Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Elsewhere
Book Review: "Elsewhere" takes you on a magical journey...elsewhere!
Summary: 5 Stars
Everyone asks the question, "what happens when people die?" Elsewhere, by Gabrielle Zevin will make you think twice on this subject. Reading this book was very addicting, and I nearly cried when I turned to the last page because I never wanted the story to end!
The author paints vivid pictures to help the reader feel like a part of the story. By using strong, descriptive words, I was allowed to imagine myself in Liz's shoes. For example, this was proven when Liz, who was killed in a bicycle accident, first goes to Elsewhere, the afterlife and watches her family from Observation Deck, or O.D., through binoculars because she misses them.
I noticed that the author likes to describe people surrounding the main character. I believe that the author does this so the readers can connect themselves with the characters in the book. The first time I read Elsewhere, I thought the author did this just to help readers "get to know characters", not connecting with them. The second time I read this, I realized that she actually connects with the characters by not only limiting the point of view for Liz only, but she shows her other friends' perspective, too.
One of the themes in Elsewhere is death. When Liz died, she's transported to Elsewhere and eventually learns to deal with the fact she died, and may never see her loved ones again. Liz realizes how she is an angel watching over Earth when she frequently goes to the O.D. I figured that Liz thought death is like a new beginning because she has a backwards life in Elsewhere. Her time there is like a human life on Earth, except she ages backwards, and Liz discovers that "a life lived forward isn't too much different from a life lived in reverse."
This book is hard to put down because of the brilliant descriptions, interesting themes, and makes you think about death and the afterlife. Elsewhere has something for everyone: some fiction, non-fiction, mystery, fantasy, and science fiction, this book has all. This is a beautiful book, woven and crafted straight from the heart. I now hope that the spiritual world is like Elsewhere, because someone I knew had recently moved on, and it is believed "she is O.K. in heaven." The idea of Elsewhere is a source of comfort for me whenever I am upset about her death. I hope that she's living her death like the one Liz does in Elsewhere, so she will be watching us from some kind of O.D., and knowing that we miss her a lot. The author takes a normally depressing subject, and turns it in to a hopeful book on this fifteen-year-old girl, which is hardly sad at all! If you enjoy any type of story, be sure to read this ten-star book!
Book Review: "Elsewhere" will transport you else where
Summary: 5 Stars
I am an avid reader of young adult books. I do not often find the need to write reviews for such books because, honestly, they are all quite the same. Although they may be based around different situations somehwere in there you'll find the same themes of love/friendships/teenage angst/parents that a teenager themselves is supposed to feel. Elsewhere is no exception to the norm; it is centralled around an idea we have all probably seen before (the afterlife) and has all the young adult qualities...yet it manages to be so different.
Liz's life is cut short after a hit-and-run accident outside the local mall and she is sent to live in Elsewhere. The fact that she is dead is hard enough for Liz to take, and she is apalled at the ease of others. In the beginning she becomes addicted to watching her family, ignores the people around her, and gets pretty sassy with her grandmother (also dead, and has never seen Liz before Elsewhere). And why shouldn't Liz be upset? She was only fifteen. She'll never get to fall in love and get married, go to college, get a job, or see any of her loved ones again. But as Liz slowly learns to let go, she realizes she can make her own life in Elsewhere. She meets some witty and wonderful people and animals alike, and gets used to the idea of aging backwards (which is what happens in Elsewhere).
Zevin's style of writing is so pleasing to the mind, and the words sweep you by. I finished this book in record time, around 3 hours, because it's not one you will want to put down. Liz's story has no pauses, and at the end you feel you have gone through a lifetime with the characters. While I do agree that sometimes the dialougue can get a bit flat, the situations too surreal, and the details a bit lacking, I still say it is a wonderful book and a quick read.
Book Review: 10 Stars
Summary: 5 Stars
I am, and have always been, an avid reader. The number of books I've read has to number in the thousands. As a child I asked for a 2nd bookshelf in my room as a birthday present. So it isn't a small victory when I say this book shoots to the top of my list. I didn't read it persay, but listened to the unabridged CD Audio version on a drive from Prince Edward Island, Canada to Illinios. 26 hours in two days.
My mom bought it at a thrift store, listened to it and lent it to a friend. When the friend returned it, she brought it to PEI for me to listen on my long drive back. She said I HAD to listen to it b/c it is the best story and I will wish it goes on and on and on forever.
I shrugged off the recommendation, knowing I'd listen to it anyways just b/c the long car ride. I popped it in and Cassandra Morris did a BEAUTIFUL job of vocalizing the story and each character. I was hooked and HATED when I had to stop for gas, bathroom, or food breaks b/c it meant I'd have to stop listening, if only for a few minutes.
This is such a unique and beautiful story and my mom was absolutely right- you DO wish it goes on and on. There are so many storyline surprises that you wouldn't expect the author or characters to do and in the end you're just waiting for it to continue. I left the CD playing, in disbelief, as the company read all their copyright legal materials and told where it was recorded, etc. I just kept thinking "there's going to be ONE more chapter." I was so sad when there wasn't.
There were a few times I was teary-eyed and a lot of times I laughed out loud (good thing I was only travelling w/ a dog). It makes you appreciate life, look deeper into situations and relationships, and almost changes your outlook on life. The story will always hold a place in my heart and the way I think about things now. It really is a bittersweet tale that I'm truly glad to have read (listened to).
Next month we have another long car-ride (12 hours) and I'm going to be bringing this so I can re-visit it for a 2nd time and my boyfriend can hear it. I can't imagine anybody not loving this story, or at least being touched by it in SOME way.
Book Review: A Great Read
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a book meant for young adults, but I think adults will like it as an easy Summer read. It has an off-beat concept which I liked but then I was happily surprised with a few twists that made the story more interesting. I highly suggest it!Book Review: A Must Read!
Summary: 5 Stars
This book was so GOOD! I couldn't put it down. Gabrielle Zevin is an awesome Author, have read her other books as well & Love Them, get them!