}

  • Seeking the Holy Ghost

  •     Seeking the Holy Ghost is an uplifting story—funny and suspenseful—about the bonds between friends of different cultures, races, and sex. It features a plot that will appeal to anyone who is interested in a story about friendship, humor, and coming of age. It is a story that is thought provoking and that forces the characters to cross the line between childhood and growing up. One focus of the novel is the specific challenge of cultural divide between the South and the North. Another focus is the unexpected introduction of young people into a world of evil.

       Grant, an intelligent seven-year-old from New York City, spends the summer of 1953 with his grandmother in Hopewell, Alabama. He quickly becomes friends with three local children: Tyler, the nine-year-old narrator who can be bossy and a bit of a schemer; Marley Jane, the eight-year-old who is wise beyond her years; Eli, the nine-year-old African-American who questions everything.

       There is a definite culture disconnect between Grant and his new friends, especially when the local children begin to discuss ghosts and the Holy Ghost. Tyler, Marley Jane, and Eli come to the conclusion that it is their Christian duty to introduce Grant to the Holy Ghost, which leads to more than they bargained for or expected.  In spite of their differences, nothing interferes with their ability to do chores together, share opinions about life and grownups, swim and fish in Osanippa Creek, or witness a murder that forces them to deal with the forces of evil. 

     

    “I’m not getting anything done that I’m supposed to be doing because I’m reading Shirley's books!” ~ Patsy Robertson Smith

     

  • Reviews

  • Tyler, the nine-year-old narrator in Seeking the Holy Ghost, is a very likeable boy…quite true to his age. He seems wise, kind. He is developing leadership qualities without being too bossy. He is a bit of a schemer, and I like the way Aaron portrayed that trait. Overall, he seems to be, as he says, “a pretty clever person.” Tyler’s voice is a strength throughout the novel. The main characters are well developed, especially Grant, who is likeable, bright, and curious. Aaron has made some of the peripheral characters, especially the parents, distinguishable one from the other, the women more so than the men. I enjoyed watching Tyler’s developing relationship with Grant—hot and cold, but almost always kind. Tyler’s impression of women is unfortunate, but perhaps he will outgrow it. I was especially taken by several of the vignettes: both church services, Pealine’s porch, witnessing the murder. Details, dialogue, and tone distinguished these scenes for me. Dialect is almost always hard to manage, but I think Aaron did quite well here. Tyler’s voice is clear and pleasantly colloquial, and his dialect is consistent.

    Dr. Terry Ley, Retired Professor – Auburn University, Auburn, AL

  • Seeking the Holy Ghost is Aaron’s best book yet! I loved it! The characters were real! Great job! Highly recommended reading!

    Rozanne Robinson—Fan of Aaron

  • Just finished reading “Seeking the Holy Ghost” and absolutely loved it! The characters were so entertaining ad kept me laughing. And of course, having grown up in Valley and knowing the Hopewell Area, Church, Osnippa Creek, etc. so well, made it much more interesting!! Loved the surprise ending… thanks for a good read and can’t wait to start “Sweet Tea With Lemon” next!! :-)

    Priscilla Hadaway Vickery

  • More About The Author

    Shirley A. Aaron is a retired Alabama English teacher and a Georgia media specialist, with forty-two years of experience in education. She didn’t attend college until her son and daughter were born. Teaching allowed her to present to her students important values through literature. She has published a book of poetry, DROPS OF LIGHT, and has recently completed a second novel, SWEET TEA WITH LEMON, which deals with friendship, cancer, and drug addiction.

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