The Ghosts of Normal

by Allison Burnett

Nine-year-old Max Beatty is still struggling with the recent death of his father. One day after school, he follows an injured dog into a condemned house, ravaged by fire. To Max’s amazement, he finds himself inside a beautiful home, inhabited by a loving family from the 1930s. Max’s interactions with the family will change not only his life, but those of everyone around him, both living and dead. Part ghost story, part coming-of-age thriller, The Ghosts of Normal follows Max’s struggle to separate fantasy from reality, long enough to bring a killer to justice.

136 pages, Paperback

First published November 9, 2020

About the author

Allison Burnett grew up in Evanston, Illinois, the son of a clinical psychologist and a Northwestern University professor. After graduating from Northwestern, he was a fellow of the Lila Acheson Wallace Playwriting Program at the Juilliard School.

His novels include Christopher (a finalist for the 2004 PEN Center USA Literary Award), The House Beautiful, Undiscovered Gyrl, Death By Sunshine, the Escape of Malcolm Poe, Another Girl, the Ghosts of Normal, and The Last Girl Podcast.

Allison adapted Undiscovered Gyrl for the screen and directed the film, entitled Ask Me Anything, starring Britt Robertson, Martin Sheen, Justin Long, and Christian Slater.

Allison also wrote and directed the sequel, Another Girl, starring Sammi Hanratty.

Allison's latest novel is The Last Girl Podcast. While it stands alone as a thriller, it marks the completion of the Katie Kampenfelt Trilogy.

His essays, stories, book reviews, and poetry have appeared on various websites and in multiple publications.

Allison's screenwriting credits include Autumn in New York, Red Meat, Untraceable, Resurrecting the Champ, Feast of Love, Underworld Awakening, and Gone.

Reviews

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This haunting tale is appropriate for all ages, even though it concerns a young boy. By turns, chilling, poignant, and horrifying, The Ghosts of Normal is a one-sitting read both because it's short (but dense with meaning and depth) and because it's so gripping. I read it as a bit of a parable for the troubled times we currently live in. Highly recommended.

[Jax · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spoiled by a cartoonishly awful stepfather. Hard to believe the mom would’ve married him.

[Mattine · Rating 5 out of 5]

We were gifted this book by my brother who is friends with Allison. What a book! The book is about Max who has lost his father and has not spoken since his death. Max has moved to a new town and is trying to fit in at school. He follows a hurt puppy to an abandoned home. What transpires within the home he visits will have you on the edge of your seat!