Elsewhere, by Gabrielle Zevin

Ok, so I listed this book as one of my top 15 favorites and just released I never actually reviewed it. Shame on me! So here goes:

"Elsewhere" is the story of teen-aged Liz, who dies in a hit-and-run accident and ends up in Elsewhere, where she is to live out her life backwards with the grandmother she never knew. For in Elsewhere, you age in reverse until you reach your birth day and then are sent to Earth to live another life. At first, Liz is angry about all of the things she'll miss out on (driving, prom, boys). But eventually, she comes to see that life isn't so bad there and she starts to grow up despite physically growing younger. She makes friends, gets a job helping animals who've crossed over find homes, falls in love and helps her younger brother cope with her death via a very interesting method of communication.

I don't want to give too much of the plot away for a lot happens in this book and to say too much more would give the best parts away. I can't stress enough what a beautiful book this is, one that will stay with you well after you have finished it. Zevin provides a unique take on the afterlife, one where we would all be so lucky to go. Be warned though, you may want a box of tissues nearby as you read it, not because it's sad, but bittersweet, happy and uplifting all at the same time.


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