I had been looking for a book that would keep me hooked like this one. It was beautifully written, and flowed well from the first word to the last.
I really don't understand why some keep saying the main characters were simply lusting for one another though, that they weren't really in love. It seemed more to me, that since neither had really touched another live human in such a long time, of course they would crave each other physically. They also felt as if they were the only two of their kind, and that drew them together. It seemed to me that they fell in love after sharing their experiences, and what they remembered. Eh, but I'm also a romantic. Who the hell wouldn't fall in love with James??
However, I do agree that they could have been developed a bit more. But that's my only complaint.. that the book wasn't longer. I would have loved to read more about their interactions.
All in all, I finished reading this book the same day I bought it, and it's now one of my personal favorites. I definitely recommend this book.

Oksy, first being an artist myself, I must give props to the cover artist. As many rules as it may break, I have to say that the feeling I got when I looked at the cover of this book is what made me buy it. I thought even if it is a bad read the cover is amazing so it's worth the money. But thankfully I can say that I was not disapointed. This was a great book I read it in about 5 hours. I fell in love with the characters, although I wish their story was a little more established. It was written beautifully, very poetic. And I thought the end was going to upset me because it seemed to be coming so fast with so few questions answered, but I was not disapointed. It was a very satisfying love filled ending. It's worth the money and the few hours it takes to read. Go ahead and enjoy.

It's been a long time since I've read a book that I just couldn't put down. I came across this book on Amazon, and was intrigued by the premise. When it arrived, I opened it up to read the first page and was immediately hooked; I ended up reading the first few pages while still standing over the open Amazon delivery box.

It was the writing that hooked me right away. The imagery is delicious, and I found myself wanting to read more and more, just so I could see how Helen would describe the things around her. I thought the characters were developed quite well. Even Helen, who can't remember much about who she used to be, comes alive; we find out much about her through the company she chooses to keep.

I wasn't put off by the small amount of sexual content in this book. It wasn't gratuitous, and it fit within the story perfectly. That little bit of sex was much more satisfying than the action fading to black every time things got a little bit sexual (as was done, to frustrating effect, in Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series).

The ending brings the story of Helen to a satisfying conclusion. There was one question, however, that was left somewhat unanswered, and that was to do with pregnancy; it brings up the whole issue of responsibility and how Helen and James dealt with their borrowed bodies. While this was addressed once or twice, I felt that it was not dealt with quite enough. I would have been interested to see how the bodies' owners dealt with the consequences of their "housesitters'" actions. But that was a minor complaint.

All in all, I can honestly say that this is the best book I've read in a couple of years. I'm eagerly looking forward to Laura Whitcomb's next novel.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this unique novel about a ghost. It was an enjoyable tale of a lonely 130 year old ghost who discovers a human can see her for the first time. Don't want to ruin the story but it was a good read with an interesting twist. I highly recommend it. Has a wonderful surprise ending - loved it. You will not be dissappointed.

I absolutely LOVE this book. Although it does have some sex scenes (which in my opinion are tastefully written, and make the story MUCH better), that doesn't mean that teenagers shouldn't read it. If the kid comes from a super conservative house then maybe not. But if the kid comes from a normal household, then they can totally handle it.

Anyway, the story is wonderfully written. I finished it in one sitting. The ending although bittersweet, and NOT in a bad way.....SPOILER...NO it does not end badly......is absolutely perfect. This love story has to be one of the sweetest things I've ever read!

First off, I have to agree with the reviews that say this novel is beautifully written. The prose flows along, and it was a joy to read in that regard. Also, I have to agree that I found the destructive and oppressive Christian stereotype frustrating. [I recognize that this isn't at all a Christian book, but all of you who get frustrated with statements such as mine need to remember how society shuns racial stereotypes, lesbian stereotypes, etc. Why should Christian stereotypes be disregarded as unimportant? But that's not what I'm here to discuss :)]

Now that I've gotten all of that out of the way, allow me to clarify my first statement: the prose WAS beautifully written, but the plot itself and character development were carelessly executed. The idea of the story intrigued me and I do think it has potential, but I don't understand the characters or their motives at all. Helen fell for James because he was the only one who saw her. No, I don't mean saw her for who she was inside or understood her, but physically saw her. They became obsessed with each other, and even in the last chapter I hadn't seen why each fell for the other. There was no love, just a lusty thirst. They were attracted simply because the other was the only being of their kind existent; I suppose that would make for an interesting thesis for a book, but that wasn't Laura Whitcomb's thesis at all. If she would have drawn out this point, the story may have been coherent. The bottom line is, she did not. Thus I conclude that this story was not at all coherent.

I love reading romance novels, especially ones that make me think. This was not a romance, and it only made me wonder what the author was doing.

I really liked this book, it was fluid, intrigueing, and compelling until the very end. The characters are very realistic, and the plot has just enough twists to be exciting but not overdone.
4.5 out of 5 stars. Better than 4 but... not sure if it's 5.

I agree with other reviewers that this book is a little strong for the younger readers. I'm 28yo and I really enjoyed the book.

It's the love story of 2 souls who wonder the world attaching themselves to living human "hosts" and being their companions. Helen is one of those souls and one day discovers that a human boy can see her and she's intrigued. The bhuman boy is being inhabitated by another soul just like her and they fall in love, then he helps her find a body of her own so they can be together but along the way they put their human hosts in a lot of trouble.

It's a very powerful book and has a very unique story. I was expecting very different things from the characters as I tried to guess what was going to happen as I read but it surpriced me everytime.

I've spent the last week in a lovely stupor while reading this book. The author takes the reader, along with Helen, James, Billy & Jenny, from the lightest gossamer of an idea to feeling the weight of the world (current, past and next) in complicated turns but never loses the simple thread. Amazing. Tagged as "Young Adult" A Certain Slant of Light is absolutely worthy of adult readership...and those who pick it up will ponder how their own form moves through the world and the other souls around them. - Laurel825

This was a really good book, i couldn't put it down! The story line was very unique, i've never read anything quite like it. I loved the author's writing style, she has a way of writing that kept me riveted through the whole book, there was never a dull or slow part. I will say however, that i wouldn't recommend this book for teenagers, in fact, i'm kind of surprised that it is marketed as a ya book. Not only is there some sexual situations and vulgar language, but it just doesn't seem like a book that would appeal to a young adult, the storyline is just too mature. Anyways, if you're an adult age 19 and up and enjoy a good paranormal, dramatic love story, then read this book!

Firstly people need to get over the language and the sex. If you don't want your children seeing this than you need to also take away their televisions and lock them up so that they can't speak to anyone their age. My sister is eleven years old and she hears about sex all the time, you can't blame an author for reflecting the times. It's going to happen. And the religion factor was what it was. Get away from the little things. Your petty. Enjoy the novel.

Although it was a little slow, the novel was beautifully written, once I picked it up I couldn't stop. The plot was completely original, which is uncommon for this day and age. I haven't read a book with this original of a plot in a long time. It was definetly a breath of fresh air. And the love story was amazing. I wouldn't have had anything in this book happen any other way. Bravo.

I cried like a baby at the end of this, but it was amazing. I loved it completely.

This book was very interesting. I liked the author's writing style and the story held so much promise. I was riveted in the beginning but the story lost its fluidity midway. I felt that the characters and the romance between Helen and James were somewhat underdeveloped. It was a good read but I think it could've been better. Hopefully, Laura Whitcomb's sophomore effort will be a much better one.

This book is the story of Helen, a ghost, who falls in love with another ghost within a living body. Overall, a good book. The beggining drags, the end is somewhat strange, but acceptable. I enjoyed this book thoroughly, hopefully there will be other writings by this author.

I really liked this book. It kept my attention all the way through. I will say that the topics in the book were a little mature for some of the younger readers, but as an adult I was not offended or surprised. I would definitly recommend this book to all my friends.

This 'first novel' story of FORGIVENESS, LOVE, HAPPINESS, and HOPE, is inspiring (although a little sketchy) and a very good read for a young heart not interested in cheesy epic love stories.
Being `Light' (ghost) is the absolute worst thing to be, according to Helen. As Apposed to being `Quick' (human) or even just dead.
Helen is Light, stuck for one hundred and thirty years, as a wandering soul clinging to her each host (human) until they pass, as... well nothing, unable to remember anything about her past. Wondering why God left her behind.
This story is about how Helen meets one like herself and realizes that it wasn't God that needed to forgive her, but in fact herself that was needed to forgive her.

Just an ordinary day for a Light. Hovering above her beloved host, who hadn't the slightest inclination of her existence, in his English class, when one of the student looked her dead in the eye. She thought at first she had imagined it because no one could have possibly seen her... she was dead. But the next day he looked again, this time even smiled. His name was Billy Blake, at least that was what was believed. In fact, his name was James. A Light like Helen who had taken over the empty body of Billy.
And the story begins!!! The twisted fate of love, fear, and suspense takes these to characters for the ride of their afterlife time. Involving Helen taking on a body of her own, falling in love with James, realizing the consequences of interfering on the life of a Quick, and forgiving herself.


AN AWESOME FIRST NOVEL FOR WHITCOMB AND AN AWESOME READ FOR YOUNG ADULTS (PG-13) OR JUST THE YOUNG HEARTED ADULT !!!

A wonderful book with lyrical, poetic prose. I'm not sure that I'd give it to a young adult (perhaps 17/18 and older), but I thought it was beautiful and creative.

I really loved this book. It's romantic, w/o being mushy or too naughty, it's got the paranormal slant on it, and I really just all around loved it. I also really liked the mystery secret of her curse. I thought it was a really wonderful book.

Helen's ghost has haunted different "hosts" for well over 150 years. Since she loves to read, she is especially attracted to the poetic or literary types --- at this moment in time she is haunting Mr. Brown, a high school English teacher who aspires one day to become a writer. She lingers as near as possible, reading over his shoulder, giving him gentle hints with his writing and enjoying his classroom life. Sometimes she grows a little jealous of his other life --- the one he has with his new wife. Sometimes she grows weary that she never seems to pass on as other spirits have done. Helen is herself haunted. A deep grieving guilt holds her:

I couldn't remember my sin, but I knew it was deep. My banishment from heaven was proof of it.

There is a quiet sameness in her life, but all of this changes one day when she realizes that someone can actually see her. Billy, one of Mr. Brown's students, looks right at her. She is both frightened and thrilled. It turns out that the body of Billy has become the host for the ghost of a man named James. In Helen's world, spirits are known as Lights and living beings are Quicks. Thus an astounding journey of four lost souls begins: Billy, Jenny, James and Helen.

The Quick:
Billy --- Drugged out most of the time and trying never to think of the horrible night his drunken father attacked his mother, teenage Billy has lost hope. His emptiness drives him to attempt suicide, and it is then that he becomes the "host" for a young man killed during World War I.

Jenny --- Her parents keep her under strict supervision. Her father rules over her and her mother through his fanatically desperate religion. Jenny has given up trying to read anything other than her bible. She is empty and eventually becomes the "host" for Helen.

The Light:
James --- A soldier during World War I, James sees his friend killed. He has no time to recover from this shock and horror before he is shot. The pain and guilt of those last moments have kept him from moving on in the spirit world. Now he has found Billy and through Billy has found Helen.

Helen --- Only pieces of her life drift back to her from so long ago. She feels a fear of water and remembers something about a dear child. When James finds her and begins to fall in love, he helps her move into the body of Jenny. Now she must fight for Jenny, for James, for a lost child, and for herself...

The relationship between Helen and James is romantic and intense. As they explore who they are in their physical forms, they bring new dimensions to their living hosts, Billy and Jenny. Discovering their pasts, confronting their fears and accepting their fates, they all learn from each other. From the depths of four desperate beings love binds them and eventually releases them to their freedoms.

With some of its complex themes and sexual tensions, A CERTAIN SLANT OF LIGHT is definitely better-suited for high schoolers and adults. Laura Whitcomb has told an intriguing and highly imaginative story. From its beautifully rendered cover art to its sweeping end, this is a book that will haunt you long after you close the final page.

--- Reviewed by Sally M. Tibbetts

This book was a gift from my boyfriend who had recalled that I had commented on the 'interesting title' when we were leaving a book store the day before. The title was not a red herring in the least as the entire book was increadably amazing. The characters are wonderfully crafted, the guilt and love of those characters are exposed in a highly entertaining fashion which does not allow you to simply put the book down at the end of a chapter and sleep... this is a book to be read from cover to cover... and then re-read.

"The pain, once I was dead, was very memorable. I was deep inside the cold, smothering belly of a grave when my first haunting began. I heard her voice in the darkness reading Keats, 'Ode to a Nightingale.' Icy water was burning down my throat, splintering my ribs, and my ears were filled with a sound like a demon howling, but I could hear her voice and reached for her. One desperate hand burst from the flood and caught the hem of her gown. I dragged myself, hand over hand, out of the earth and quaked at her feet, clutching her skirts, weeping muddy tears. All I knew was that I had been tortured in the blackness, and then I had escaped. Perhaps I hadn't reached the brightness of heaven, but at least I was here, in her lamplight, safe."

It was more than 150 years ago when the dead woman's tortured spirit became a "prisoner on leave from the dungeon." Helen can not be seen, nor heard, nor felt, although her emotions can occasionally send "a ripple into the tangible world." During those years, Helen has cleaved to a series of unwitting hosts, learned through trial and error the rules by which she must abide in order to prevent a return to her hell, and has periodically chosen another acceptable and convenient person to haunt (preferably one with some tie to literature, which she so loves) for when her current host grows old and dies.

The latest of Helen's hosts is an English teacher, Mr. Brown, and it is in his classroom that it happens:

"Someone was looking at me, a disturbing sensation if you're dead. I was with my teacher, Mr. Brown. As usual, we were in our classroom, that safe and wooden-walled box--the windows opening onto the grassy field to the west, the fading flag standing in the chalk dust corner, the television mounted above the bulletin board like a sleeping eye, and Mr. Brown's princely table keeping watch over a regiment of student desks. At that moment I was scribbling invisible comments in the margins of a paper left in Mr. Brown's tray, though my words were never read by the students. Sometimes Mr. Brown quoted me, all the same, while writing his own comments. Perhaps I couldn't tickle the inside of his ear, but I could reach the mysterious curves of his mind.
"Although I could not feel paper between my fingers, smell ink, or taste the tip of a pencil, I could see and hear the world with all the clarity of the Living. They, on the other hand, did not see me as a shadow or a floating vapor. To the Quick, I was empty air. "Or so I thought. As an apathetic girl read aloud from Nicholas Nickleby, as Mr. Brown began to daydream about how he had kept his wife awake the night before, as my spectral pen hovered over a misspelled word, I felt someone watching me. Not even my beloved Mr. Brown could see me with his eyes. I had been dead so long, hovering at the side of my hosts, seeing and hearing the world but never being heard by anyone and never, in all these long years, never being seen by human eyes. I held stone still while the room folded in around me like a closing hand. When I looked up, it was not in fear but in wonder. My vision telescoped so that there was only a small hole in the darkness to see through. And that's where I found it, the face that was turned up to me.
"Like a child playing at hide and seek, I did not move, in case I had been mistaken about being spotted. And childishly I felt both the desire to stay hidden and a thrill of anticipation about being caught. For this face, turned squarely to me, had eyes set directly on mind."

So begins the teenage love story of the year, and a supernatural one at that.

The young man who can see and hear Helen is Billy Blake, a human whose body has been taken over by a ghost named James at the moment its drug-addled teen owner checked out.

The two main difficulties facing Helen and James are:

Can Helen get a body of her own?

What happens when you suddenly become a troubled teenager but are not familiar with those thousands of details about the life you've supposedly been living.

Here this scenario takes on a whole different dimension from THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER.

Alternating between sensual, gritty, dark, delightful, and frightening; between atmospheric fantasy and down-and dirty contemporary YA realism, A CERTAIN SLANT OF LIGHT is absolutely awash in literary quality and an award winner waiting to happen.

You'll be seeing this one on my Best of 2005 list later this year.