July 1 - 21, 2018—GHOST—Jason Reynolds (Track Series—Book 1 of 4)

[Lavan, moderator]

The winner for our first book series is Track by Jason Reynolds.
Ghost is the first book in the series.



To all who voted—thank you!
To everyone—I hope you'll participate and read this selection for our book club.
For those who do—share your thoughts as you read, please!

Spoilers are allowed; add a considerate warning if your comment includes any so members have the option to skip.

I will begin reading this July 1st. I look forward to following this discussion!

[Lavan, moderator]

To everyone—feel free to begin reading it early, if you'd like, and start the discussion at your leisure.

Some info on this novel and author:
Jason Reynolds was born December 6, 1983 in Washington, D.C. and grew up in Oxon Hill, Maryland.
He now lives in Washington, D.C. and is 34 years old.
Ghost was first published in 2016.
genre: young adult
GoodReads rating: 4.22—84% gave it 4 or 5 stars

[Lavan, moderator]

I purchased the ebook for $7.99 yesterday. It's 111 pages. It should be easy to finish both this and Siddhartha by July 31st as they're both shorter novels.
I'm reading two other books at the moment, so I'll be reading four at once but I'm up to the challenge! I'd like to finish all four by the end of the month.
I've never read anything by Jason Reynolds and I rarely read young adult these days, but the description is intriguing!

I will begin this tomorrow, as I'm starting my reread of Siddhartha today.

[Andrew, moderator]

I was on the ebook wait list for Ghost at my library, but I'm still at #5 after two weeks, so I gave up and ordered a copy from Amazon. So I should be able to start it later this week.

[Lavan, moderator]

Andrew—I'm glad you'll be reading this list book soon!

This is the first ebook I've downloaded onto my GlowLight 3. I'll need to acclimate to a new device. I've been stubbornly reading my existing e-library on my Nook 1st edition, but I can no longer download new ebooks to it as of June 29th. So far I've noticed that it's considerably lighter, which is a definite plus. Hopefully, there's more to appreciate.

[Lavan, moderator]

I'm on page 60, at 54%. I started it yesterday and have read it for a total of two hours and am already more than halfway done, so it's possible for someone to read this book in its entirety in less than four hours if they so desired.
I have such a good first impression of this novel! Although it's young adult, aimed at adolescents, I adore this story! What I'm most impressed with is Reynolds' ability to personify a male youth in first person narrative so convincingly. The jargon is spot-on. I have absolutely nothing critical to say about this selection. If it continues in this fashion, it'll receive five stars from me!

[Tasha]

That sounds wonderful. I have a hold on it at the library so I'm hoping to get a chance to read it as well.

[Lavan, moderator]

Tasha wrote: "That sounds wonderful. I have a hold on it at the library so I'm hoping to get a chance to read it as well."

Are you on a waiting list?
I hope you'll have a copy to read before long, Tasha!

[Tasha]

It seems so. I thought it would be ready right away. I think it might be on a summer reading list for the schools so that might explain the delay.

[Tasha]

I just checked my account and I see it's actually available. I'll pick it up today but have a couple other books to get through first. Hopefully by next week I'll be able to get started.

[Lavan, moderator]

Tasha wrote: "I just checked my account and I see it's actually available. I'll pick it up today but have a couple other books to get through first. Hopefully by next week I'll be able to get started."

Glad to hear that, Tasha!

I'm at 79% with 23 pages left. I'll probably finish it tonight!

[Tasha]

I'm not sure if I'll continue. Which book of this series is listed on GAR? I think I should at least read that one. :)

[Bethany]

Ghost is the book listed on GAR. The full series isn't out yet, I believe--it is very new. I believe Reynolds is writing a book for each of the new members of the track team.
I've read Ghost and Patina; I wasn't aware Sunny was out yet, but I'll be picking it up soon.
I have only started reading Jason Reynolds' books in the last year, but I'm already hooked. He is incredibly talented at writing characters that remind you of people you know, as well as tackling issues that are affecting teenagers today, particularly children of color, which is definitely an area that is in high demand.
I will admit that I was surprised to see Ghost on this list, as the book only came out a few years ago. I will say that the book (along with others of Reynolds' works) has been featured on many teaching blogs I've seen as recommended for reluctant readers. It is also featured on ProjectLit and Weneeddiversebooks.org.
For a "young" book, it's gaining quite a following!

[Tasha]

Thanks for that info! :)

[Lavan, moderator]

Lu—Track #4 is available for pre-order and scheduled for release October 23rd (the same day as PBS's Grand Finale episode). Since our group will have read the first three books in the series already, I'll be sure to add the fourth to our group reads after publication.

Thank you for sharing, Bethany!
I'd never heard of Jason Reynolds or his works until The Great American Read. I'm glad I was introduced to his Track series. I share your enthusiasm and couldn't agree more about the quality of Reynolds' writing.

I finished reading Ghost late last night. This book nearly received five stars from me. It barely missed the mark. (view spoiler)[The only problem I had was with one part of the story—the fact that neither Coach nor Ghost tells Ghost's mother that he stole the running shoes. I think this sends a bad message to kids.
Coach is a central role model for Ghost and as such he has a responsibility to teach by example. I think his decision to keep this from Ghost's mother is wrong, as he's not his legal guardian. If I were Ghost's parent I would be livid with the Coach once I found out and I would not feel as though I could trust him. Parents should feel as though they can trust those who supervise their children. (hide spoiler)]

Having said that, I still think this is a fantastic book and I'm looking forward to Patina. I'll begin reading it July 22nd.

[Andrew, moderator]

I started this book last night and finished it today. I posted a short review here. It's pretty good, and it's a quick read, though I'm clearly not in the target demographic for this one.

I'm still in line for Patina (book 2) at my library, but I got to the head of the line for Sunny (book 3), so I'm tempted to read that one first. Not sure if that's a good idea or not though.

[Bethany]

Andrew, I don't think you need to read them in order. Patina is mostly separate from Ghost, with the exception of them being on the same team.

[Lavan, moderator]

Andrew—thank you for sharing your thoughts and for linking your review!

I'm glad you clarified that this series can be read out of order, Bethany, because other members may have the same question as Andrew.

[Toni]

This is one of 13 I have to get through inter library loan, so I have no idea how long it will take to get it. Im just trying to get Ghost first, but looking forward to reading it!

[Lavan, moderator]

Toni wrote: "This is one of 13 I have to get through inter library loan, so I have no idea how long it will take to get it. Im just trying to get Ghost first, but looking forward to reading it!"

No worries, Toni! Group read discussions remain open after their scheduled time frames. Members are welcome to add their thoughts at anytime.
I'm curious if you'll rate it as highly as Andrew, Bethany, and I have!

[Toni]

So excited-my copy of GHOST came today through inter library loan! Y’all may not understand, Where I live the library isn’t even open every day of the week.

[Tasha]

That's great!

[Lavan, moderator]

Toni wrote: "So excited-my copy of GHOST came today through inter library loan! Y’all may not understand, Where I live the library isn’t even open every day of the week."

Fantastic, I'm looking forward to your thoughts Toni!

[Laurie]

Got it, read it, not one of my favorites. The characters do have an authentic feel to them and I may feel better as I read the rest and get up close to each main character

[Toni]

I thought it was a good book by a really good author, but I do have a problem calling it one of 100 Great American.

[Lavan, moderator]

Laurie—I'm glad that you were able to get a copy of Ghost. I know you're having difficulties getting books from The Great American Read list from your library. I hope that becomes easier for you and others whom are having the same problem.
I'm pleased you'll be continuing with the Track series!

I'm happy you enjoyed this selection, Toni!

[Laurie]

I have learned that some books are easier to get as ebooks and this is making my access to some books on the list much easier...just finished Patina and now am on to Sunny! Glad I can use my phone to get the book and then read it on my older kindle...reading on an iPhone is just silly!!

[Tasha]

That's awesome. :) I love library ebooks too although sometimes the wait is way too long.

[Lavan, moderator]

Laurie wrote: "I have learned that some books are easier to get as ebooks and this is making my access to some books on the list much easier...just finished Patina and now am on to Sunny! Glad I can use my phone ..."

I'm happy to hear that, Laurie!
Between Ghost and Patina, did you like one more?
I'm starting Patina tomorrow.

[Laurie]

Lavan, I liked Patina better. Her character came to life for me. The writer builds the storyline but still allows each main character to shine. You can appreciate how young people experience life from such different perspectives based on their unique personal trials and tribulations. I wish every community had someone like Coach! The world would be such a better place!

[Lavan, moderator]

Laurie wrote: "Lavan, I liked Patina better. Her character came to life for me. The writer builds the storyline but still allows each main character to shine. You can appreciate how young people experience life f..."

I wonder if I'll feel the same. I'll find out soon.
Thank you for sharing, Laurie!
I agree with you about Coach. His heart is in the right place, that's for sure.

[Bridget]

I love the way Jason Reynolds writes, and I really enjoyed reading Ghost, the story just tugs at your heart.