On the first Friday of every month my local library has a $4.00 Bag of Books sale. Sometimes there is little to nothing of interest for sale. But, this time I hit the jackpot! I found a couple of books to add to some of my series collections, some non-fiction gems and two fantastically ridiculous looking YA books that were perfect for the FGR theme.
The first one is Queen of the Dead, A Ghost and the Goth Novel by Stacey Kade. The cover of this book was just too awesomely ridiculous to pass up. And the story did begin just like a made for TV movie. But then, slowly, layer upon layer the story became more complex and the characters more likable and realistic. At first, I couldn’t believe this was actually a series. But, by the end I was so glad there were more stories!
It helped too that this book was set in the small town of Decatur, Illinois near where I grew up. Isn’t it amazing the things you will forgive a story for if you lived in the town or visited it?
The story is about Alona who died in her gym uniform and Will who is a ghost talker. Alona goes from the most popular girl in high school to Will’s spirit guide. Will finally gets to spend time with the girl he has had a crush on since sixth grade. But, admiring people from a distance is different than waking up to them every morning as Will soon learns. And Alona finds out quickly that being popular is not the same as being liked.
Now, doesn’t this sound like every book we have ever read? Except, at almost the half way point the author really puts a new spin on the whole thing. Without giving any spoilers this suddenly had a unique storyline and I loved it!
This may not be a book that you buy multiple copies of to give to friends and family. But it is definitely akin to a middle of the day, cute ghostly romance with just a dash of mystery that you watch with a cup of hot apple cider. But I really loved it. And how hilarious is that cover!?!
Tell me, please!
Do you enjoy reading books set in your hometown?
Silver Button Books 
I’m SO jealous you found so much in your library sale! My library never has a proper sale
Instead it’ll just put out 10ish books (on a random day) and say they’re 3 for £1 haha so you have to be quick!
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I’ll mail you the hilarious ones! It will be worth the postage to spread the joy.
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Haha yes please! And libraries do honestly end up with some of the most random books ever don’t they lol
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Seriously, I will mail it to you! It’s too fun to not share. E-mail me your address at silverbuttonbooks@gmail.com
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Oh that’s very generous of you but I couldn’t let you spend money sending them to me! Postage is SO stupidly expensive isn’t it
Treat yourself to another book instead! Thank you so much for the offer though ❤
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Alright, but you had first dibs! I am going to mail it to another friend who says she grew up in the town the book is set in. Have a fab day!
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