeper, darker, and far more important. It made me uncomfortable, forcing me to question if a child should be reading this. This is always a good question in my mind, because this is the protective nature of an adult. We want to protect children from darkness, from the untidy things in life, and some kids need that protection as they aren't yet ready to deal with those things. But there are kids out there that need this book. It's fictional nature may be just the thing the Francis, Rolands, and Andis of the world need. There is a good deal of power in these pages and as truths are revealed, a great deal of revelation too.
July 25, 2016
Francis doesn't have many friends. He hides his love of designing clothes because of bullying at school and spends most of his time alone. Until he meets Jessica. Jessica quickly becomes his best friend, but Jessica isn't normal - Jessica is a ghost. Francis' mum can't believe the change in her son and asks him if he could help a new kid at their school. Francis isn't happy about it but agrees to meet 'Andy' at his mum's request.
Andy is different too and despite first impressions, they too hit it off. What follows is a story of friendship, self belief, belonging and hope.
Covering child depression, bullying, and suicide (bullycide), this story is anything but depressing. Written in a clear, simplistic way, it highlights an issue that is all-encompassing for the young person going through it, but gives hope and understanding to it.
I'm putting this in my group of wonderful books like Wonder and My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece.
Andy is different too and despite first impressions, they too hit it off. What follows is a story of friendship, self belief, belonging and hope.
Covering child depression, bullying, and suicide (bullycide), this story is anything but depressing. Written in a clear, simplistic way, it highlights an issue that is all-encompassing for the young person going through it, but gives hope and understanding to it.
I'm putting this in my group of wonderful books like Wonder and My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece.
December 12, 2017
There is a ghost but this is not a scary tale. This is a story on friendship, on how to be different and survive. This is a story on resistance to harassment and keep living. The main theme of the book (suicidal thought) is delicate but it is treated responsibly. As is said in the book Jessica's ghost does not need help: she is the help. Sometimes an inspiring book appears and this is one of them. This is a feel good book full of hope. Recommended for worried parents and young people who think they are alone.
June 30, 2016
First off this took me way longer to read then it should have. Second I liked the book but didn't love it. It was kind of dark due to the subject matter and was a little rushed. But I did like the character development and the idea of Jessica being a ghost and a few other things. Overall I enjoyed the book.
April 1, 2016
Read it within 3 hrs
April 29, 2024
Wow. Just wow. If everything a middle/high schooler could possibly be feeling in one- then it’s this. Suicide is attempted in the book, which is very bad, but so is life sometimes. The way he just wrote the words how he did hurts because i can relate to what Francis felt and honestly that’s sad to say- but it’s true. I always believe you should never think to look at someone differently because of something, because you never know what they are going through. They could be really struggling in life and nobody knows that they planned to commit suicide that night and once again they failed, and as always tried again the next night and did it. You won’t know until they were gone. So i always tell myself to stop and wait and think. Most of the time when people feel something as deep and as strong as the groups of kids felt towards death and suicide you don’t tell anyone. You tell someone you get called out as the “depressed kid who needs help”I have been there, done that; it’s not fun. Sometimes it’ll get so bad all you life is resolved around is the depression and the self harm so much that you don’t think and you’ll just do. Life can really take a turn when you have a feeling- while you’re a ghost- that a little girl is about to commit suicide on the rooftop of a hospital as she is holding her toy. Never judge a book by its cover, the same thing goes for humans. If you relate to this book at all, I’m sorry. i know how that feels, it sucks. It’s a place where you never wanna go, but once you’re in it feels like you can never get back out. You have to try harder and harder to push yourself to do the smallest things. Like eat, make your bed, get up in the morning, get ready for the day. It’s all hard to do; but with the right mindset you’ll get out. You can do it, all it takes is a little bit of perseverance. It’s not going to be easy, it’ll be hard- but in the end i believe every single minute was worth it. ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2019
I believe many readers can put themselves into the shoes of Francis or Andi or Roland, similarly having overwhelming feelings in high school that end up as negativity directed towards oneself. I believe the power of books is how they allow us to vicariously live through others so we better understand ourselves. Friends for Life is for younger teens who like to read realistic fiction in mostly school settings about friendship and feeling different.
Spoiler: Jessica works well as a medium for Francis to accept himself more, and to be in a position to assist others. Suicide is a huge issue with young people, & books like this are optimistic ways teens can tweak their thinking towards positivity.
Some of the changes happen a bit too quickly, but they still fit in this relatively short book.
Spoiler: Jessica works well as a medium for Francis to accept himself more, and to be in a position to assist others. Suicide is a huge issue with young people, & books like this are optimistic ways teens can tweak their thinking towards positivity.
Some of the changes happen a bit too quickly, but they still fit in this relatively short book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2020
2 Stars- It was ok
This story took too long to pick up for me. I debated DNFing twice, but kept referring to the high rated reviews. Well past halfway of the book, is when I finally started consistently turning the pages but didn't really feel as moved as others mentioned in their reviews. Not sure if I would pick this book to recommend for topics of bullying, friendship or suicide for middle grade age. I feel there may be better ones out there.
This story took too long to pick up for me. I debated DNFing twice, but kept referring to the high rated reviews. Well past halfway of the book, is when I finally started consistently turning the pages but didn't really feel as moved as others mentioned in their reviews. Not sure if I would pick this book to recommend for topics of bullying, friendship or suicide for middle grade age. I feel there may be better ones out there.
February 10, 2021
The friendship in this book is just heart-warming ❤ A lovely book for children to learn about depression and bullying.
HOWEVER
The fact that some adults in this book actually lean on Francis is SO DISTURBING. He´s just a kid, DON´T PUT ALL THIS PRESSURE ON HIM.
Also, the way the kids talked really just didn´t represent their age?
HOWEVER
The fact that some adults in this book actually lean on Francis is SO DISTURBING. He´s just a kid, DON´T PUT ALL THIS PRESSURE ON HIM.
Also, the way the kids talked really just didn´t represent their age?
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