Give Up the Ghost ~ Megan Crewe

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Pub. Date: September 15, 2009
ISBN-13: 9780805089301
Age Range: Young Adult
256pp

Synopsis

Cass McKenna much prefers ghosts to “breathers.” Ghosts are uncomplicated and dependable. They know the dirt on everybody . . . and Cass loves dirt.

She’s on a mission to expose the dirty secrets of all of the poseurs in her school. But when the vice president of the student council discovers her secret, Cass’s whole scheme hangs in the balance. Timwants her help to contact his recently deceasedmother, but Cass is less than enthusiastic.

Kicking and screaming, Cass becomes increasingly entwined in Tim’s life. And she’s more surprised than anyone when she realizes that maybe some living people aren’t so bad if she’d only give them a chance.


Review:

Give Up the Ghost is an impressive debut. Give up the Ghost isn't just a "ghost story" filled w/ boo & spook.

Crewe's spectacular jaunt into Young Adult territory is a fascinating sojourn about a teenage girl as she struggles w/ teenage angst & blossoms into her own.

Crewe's flawless writing is displayed as Cass not only deals w/ but accepts her heartbreaking past.

Crewe knocks it out of the park w/ her authentic teen dialogue & situations ~ I wonder if Crewe is secretly a teen poising as an adult.

Give Up the Ghost illustrates Cass's brittle family dynamics. Crewe eloquently handled Cass's role in the family after the death of her sister, Paige.

Paige is a brilliantly written character who is a standout on her own. The scenes between Cass & Paige were raw, authentic, heartrending & substantial.

Crewe's literary strength shines when Cass begins to muster the courage to be herself & to genuinely care about something in her world.

Tim was a well drawn character who made my heart ache. He was so heartfelt you just endured his emotions.

Bitzy & Norris were also intriguing players & I think the book would of been deeply enhanced if Crewe delved further into their background.

Bitzy & Norris were delightful, whimsical & they shined in every single scene.

Crewe's Give Up the Ghost flows like hot lava oozing over a Hawaiian volcano!

Give up the Ghost is a fresh, fast-paced, fun read that introduces us to the sassy & charming Cass.


The only reason it didn't receive a 5 was because I wanted just a little more to happen between Cass & Tim. I waited w/ bated breath but... the scene didn't arrive. Grrr...

I want to say, thank you to Henry Holt for the review copy & Megan for the awesome read.

I want to acknowledge the art department for the incredible job they did on the cover, it is stunning ~ absolutely GORGEOUS!!!

Quick! Grab a copy of Give Up the Ghost!

Check out Megan Crewe's website!