Elsewhere
by Gabrielle Zevin
Published by Square Fish Publishing
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Reviewed by Julina K. Mills
Everything Lizzie has spent the past 15 years looking forward to is gone in an instant. Killed by a hit-and-run driver while crossing the street, Elizabeth Marie Hall suddenly finds herself dressed in white pajamas and traveling to a far-away land. Curious about how she ended up on a boat in the middle of the ocean, Lizzie begins to ask questions and soon pieces together the fading memories of her own death.
Death, however, is not at all what Lizzie expected. Much to her surprise she is greeted upon arrival by a youthful grandmother she never knew who teaches her about life in Elsewhere, where people get younger until they become babies once again and travel back to earth to start anew. Initially transfixed by the Observation Deck where she can watch bits and pieces of her family’s life back on earth, Lizzie tries desperately to hold onto the past–and let go of it at the same time.
Struggling to accept that she will never have her driver’s license, never go to college, and never get married, Lizzie begins to accept that life on Elsewhere is very similar, and yet oddly different from life on earth. Is it possible to fall in love, hold a job, and own a home while living life in reverse?
Lizzie explores these questions and finds the answers with her new friends and her new life after death. A charming story about growing up, Elsewhere encourages the reader to look toward the future and to expect the unexpected.
Raised as an only child, New York City author Gabrielle Zevin has created a fresh and intriguing storyline that captures the attention of teen and young adult readers alike.
Armchair Interviews says: A 5-star story for young adult readers.
Author’s Web site: http://www.Memoirsofa.com