Ghost Medicine

Ghost Medicine Troy Stott's story. It is about friendship, growing up, choices, grief, and so much more. This is a captivating story that offers a wonderful alternative to the usual action-driven fare presented to teens. Teenagers (and adults) connect with Troy, and we understand his need for hope. Some of the content and language do not suit young children, but mature readers (10+) should be able to handle the common references to tobacco and alcohol. The story itself lacks the expected qualities of complicated twists and the anticipated romance, but that is what makes the novel so different and special. Its mood is very calm, even with the occasional violence. The author describes every scene with great detail and dialogue. There were a few chapters where those details slow down the pace and may cause the reader to drop his or her attention. But you should keep reading. As the story progresses, the characters evolve into complex and understandable people. This novel will make the reader wish for something like the ghost medicine. It helped Troy and his friends stay invisible and invincible against time, even for the briefest moment.

Ghost Medicine was an intense, incredible read, the kind of book I didn't want to finish because I didn't feel like exiting the world Andrew Smith created. The narrator, Troy Stotts, has recently lost his mother. The novel takes place over the course of a summer which Troy and his close circle of friends -- Tom, Gabe and his sister Luz -- will never forget. I don't want to give anything away, but I'll say this: the writing is just captivating. There is a scene involving a snake bite that will make you feel as if you've just been bitten yourself. A mountain lion attack had me sweating in public. If you enjoy the outdoors, and adventure, you'll love this book. But it's more than that, too. The writing is clearly influenced by Hemingway, and I mean that in the best sense. Many authors attempt to channel Hemingway, often with poor results. Smith doesn't attempt to parrot, but has clearly been influenced, as is clear from his crisp, clear prose. If you don't fall in love with Troy and Luz while reading this book, there may be something wrong with your heart. Read it. You'll be glad you did.

Andrew Smith's Ghost Medicine chronicles the life of Troy and his best friends through the summer before his junior year of high school. Boys especially will identify with the characters and situations they encounter, but it is a book everyone will enjoy from cover to cover. I read glued to the pages from beginning to end. Andrew wrote completely free spirited leading to unanticipated events and resolutions throughout the story. Not only would I recommend this book to teens, the target group, but also to those who enjoy reading. You will laugh. You will cry. And you will feel as though you know those boys.

Ghost Medicine has appeal for both teenage boys and girls, but I think boys will really appreciate it. Andy Smith keeps the reader involved in the story. The characters are believeable and realistic. The book was very enjoyable.

I don't care who you are, teen or adult, male or female, you're going to love this book. Smith's prose is clear and perfect, the characters are bigger than life but from life, and the tension in these scene's is almost unbearable. A lot of people are going to say Ghost Medicine is Cormac McCarthy for teens, and the comparison is an apt one, but this book is too good and too original to be compared to anyone. I especially recommend this for the reluctant teen reader in your life; it will change their minds about what a book can do. And the great part is that, once they've finished--and they'll zip through it--you'll have the pleasure of reading it yourself. Can't say enough.