Review: Between by Jessica Warman - great mystery book for teens

Jessica Warman is an author of Breathless (2010 Best Book for Young Adults) and Where the Truth Lies. Between is her third well written novel for teenagers.

Some writers begin to write their books by asking "what if". Others reach for the memories of their childhood – and that's what Jessica Warman has done. In the description of her biography (e.g. on the Amazon) we can find the information that "The idea for Between came from an incident in her childhood, when a local boy went missing after a party on a yacht (Eventually he was found, alive)."

But the plot of the novel is quite different. The main character Elizabeth Valchar - very pretty and popular girl - wakes up the morning after her eighteenth birthday party on her family's yacht, where she'd been celebrating with her friends. Elizabeth quickly realized that no one sees nor hears her. Why? Because she is dead and now a ghost.

From publisher's description: "Critically acclaimed author Jessica Warman displayed brings readers along on a roller-coaster ride of a mystery, they also that is a heartbreaking character study, a touching romance, and ultimately a hopeful tale of redemption, love, and letting go."

We are dealing with a major mystery (what happened in the night, whether it was an accident or not?), but as we read the book there are more unknowns, secrets come to light and it turns out that everyone had something on their conscience.

It's not an outstanding book, nor especially surprising (fairly easy to guess the ending). This said, I think that Between is a good book, well written and with interesting plot. Especially for teens, but not only. I finished high school ages ago ;-), but also I like it.

The author skillfully shows how Eliza is evolving under the influence of new events, how from the spoiled child she becomes mature and wiser. There are also some touching moments :). But - in my opinion - the main advantage of the book is that it forces us to reflect on how we ourselves treat others in school, family, work, etc.

Therefore, if you are wondering what to buy for some young adult (close friend, aunt's daughter, etc.) - you should definitely look up this novel.

Reviews on Amazon also confirm that this is an interesting book. On 35 reviews 16 people gave it 5 stars, and 17 gave 4. So I encourage you to read Between by Jessica Warman! :)