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Grave Message
Jaylin is studying for a stressful English exam when she receives a message from her best friend, Fatima . The thing is, Fatima died a year ago in a terrible traffic accident. At first, Jaylin thinks someone is playing a horrible prank, but as the texts become more detailed, containing secrets that just the two of them shared, Jaylin realizes she’s either going mad or Fatima is actually reaching out to her from beyond the grave. Then Fatima shares one last secret and asks Jaylin to set the record straight around the circumstances of her death. Jaylin is torn. Is she strong enough to relive losing her best friend all over again? This high-interest Orca Anchor title is written specifically for teens reading below a grade 2.0 level.
- GenresYoung AdultFriendship
80 pages, Paperback
Published February 15, 2022
3 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
Mary Jennifer Payne
11 books25 followersMary Jennifer Payne's writing has been published in journals, anthologies, and magazines both in Canada and abroad, and she is the author of several YA graphic novels. Since You've Been Gone is her first YA novel. She teaches with the Toronto District School Board and lives in Toronto.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 24, 2021
This short read is a story about our main character Jaylin, who starts receiving messages from beyond. Her best friend, Fatima, died exactly one year ago to the day, and she is receiving messages from her asking her to solve her murder, letting her know there is more to the story than there appears.
I liked the premise of this story, and I felt it was very well written, especially geared towards teens reading below a grade 2.0 level. I love this being a quick read on top of that! However, as with most quick reads, I felt it was wrapped up too neatly and too quickly. I guess I just wanted more drama in the discovery of the truth.
I liked the representation throughout this story. The main character has dyslexia, but it is also made abundantly clear that she is very smart. I love this, given the fact that being dyslexic does not impact your IQ. I also loved that all her texts and notes she reads are written in the viewpoint of a dyslexic person! That really hammers it home and was a nice touch.
It also seemed to me that her mother was potentially in a wheelchair? There is nothing that says that specifically, except one sentence says she wheeled into the room, so that's how I took it. If so, I'm happy for this representation as well, but it could have been touched on more. Lastly, Fatima was, and her girlfriend Anne is, gay. The book touches on concern her family won't accept her for being gay, which I'm glad was addressed since this is a common issue for young people.
I received an advance reader copy of this book courtesy of Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
3 stars!
I liked the premise of this story, and I felt it was very well written, especially geared towards teens reading below a grade 2.0 level. I love this being a quick read on top of that! However, as with most quick reads, I felt it was wrapped up too neatly and too quickly. I guess I just wanted more drama in the discovery of the truth.
I liked the representation throughout this story. The main character has dyslexia, but it is also made abundantly clear that she is very smart. I love this, given the fact that being dyslexic does not impact your IQ. I also loved that all her texts and notes she reads are written in the viewpoint of a dyslexic person! That really hammers it home and was a nice touch.
It also seemed to me that her mother was potentially in a wheelchair? There is nothing that says that specifically, except one sentence says she wheeled into the room, so that's how I took it. If so, I'm happy for this representation as well, but it could have been touched on more. Lastly, Fatima was, and her girlfriend Anne is, gay. The book touches on concern her family won't accept her for being gay, which I'm glad was addressed since this is a common issue for young people.
I received an advance reader copy of this book courtesy of Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
3 stars!
February 7, 2024
Jaylin is studying for a stressful English exam when she receives a text message from her best friend, Fatima.
The thing is, Fatima died a year ago in a terrible traffic accident. At first, Jaylin thinks someone is playing a horrible prank, but as the texts become more detailed, containing secrets that just the two of them shared, Jaylin realizes she's either going mad or Fatima is actually reaching out to her from beyond the grave. Then Fatima shares one last secret and asks Jaylin to set the record straight around the circumstances of her death. Jaylin is torn. Is she strong enough to relive losing her best friend all over again?
Writing is poor. Grammar is somewhat incorrect.
The thing is, Fatima died a year ago in a terrible traffic accident. At first, Jaylin thinks someone is playing a horrible prank, but as the texts become more detailed, containing secrets that just the two of them shared, Jaylin realizes she's either going mad or Fatima is actually reaching out to her from beyond the grave. Then Fatima shares one last secret and asks Jaylin to set the record straight around the circumstances of her death. Jaylin is torn. Is she strong enough to relive losing her best friend all over again?
Writing is poor. Grammar is somewhat incorrect.
January 21, 2023
Very short book, but I liked it.
December 28, 2021
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Grave Message by Mary Jennifer Payne is a YA paranormal thriller that is written at an elementary school level for struggling readers. It will appeal to fans of Pretty Little Liars or T@gged. The story revolves around Jaylin, an ordinary girl who receives a text message from her best friend, Fatima. It can't be real though. Fatima died a year ago. Soon, Jaylin is working with her best friend's ghost in order to solve her murder.
Here is a chilling excerpt from Chapter 1:
"And I need youur help. I need yor help. I need youu to to ggo to oo to ouur spot tomorrow.
x Faatimtima
This must be a sick joke. Someone has hacked my best friend's account.
I slam my computer shut. My hands are shaking so hard, I have to sit on them just to think. Maybe I'm dreaming. Yeah, that must be it. I'll go to bed and everything will be okay when I wake up. After all, there's no way this can be real. Because Fatima died exactly one year ago today."
Overall, Grave Message is an excellent hi-lo book that is perfect for struggling tween and teen readers. As a teacher myself, I know how hard it is to find high-interest books that will appeal to older students. These students don't want to read "baby books," but they won't benefit from reading grade-level texts that are too high above their reading level. One highlight of this book is the thriller aspect. It's very on-trend for what kinds of TV shows teens watch nowadays. If you're looking for hi-lo books, you check out this book when it comes out in February!
Grave Message by Mary Jennifer Payne is a YA paranormal thriller that is written at an elementary school level for struggling readers. It will appeal to fans of Pretty Little Liars or T@gged. The story revolves around Jaylin, an ordinary girl who receives a text message from her best friend, Fatima. It can't be real though. Fatima died a year ago. Soon, Jaylin is working with her best friend's ghost in order to solve her murder.
Here is a chilling excerpt from Chapter 1:
"And I need youur help. I need yor help. I need youu to to ggo to oo to ouur spot tomorrow.
x Faatimtima
This must be a sick joke. Someone has hacked my best friend's account.
I slam my computer shut. My hands are shaking so hard, I have to sit on them just to think. Maybe I'm dreaming. Yeah, that must be it. I'll go to bed and everything will be okay when I wake up. After all, there's no way this can be real. Because Fatima died exactly one year ago today."
Overall, Grave Message is an excellent hi-lo book that is perfect for struggling tween and teen readers. As a teacher myself, I know how hard it is to find high-interest books that will appeal to older students. These students don't want to read "baby books," but they won't benefit from reading grade-level texts that are too high above their reading level. One highlight of this book is the thriller aspect. It's very on-trend for what kinds of TV shows teens watch nowadays. If you're looking for hi-lo books, you check out this book when it comes out in February!
January 15, 2022
Grave Message is a YA Paranormal Thriller that is written at an elementary school level for struggling readers.
The book follows the story of Jaylin who is studying for a stressful English exam on the one year anniversary of her best friend, Fatima's death. At first Jaylin thinks someone is playing horrible prank on her, but as the texts keep coming through and include more personal details she realizes it is actually her friend.
I loved that this book is written for struggling readers and that it gives older readers who are struggling a different type of book to read than the typical 2.0 grade level books. The inclusiveness of the book was really great and I loved how they included texts as someone who has dyslexia would view them. I thought the overall story telling was very good and kept me interested the entire time. It was a quick read and I feel it is perfect for tweens or teens who are struggling with reading.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Orca Book Publishers for granting me early access to this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The book follows the story of Jaylin who is studying for a stressful English exam on the one year anniversary of her best friend, Fatima's death. At first Jaylin thinks someone is playing horrible prank on her, but as the texts keep coming through and include more personal details she realizes it is actually her friend.
I loved that this book is written for struggling readers and that it gives older readers who are struggling a different type of book to read than the typical 2.0 grade level books. The inclusiveness of the book was really great and I loved how they included texts as someone who has dyslexia would view them. I thought the overall story telling was very good and kept me interested the entire time. It was a quick read and I feel it is perfect for tweens or teens who are struggling with reading.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Orca Book Publishers for granting me early access to this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 7, 2025
Week1
What were the factors that moved you to choose this book (see above)?
The title and cover were interesting. The summary in the back of the book gave a hint that the book is mysterious, which is my favorite genre to read. My EAL teacher also recommended this book to improve My English as it is written at a level that is just right for me to practice and comprehend.
Week2
Who are the main character(s) involved in the story so far? Briefly describe the/each character in a paragraph and try to determine their motivations.
Jamal is friendly and doesn't care about exams. He is Jaylin’s Boyfriend and apparently he is a cheater.
Jaylin, our main character, is a smart student with dyslexia. She's upset about school and her friends passing.
Jaylin’s mom is disabled and in a wheelchair , she doesn't like Jamal.
Fatima is Jaylin's best friend who has passed away.
Week3
Will the character change in the end? How will the character respond to the problems they face? What will they learn?
I think Jaylin will change, she is already very nervous after receiving a message from fatima. I think she will learn to be brave and strong.
Week4
How is a character similar to you or different? How does that help you to empathize with the book?
In many ways Jaylin and I are different,she's very unlucky. Jaylin has recently lost her best friend Fatima and She also found out that her boyfriend Jamal has been cheating on her. Even though we are both students that attend school and have a close relationship with our family, Jaylin is more concerned about her Studies and relationships than I am. Another sad fact is her mother's condition which forces her to use a wheelchair. I might not completely relate to Jaylin but I empathize with her and her story as a young teen girl.
Week5
1.How do you feel about a particular character in the book? Describe your feelings or attitudes towards the character, and then describe some of the specific things in the book that have led you to feel that way.
Jaylin
I feel sympathy for her, but I also respect her. She lost her best friend a year ago, and now her boyfriend is cheating on her. And her mother is in a wheelchair. But she studies hard and goes to school she is a hardworking and strong teenager.
Week6
4. Describe a scene in the book where a sensory image is used. What sense does the author appeal to? Is this sensory imagery something everyone is familiar with? Describe a time in your life with a similar sensory experience.
“Her skin smelled like warm vanilla.” The offer is referring to the sense of smell, the author describes the mother’s safe embrace as a smell similar to warm vanilla which is calming and it feels safe. I love my mother’s baking. Her cakes are delicious and the smell of the cake reminds me of home.
Week7
Jaylin is a teenage girl who lives with her disabled mother. Jaylin also has a reading disability, so she has to work harder than other students to get good grades. The story begins when Jaylin receives a message from Fatima, who was supposed to have died several years ago. She thinks someone is impersonating Fatima. However, in the next message, Fatima sends something that only the two of them should know, and she begins to wonder if it could be Fatima.
Week8
When thinking about the theme, message, or big idea, is the author trying to address a problem in society that needs to be changed? What is the problem they are trying to address and are they doing it effectively?
I think the way the main conflict that caused Fatima’s death was shown makes the villain look unstable, selfish, and an alcoholic. Lisa clearly seems like an unreliable mother, and what she did that led to Fatima’s death was awful. The author seems against messy behavior and alcoholics, but she also shows that a teenager like Jaylin can be brave and strong.
Week9
Vividly describe a character in your book. Provide details of both their physical appearance and their personality traits. Do you feel (like or dislike) anything about this character? Why or why not?
Fatima
She is a teenager and She’s wearing her red and silver scarf and she is a hijabi, also has a necklace.She is a good friend and she has a caring personality.She is a ghost. In the book she said“I will be here everywhere in the birdsong and the sunrise”
What I disliked about Fatima is that She didn't tell Jaylin the whole Story at once. But I liked her because even as a ghost She was a caring friend for Jaylin.
Week10
Describe how you feel about a character in the book. If they were a real person, would you want to know them? Why or why not?
Jaylin is the main character, she is smart and hardworking but has difficulty understanding and reading. If she exists for real, I think she can be a good friend. But she likes to study too match.But I don’t like to study so much so I think our personalities won’t match that well. I also think she stresses too much over her studies I could never worry that much about schoolwork.
Week11
Describe your favourite or least-favourite scene(s) of the book. Why did you choose that/those scene(s)?
My favorite part of the book was the section where Jaylin received a message from her friend Fatima who had recently passed. It was exciting. I didn’t like when Jaylin was upset and was crying because of Jared cheating on her.
Week12
Were you satisfied with the ending of this book? In what ways did it wrap up the story successfully? In what ways would you change it to be more effective?
The story ended in a really nice way. Jaylin figured out who killed Fatima, and her friend was finally able to rest in peace. We also got to see Fatima and Jaylin meet one last time. Fatima thanked Jaylin for being so brave and going to Lisa’s house to record her confession, even though it was really hard. She also told Jaylin to move on and try to be happy. In the end, everything felt normal again. Jaylin and her mom were happy and watching a movie together, just like they used to before everything happened.
What were the factors that moved you to choose this book (see above)?
The title and cover were interesting. The summary in the back of the book gave a hint that the book is mysterious, which is my favorite genre to read. My EAL teacher also recommended this book to improve My English as it is written at a level that is just right for me to practice and comprehend.
Week2
Who are the main character(s) involved in the story so far? Briefly describe the/each character in a paragraph and try to determine their motivations.
Jamal is friendly and doesn't care about exams. He is Jaylin’s Boyfriend and apparently he is a cheater.
Jaylin, our main character, is a smart student with dyslexia. She's upset about school and her friends passing.
Jaylin’s mom is disabled and in a wheelchair , she doesn't like Jamal.
Fatima is Jaylin's best friend who has passed away.
Week3
Will the character change in the end? How will the character respond to the problems they face? What will they learn?
I think Jaylin will change, she is already very nervous after receiving a message from fatima. I think she will learn to be brave and strong.
Week4
How is a character similar to you or different? How does that help you to empathize with the book?
In many ways Jaylin and I are different,she's very unlucky. Jaylin has recently lost her best friend Fatima and She also found out that her boyfriend Jamal has been cheating on her. Even though we are both students that attend school and have a close relationship with our family, Jaylin is more concerned about her Studies and relationships than I am. Another sad fact is her mother's condition which forces her to use a wheelchair. I might not completely relate to Jaylin but I empathize with her and her story as a young teen girl.
Week5
1.How do you feel about a particular character in the book? Describe your feelings or attitudes towards the character, and then describe some of the specific things in the book that have led you to feel that way.
Jaylin
I feel sympathy for her, but I also respect her. She lost her best friend a year ago, and now her boyfriend is cheating on her. And her mother is in a wheelchair. But she studies hard and goes to school she is a hardworking and strong teenager.
Week6
4. Describe a scene in the book where a sensory image is used. What sense does the author appeal to? Is this sensory imagery something everyone is familiar with? Describe a time in your life with a similar sensory experience.
“Her skin smelled like warm vanilla.” The offer is referring to the sense of smell, the author describes the mother’s safe embrace as a smell similar to warm vanilla which is calming and it feels safe. I love my mother’s baking. Her cakes are delicious and the smell of the cake reminds me of home.
Week7
Jaylin is a teenage girl who lives with her disabled mother. Jaylin also has a reading disability, so she has to work harder than other students to get good grades. The story begins when Jaylin receives a message from Fatima, who was supposed to have died several years ago. She thinks someone is impersonating Fatima. However, in the next message, Fatima sends something that only the two of them should know, and she begins to wonder if it could be Fatima.
Week8
When thinking about the theme, message, or big idea, is the author trying to address a problem in society that needs to be changed? What is the problem they are trying to address and are they doing it effectively?
I think the way the main conflict that caused Fatima’s death was shown makes the villain look unstable, selfish, and an alcoholic. Lisa clearly seems like an unreliable mother, and what she did that led to Fatima’s death was awful. The author seems against messy behavior and alcoholics, but she also shows that a teenager like Jaylin can be brave and strong.
Week9
Vividly describe a character in your book. Provide details of both their physical appearance and their personality traits. Do you feel (like or dislike) anything about this character? Why or why not?
Fatima
She is a teenager and She’s wearing her red and silver scarf and she is a hijabi, also has a necklace.She is a good friend and she has a caring personality.She is a ghost. In the book she said“I will be here everywhere in the birdsong and the sunrise”
What I disliked about Fatima is that She didn't tell Jaylin the whole Story at once. But I liked her because even as a ghost She was a caring friend for Jaylin.
Week10
Describe how you feel about a character in the book. If they were a real person, would you want to know them? Why or why not?
Jaylin is the main character, she is smart and hardworking but has difficulty understanding and reading. If she exists for real, I think she can be a good friend. But she likes to study too match.But I don’t like to study so much so I think our personalities won’t match that well. I also think she stresses too much over her studies I could never worry that much about schoolwork.
Week11
Describe your favourite or least-favourite scene(s) of the book. Why did you choose that/those scene(s)?
My favorite part of the book was the section where Jaylin received a message from her friend Fatima who had recently passed. It was exciting. I didn’t like when Jaylin was upset and was crying because of Jared cheating on her.
Week12
Were you satisfied with the ending of this book? In what ways did it wrap up the story successfully? In what ways would you change it to be more effective?
The story ended in a really nice way. Jaylin figured out who killed Fatima, and her friend was finally able to rest in peace. We also got to see Fatima and Jaylin meet one last time. Fatima thanked Jaylin for being so brave and going to Lisa’s house to record her confession, even though it was really hard. She also told Jaylin to move on and try to be happy. In the end, everything felt normal again. Jaylin and her mom were happy and watching a movie together, just like they used to before everything happened.
January 3, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an advance copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
This book was fine. Nothing exceptionally horrible; nothing exceptionally great. I didn't realize it was a novel specifically for teens with lower reading comprehension or I wouldn't have requested this book. It was written in such a way that our main character Jaylin is 17, but sounds like she is 9-11 years old. It was disconcerting for me and made me have a hard time suspending disbelief.
The mystery of this story is perfectly acceptable, but I didn't really understand *why* Fatima would come back to get Jaylin to set the record straight. There wasn't a good reason to prompt Jaylin's investigation in my opinion.
All that being said, this is a perfectly fine hi-lo book and does have dyslexia rep which you don't see often.
This book was fine. Nothing exceptionally horrible; nothing exceptionally great. I didn't realize it was a novel specifically for teens with lower reading comprehension or I wouldn't have requested this book. It was written in such a way that our main character Jaylin is 17, but sounds like she is 9-11 years old. It was disconcerting for me and made me have a hard time suspending disbelief.
The mystery of this story is perfectly acceptable, but I didn't really understand *why* Fatima would come back to get Jaylin to set the record straight. There wasn't a good reason to prompt Jaylin's investigation in my opinion.
All that being said, this is a perfectly fine hi-lo book and does have dyslexia rep which you don't see often.
August 16, 2022
There's a lot to like about high-interest low-reading-level novel Grave Message: a protagonist who has a reading disability (sure to connect with the intended audience); representation from queer and disabled people; explicit acknowledgement of the privileges that white people have in the justice system; and recognition that grief necessitates a lengthy healing process. But wait! The concept for Grave Message is also clever: main character's Jaylin lost her best friend Fatima to a fatal car accident one year ago, and now Jaylin is receiving text messages from Fatima (?!) imploring her friend to solve the "real" mystery of her death. Sadly, the story ends as if the author had a deadline and needed to rush to a conclusion. I think that with more intricate plotting this could have been a five-star read for me; that said, I'm still excited to recommend it to my students who are reluctant readers.
January 18, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and Mary Jennifer Payne for the chance to read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I wanted to like this book a lot. I really did, and I think my biggest issue with it was that I wasn't engaged with the characters. I think if there was more backstory to the characters I would have felt more and cared about what happened to them. It felt like I was dropped close to the end of the story and wasn't given enough information about the characters to follow the story.
I do have to say that I really enjoyed in the inclusion of characters with a disability that is not normally written about in books and the inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community.
I wanted to like this book a lot. I really did, and I think my biggest issue with it was that I wasn't engaged with the characters. I think if there was more backstory to the characters I would have felt more and cared about what happened to them. It felt like I was dropped close to the end of the story and wasn't given enough information about the characters to follow the story.
I do have to say that I really enjoyed in the inclusion of characters with a disability that is not normally written about in books and the inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community.
February 8, 2024
In this quick-plotted paranormal page turner, Jaylin starts receiving text messages from her friend Fatima who died exactly a year earlier. The messages suggest there's more to Fatima's death by accident than was revealed at the time. Are the messages a cruel prank? Is there a witness who has remained silent and is now revealing what truly happened? Or is Fatima really sending messages from beyond the grave? Jaylin's action-filled quest to uncover the truth make for an engaging read for teens with a 2.0 and below reading level.
February 26, 2022
requested this off netgalley, ive read a few books from this publishing house and they are very easy fast reads so i picked this one up. this story is about jaylin and after she has lost her best friend in an accident, but then jaylin starts recievin text messages from someone claimin to be her best friend askin jaylin to find the truth about the accident, or can it be?
the story had me interested and curious and i like both jaylin and fatima and their friendship.
the story had me interested and curious and i like both jaylin and fatima and their friendship.
October 13, 2024
Lectura muy corta. La amiga de una niña se murio porque un conductor borracho la atropello. El fantasma contacta a la nina con mensajes de texto para que investigue que realmente paso. Resulta que el conductor culpable no fue el, sino su esposa la que estaba manejando y estaba borracha. Pero como ademas estaba embarazada, el esposo rico se inculpo el y termino en la carcel. Esto se aclaro y el fastasma pudo descansar.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2022
Thanks to the publisher for providing an eARC of Grave Message in exchange for an honest review.
I think Grave Message is cool in concept and having a dyslexic lead in a hi-lo book is definitely something I haven't seen enough of, but the pacing really hurts this one. I think with a short length like this you have to sacrifice either some level of character or plot depth but this spends a lot of time at the beginning on letting us get to know the MC so when the plot finally hits, it feels like a really rushed tonal shift.
I think Grave Message is cool in concept and having a dyslexic lead in a hi-lo book is definitely something I haven't seen enough of, but the pacing really hurts this one. I think with a short length like this you have to sacrifice either some level of character or plot depth but this spends a lot of time at the beginning on letting us get to know the MC so when the plot finally hits, it feels like a really rushed tonal shift.
September 18, 2023
Jaylin, a high school student who is mourning the loss of her best friend due to vehicular manslaughter, suddenly starts receiving messages from beyond the grave.
Paranormal mystery, written for a first or second grade reading level.
Paranormal mystery, written for a first or second grade reading level.
January 1, 2024
Jaylin gets texts from her dead best friend asking to help reveal the mystery of the friend's death.
This book is designed for high school students who are struggling readers. Unfortunately, it needed a better editor. The premise is good but the story feels stilted and improbable.
This book is designed for high school students who are struggling readers. Unfortunately, it needed a better editor. The premise is good but the story feels stilted and improbable.
March 17, 2022
I love that this book is about a dyselxic teen who still does great in school. The book was written for young adults with a lower reading level. I wish it was longer. :)
June 6, 2022
Good book for the reluctant reader. Super short and fast paced with older teen themes.
June 28, 2022
Obviously with the length it's hard to flesh out characters or create a super engaging story, but the book met it's purpose to create an interesting plot for older readers with minimal difficulty
July 27, 2022
Such a good read and a true page turner!!!
August 9, 2023
It was okay, I feel like it had a lot of potential that didn't go anywhere.
January 15, 2024
Very interesting and engaging book. I did not want to put it down
April 25, 2024
This is great book if you like the mystery genre. I enjoyed the ending and the book has a very good story line.
October 10, 2024
Another great Orca book for middle grade and teens.
January 27, 2025
This was a good book. I liked the warm ending, which balanced the suspense of the rest of the book.
Read
March 3, 2025a good amount of twist and turns
May 16, 2025
Quick fun while I'm sick!
August 8, 2024
this sucked all around. I don't know how to rate a short story and told myself recently I wouldn't do it if I ever came across another short read. But this story? yeah, I'll give it one star.
February 24, 2022
Jaylan has left her boyfriend Jamal at a party as she needs to go home and study for an English test. Jaylan hasn’t told Jamal that she has dyslexia so he doesn’t understand why she is leaving to study. At home, she receives an instagram message from her best friend Fatima. Only Fatima died a year ago when hit by a car. Jaylan thinks someone is prancing her. With each additional message she gets from Fatima, she decides to investigate the death of her best friend. What will she find out, if anything?
The author has written a paranormal story in the sense that a ghost is “talking” to her. It also deals with relationships with mother and boyfriend. (The novel is more like a novella to me partially due to the shortness of it. Novels are usually a bit longer.) The author uses short chapters to tell a story of mystery and suspense. I enjoyed reading how Jaylan dwelt with the messages from her best friend. It’s an excellent story.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
The author has written a paranormal story in the sense that a ghost is “talking” to her. It also deals with relationships with mother and boyfriend. (The novel is more like a novella to me partially due to the shortness of it. Novels are usually a bit longer.) The author uses short chapters to tell a story of mystery and suspense. I enjoyed reading how Jaylan dwelt with the messages from her best friend. It’s an excellent story.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
June 14, 2024
This was a short but sweet tale of a girl reconnecting with her dead best friend via text, to help her discover the truth.
Not only the truth of what happened that dreadful night, but also the truth that although you sometimes lose the people you love, they are always with you. That it's not good to shut yourself off, and if you lose someone it's okay to make new friends. You should.
I feel indifferent in regards to the Jamal story line. The short story didn't need it, probably would have worked better without it.
The story gave me goosebumps vibes. The books not the show. (If you ignore Jamal/any romance interests) I wish the book was longer, because I guess I always do when I enjoy them.
I liked the setting, the disability rep, the LGBTQ rep, and the fact that it explored grief in a new way.
Talking to a dead person, someone we miss, believing we are seeing them and doing tasks for them is grief. We seek to encourage the fantasy that satisfies our souls, without allowing the reality of the fact they are gone to sink in, the longer you can pretend, the less it hurts. This is denial.
Overall, a lovely short read.
4 satisfied stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Not only the truth of what happened that dreadful night, but also the truth that although you sometimes lose the people you love, they are always with you. That it's not good to shut yourself off, and if you lose someone it's okay to make new friends. You should.
I feel indifferent in regards to the Jamal story line. The short story didn't need it, probably would have worked better without it.
The story gave me goosebumps vibes. The books not the show. (If you ignore Jamal/any romance interests) I wish the book was longer, because I guess I always do when I enjoy them.
I liked the setting, the disability rep, the LGBTQ rep, and the fact that it explored grief in a new way.
Talking to a dead person, someone we miss, believing we are seeing them and doing tasks for them is grief. We seek to encourage the fantasy that satisfies our souls, without allowing the reality of the fact they are gone to sink in, the longer you can pretend, the less it hurts. This is denial.
Overall, a lovely short read.
4 satisfied stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2024
Way too short
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