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Feathers
A feather that appears without notice, without warning, without reason, is not a coincidence.
It's a sign.
Feathers is a collection of creative non-fiction stories about the paranormal, spirits, and unexplainable events. Follow Maddi on her journey as she tries to figure out the feathers in her life.
It's a sign.
Feathers is a collection of creative non-fiction stories about the paranormal, spirits, and unexplainable events. Follow Maddi on her journey as she tries to figure out the feathers in her life.
140 pages, Paperback
First published April 23, 2018
1 person is currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Madeline Nixon
33 books56 followersMadeline Nixon has been a dog walker, a nanny, a baker, a shoe saleswoman, a chocolatier, and an editor, but the title she’s most fond of is author. She’s published two nonfiction short story collection about her paranormal experiences, Feathers and Robins, several educational children’s books series, and the Like A Love Song romance series. Her most recent romance is a magical Christmas novella, Last Christmas I Love-Spelled Us Apart. When she’s not writing, you can find her hunting ghosts, planning elaborate theme parties, and baking new recipes. She lives in a suburb outside of Toronto.
Find her on Instagram, Threads, TikTok @markedwithanm!
Find her on Instagram, Threads, TikTok @markedwithanm!
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 14, 2020
3.5 ghostly encounters out of 5
Coincidences make life more exciting... But what if they’re more than mere random events? What if there’s meaning to them? More than meaning, what if they’re placed on your path by those living in-between this life and the next?
What a joy it was to read Feathers! This collection of short stories felt like a dive back into my childhood. Whether or not you believe in the paranormal, psychics, or the unexplainable isn’t important. If you grew up in Canada and spent your summer nights trying to scare yourself and your friends in the creepy recesses of your basement with ghost stories, Ouija boards, and local true crime cases, you will see your younger self in Madeline Nixon’s memories. The goosebumps you got when you had to walk home after an especially creepy storytelling session. That thing you thought you saw moving in the shadows in your garage. This quick read gives a voice to those moments through the years you tucked away, saying, “That didn’t happen... did it?”
Coincidences make life more exciting... But what if they’re more than mere random events? What if there’s meaning to them? More than meaning, what if they’re placed on your path by those living in-between this life and the next?
What a joy it was to read Feathers! This collection of short stories felt like a dive back into my childhood. Whether or not you believe in the paranormal, psychics, or the unexplainable isn’t important. If you grew up in Canada and spent your summer nights trying to scare yourself and your friends in the creepy recesses of your basement with ghost stories, Ouija boards, and local true crime cases, you will see your younger self in Madeline Nixon’s memories. The goosebumps you got when you had to walk home after an especially creepy storytelling session. That thing you thought you saw moving in the shadows in your garage. This quick read gives a voice to those moments through the years you tucked away, saying, “That didn’t happen... did it?”
November 19, 2020
I did it. I read a book full of ghost stories!! And I didn’t die reading them!!!
No joke, I would never have touched this book if it weren’t for the fact that my beautiful friend wrote it. And sure, you may think I’m biased with my review because I love her... but like... I really hate spooky things. So do with that what you may!
I find the stories in this to be spooky, but not TOO spooky.
Like I’m still able to sleep at night... but also I got goosebumps a few times. The one story that really affected me was ‘Rosemount’. Yeah, hard pass on that one!!
Anyway, I love the way this was written in short snippy stories that were personal to Maddi’s life. I love her writing style (truly, I do... this book helped me out of a slump).
I can’t wait to read your next book!
No joke, I would never have touched this book if it weren’t for the fact that my beautiful friend wrote it. And sure, you may think I’m biased with my review because I love her... but like... I really hate spooky things. So do with that what you may!
I find the stories in this to be spooky, but not TOO spooky.
Like I’m still able to sleep at night... but also I got goosebumps a few times. The one story that really affected me was ‘Rosemount’. Yeah, hard pass on that one!!
Anyway, I love the way this was written in short snippy stories that were personal to Maddi’s life. I love her writing style (truly, I do... this book helped me out of a slump).
I can’t wait to read your next book!
January 27, 2020
Amazing book I found a lot of myself in it. Congratulations to the author a,d I can’t wait to read a book by her again.
April 14, 2020
Loved this! A short read that perfectly balances spooky and heartfelt experiences. I loved seeing the main character/author grow up through the book, and how the supernatural experiences have affected her throughout her life. Well-written, and perfect for just reading a few pages at a time in between tasks!
October 31, 2020
While I admit I don't really believe in ghosts, Madeline's book makes me want to believe. I enjoyed each of her spooky vignettes; her writing is smooth and the paranormal twists deliver sharp jolts in just the right places. I also enjoyed the mix of personal experience and history in Feathers, particularly since it was a lot of small town Canadian history that you rarely know unless you go looking.
I also really enjoyed Maddi's prose. It felt like I was listening to a friend tell stories about her life.
I also really enjoyed Maddi's prose. It felt like I was listening to a friend tell stories about her life.
June 21, 2023
I loved this collection of ghostly vignettes so much. Following author Madeline Nixon through her life and encounters with the paranormal was the perfect combination of essays and spooky fun. I think those who enjoy both memoirs and/or eerie, uncanny reads will enjoy this book. I also really liked the Canadian content in this book, while mostly focused on Eastern Canada, there were a few stories that made me go "hey, I know that place!" and I feel like that always makes for a special read.
What really convinced me to pick up this book was Madeline’s posts on Instagram (@markedwithanm) of ghostly places she has been, and a story in each caption detailing some of her experiences in the location. I think these posts are a great example of the style of stories in Feathers, which I would highly recommend checking out to convince you to pick up this book.
What really convinced me to pick up this book was Madeline’s posts on Instagram (@markedwithanm) of ghostly places she has been, and a story in each caption detailing some of her experiences in the location. I think these posts are a great example of the style of stories in Feathers, which I would highly recommend checking out to convince you to pick up this book.
June 23, 2020
Personally, I do believe in ghosts, spirits, feathers. I have seen things I cannot explain, one this past weekend in fact. So going into this book I was very open minded as to what I was going to read and Maddie’s experiences. Some may say that makes me bias but I think it makes me more likely to be creeped out and DAMN was I creeped out! That combined with the lovely writing style made for a wonderful read. I only wish it was longer! Maddie be prepared cause I’ll be hitting you up with hundreds of questions! I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for future books by Maddie 😍 In the meantime, catch me in bed tonight thinking every noise is a ghost 👻
October 14, 2020
A really enjoyable, easy, quick read of paranormal stories the author has experienced. Added to that is the fun aspect that this is the (very local) author’s first published book.
I was unexplainably drawn to this book when I spotted it in a little free library in Burlington. Now that I’ve read it, I think I understand why.
I’ll be leaving this in another little free library, this time in Montreal, for the next person to fall under its charm.
It was the perfect kickstart to the spooky reads I’ll be tackling this season.
I’m looking forward to reading more from the author!
I was unexplainably drawn to this book when I spotted it in a little free library in Burlington. Now that I’ve read it, I think I understand why.
I’ll be leaving this in another little free library, this time in Montreal, for the next person to fall under its charm.
It was the perfect kickstart to the spooky reads I’ll be tackling this season.
I’m looking forward to reading more from the author!
November 22, 2020
Beautiful writing and I absolutely love the subject of not necessarily scary ghosts, but ghosts as a reminder of the past.
October 10, 2023
Feathers isn't just ghost stories.
Yes, it's about paranormal happenings. But it's also about growing up, about family, childhood experiences, about realizing we're not alone.
For me, it was equal measure goosebumps, chills, and comfort.
Thank you to author Madeleine Nixon, for sharing her stories.
Recommended!
Yes, it's about paranormal happenings. But it's also about growing up, about family, childhood experiences, about realizing we're not alone.
For me, it was equal measure goosebumps, chills, and comfort.
Thank you to author Madeleine Nixon, for sharing her stories.
Recommended!
October 25, 2022
Not as spooky, as it was intriguing, I loved it and I couldn't put it down. Writing is concise and real. I felt like I was along with Maddi on her adventures. Well done!
December 22, 2020
Maddi has created the perfect balance between giving goosebumps and feeling like your hugging your friend. All of her stories had me reminiscing on similar encounters I had experienced, and second guessing them all in my memory.
Though this is a book filled with her own ghostly encounters, I often found myself feeling shivers as if it had happened to me. This book felt like sitting around talking about strange occurrences with a friend, and because of that it was both comforting and creepy, and I loved every moment of it.
Though this is a book filled with her own ghostly encounters, I often found myself feeling shivers as if it had happened to me. This book felt like sitting around talking about strange occurrences with a friend, and because of that it was both comforting and creepy, and I loved every moment of it.
May 12, 2023
This was great. It’s like you’re just hanging out with the author, eatin snacks and sharing stories. So easy to read and I love how Canadian it is. I know all the places!
January 4, 2025
Feathers by Madeline Nixon is a delightful journey through the author’s life, exploring her encounters with the paranormal in a way that’s both chilling and heartwarming. It was a short and easy read, easily digestible but beautiful in prose. I also loved learning about all sorts of Canadian haunts!
Each story delivers just enough of a jolt to keep you hooked, balancing the eerie and the personal for a super unique read. It’s a book that will have you reflecting on your own childhood fears and memories, sparking a sense of wonder about the things we might have experienced but never fully understood. For anyone who enjoys a good, spine-tingling memoir with a supernatural twist, Feathers is a must-read!!!
Each story delivers just enough of a jolt to keep you hooked, balancing the eerie and the personal for a super unique read. It’s a book that will have you reflecting on your own childhood fears and memories, sparking a sense of wonder about the things we might have experienced but never fully understood. For anyone who enjoys a good, spine-tingling memoir with a supernatural twist, Feathers is a must-read!!!
April 22, 2024
This was absolutely enchanting. I wasn't sure what to expect when I opened this book, but I'm so glad I started reading it! Beautifully described stories of paranormal experiences of Madeline which are spooky, captivating and somehow warm at the same time. I love the short chapter lengths which are perfect for my concentration. When I started, I didn't want to put it down. I would love to hear more about her experiences, and sincerely hope she writes another book detailing them. I highly recommend this book.
February 25, 2024
I loved this book so so much. If you love paranormal stuff or are attuned with the paranormal you will love Feathers.
The stories in this book are personal and in some instances, relatable, at least for me. I could have finished this book all in one sitting but I had to stretch it out because I wanted it to last.
Definitely looking forward to Madeline's other books!
The stories in this book are personal and in some instances, relatable, at least for me. I could have finished this book all in one sitting but I had to stretch it out because I wanted it to last.
Definitely looking forward to Madeline's other books!
July 25, 2023
This one was a short and sweet, little gem of a book! It reads like a memoir and it’s just so special! I love paranormal and ghostly things so I’m glad I picked this one up!
October 30, 2023
I don't know how to explain this but this book makes me feel very nostalgic...
December 2, 2024
The author’s personal journey of unexplainable events has inspired this great collection of paranormal short stories!
March 22, 2026
OMG love this book so much. Read it in one sitting because I did not want to put it down .
Favorite story probably the Aurora and baby Sara .
I believe
Favorite story probably the Aurora and baby Sara .
I believe
October 23, 2021
I'm not one for ghost stories but this was perfect for me: spooky, but not in a bad way; all the encounters that Maddi has with paranormal events are very well described and gave me chills, but didn't gave me nightmares 😅😅😅, it was really interesting reading the perspective of someone who experience this things but is not afraid, so it was a good spooky book, perfect for my October. I only have one bad thing to say about this book: it was way too short!!! I wanted more stories! 😂😂
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January 19, 2023
Synopsis: Maddi takes on a ride with her collection of stories regarding paranormal and unexplainable events.
Review: I read this book last year and loved it, I reread it this year for a book club! The nostalgia I felt while reading this book was unreal, it brought me back to when I was 8 years old using the Ouija board and receiving some very interesting signs. While reading the book, it feels like a casual chat with a good friend. The book is written really well, I loved the writing style. The book was spooky but won't keep you awake at night. I found myself giggling a lot while taking pictures of pages to send to my childhood best friend and discussing our similar experiences.
Review: I read this book last year and loved it, I reread it this year for a book club! The nostalgia I felt while reading this book was unreal, it brought me back to when I was 8 years old using the Ouija board and receiving some very interesting signs. While reading the book, it feels like a casual chat with a good friend. The book is written really well, I loved the writing style. The book was spooky but won't keep you awake at night. I found myself giggling a lot while taking pictures of pages to send to my childhood best friend and discussing our similar experiences.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews