Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin

Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin

What happens when we die? Imagine if it was just like life, except instead of getting older you begin to age backwards until you are ready to be reborn. When 15 year old Liz dies this is exactly what happens to her. In Elsewhere Liz has to live with her grandmother even though she died before Liz was born and they have never met. Liz also has to get a job until she is too young to work. But Liz doesn’t want to age backward, she wants to get older. She wants to get her license and go to concerts and proms.
Liz eventually realizes there are perks to living in Elsewhere, her ability to speak with animals, for example. She also befriends a man who was her favorite rock-star when they were alive. She also develops a relationship with a boy, Owen, who has been dead a long time and still sometimes pines for his wife. Liz learns important lessons about relationships and family. Her quirky romance is portrayed beautifully. She eventually realizes that the things that are important in life are still important whether you are living forwards or backwards.
This fantasy takes a somewhat morbid topic and manages to make it heartwarming and original. Zevin’s writing style is engaging, and the book is funny and sweet. The book also has a great website at: http://www.fsgkidsbooks.com/elsewhere/
And was listed as an ALA Notable Book.

Recommended ages 13 and up.

Posted by Bee, regular contributor.

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