"Marly's Ghost" by David Levithan [4]

"Love is Humbug..."

When Ben's girlfriend, Marly, dies, he feels his life is over. What could possibly matter now when Marly is gone? So when valentine's Day approaches, it makes sense that this day that was once so meaningful to Ben leaves him bitter and hollow. But then Marly arrives - or at least her ghost does - along with

three other spirits. Now Ben must take a painful journey through Valentine's Days past, present, and future, and what he discovers will change him forever.

Isn't the cover just beautiful ... once I realized that it was based on Charles Dickens novel, "A Christmas Carol" well I just had to have it. It's such a cute little story and so cleverly written as well. While the author has said that this is a remix of the original story he has tried to stay close to certain elements from the first.

So the story is that Ben has just lost his girlfriend Marly to cancer, and he feels like there is nothing to live for, especially when it comes to Valentines Day. Love is an overrated emotion e.t.c. So like the traditional story Ben is haunted by Marly and the Ghosts of past, present and future.

There came a clanking noise from downstairs.

Like a heavy chain being dragged.

First faintly ...

then closer.

Hitting against the stairs.

Dragged across the floor.

Coming straight for my room.

"This isn't happening," I said to myself.

"I refuse to believe this is happening."

This book would make the perfect Christmas stocking filler, it is such a sweet introduction to the same concept as the original but probably not quite as heavy. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel and with only 155 pages you'll fly through it. Oh yes nearly forgot to mention the cute illustrations throughout the story. A really lovely teen read.

I rate this book 4 stars.