I’ve been so busy that I completely forgot about my blog, so here’s my little update. I’ve finished two books: Slipping by Cathleen Davitt Bell and Ghost Boy by Iain Lawrence. They were both pretty good, though I enjoyed Ghost Boy much more than Slipping
.
Slipping Summary (from book)
Michael will be the first one to tell you: he barely knew his grandpa Kimmel when he was alive. And he didn’t know the details about the big fight between his dad and his grandpa that made the whole family stop visiting seven years ago. And if you never really knew someone, and nobody ever talks about him, then you probably won’t miss him when he’s gone, right?
But when his grandpa dies, Michael’s gut tells him that the cold, detached way his dad is acting isn’t normal. Just like Michael recognizes that his own bizarre cravings for things like oatmeal and creamed spinach and a nice big cigar aren’t normal either. Michael suspects that his grandpa Kimmel might be reaching out to him—or through him. But figuring out what his grandpa wants is a scary thought, as it will require getting to know a man who was impossible to talk to when he was alive. As Michael begins to slip with his grandpa into the mysterious river that seems to flow between the living and the dead, an even scarier thought occurs: if Michael can’t get out again, will anyone miss him?
Slipping had a good/ok story, but I found it to be way too confusing. The beginning hooked me right in, but then I wanted out. I really did not want to finish the book, but I found time to do it. The lack of good description (especially towards the end) made it even more of a confusion. I’ll give it two and a half stars.
Ghost Boy Summary (from book)
Full of colorful performers, the circus seems like the answer to Harold’s loneliness. He’s eager to meet the Cannibal King, a sideshow attraction who’s an albino, too. He’s touched that Princess Minikin and the Fossil Man, two other sideshow curiosities, embrace him like a son. He’s in love with Flip, the pretty and beguiling horse trainer, and awed by the all-knowing Gypsy Magda. Most of all, Harold is proud of training the elephants, and of earning respect and a sense of normalcy. Even at the circus, though, two groups exist – the freaks, and everyone else. Harold straddles both groups. But fitting in comes at a price, and Harold must recognize the truth beneath what seems apparent before he can find a place to call home.
Ghost Boy has a great but weird plot, which I enjoyed. It wasn’t predictable at all, full of emotion, and exciting. Definitely a recommended read for teenagers. 
I’m currently reading a nonfiction book for my English class about my topic (I picked video games). It’s called “The Ultimate History of Video Games”, and it’s turning about to be a great book so far. Video games are another love of mine.
The only thing that bugs me about the book is that there aren’t many pictures.
