"The Ghost and the Goth" by Stacey Kade

The Ghost and the Goth - Stacey Kade (released 2010)

(Book 1 of the The Ghost and the Goth series)

The title is catchy.  The book cover is appealing.  I bought the book based on the title, and I'm not disappointed by judging this book by it's cover/title.  It was so much better than I thought it was going to be!

Alona Dare, the conceited queen bee of high school, dies by accidentally walking in front of a bus.  Instead of moving on to a blissful afterlife, she returns to high school as a ghost, and sees that no one is mourning her death because no one really liked her, and her best friend and boyfriend were a couple behind her back!  But it turns out one person can see and hear her - "loser goth kid" Will; except Alona isn't the only ghost around school that is vying for his attention.

Everyone but his best friend Joonie thinks Will is a freak.  Even his mother and shrink think he might be schizophrenic because he occasionally "talks to himself".  But things have gotten worse since a new violent ghost has appeared who seems hell bent on killing Will.  The only way for Will to make it through high school in one piece, is to actually start talking to the ghosts he has been trying so hard to avoid - Alona Dare in particular - and helping them with their unfinished business.

The story is fairly predictable - spoiled high school cheerleader dies, "loser" goth boy can help, cheerleader and goth develop feelings for each other.  But what makes this story great, are the distinct voices that Kade gives Alona and Will.  Alona's snotty and sarcastic attitude is actually quite humorous and endearing.  Not once did I think, Oh my God, I hate this girl and don't care about her.  Right from the beginning, Kade gives Alona a quiet vulnerability and an outrageous personality that makes you laugh and care about her.

The story is told through the first person perspective of Alona and Will, that alternates back and forth with each chapter.  It's not confusing or difficult to follow, there is very little overlap/repetition, and the story moves forward very smoothly.  I enjoyed being able to sympathize with both characters and hear their thoughts about their individual situations, which are now linked.  And as predictable as their developing love might be, Kade write the story in such a way that makes you root for unlikely pair.

Final say - I loved it.  I put of reading The Ghost and Goth, because I figured it would so predictable and boring.  But I was wrong.  I enjoyed the book from beginning to end and wanted to keep reading the next chapter to see what would happen next.  It was an easy and quick read, but not a boring or simple read.  I loved the story, and I can't wait to read the second book in the installment.  Stacey Kade might become one of my new favorite authors if the second book is as good as the first.  I definitely recommend reading The Ghost and the Goth, no matter how old or young you are, because there is a message in there for every one - from judging people you don't really know - to dealing with the death of someone you love - to being true to who you really are.  It's a great story that keeps you coming back for more.