Seeing Things: Sonora Taylor
Reviewed By Jamie Goecker
SEEING THINGS is a gem of a novel. What initially hooked me was the fact that it’s a coming-of-age tale with a female protagonist. Over the past year or so, this subgenre has become one of my favorites, and I’ve connected with many stories featuring male lead characters. While the characters’ gender does not influence my decision to read the story, I have to say that my understanding and empathy was enhanced by the fact that I could identify with Abby’s experience as a teenage girl.
There were many things I loved about this book. As mentioned, the protagonist is a 13-year-old female, and this one really took me back to my middle school years. There were a lot of relatable moments that made me grateful I’ll never have to repeat that experience. Those years in middle school were just tough and awkward. The story moves swiftly, and I read it all in one sitting. The author did a great job describing Abby’s experience and her relationships. I could feel her anticipation as she prepared to visit a favorite uncle, and it brought up memories of my own summers as a kid. I loved how this story blends the supernatural with realistic portrayals of relationships and growing up. The horrific moments contained vivid descriptions that really brought the story to life in my mind.
Most of you know I don’t include much synopsis in my reviews, and I try to avoid spoilers or too much story detail, especially when it’s a book that’s on the shorter side. So I won’t tell you much more about this one, other than it’s got some great features—the characters, setting, and pacing are well done. But the most important thing to me is the heart and the authenticity in the story, and SEEING THINGS has both. And now, the line you’ve all been waiting for…
You can file this one under “Books I Want to Hug” for 2020.
Seeing Things
Abby Gillman has discovered that with growing up, there comes a lot of blood. But nothing prepares her for the trail of blood she sees in the hallway after class – or the ghost she finds crammed inside an abandoned locker.
No one believes Abby, of course. She’s only seeing things. As much as Abby wants to be believed, what she wants more is to know why she can suddenly see the dead. Unfortunately, they won’t tell her. In fact, none of them will speak to her. At all.
Abby leaves for her annual summer visit to her uncle’s house with tons of questions. The visit will give her answers the ghosts won’t – but she may not like what she finds out.
You can buy Seeing Things from Amazon UK & Amazon US
Jamie Goecker
Jamie Goecker is a lifelong night owl and horror lover from Michigan. Her love of spooky things began as a child, when she first noticed that other kids were scared of the movies she treasured. Films such as Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal, and Return to Oz fascinated her and sparked her imagination. Then came the Goosebumps and Fear Street book series by R.L. Stine, which ignited her love of horror fiction. Outside of her day job, she devotes as much time as possible to reading, reviewing, and her other love—listening to music. When she’s not engaged in those activities, she’s likely cooking, hunting for vintage paperbacks, daydreaming, or exploring the gorgeous local scenery (while also taking photos of books).
Blog: www.nightfallupnorth.wordpress.com
Twitter: @jsg402
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nightfall_up_north/
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