THE SAD GHOST CLUB Volume 2 by Lize Meddings

 

Ever felt anxious or alone? Like you don't belong anywhere? Like you're almost... invisible? Find your kindred spirits at The Sad Ghost Club. (You are not alone. Shhh. Pass it on.)

When two strangers meet at a party and realise they both feel different from everyone else there, they start the The Sad Ghost Club - a secret society for the anxious and alone, a club for people who think they don't belong. 

But when a third ghost wants to join the club, things get a bit more complicated. Can the two ghosts overcome their insecurities and uncertainties in their new friendship, and find a way to welcome new members to the club?

At the beginning of this year I read a lovely book called, The Sad Ghost Club, about someone who was so lonely they were pretty much a ghost. And I just read the next installment in one sitting.

Sam and Socks met at a party neither would usually go to. They're so alike they decide to start a club for shy, lonely and anxious people just like them. So, they put up posters and hope someone will respond. But when someone does, new complications arise... 

Loved this! Like the first book, this is another lovely but very melancholy graphic novel. The story follows a new friendship between two lonely and very insecure people who find themselves falling into familiar cycles of anxiety and uncertainty almost instantly. The black and white illustrations enhance the essence of what's happening in every frame, on every page.

It was hard to watch Socks slide back into her insecurities and become exhausted by the effort getting to know anyone entails. It was nice to see Sam getting more confident and excited, but then lose himself in the prospect of more while almost forgetting what he just found. And it was nice meeting Rue, but sad to see her suffering too.

I really like how this series deals with these dark and consuming issues with so much care and attention. Magnifying the smallest of concerns to the point of exhaustion is how both Sam and Socks deal with life daily, hourly even. Learning to navigate these issues together makes them stronger and able to help others, even though it's a constant struggle. And I can definitely understand that.

The Sad Ghost Club, Volume 2 is a moving tale about what it feels like to be seen by someone after being invisible for so long. Sometimes, slipping back into unhealthy habits is a lot easier than daring to take the necessary steps to forge new friendships and this book captures all of those confused, erratic and fearful thoughts perfectly. 

Also, I still think that using ghosts to represent this state of mind is perfect. And the message was sweet too. 

Thank you so much, Hachette Australia for sending me a copy.

The Sad Ghost Club, Volume 2, January 2022, ISBN 9781444957549, Hodder Children's Books