Smith can sure tell a good tale. I bought this book for a younger member of my family but thought I would read a few paragraphs to ensure that I had picked something suitable. When I was already choked up by the end of the first chapter, I just continued on to see how it all turned out. The story is filled with memorable characters and a few scary creatures. I won't give out any more info but suffice to say I will be thinking twice before I go swimming. The world that the author created seemed real and gave a heartwarming twist on what lies in wait for us between this life and what comes next.

While this is a YA adult work, Smith doesn't baby his readers and the book has a rich vocabulary. The youngest readers may find words and expressions that are unfamiliar but the reader will understand them from the context. I think the book is complex enough to satisfy an older kid and very readable for the lower side of the YA age bracket.

Describe the item and include any relevant details. Click to edit the text.

Describe the item and include any relevant details. Click to edit the text.