Featured Review: The Boy who Lived with Ghosts

Discuss the October 2013 book of the month "The Boy who Lived with Ghosts" by John Mitchell.
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Lydia Efobi 1
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Re: Featured Review: The Boy who Lived with Ghosts

Post by Lydia Efobi 1 »

I'm interested in this book because of covers themes of molestation and abuse. This is because I believe people should be more enlightened on these topics rather than putting a blind eye to these issues. However, I would recommend that this book be read by an older audience. Congratulations on BOTD!
Kanika Tandon
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Post by Kanika Tandon »

The title itself draws you in and the plotline actually surprised me. I was expecting something the book to be either like Conjuring or perhaps Casper but child molestation took me off guard. I would love to give this boy who lived with ghosts a chance. Congrats on BOTD.
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Hyacinth Bella
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Post by Hyacinth Bella »

The amount of horror books I have read are aplenty, but I still think they are not enough, and not many of them can be horrifying but also humorous. I would love to know how this was written, especially since it's written from a boy's perspective. This reminds me of Coraline by Neil Gaiman, which I enjoyed but the writing seems to be more monotonous. I really am intrigued how this is written.

Thank you so much for the wonderful review!
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Post by Sarah Schmidt »

It sounds like the author wonderfully managed to capture the perspective of a young child while dealing with dark elements. I think it'd be interesting reading about a supernatural aspect added to a very, real, dark thing like child and sexual abuse.
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Post by NdegwaSalome »

The review is simply amazing and now am intrigued to read it. It's nice to understand some issues from other people's perspectives, in this case, young John.
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Post by Wayne Njoroge »

Even though the book does speak of ghosts. I believe it gives emphasis on past traumatic experiences during childhood. Such details may be disturbing. But they all offer insight to its readers.
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Ochieng Omuodo
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Post by Ochieng Omuodo »

I really like this review. It is focused on your reactions to the story and yet still comes across analytically. I think the sub-headings enhance your delivery; a throw-back to a time gone by when this format was allowed, perhaps? Of the content itself, I like to see an author humorously portray life's wickedness, especially if it is personal.
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gen_g
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Post by gen_g »

It feels like the book is a good character study, delving into the character's emotions with depth if your emotions were stirred so strongly upon reading. However, it'd be nice to get to know a bit more about what exactly are the issues that one might find disturbing (as a reader, other than the ghostly aspect, of course). Thanks for the review.
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Chinazo Anozie
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Post by Chinazo Anozie »

Although this mystery book sounds like a nice read, I'm not sure it's a perfect fit for me.
Abdulsabur Aisha
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Post by Abdulsabur Aisha »

It's the title of the book for me. I anticipate to have an amazing experience reading this book. Congratulations on being the book of the day!
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Yananisai Gavi
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Post by Yananisai Gavi »

Sounds intriguing. Childhood is a difficult stage as children are the most vulnerable. Thus this novel being written in a childs voice gives the children a voice and helps adults to sympathise and understand children more. It also makes the world aware of the dangers many children face growing up.
Matlhodi Nozwayo
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Post by Matlhodi Nozwayo »

I love books with emotion out into them. The perspective this book has been written from is also very interesting and plus it brings issues like molestation forth. It's more than just a paranormal book and I think this is definitely a piece to enjoy. I'm glad its on my shelf now.
Rica Singh
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Post by Rica Singh »

Disturbing and humorous? Sounds reaaally awesome. Count me in. Great review, by the way!
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Post by markodim721 »

I like that the story is told from a young John’s perspective because it allows readers to better connect with the story. I also like that the book is full of humor. Reading recommendation.
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Post by WriteOn »

Saoirse200 wrote: 24 Jul 2013, 23:10...a very difficult thing to read about such disturbing issues such as child-molestation or abuse especially from young Johns perspective because he had such an innocent outlook on things; the issues that are in this book gave an even bigger impact on the reader because of Johns perspective.

...it offers an insight into Johns heart-breaking childhood which will make you appreciate all that you have a lot more, The Boy who Lived with Ghosts is definitely a worthwhile read.
Poor wee lad. After reading the sample I dreaded what he'd face later in the story. Thanks for your helpful review, you've ensured readers need to be prepared to learn more about his misfortune. It's interesting to see a book that deals with child abuse and social deprivation in the 1960s. So far removed from the era of The Beatles, Swinging 60s and such like.
His innocence and childhood logic made him so vulnerable.
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