National Love People Day is the last day of September. Of course, I interpret this day in a magical, romantic sense; therefore, I wanted to end this month with a book review for the romance enthusiasts, like myself, on campus. 

“The Dead Romantics” by Ashley Poston, a New York Times Bestseller, is a romantic comedy read that will cause even the cynical romantics to giggle in anticipation of a hopeful and dreamy romance. The magical romance makes for the perfect cozy fall read with its magical realism, paranormal elements and heavy themes involving grief and the celebration of life and love.

Florence Day is a ghostwriter with the special ability to talk to ghosts, who no longer believes in romance due to heartbreak. However, she meets Benji Andor, who turns out to be a ghost, and one of my favorite fictional hopeless romantics. 

I fell in love with how this novel made me feel hopeful for the complex character developments. The way that Poston wrote made it feel as if readers have known these characters because of how relatable they are. I also loved Florence’s family dynamic. Her family is definitely on the weird side, but there is something quirky about this family that keeps you invested. 

This book might just be my favorite read of 2024. After chapter six, I knew this book would change my life because I felt close to the female main character. Florence and I are so similar in personality, the way we think and our responses to unfamiliar feelings, especially grief. Reading this novel forced me to face feelings of grief that were seven years past due. 

My favorite, and what I consider the most realistic statement Florence made in the book, is “Love wasn’t a whisper in the quiet night. It was a yelp into the void, screaming that you were here.” That line explains exactly how it feels to experience heartbreak and the grief of a loved one. 

Although this novel is a romance with Benji and Florence’s paranormal love story, it’s also a novel about accepting and experiencing grief. 

If you’re interested in this novel but don’t have the time to read a physical copy, “The Dead Romantics” is also available on Audible. 

Make sure to spread love today, and happy reading! 

Commentary Writer Tazha Mattingly can be reached at [email protected].