Andrea Hunter

I had so many mixed feelings with this book. It was well written and genuinely frightening but also sad in a way that I was not prepared for. For me, the tragedies of the book were profound in a manner that outweighed the haunted house feel of the story, which is what I was seeking out. I listened to this on audio and the actors were amazing. This is the first book I've read by Chris Bohjalian.

I never want to hear the phrase: “My inner goddess rejoiced” again. I began to die a little bit each time it appeared.

I will confess, I picked up the book after countless patrons had asked me if I had read it. No disrespect to the author but I was both confused and disappointed. I kept asking myself if I was too much of a femnist to enjoy the story. I didn't think it was sexy or smart and I thought it sent a very negative message for women. Quite honestly, when the book ended, I was relieved and did not feel a need for closure. Worse, I couldn't determine who was more disturbed, Christian or Anastasia.

This book was absolutely adorable. A little book with a big heart. The illustrations only enhanced the sweetness of the story.

This was a unique experience, re-reading the book after watching the Netflix series. During the series, I remember thinking the book had more, I don't know, maybe integrity? I didn't remember Hannah being revengeful but I picked up on it more during the second reading. I still think the book is beautifully written and so progressive but I appreciate the portrayal of Hannah in the series more after re-reading the book. I actually think the actress brought a tenderness to the role that perhaps the original story lacked. In both creative venues, Clay was so real and heartbreaking and I applaud the author for writing a male character with such depth.

I hesitate to criticize illustrators, as I value them tremendously. But the illustrations in this book were terrifying. The layouts were a hot mess of strange images, which seems odd for a children's Christmas book. I feel like I need to sanitize my eyes.