Between Here and Forever

May 2, 2011
Revisiting territory she explored in Love You Hate You Miss You (2009), Scott weaves angst, tragedy, and romance to tell the story of 17-year-old Abby, whose older sister, Tess, is in a coma following a car accident (the protagonist of Scott's earlier book was mourning a friend killed in a car accident). Depressed, grief-stricken, and self-hating, Abby desperately wants Tess to recover, in large part so that she can get on with her own life. Enter gorgeous hospital worker Eli. When Eli speaks, Abby sees Tess's eyes flutter, so she persuades Eli to visit and speak to Tess regularly. The idea that a guy's sexy voice might awaken Tess is as romantic as it is ridiculous, though it handily sets up the possibility of an Abby/Eli relationshipâif only Abby felt she deserved happiness. At times, Abby's low self-esteem is so intense as to feel like caricature, but her growth comes across as natural and genuine, as she slowly begins to put her life in perspective. Readers will appreciate that Scott resists a too-perfect, too-neat ending. Ages 14âup.

June 1, 2011

Gr 9 Up-Seventeen-year-old Abby lives in the shadow of her talented and beautiful older sister. But when Tess is left comatose after a car accident, she finds that her sibling's shadow looms even larger from the confines of the hospital. Convinced that her eye movement implies a full recovery, Abby persuades an attractive stranger from the wealthier neighboring town to lure Tess to consciousness with his good looks and conversation. Abby works hard to deny herself the pleasure of Eli's company, but as she learns more about her sister's past and prospects for recovery, she begins to rely on Eli's companionship. However, the emerging romance is threatened when Abby is unable to be honest about her feelings and pushes him away. By piecing together her memories with the stories from Tess's former college roommate and estranged high school best friend, Abby learns a shocking truth about her sister that also reveals her own issues with trust and intimacy. The story moves along at an engaging pace. Flashbacks maintain the suspense and build a compelling sense of mystery. Abby's voice becomes frustratingly self-deprecating, almost to the point of stretching believability. However, the sense of self-doubt and guilt she feels will be relevant to many teens. Compulsively readable, this novel will appeal to fans of Sarah Dessen and Gayle Forman.-Lynn Rashid, Marriotts Ridge High School, Marriottsville, MD

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