Welcome back to our Bestie Book Club—a community for book lovers from Girls’ Life magazine.
If you’re new here, hello and welcome! Here’s how this works: Each month, we read, discuss and obsess over a new book. If you haven’t already, be sure to follow us on TikTok and Instagram for Bestie Book Club updates, fun reading challenges, amaze giveaways and so much more!
It may be summer vacay, but we’re in the mood for a ghoulish ghost story when we’re sitting around the campfire. Blankets, s’mores and spooks are giving sleepaway camp goals, right? But after a night of swapping tales, ghosts are hitting a little too close to home for Karen and her younger stepsister Kristy—like in-the-attic-of-the-house close.
So when Karen and Kristy learn that their ghost—aka Old Ben Brewer—is planning on throwing a party in their attic on Halloween night, they realize that having a ghost around may cause more trouble than they thought.
We sat down with our Book Besties to get the scoop on Karen’s Ghost—and snag their advice on a seriously spooky sitch: Getting ghosted IRL.
Hey, Besties! How are you similar to Karen?
“She has such a big imagination and gets excited about all things spooky, just like me. I’d be the one convincing my friends there’s a ghost in the attic, too!” —Mia Belle P.
“She’s brave and sticks to her gut, and I love that.” —Henley M.
“I’m actually totally different! You won’t find me searching for a ghost in a haunted house. I’ll go grab snacks instead.” —Makenzie F.
Whether you love hanging with your whole crew or just count on that one bestie who totally gets you, we know the fear when the group chat goes quiet or the weekend plans fall through. But how can you tell if your friend is full-on ghosting—or just buried under other obligations?
“Once, a friend just stopped texting and didn’t answer my messages for a long time,” says GL Book Bestie Mia Belle P. “It made me feel kind of invisible. I kept wondering what I did wrong, even though I probably didn’t do anything at all.”
BRB, TTYL? 💕
We’re here to put your mind at ease. While these sign off messages may seem like the convo’s hitting a dead end, take them simply as your bsf letting you know they are busy and they’ll update you soon.
Seeing Read 🛑
Being haunted by read receipts? We know the feeling. One minute you’re sending memes that have you LOLing, and the next…crickets. Maybe they’re stuck late at softball practice or babysitting their little sis, but it never hurts to send a DM checking up—especially if it’s been a few days. “You never know what might be going on in their life,” explains GL Book Bestie Kalia M. “Maybe they need positive thoughts or a sweet message from a friend—even if they don’t respond right away.”
FOMO mode 👻
You’re caught in a doomscroll but instead of seeing silly cat memes, you spy your besties hanging without you. We get it: That is not a fun feeling. It’s good to remember that sometimes friends will naturally spend more time together (like, if they’re on the same tennis team, don’t be surprised if they grab tacos after a match). But if you find yourself being left out again and again, bring it up honestly—without placing blame. You can start with: “Sometimes I feel left out when you guys hang out without me. Is there a reason I’m not invited? I really value our friendship and just want to understand where you’re coming from.”
“Friends sometimes grow apart with age or new hobbies,” explains GL Book Bestie Makenzie F. “It’s not OK to be ghosted, but it’s not the end of what you have to offer as a friend. You’ll make new (and nicer) friends and have lots more fun.”
Take a chance and strike up a convo with your super sweet new neighbor or make plans to hang out with other friends—anyone who deserves all of your positive energy.
Hey, Besties! Who’s your fave cartoon ghost?
“Casper! I don’t like ghosts when they can pop out and scare you.” —Makenzie F.
“Definitely Moaning Myrtle. She’s super dramatic but also kind of funny. I love how she just appears out of nowhere and causes chaos.” —Mia Belle P.
“Danny Phantom! Cool, kind and totally mysterious.” —Henley M.
So your bestie’s been off-grid and you’re entering panic mode? We don’t need to call in the Ghostbusters just yet. Instead, pick up the phone and check in with a call (or text). Let them know you’ve been worried something is off between you two and you’re always here to talk.
It might feel tricky to send *another* follow-up text, but we can confidently say that communicating what you’re feeling (and making sure they aren’t holding back their feels either) is going to feel so much better than letting a sticky sitch slip by unsolved.
“Sometimes, not knowing why someone pulls away is harder than the actual “ghosting,” adds GL Book Bestie Henley M. “It feels confusing and kind of sad—just like Karen felt when she thought she was all alone in believing something spooky was going on.”
Hey Boo!
We’re ditching ghoulish tricks (Yes, Old Ben Brewer, we’re talking about you) and sending heartfelt treats in true Kristy and Karen spirit.
💕 Who doesn’t love a good care package? Fill a cute tote bag with your besties fave sweet and salty treats, a handwritten note and a cute candle to show you’re here for them.
💕 “I actually have a big group of long-distance friends and they are the nicest people ever,” says GL Book Bestie Maddy J. “I love how easy it can be for us to stay connected. I’m always calling them and playing video games together!”
💕 Send a voice memo. Tell a funny story, share your dating drama or keep it simple like “Hey, we should hang out.” Your voice may take their mind off whatever’s bothering them, even if it’s just for a few seconds.
Hey, Besties! Have you started planning your Halloween costume yet?
“I’m thinking a spooky ballerina with creepy cool stage makeup. I have a whole Pinterest board!” —Mia Belle P.
“Reading Karen’s Ghost got me inspired! I’m thinking something fun but spooky—maybe a friendly ghost or a classic witch.” —Henley M.
“I always wait until the last minute!” —Maddy J.
Between a busy summer social calendar *and* running your own babysitting service, we know life can be busy, which is why we’re prioritizing scheduled hangouts (yep, time to pull out the Google cal). Craving a bubble tea and chocolate croissant from the café across town? Invite your bestie to go with. Dying to see the sequel to your fave movie at the theater? Call up a movie buddy to join you. Sitting down with your summer reading? Plan a library date with the girl from last year’s English class—she always has the best book analysis skills.
Take it from Karen, whether you’re facing off with a mischievous ghost in your dad’s attic or just braving the ups and downs of summer vacay, having your bestie by your side makes everything a bit less spooky.
Want to get involved with our Bestie Book Club? Here’s how…
+ SOLO. Snag your copy of Karen’s Ghost and get ready to be *seriously* inspired.
+ ON SOCIAL MEDIA. Connect with us @glbestiebookclub and find your fellow book nerds from all over. Hello, instant community.
+ WITH YOUR SQUAD. Gather the gang for some much-needed girl time! Pack PJs, blankets and pillows and host a cozy reading night (and discuss your fave parts of Karen’s Ghost over dessert).
