I really liked this story about a teen named Georgia who has grown up in a funeral home and is absolutely terrified of death. What makes matters worse is she has the ability to speak to the ghosts of the dead people at the funeral home. I was drawn to this “Ghost Whisperer” aspect, however the story goes far deeper than that. When a classmate dies in a tragic accident she’s forced to confront her own mortality in that of a peer and she learns to appreciate being alive. Other themes of friendship, family, forgiveness and grieving are also explored. I also loved reading a book with an asexual main character with a non-binary best friend. Also, the cover art and the art on the actual hardcover itself is SO awesome. ( )

DNF at 40%. It's rare that I completely give up on a book but sadly, I couldn't make it through anymore of Funeral Girl. I was really looking forward to this one and it had so much potential. You would think that reading a story about a girl who can talk to the dead would have some exciting moments but the plot and the characters were so dull. I kept waiting for something to happen, to connect with even just one character, but I gave up after several chapters.

I liked this book. I found the protagonist interesting and relatable, and I loved the focus on platonic relationships over romance. It is a bit of a slower paced read, though. Overall, I would recommend to any Bryan Fuller fans. ( )

Georgia Richter, 166, has been raised in her parents' funeral home. She is very closer to her twin, Peter, and friends Eileen, and Amy.

After her grandmother's death, a grief-stricken Georgia can't imagine not having her grandmother in her life. She goes down to the basement of the funeral home, finds her grandmother's body, and gently touches her face. Immediately, she senses her grandmother's ghost looking at and talking to her. Shocked she screams waking her family. Soon after, rumors spread throughout school; Amy becomes her protector from bullying. But now Georgia, depressed and angry, avoids Peter and Eileen, and is short-tempered with her parents.

Georgia slowly comes to believe that she can help those who die. She pushes her fear away, and gently touches the faces of other bodies that come through Richter Funeral Home. She believes this will give them closure.

Its not until her classmate Milo is killed in a car accident that her gift of sensitivity and caring show her
a clearer perspective on life and death; and how the truth can help many people. At Milo's funeral she opens up to the community. She releases her anger, allowing her mother, father, Peter and Eileen back into her heart. And she sincerely apologizes to Amy who has always been there for her.

A very wise and sweet read.

The is a great debut novel for Emma K. Ohland. The story is brutally honest in its portrayal of death, grief and anxiety. Georgia is the daughter of a mortician and lives in an apartment above the funeral home with her family. Each member of the family has a role that they play in the preparation and conducting of a funeral. A role that terrifies Georgia as she fears her own mortality and does not wish to inherit the business with her twin brother. When Georgia loses a close loved one, she is forced to come to terms with her grief. This story delves into some details of the funeral business that many may find morbid and disturbing but to understand Georgia and her fears its necessary. I feel that this book will be gift to many teens who are dealing with grief and hope that it can bring them comfort. ( )