Ghosts Book Summary - Ghosts Book explained in key points

Ghosts summary

Brief summary

Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier is a heartfelt graphic novel that follows Catrina and her family as they move to a coastal town in hopes of improving her sister's health. Filled with themes of friendship, acceptance, and bravery, it's a touching story about life, loss, and the supernatural.

Give Feedback
Table of Contents

    Ghosts
    Summary of key ideas

    Exploring the Unknown

    In Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier, we are introduced to Catrina, a young girl who is not thrilled about moving to the coastal town of Bahía de la Luna. Her younger sister, Maya, who suffers from cystic fibrosis, is excited about the move, believing that the sea air will help her condition. However, Catrina is apprehensive about the town's annual Day of the Dead celebrations and the stories of ghosts that come with it.

    As the story progresses, Catrina and Maya befriend a local boy named Carlos, who introduces them to the town's rich history and its unique relationship with the spirits of the deceased. Carlos, who has a special connection with the spirits, helps the sisters understand and appreciate the significance of the Day of the Dead, a time when the spirits of the deceased return to visit their loved ones.

    Understanding and Acceptance

    Despite her initial reluctance, Catrina begins to appreciate the town's traditions and the comfort it brings to those who have lost loved ones. She also learns to accept Maya's illness and the possibility of losing her. Maya, on the other hand, is fascinated by the idea of ghosts and is determined to meet one. Her enthusiasm and curiosity about the afterlife serve as a stark contrast to Catrina's fear and apprehension.

    As the Day of the Dead approaches, Maya's health takes a turn for the worse, and Catrina is forced to confront her fears and accept the possibility of losing her sister. The sisters' bond is tested as they navigate the complexities of Maya's illness and their differing perspectives on life and death.

    Embracing the Unknown

    On the Day of the Dead, Maya's condition deteriorates, and she is rushed to the hospital. Fearing the worst, Catrina runs to the sea, where she encounters a ghostly figure. To her surprise, the ghost is not frightening but comforting, and it helps her come to terms with her fears and accept the unknown.

    Ultimately, Maya recovers, and the sisters celebrate the Day of the Dead with a newfound understanding and appreciation for life and death. Catrina learns to embrace the unknown and finds solace in the idea that the spirits of their deceased loved ones continue to watch over them.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier is a heartwarming and thought-provoking graphic novel that explores themes of life, death, and the afterlife. Through the journey of Catrina and Maya, the story encourages readers to confront their fears, embrace the unknown, and cherish the time they have with their loved ones. It also sheds light on the Mexican tradition of the Day of the Dead, offering a unique perspective on how different cultures approach the concept of death.

    Give Feedback
    How do we create content on this page?
    More knowledge in less time
    Read or listen
    Read or listen
    Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
    Find your next read
    Find your next read
    Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
    Shortcasts
    Shortcasts New
    We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.

    What is Ghosts about?

    Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier is a heartwarming graphic novel that explores themes of family, friendship, and acceptance. It follows the story of Catrina and her family as they move to a coastal town in Northern California, where they discover a community that celebrates the Day of the Dead. As Catrina learns more about the traditions and beliefs surrounding the holiday, she also comes to terms with her sister's illness and the presence of ghosts in their lives.

    Ghosts Review

    Ghosts (2016) explores themes of family, friendship, and the supernatural through the eyes of two sisters. Here's why this graphic novel is worth the read:

    • Featuring diverse characters and a heartfelt storyline, it resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds.
    • The book seamlessly weaves together cultural traditions and fantasy elements, creating a rich and immersive reading experience.
    • Its warmth, humor, and emotional depth ensure that every page is engaging, leaving readers captivated from start to finish.

    Who should read Ghosts?

    • Readers who enjoy graphic novels with a touch of supernatural elements
    • Young adults or middle-grade readers who are dealing with themes of illness and loss
    • People looking for a heartwarming story about family, friendship, and acceptance

    About the Author

    Raina Telgemeier is a renowned author and illustrator in the world of graphic novels. With a career spanning over two decades, Telgemeier has made a significant impact on the industry. Her works, such as Smile, Drama, and Sisters, have resonated with readers of all ages. Telgemeier's ability to capture the authentic experiences of young people and address complex themes has earned her numerous accolades. Through her captivating storytelling and vibrant artwork, she continues to enchant and inspire audiences around the globe.

    Categories with Ghosts

    Book summaries like Ghosts

    People ❤️ Blinkist 
    Sven O.

    It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.

    Thi Viet Quynh N.

    Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.

    Jonathan A.

    Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.

    Renee D.

    Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.

    People also liked these summaries

    4.7 Stars
    Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
    34 Million
    Downloads on all platforms
    10+ years
    Experience igniting personal growth
    Powerful ideas from top nonfiction

    Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.

    Start your free trial

    Ghosts FAQs 

    What is the main message of Ghosts?

    The main message of Ghosts revolves around family bonds and embracing cultural heritage.

    How long does it take to read Ghosts?

    The reading time for Ghosts varies, but the Blinkist summary can be read in a few minutes.

    Is Ghosts a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Ghosts is a heartwarming tale with universal themes, making it a worthwhile read for all ages.

    Who is the author of Ghosts?

    Raina Telgemeier is the author of Ghosts.

    What to read after Ghosts?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Ghosts, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • How Children Succeed by Paul Tough
    • Becoming Attached by Robert Karen
    • All Joy and No Fun by Jennifer Senior
    • The Opposite of Spoiled by Ron Lieber
    • Minimalist Parenting by Christine Koh and Asha Dornfest
    • Moms Mean Business by Erin Baebler and Lara Galloway
    • Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua
    • Screamfree Parenting by Hal Edward Runkel
    • Getting to 50/50 by Sharon Meers and Joanna Strober
    • The Drama of the Gifted Child by Alice Miller