The Secret Life of Sparrow Delaney

My rating is 4.5 stars. The seventh daughter of a seventh daughter, living in a family in which everyone has some psychic ability in Lily Dale, a (real) town full of spiritualists, Sparrow, who has been seeing, smelling and speaking to ghosts since she was just a tot (and denying her ability to do so to her family) wants nothing more than to be a normal girl. Of course, the ghosts have other ideas and one - one very appealing and persistent one - isn't prepared to leave Sparrow alone until she helps him. I've read a number of books with a similar `I see dead people' premise over the last few years and I can say honestly that The Secret Life of Sparrow Delaney is my favorite. Author Suzanne Harper has created likeable characters and a story filled with charm, humor and more poignancy than I was expecting. I really cared about these people - both the living and the dead ones. I haven't read anything about a planned sequel, but I hope Harper is planning one. I want to spend more time with Sparrow and Jack, with Sparrow's eccentric family and with her spirit guides. I even hope to see Luke again. While I'm waiting, I've ordered Harper's unrelated novel, The Juliet Club, to see what the author does with another genre. The Secret Life of Sparrow Delaney is an entertaining and satisfying story. Recommended.

I rave about this book to any and all who ask about good books I have read recently. I couldn't put it down! This may be geared toward young adults, but I am in my 20's and I loved it!

Sparrow is the last of seven sisters in a house full of girls, which includes her mother and her crazy grandmother. One thing all girls have in common- they can communicate with ghosts. Sparrow seems to be the only one of her off-the-wall family who does not want to communicate with ghosts, which is ironic considering she is the only one who can actually see them. However, one ghost refuses to be ignored, and won't be set aside, forcing Sparrow to finally accept her gift. The plot seems obvious enough but I can't help but love this book. Its funny and cute, and being one of five girls in a house with no men, I can relate with Sparrows plight. I loved the essentric characters, each well rounded with their own sepperate personality, which is quite a feet seeing how there are so many of them. I loved this book- read it when you are looking for a smile.

My favorite thing about this book was that although Sparrow has a "secret power" the true struggle in her life is trying to deal with the pressures of high school (popularity, best friends, BOYS!)and the complications created by her zany but loveable family. The author is able to deal with heavy issues (death, "losing" a parent, sibling rivalry, etc.) and yet make you laugh as well as cry. The relationships between the characters were so interesting! By the end of the book I felt like I knew them personally and had learned that Sparrow Delaney wasn't the only one with a "Secret Life". Who doesn't know what it is like to hide a part of yourself in order to fit-in? I think we all sometimes feel this way and that is the true power of this book. It is a very enjoyable read!! (Other similar books that I enjoyed: Wicked Lovely )

Lots to like in this book! Sparrow Delaney is smart, sweet and witty--the kind of friend anyone would want. All the other characters are quirky and fun, as well. Tugs at your heart, yet keeps your smiling all the way through!