Wednesday, December 15, 2010

This Week's Reason my House Isn't Clean: Haint Misbehavin'

Okay, so actually this is last week's reason my house isn't clean, but I'm always happy to share books that reel me in and distract me from cleaning.  (See my last entry on The Front Porch Prophet, another excellent book.)

I just finished Haint Misbehavin' by Maureen Hardegree, a YA novel from Bell Bridge books.  Have a teen or tween who's interested in what might happen if a girl inherited a ghost along with her menstrual cycle?  This is the book for you.  Like a good read about a middle child who can't seem to get anything right? This book might be better than therapy--and it would definitely be cheaper.

Hardegree has an easy to like protagonist, Heather, and she captures the awkwardness of being  a teenager so well, I winced a few times in memory.  My favorite part of the story, though, revolves around the ghost herself. At first, Heather can't figure out why Amy, the ghost, is hanging around.  Over the course of the novel, though, she grows up enough to focus more on helping Amy than on the pain Amy's drama causes her--and that part of the mystery is so much fun to unravel.

Hardegree also leaves the book open for potential future stories, and I really love the two male characters: the dreamy lifeguard Heather lusts after and the loyal geek who lusts after her.  I left the book wanting Xavier to have his day, but I'll just have to wait until Book 2 in the Ghost Handler series to see if he has any luck.

If you, a teen, or a tween are looking for a good read, be sure to check out Haint Misbehavin'. Oh, and as always, you have my leave to ignore dusting, dishes, and laundry to just enjoy.

4 comments:

  1. So I'm not the only one who ignores housework in favor of reading! Great review, Sally. I think my youngest son might enjoy this book. Thanks!

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  2. So glad you enjoyed the book, Sally! I hope you like book two Hainted Love just as much.

    Maureen

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  3. Hainted Love! That's the title I was trying to think of!!! I kept hearing the 80s song in my head, and couldn't put two and two together--yes, I'm excited about book 2. I want Xavier to have his day. And to shave.

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  4. I LOVED this book. I had heard Maureen talk about it during one of the workshops we had at GRW. I had wanted to read it ever since. I am so glad it was published and I can't wait for the new one to come out.

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