Love, Ghosts and Nose Hair
Love And Other Stuff Series
on Goodreads (99)
What’s inside...
Love, Ghosts & Nose Hair is a novel by Steven Herrick that is written in a series of poetic vignettes. It follows the story of a teenager named Jack and his experiences with love, grief, and growing up. After the death of his mother, Jack grapples with his loss while also navigating the complexities of high school life, including his relationship with his girlfriend, Annabel. The book explores themes of love, family, and the haunting presence of those we have lost. Herrick's use of poetry allows for a unique and poignant exploration of adolescent life and the emotions that come with it. A special reissue of a bestselling Australian classic from award-winning author Steven Herrick.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-16
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Jack
Annabel
Desiree
Jack'S Father
Discussion points
How do you think Jack feels about the loss of his mother and how does it affect his relationships with others in the story?
What role do you think poetry plays in expressing the characters' feelings throughout the book?
Can you relate to any of the characters' experiences with love or loss? What would you have done similarly or differently?
Why do you think the author chose to mix elements of humor and seriousness in the story? How does this affect your understanding of the characters?
How do the themes of love and ghosts influence the development of the plot and the characters?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on the book’s themes and characters to encourage an open dialogue.
Ask your child how the story relates to their own life experiences, which can help deepen their understanding and connection to the book.
Encourage your child to think about the symbolism in the book, such as what the ghosts might represent in the larger context of dealing with loss and moving forward.
Discuss the humorous elements within the book and how humor can be a way to cope with difficult situations, leading to a conversation about personal coping mechanisms.
Highlight the emotional and poetic passages and encourage your child to think about or even write their own poem expressing their feelings, mirroring the characters' use of poetry.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Dealing with grief and loss
Explanation: The protagonist, Jack, navigates through the complexities of losing loved ones, exploring emotions and coping mechanisms.
Real-World Application: Children learn to understand and articulate their feelings regarding loss, fostering emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Importance of family and support systems
Explanation: Throughout the book, Jack’s close bond with his family highlights the strength and comfort that family provides during difficult times.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to appreciate and rely on their family and friends for support when facing challenges.
Example Lesson: Expression through poetry and creativity
Explanation: Jack uses poetry to express his feelings and thoughts in the book, showcasing the therapeutic power of creative expression.
Real-World Application: This lesson motivates children to explore creative outlets like writing, painting, or music to express their emotions and thoughts constructively.
Example Lesson: Navigating adolescence and personal growth
Explanation: The story delves into Jack's journey through adolescence, dealing with complex emotions and relationships.
Real-World Application: It helps children understand that growing up involves facing and overcoming various personal and interpersonal challenges.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Through interactions between characters, the narrative encourages understanding different perspectives and fostering empathy.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to be thoughtful and considerate towards others’ feelings and experiences, promoting social harmony.