Thursday, April 2, 2015

The Haunting of Sunshine Girl by Paige McKenzie



The Haunting of a Sunshine Girl by Paige McKenzie
Published:  March 24, 2015
Synopsis from Goodreads:
Based on the wildly popular YouTube channel, The Haunting of Sunshine Girl has been described as “ Gilmore Girls meets Paranormal Activity for the new media age.” YA fans new and old will learn the secrets behind Sunshine—the adorkable girl living in a haunted house—a story that is much bigger, and runs much deeper, than even the most devoted viewer can imagine…
Since the Goodreads synopsis doesn't really tell you anything, here's the book trailer which gives you a much better gist of the storyline:



This book was so so fun to read!! It was just quick and entertaining and I couldn't put down. It's set in Ridgemont, Washington where sixteen year old Sunshine has just moved when her mother Kat got a new job. Sunshine was always different - from being adopted to having a taste for vintage clothes and her taxidermied owl. Her new home isn't at all like the warm, sunny city of Austin, Texas where she had lived all her life. Rather, Ridgemont is constantly rainy or foggy and her new house is the epitome of creepy - with lights that are never bright enough, old mildewy smells, and of course, a resident ghosts. Along with Nolan - a nerdy but cute boy from her visual arts class - it's up to Sunshine to find out what the ghosts want from her before they become too much of a danger to her mom and herself.

Before I read this book, I had never heard of Paige McKenzie's YouTube webseries. The only reason I foudn out about it was because it was a featured article on the bookseller insiders page at my job. But as soon as I read about it, I knew I had to get my hands on it. Plus, I just fell in love with the cover. Like I would buy this book just  because I love the cover. Normally, I'm not into ghosts and scary things. I absolutely hate scary movies. But every once in a while, I get in the mood for a scary-ish book to read and this exactly fit my mood. The creep-factor isn't too high though. Actually, considering this is a YA book, it's pretty mild. It's sort of reminiscent of R. L. Stine's Goosebumps at first but it goes a little beyond that. I can definitely see middle-grade readers enjoying this. There's basically no romance though it's hinted at for future books. My only problem with this book is Sunshine has a really strange habit of saying things like "good golly" and "Jesus Louiseezus." I kid you not, she said Jesus Louiseezus. It was just so jarring to read such old fashioned phrases. Considering I think Paige McKenzie is still a teen herself, I don't think any modern teenager would ever say either of those things. It was just so strange. I mean, the book gives a reason for why Sunshine likes old fashioned things but really now, "Jesus Louiseezus"???

All in all, I definitely liked this book. It's not a book that's going to really wow you with amazing writing and unexpected plot twists but it's definitely entertaining and I'm rating it 4 out of 5 just because it was entertaining. If you're looking for a quick, fun read definitely check it out. So far, a second book is due to come out October 2015 and there may be more after that!

In the mean time, what are some of your favorite scary reads? 
Have you ever seen a ghost? Do you live in a haunted house? 
Tell me your stories - or rather don't because they'll probably just freak me out.  
Except, I really want to know if you do because I'm contradicting like that.
Also, have you ever uttered the phrase "Jesus Louiseezus"?


6 comments:

  1. Awesome review Jazzie. I was definitely intrigued by this book at B&N when I first saw it and after reading your review, I so regret not getting it! I'm so excited about this one and will definitely give it a look... take my word on that because I mean it! On the other hand, I actually love scary movies and gore-esque things. I'm all into that, if that makes me weird lmfao! Some other scary books that I enjoyed: Deep Dark and Dangerous by Mary Downing Hahn (amazing scary story teller), Salem's Lot by Stephen King. Those are just a few :D

    Alex @ The Book's Buzz

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    1. Yes, definitely read it!! It's cute and fun with mild doses of creepy. Haha me and scary movies don't blend well. There's a reason why I hate bathrooms - all the scary things always happen in bathrooms in movies. I definitely need to check out Marh Downing Hahn's books. I've heard great things about her and I just generally need more Stephen King in my life. It's sad to say that I've only read one. D=

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    2. OMG Jazzie. Thanks for reviewing this book and ur words have so much power because well... I bought the book and I'm starting it! The beginning has me hooked and I'm reeled in lol! Love it thanks :D

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    3. Haha no problem! Yay!! I'm glad you're enjoying it!! =D

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  2. Ohh, I literally JUST heard about this book on some random site and I though, "eh, looks interesting but whatever" but you've totally convinced me to check it out further! I LOVE Freaky things. XD And I really don't read enough of them, so I want this badly. x) Love that cover too!!
    Thanks for stopping by @ Paper Fury!

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    1. I love freaky things (but in books only) too!! And I definitely don't read enough of them either. Haha it was definitely the cover that pulled me in for this one. It reminded me of Alice falling into Wonderland. =) I hope you get a chance to read it!!

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