Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin | Teen Ink

Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin

March 29, 2013
By Mckay ELITE, Somewhere, Virginia
Mckay ELITE, Somewhere, Virginia
146 articles 0 photos 2230 comments

Favorite Quote:
"The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do."
—Apple’s “Think Different” commercial, 1997
“Crazy people are considered mad by the rest of the society only because their intelligence isn't understood.”
― Weihui Zhou


How would you react if you died at the “pitiful” age of fifteen due to a hit-and-run? That is, if you could react to such a circumstance at all. Liz Hall, the protagonist of Gabrielle Zevin’s novel Elsewhere, faces this challenge in her after-life in the heaven-like land called Elsewhere. Moreover, she must deal with the fact that she will never grow up to accomplish all her dreams and pursuits like any other teenage dream such as, attending college, receiving your driver’s license, dating a myriad of people then eventually getting married. Furthermore to her dismay, life in Elsewhere goes counter-clockwise; that is, backwards. Therefore, she will turn 14 again and never become 16 as she desires with all her heart.

Forced to reside with a grandmother she barely knew on earth, Liz faces her new “life” with bitterness. However, as time will progress, she learns to be optimistic of her new life along with the aid of another murdered 16-year-old named Thandi and Curtis Jest, an overdosed junkie and band member of her favorite band Machine. In addition, she begins to develop feelings for Owen Wells, a reserved 17-year-old, who has been dead for 9 years.

Things, however, become awkward in Elsewhere for Liz as Owen’s wife unexpectedly arrives at Elsewhere. In addition, to make things more uncomfortable or rather worse, Liz’s killer too arrives at Elsewhere. Should she forgive the man who killed her when life was beginning to bloom for her...or not…even, if she unravels the truth behind her sudden death?

Gabrielle Zevin presents a case in Elsewhere that undoubtedly we have all asked ourselves one time or another: Is there an after-life, and if so what is it like? Zevin’s prose is simple—everyday speech—and never supercilious; nonetheless entertaining. The plot flows smoothly page after page. Additionally, she adds some humor to lighten the novel’s seemingly somber mood. Elsewhere is original and poignant, offering much to meditate and discuss after finishing the novel.


The author's comments:
I hope you read this novel and enjoy as much I as did. Have fun reading, guys!:)

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This article has 8 comments.


Mckay ELITE said...
on Apr. 5 2013 at 12:26 pm
Mckay ELITE, Somewhere, Virginia
146 articles 0 photos 2230 comments

Favorite Quote:
"The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do."
—Apple’s “Think Different” commercial, 1997
“Crazy people are considered mad by the rest of the society only because their intelligence isn't understood.”
― Weihui Zhou

Sweet! That's sounds awesome.

on Apr. 4 2013 at 7:13 pm
Laugh-it-Out PLATINUM, Brooklyn, New York, New York
38 articles 0 photos 445 comments

Favorite Quote:
"Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light" --Dylan Thomas

You may have not gotten an editors choice, something I wish I had also, but u did win the prestigious Laugh award. Created by one Laugh-it-Out. Lol just be happy that someone likes it as much as I do :)

Mckay ELITE said...
on Apr. 4 2013 at 4:28 pm
Mckay ELITE, Somewhere, Virginia
146 articles 0 photos 2230 comments

Favorite Quote:
"The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do."
—Apple’s “Think Different” commercial, 1997
“Crazy people are considered mad by the rest of the society only because their intelligence isn't understood.”
― Weihui Zhou

I'm already liking the sound of that. And thank you for thinking this review was awesome although I was bummed out I didn't get the Editors' Choice. Oh, well. 

on Apr. 4 2013 at 11:59 am
Laugh-it-Out PLATINUM, Brooklyn, New York, New York
38 articles 0 photos 445 comments

Favorite Quote:
"Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light" --Dylan Thomas

Her book All These Things I've Done is really good. Maybe if u read it and like it u can write an awesome review again!  

Mckay ELITE said...
on Apr. 3 2013 at 1:42 pm
Mckay ELITE, Somewhere, Virginia
146 articles 0 photos 2230 comments

Favorite Quote:
"The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do."
—Apple’s “Think Different” commercial, 1997
“Crazy people are considered mad by the rest of the society only because their intelligence isn't understood.”
― Weihui Zhou

I'll admit that I haven't read any of her other works. *Sorry* But do you have any personal favorites that i should read? I'll definitely check them out if you reccomend them to me.

on Apr. 2 2013 at 7:17 pm
Laugh-it-Out PLATINUM, Brooklyn, New York, New York
38 articles 0 photos 445 comments

Favorite Quote:
"Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light" --Dylan Thomas

Your welcome, it really was a great review. I recommended the book to my class. Have you read any of her other books? They are pretty good too.

Mckay ELITE said...
on Apr. 2 2013 at 3:25 pm
Mckay ELITE, Somewhere, Virginia
146 articles 0 photos 2230 comments

Favorite Quote:
"The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do."
—Apple’s “Think Different” commercial, 1997
“Crazy people are considered mad by the rest of the society only because their intelligence isn't understood.”
― Weihui Zhou

Thank you so much. I thought no one had really heard let alone read this novel. Zevin, I feel, is unappreciated. But, I guess, she does have a number of dedicated followers. Thank you so much again. 

on Mar. 31 2013 at 11:10 am
Laugh-it-Out PLATINUM, Brooklyn, New York, New York
38 articles 0 photos 445 comments

Favorite Quote:
"Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light" --Dylan Thomas

I absolutly adore this book, its one of my favorites, so thanks for bringing Zevins genius to light. You gave the plot a fun and inviting feel except with that hint of darkness and wonder. Bravo!