In 2006 when I was a member of ALA/ALSC's Newbery Committee, "Everlost" was one of my favorite books (wink to those of you who know what THAT means). I so wanted the committee to pick a book that would cause a stir. My "favorites" included one about Lesbian moms and this book about a decidedly non-Christian afterlife...only one of my favorites made it through to the award/honors that year. Obviously not this one...but I did get my wish for a stir! {We chose Higher Power of Lucky...and scrotum-gate ensued} Anyhoo, I was jacked (not in the parlance of these books...at least I don't think so) when I heard there would be a sequel...and double jacked when I saw the cover & read it would actually be a trilogy. Just letting you know that I might not be the most impartial of reviewers. A summary is not going to do this justice (but I'll give it a go). You do need to know that Everlost is an "in between" where only children end up who get lost on their way to "the light" after they die. Also sometimes well loved objects and buildings appear there too. (I still remember the exact feeling I got in reading about Allie and Nick approaching New York in the first book...and seeing the Twin Towers...). Each child awakens in Everlost with a coin, that can eventually lead them to the light when they are ready. Everwild picks up not too long after the close of the Everlost (and reading the first isn't 100% necessary, but it will add to enjoyment). Allie (who can skinjack: possess a living person) and Mikey (formerly the monster McGill) are making their way across Everlost heading for Allie's home. Mary (aka "the sky witch" who I loathe--ain't it great!) is flying across the skies in the ghost of the Hindenburg "saving" the Afterlights she comes across by finding them repetitive tasks to keep them happy in their afterlife. And Nick "the Chocolate Ogre" is working up a plan to thwart Mary by recruiting an army to pass out the coins she has stolen from those "in her care." Everfound continues their journeys and ties things up...perhaps not the way I would have, but very satisfyingly. And you know what? I'm not gonna tell you anything about it because reading this wonderfully imaginative and often surprising trilogy that mainly deals with Allie & Nick is just too enjoyable to ruin. The second and third weren't quite as good as the first--I think they got a bit wordy in places and meandered a tiny bit, but I loved every minute of these reads and the teen reader in your life (or in your head) will too. |
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9/25/2013 03:49:04 am
I loved the first book, and ran a book discussion for it, but I never finished this series! I'll have to move it to the top of the list.
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About MeTim is a writer, book reviewer and Librarian. He has a Master's of Library Science and was on the Newbery Committee twice. Technology scares and often annoys him, but he is always game for a silly costume! Archives
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