Book Review: Dying to Meet You by Kate Klise

Dying to Meet You
by Kate Klise
43 Old Cemetery Road

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
ISBN-10: 0-15-205727-7
ISBN-13: 978-0-15-205727-5
Publication Date: September, 2010
List Price: $5.99

Review: Dear Readers:

I'm writing to inform you about the wonderful book, Dying to Meet You , by Kate Klise - a must read for readers of all ages!

A creepy old Victorian mansion located on 43 Old Cemetery Road, is open to rent for the summer. It's quiet and far away from any schools, or parks, where children gather, so Ignatius B. Grumply thinks it will be the BEST place to write the 13th book in his series. I. B. Grumply finds out instead that it's the worst place to finish writing his book. Why? 11 year old, Seymour Hope is living on the 3rd floor, and Ignatius is required to care for him until the end of summer! Once Seymour starts getting on Ignatius' nerves, Seymour tells Ignatius about the ghost, Olive, who is currently living in the cupola! Ignatius is just so stressed between this ghost messing with his head, taking care of Seymour, and writing his 13th book in time! What will happen to Ignatius B. Grumply? Will he go crazy under all the stress and pressure?

Ignatius B. Grumplys troubles start when he writes a note to Anita Sale, stating that he would like to rent a house out for the summer. Anita is thrilled to rent a house out the famous writer who is trying to complete his last book! She sends a brochure and the next day he replies back, "I shall move into the house of Old Cemetery Road this weekend." Anita warns him that with that house contains a responsibility, [Seymour Hope]. Ignatius is so stubborn; he just ignores her and carries out his plan to move in that weekend. Anita receives a message from I. B., saying that something must be done immediately! "There is an 11 year old boy and his cat living on the 3rd floor, they must be removed immediately!" But I.B.s lawyer, E. Gadds had signed a contract stating that Ignatius MUST care for Seymour. Ignatius feels trapped. He continues living in the house, only contacting Seymour through a serious of notes. One day, a couple weeks into his stay, he hears the piano. He angrily writes a note to Seymour demanding he stop it. "It's Olive." That's exactly what he says. What's an Olive? He's thinking? More like, who is Olive? Seymour tries to explain that Olive is his best friend; that it's a ghost. Ignatius is not convinced, so it takes some time for Seymour and Olive to get him convinced. How does Ignatius react once he realizes Seymour is telling the truth?

Dying to Meet You is fantastic! There are surprises on every page, and the feeling of Seymour getting a family, and of Ignatius learning to love somebody and trust somebody is priceless! This book helps people learn about the advantages to having a family and helping one another out. It is an easy and interesting way to keep the story alive. What I like about Ignatius is he is stubborn. It is entertaining to see him childishly bickering with an 11 year old. It also has a smooth and not so drastic movement from one period to the next. It shows the bond between Seymour, Ignatius and Olive getting closer, growing apart, and reuniting again. I also like how Seymour never gives up. He keeps it his way and is very persistent and always tells the truth. The actions the characters in this book make bring the story, settings and plots to life. It is almost like watching a movie in my head. Even though Olive C. Spence is a ghost that you cannot see, she plays a huge role in the story… bringing Seymour, herself and Ignatius closer. I like the way at the end everything falls into place and everything connects and the story ends with everyone happy and satisfied.

Sincerely Yours- Samantha

Review written by Samantha (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Dying to Meet You for this review.

Have you read Dying to Meet You? How would you rate it?