Hello everyone, the post this week has a small selection of paranormal stories I read over the years. If you’re wondering why I’ve got these separated from the others from last week, the main reason is because the stories are not just about ghosts, but also about phenomena that are strange and unexplainable! I hope to see you below if you want to find which titles have been included this week…
This first title is one I read not too long ago and I felt it filled the complete definition of ‘paranormal’ along with a few other themes that are close to my heart.
The Einsteins of Vista Point by Ben Guterson (Christy Ottaviano Books, 2022) is a story that truly moved me with its poignant storyline and memorable characters. We meet Zack Einstein and his family who have moved to a new house in Vista Point, a small town in the North West of America. They have moved to heal after the tragic death of the youngest daughter but Zack continues to blame himself and struggles to find any comfort in his new surroundings. Vista Point is home to mysterious landmarks such as the great domed Tower, several hidden watering holes, and even a secret cave in the woods. Zack feels lost in Vista Point despite being surrounded by his siblings until he meets Ann, a young girl who lives in the area. She shows him all the special places and slowly a friendship grows. But there’s something a bit strange about Ann – maybe a secret she is keeping from him.
My review: Oh my heart!! If I wasn’t crying my eyes out, I was smiling at the antics of the Einstein siblings! My heart and soul went out to young Zack as he navigated his grief of losing his younger sister. Despite the layer of grief, the story moved quite well for me. I was captivated and loved the adventures Zack had with his older siblings. I loved their comfy banter and the in-jokes they shared among themselves. The ghost story, adventure, and mystery is deftly layered together with the healing the family experienced over the summer. If you’re from a large family, you’ll enjoy this read!!
The Wish Stealers by Tracy Trivas (Aladdin, 2010) has a slight fantasy theme to it and takes the reader to this debut novel that is rich in imagination. Young Griffin Penshine is always making wishes, but when a sinister old woman tricks her into accepting a box of eleven shiny Indian Heal pennies from 1897, Griffin learns the hard way that they are in fact stolen wishes. And they come with a horrible curse: People in possession of the stolen coins are Wish Stealers, who will never have their wishes granted. In fact, the opposite of what they’ve wished for will happen. Griffin needs to find a way to return these stolen wishes and undo the curse if her own wishes are to come true. But how can Griffin return wishes to strangers who might not even be alive? Her journey leads her to ancient alchemists, Macbeth’s witches, and a chance to help people in ways she never imagined, but the temptation of the Wish Stealers dark and compelling power is growing stronger. Can Griffin reverse the curse in time to save herself and the people she loves?
My review: Filled with imagination and some vivid imagery, this story takes readers on a journey like no other. I found myself intrigued by how one could ‘steal wishes’ and loved how Trivas has expertly woven together fantasy/paranormal themes with those classic ones such as friendship and family relationships. With a decent pace and interesting dialogue, this story will surely tick most of the boxes of a classic middle grade read!! Trivas’ talent shines through as bright and sparkling as Griffin’s pennies!!
The last title, Speed of Light by Joy Cowley (Gecko Press, 2014) is actually a story set in New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington. The protagonist Jeff buries himself in the safe world of mathematics as his family is not what you would call perfect. With a father more interested in money than family, a brother in prison, a sister with a secret, and a mother in denial, it’s no wonder Jeff feels safer in a world filled with numbers and equations. When a storm hits Wellington, a strange old woman is blown into Jeff’s life, challenging everything he thinks is true.
My review: Being one of the longer novels by Joy Cowley, this engaging read had me captivated from the beginning. What I enjoyed the most was how much I felt at home with the characters. They felt as though I could have easily bumped into them on my walks around my home!! Cowley has created a simple story but one that draws on themes that strike home straight to your heart. Her descriptions of the Wellington landscape along with the characters and story makes this a decent read for anyone. Although it feels as though boys would relate more to Jeff’s experiences, I think it could appeal to everyone who feels safer within the world of mathematics.
I hope you enjoy this post. If you know of any other similar titles, I’d love to hear from you.
Stay safe and keep reading
Miss Mahee
Miss Mahee's Library of Reads 