Ghosts I Have Been

This YA book had me laughing right out loud. It is the second in the Blossom Culp series. I recently read The Ghost Belonged To Me and Stasia recommended that I follow up with this one.

Superficially it appears that there is nothing in depth re. Richard Peck's books, but in reality, his keen wit and ability of portraying hypocritical high society in 1913 contrasted with down to earth plain folk eking out a living is excellently handled.

Blossom Culp is born on the wrong side of the tracks. Her mother is an odd character who possesses sixth sense. 14 year old Blossom has inherited this trait.

Blossom latches on to an eccentric older woman whom the town society folk deem loony. Teaming with her school mate Alexander, and "crazy as a coot" show more Miss Dabney, Blossom uses her paranormal ability to advantage in every way she can with a great deal of panache and incredible spunkiness.

If you are stressed and want a laugh out loud chuckle, this is a great book of balm for a weary soul. Peck has a quick turn of phrase, images that delight while beautifully blending drama and comedy.

Recommended. show less

Blossom Culp is a girl from the wrong side of the tracks growing up in a shack with a fortune telling mama. Having nothing has become customary to Blossom but she knows how to make her own fun. Like freaking out the local hoodlums on their outhouse tipping binge on Halloween night. Blossom never figured she had any talents like her mother, who was possessed of second sight, or her next door neighbor and ex-friend, Alexander Armsworth, who could see ghosts. It turns out she was wrong though and soon Blossom's newly realized second sight leads her on an adventure to put to rest the spirit of a young boy who died when the Titanic sank.

I had not realized when I requested this book that it was first published in 1977, when I was only 7 years show more old. I think I would have loved the book back then, had I read it, and I really enjoyed it now. Although it is rather an older book, since it is set in the early 1900s it doesn't feel dated. The description Blossom gives when she experiences the sinking of the Titanic with an ill fated ghost felt very realistic and quite riviting. I think that this book would make a great story for students in middle school and slightly younger. show less

This book is a great story about a teenage girl named Blossom Culp. She is clever and quirky but doesn’t get along with everyone. One day she tells some girls she has the “second sight” which at the time was not true. Only later after a tragedy does she encounter her “second sight” and this brings us into her sights of historical events, like sinking of the Titanic. This book is wonderful to read especially for young girls and has a lot of humor mixed with excitement.

I really loved this book as a kid. I actually had misplaced it and went into a frenzy trying to find it. I was elated to find it for sale on Amazon for a penny! This book is exciting and kids can really relate to the character. I was really surprised it had so show more few reviews on here.

In a classroom, this book would be a great book for kids to read. I would have the whole class read it. Along with the reading I would introduce a history lesson on the Titanic and discuss the current events of that time frame. show less

In the first book of the series (The Ghost Belonged to Me), the narrator is Alexander Armsworth and he tells the story of his seeing a ghost and how he puts it to rest with the help of Blossom Culp. In this book, the voice has changed to that of Blossom Culp. I liked Alexander's voice better. Blossom has her quirks and she's likeable, but I like Alexander.

Never judge a book by its cover. This novel is more than it appears. There is a lot of humor in this novel. The heroine is strong and smart. She is likable and relatable to both boys and girls. It is a very good trip through history and it is thrilling enough to hold the attention of young readers. This is an enjoyable story and an interesting read.

This is one of my all time favorite books. Blossom just draws you in to her world and you never want to leave. Sure wish there were more books with her in them than just 5

Peck, Richard. Ghosts I Have Been. 2003.

Fourteen year old Blossom Culp was born into poverty and is looked down upon by her peers until discovering she has "the Second Sight." With her "Second Sight" ability she "sees" a young boy drown on the Titanic which brings fame and exciting travels.

This is an entertaining work of paranormal historical fiction with Blossom and Alexander as the main characters. It was interesting to read Blossom's point of view towards the society's standards and classes, she was never ashamed of where she came from and did not let other people make her feel badly of her impoverished origins.

Awards:
ALA Best Books for Young Adults