People cry at beginnings and at endings, and this moment is one of each.

I am happy crying!!!! Absolutely loved this haunting coming-of-age story about grief, growing up, and figuring out who you are.

It's the summer before Bug starts middle school and a lot of things have happened. Bug's Uncle Roderick has just passed and, living in a haunted house with Mom, Bug begins to notice a new presence. All the while, Bug's best friend Moira is busy figuring out how to reinvent herself in middle school and brings Bug along.

I knew what the ending (or beginning) would be, but I still savoured every moment of Bug's exploration and discovery. The hollowness of Lukoff's prose made this such a melancholy read and the pure, intense joy I feel for Bug when he finally comes into his own erupts from traces of sadness. It's the kind of sadness that feels more like a blanket than a heartache.

It's been a while since a middle-grade book moved me this way. pls read i whole-heartedly recommend <3

Side notes:
- I 101% love Bug's Mom
- I also 101% would love to see the sarcastic funeral cards & queer cards
- happy (to an extent) stories about lgbtq+ people are so important!!!!!!!