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**There is a spoiler in the 5th paragraph**
This book was introduced to me as the August read for my book club. I ambled over to Amazon and downloaded my Kindle copy. Since I was between books I started to read it right away, not even sure what it was about.
Within five pages I was happy this book won the vote. I was instantly engaged and did not want to put it down. I finished this book in 3 days.
I found it easy to relate to Liz and the author’s tempo was soothing and easy to just dive into. The story of how Liz adjusted to life in Elsewhere was interesting and it was easy to see myself feeling the same way as she had felt that first year.
But I think I really liked this book for more than the story line. Since I have lost a lot of important people in my life, I often wonder where they have gone and what they are doing. This story presents another idea of what the afterlife may be.
When Emily arrives in Elsewhere, she tells Owen that she felt like she knew when he was watching her and she also knew when he wasn’t. That touched me deeply. I know that feeling. There are times when I feel my mom is there watching me, interacting in my live. And there are times when I feel like she isn’t really paying attention. The idea of Elsewhere is very appealing to me.
My mom was 38 when she died 18 years ago. In Elsewhere she would be 20. That’s kind of cool to think about. She would be about to send our family dog back down the river, she would be with her mom who would be healing from Alzheimer’s, she would be taking care of my cousin who would be retiring from his avocation soon. For some reason, these thoughts make my heart warm.
For a book that was a quick read and read as a YA novel, I was deeply moved and I would say this book has changed me in a way. I give this book 5/5 stars.
This book was introduced to me as the August read for my book club. I ambled over to Amazon and downloaded my Kindle copy. Since I was between books I started to read it right away, not even sure what it was about.
Within five pages I was happy this book won the vote. I was instantly engaged and did not want to put it down. I finished this book in 3 days.
I found it easy to relate to Liz and the author’s tempo was soothing and easy to just dive into. The story of how Liz adjusted to life in Elsewhere was interesting and it was easy to see myself feeling the same way as she had felt that first year.
But I think I really liked this book for more than the story line. Since I have lost a lot of important people in my life, I often wonder where they have gone and what they are doing. This story presents another idea of what the afterlife may be.
When Emily arrives in Elsewhere, she tells Owen that she felt like she knew when he was watching her and she also knew when he wasn’t. That touched me deeply. I know that feeling. There are times when I feel my mom is there watching me, interacting in my live. And there are times when I feel like she isn’t really paying attention. The idea of Elsewhere is very appealing to me.
My mom was 38 when she died 18 years ago. In Elsewhere she would be 20. That’s kind of cool to think about. She would be about to send our family dog back down the river, she would be with her mom who would be healing from Alzheimer’s, she would be taking care of my cousin who would be retiring from his avocation soon. For some reason, these thoughts make my heart warm.
For a book that was a quick read and read as a YA novel, I was deeply moved and I would say this book has changed me in a way. I give this book 5/5 stars.
Beautiful novel that really emphasizes what life and death means. I love the world of Elsewhere and how magical it seems to be. The main character Liz goes through a lot of conflict after her death as to the meaning of happiness, family, love and life. This is a very quirky novel that includes talking dogs, magical boats, and backwards again. I was really transported to the world of Elsewhere and all its quirks.
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I really enjoy Zevin’s books - she has such a lovely way of bringing her characters to life for the reader. The premise of this one was so creative and, while it sounds like the story would be so sad (and it is, at times), it is actually so uplifting.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
I'd like to think that the afterlife is really this way.. A fast read! Enjoyable.
I didn't realize this was a Young Adult book until I got home, but being I went on a Marcus Zusak trip in the spring, then this is the year for it. That, and my brain has completely restored itself after giving birth. Back to the book - cute, easy read, incredible plot that could have gotten alot deeper (yet still remained Young Adult). I recommend.
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I loved the idea behind this book and it was one that I definitely haven’t read before.
The idea that when we die, we get to go to a place called, “Elsewhere,” where you get to live your life in reverse until you are reborn. You get to meet family members who passed away before you were born and you get to develop those relationships. You get to have jobs that you actually like, without the worry about paying bills or how much money you make. I LOVE IT.
This book is geared towards young adults, and I definitely got the vibe from the FMC, Liz. I’m going to be honest – I got extremely annoyed with Liz at time, about her immaturity and lack of respect to others. Throughout the book, she only cared about herself and didn’t take others into considerations in some MAJOR decisions.
But like with all YA books that I read; I remember that it wasn’t written for my consumption. I picked up this book because of the concept, and I fell in love with it for that. It was a fun read, and I devoured it in one sitting.
I would recommend this book to anyone what wants a book that is deep, yet fun and entertaining to read. I cried throughout this book, which was something I wasn’t entirely prepared for. I got attached to the characters, and I wanted the best for them. This book was great, and I think it would be a great choice for someone’s next book.
The idea that when we die, we get to go to a place called, “Elsewhere,” where you get to live your life in reverse until you are reborn. You get to meet family members who passed away before you were born and you get to develop those relationships. You get to have jobs that you actually like, without the worry about paying bills or how much money you make. I LOVE IT.
This book is geared towards young adults, and I definitely got the vibe from the FMC, Liz. I’m going to be honest – I got extremely annoyed with Liz at time, about her immaturity and lack of respect to others. Throughout the book, she only cared about herself and didn’t take others into considerations in some MAJOR decisions.
But like with all YA books that I read; I remember that it wasn’t written for my consumption. I picked up this book because of the concept, and I fell in love with it for that. It was a fun read, and I devoured it in one sitting.
I would recommend this book to anyone what wants a book that is deep, yet fun and entertaining to read. I cried throughout this book, which was something I wasn’t entirely prepared for. I got attached to the characters, and I wanted the best for them. This book was great, and I think it would be a great choice for someone’s next book.
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes