Scritch Scratch Book Review ✨
How is it that the last book took me 5 months to finish, but this took less than a week? then again, it is a middle grade book, so I guess it wasn't all that difficult to read. Neither was the last one.
I think I'll rate this one a solid 4 stars. I picked this one because it took place in my city, Chicago. And you know what? I really enjoyed it. If anyone wanted a fun way to be introduced to real Chicago History, I think I'd recommend this book to them! Up until this week, I had little to no knowledge of Chicago history. But after reading this book, I've never been more interested.
I love that the author made it a point to specifically include the history of Chicago that no one really talks about; seemingly forgotten history that she felt was important to shed light on, like the SS Eastland Disaster that happened right on the Chicago River. I've even told my boyfriend some history he didn't really know about himself, and he's lived here all his life (it was especially enjoyable because the main character just reminded me of a 7th grade version of my boyfriend, which is where we met.)
This history, the mystery, the ghost story, the characters, the lessons, it was all great. I found myself thinking this would make a great movie, like Hocus Pocus level good!
Ahhhhh now for the big question: What should I read next?
#BookReviews #lemon8bookclub #chicagohistory #bookrecs #reading
After diving into 'Scritch Scratch,' I couldn't stop thinking about how perfectly Lindsay Currie brought Chicago's past to life through a genuinely spooky mystery! For anyone curious about the plot beyond my initial rave, it centers around Eleanor, a young girl who moves to a new (and supposedly haunted!) house in the city. Right from the start, she encounters strange occurrences and shadowy figures that hint at a deeper, historical secret. It’s not just a simple haunting; there’s a real puzzle to solve, connecting present-day chills with long-forgotten events. What makes this book truly shine, and what I loved discovering, is how Currie seamlessly weaves in real Chicago history. It's not just a backdrop; it's intricately linked to the ghostly mystery Eleanor is trying to solve. You'll find yourself learning about lesser-known events and places, like the tragic SS Eastland disaster, which was a huge eye-opener for me – I had no idea about it before! It felt like I was solving the mystery alongside Eleanor, digging into old newspaper clippings and legends that connect the present-day hauntings to forgotten tragedies. The book really makes you appreciate the layers of history hidden beneath a bustling city, transforming history lessons into an exciting adventure. Eleanor herself is such a relatable character – she's navigating a new school, new friendships, and oh yeah, a ghost! Her courage and determination to uncover the truth, even when things get seriously creepy, are inspiring. The author does an amazing job of balancing the chills with moments of genuine warmth and humor, making it a perfect pick for middle-grade readers who enjoy a good scare without it being too overwhelming. It has that classic ghost story feel, reminiscent of what you might find in an R.L. Stine novel, but with a unique historical twist that sets it apart. It truly stands out as a ghost story for kids that respects their intelligence and their desire for a good mystery. The description of the spooky street scenes and ghostly figures from the book's cover truly reflects the atmosphere within the story. Currie’s writing paints vivid pictures, making you feel like you're walking through those historic Chicago streets, peering into dimly lit buildings, and feeling the chill of a ghostly presence right alongside Eleanor. The pacing keeps you hooked, constantly wondering what piece of history or spectral encounter will come next. It's a wonderful blend of supernatural suspense and historical fiction, proving that history can be just as thrilling and mysterious as any ghost story. If you're looking for a novel that combines mystery, friendship, and a fascinating journey into Chicago's past, 'Scritch Scratch' is definitely one to add to your reading list! It’s an experience that lingers long after you’ve turned the final page, sparking curiosity about your own city's hidden past.
