I didn’t expect to like this book. The prologue is written from the viewpoint of a dog, which I found odd. Then, I thought the story was going to be depressing–the main character is dead after all. And the premise doesn’t match up with my view of the afterlife.
But, I couldn’t stop reading about Elizabeth Hall. I kept wanting to know what was going to happen to her in this place called Elsewhere. Was she going to get over her death? Was Liz going to choose an avocation? Was she going to be happy again? Page, after page, I read on until I reached the satisfying end.
Gabrielle Zevin has created a fascinating other world in Elsewhere. Don’t pass it up. Read her bio at http://www.teenreads.com/authors/au-zevin-gabrielle.asp
The cover of Once Upon a Marigold calls itself “part comedy, part love story, part everything-but-the-kitchen-sink” and it’s true. Jean Ferris puts us in a world of trolls, tooth fairies, and a forest where “there were dangers when the lights went out.” There’s a crystal cave. The commoner who falls in love with the princess. The princess with a birth gift that backfired. An evil enemy. Loyal supporters. An inventor. P-mail. Secrets revealed. Past mysteries solved. A quest for the ODD medal.
What a fascinating and fantastic book! Madeleine L’Engle calls it “science fantasy.” I found it amazing. Enchantress from the Stars by Sylvia Louise Engdahl was republished in 2001 by Walker Publishing. Formerly, a 1970 Newbery honor book, I’m wondering how I could have missed it the first time around. Space travel, colonization, magic, dragons, mix with a benevolent race overseeing less advanced worlds. The book was compellingly told through three viewpoint characters and very difficult to put down. It’s one I’ll have to purchase for myself.
