will relish Zevin's lively imagination and her fast-moving plot.

'A fun and thought-provoking page-turner. Zevin, in her first novel for young people, bends the laws of physics and biology to create an intricately imagined world.' - Publishers Weekly Readers from a broad range of beliefs will find this a quirky and touching exploration of the Great Beyond.' - The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books 'Funny and pensive, happy and heartbreaking. Will captivate teens ready for a thought-provoking read. 'An unusual premise and a thoughtful treatment make Zevin's first effort at writing for young adults a success. I loved reading the story of Liz's life (death?).' - Carolyn Mackler, author of The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things and Vegan Virgin Valentine The concept is completely out there and yet the emotions are so weirdly realistic. ' Elsewhere is a funny, fast-paced, and fascinating novel. No plot synopsis can convey what a rich, wise spell this book casts.' - The New York Times Book Review 'Zevin's touch is marvelously light even as she considers profundities, easily moving among humor, wisdom and lyricism. Provides much to think about and discuss.' - School Library Journal, Starred Review Surely guides readers through the bumpy landscape of strongly delineated characters dealing with the most difficult issue that faces all of us. 'With an intriguing and well-developed premise, thoughtful characterization, and refreshing style, Zevin's poignant novel rewards readers with a view of death that celebrates the rich complexities of being alive.' - The Horn Book, Starred Review This inventive novel slices right to the bone of human yearning, offering up an indelible vision of life and death as equally rich sides of the same coin.' - Booklist, Starred Review How can Liz let go of the only life she has ever known and embrace a new one? Is it possible that a life lived in reverse is no different from a life lived forward?Įlsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin is a Time 100 Best Books of All Time. And now that she's dead, Liz is being forced to live a life she doesn't want with a grandmother she has only just met. She wants to graduate from high school and go to college. But Liz wants to turn sixteen, not fourteen again. Here Liz will age backward from the day of her death until she becomes a baby again and returns to Earth. It is a place so like Earth, yet completely different. Need to talk to someone about your problems? Stop by Marilyn Monroe's psychiatric practice.Įlsewhere is where fifteen-year-old Liz Hall ends up, after she has died. Curious to see new paintings by Picasso? Swing by one of Elsewhere's museums. It is warm, with a breeze, and the beaches are marvelous. Is it possible to grow up while getting younger? Fikry comes Gabrielle Zevin's Elsewhere, a moving, often funny young adult novel about grief, death, and loss that will stay with readers long after the last page is turned. (Sept.From the New York Times best-selling author of Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow and The Storied Life of A. Nothing has changed'), MargarettownĪuthor Zevin, in her first novel for young people, bends the laws of physics and biology to create an intricately imagined world.

Prudently skirting the issue of God's role in Elsewhere (when she asks about God, Liz is told simply 'God's there in the same way He, She, or It was before to you. Liz also falls in love for the first time, while her grandmother (who has progressed back to her thirties) becomes engaged to a famous rock star and readers will likely be intrigued by the 'strictly forbidden' Well. something a person does to make his or her soul complete'), celebrate holidays and form friendships. In other ways, Elsewhere resembles the world Liz left behind residents work at jobs (although here, everyone has a chance to pursue an 'avocation. When they reach infancy, they are sent down the River to be reborn on Earth.

Liz learns that the aging process works differently in this land of the dead: instead of getting older, humans (and animals) grow younger. Her situation gradually comes into focus after she arrives at the island of Elsewhere and is greeted by her grandmother, who died before Liz was born. A surreal atmosphere permeates chapter one as Liz awakens on a ship (mostly occupied by elderly people), unaware of its destination. Even readers who have strong views on what happens after death may find themselves intrigued by the fascinating world of 'Elsewhere,' the place 15-year-old Liz ends up after she is killed in a bicycle accident.

Elsewhere gabrielle zevin