Book Review: I Am the Ghost in Your House by MAria Romasco-Moore

First Thoughts:

From the start, this book is very intriguing. You get to know just enough about the main character's background and situation. Though, a plot oriented problem arises from the beginning to open up the stories potential. I felt an automatic draw and love for it; eager to read more.

Writing: 4/5

The author did such a splendid job encapsulating a lonely, confused and young girl. Too often, the right maturity in a teen main character is not found. They either have a voice that is too old, or way too young. This one was just right.

Plot: 4/5

The plot was so original! I could be alone in this but I had never read about an invisible girl. Not one that was from birth, set in a contemporary setting. No, this isn't a metaphorical invisible (wallflower) story. Pie is quite literally invisible to the common eye. She was born this way, her mother (also invisible- though not by birth) being her only companion her entire life. For her mother, this is a sanctity. For Pie, she has dreamed of being seen, finding companionship. Every teen already struggles with fitting in and finding themselves, their voice, etc. . Pie has extra obstacles holding her back. Not only do we get to explore the struggles of her invisibility and family but truly her identity. That in itself felt like a pleasure to witness.

Characters: 4/5

This kind of goes hand in hand with plot but I haven't loved a main character as much and as instantaneously as I did Pie. I feel like I tend to fall in love more with the side characters and yes, the side characters in this book were amazing too. They had their hand in Pie's life, the actions she takes and how she grows into herself. Pie really does steal the show though. There wasn't a moment I wasn't routing for her.

Romance: 4/5

There isn't anything steamy here. No spice. If that's a core value you need in a book, it might not be for you. This is a YA coming of age tale. Our characters are starting to feel out the concept of love in general - romantically, familial, and for the self. Of course, there's a bit of romance as this is a YA book. We get all the ups and downs of young love and the transformations it takes. This is also a very inclusive story of LGBTQ+

Overall: 4/5

This is one of my favorite reads of the year so far. I don't read contemporary books often. I love the insight we get on a girl who has always been a spectator herself. Here I was reading about an invisible girl who couldn't participate in the lives she witnessed while I myself was an invisible spectator on her life, watching her bloom. I will happily read anything Romasco-Moore puts out.