The In-Between by Barbara Stewar

When Elanor’s near-death experience opens a door to a world inhabited by bold, beautiful Madeline, she finds her life quickly spiraling out of control

Fourteen-year-old Elanor Moss has always been an outcast who fails at everything she tries—she's even got the fine, white scars to prove it. Moving was supposed to be a chance at a fresh start, a way to leave behind all the pain and ugliness of her old life. But, when a terrible car accident changes her life forever, her near-death experience opens a door to a world inhabited by Madeline Torus . . . Madeline is everything Elanor isn’t: beautiful, bold, brave. She is exactly what Elanor has always wanted in a best friend and more—their connection runs deeper than friendship. But Madeline is not like other girls, and Elanor has to keep her new friend a secret or risk being labeled “crazy.” Soon, though, even Elanor starts to doubt her own sanity. Madeline is her entire life, and that life is drastically spinning out of control. Elanor knows what happens when your best friend becomes your worst enemy. But what happens when your worst enemy is yourself?

With her debut novel, The In-Between, Barbara Stewart presents a bold new voice in teen fiction.

Goodreads Summary

I had a hard time reading this book because the beginning was initially slow for me.  After the beginning, however, the book picked up the pace and I found myself very interested in what happened to Elanor.  She was never the most popular or out-going girl, but she is slowly spiraling into a deep depression.  I liked how the author portrayed the depression and her actions in the sense that I found it realistic and consistent with my studies (Neuroscience major alert!).  When Elanor met Madeline, she met someone who she became fast friends with.  However, their friendship is not all that it seems and Elanor starts to question reality.  

I did like Elanor's character in the way that I sort of studied her while reading the novel.  She was definitely interesting and there was rarely a dull moment.  I liked how she spoke so plainly and truthfully to the reader (at least truthfully to the best of her ability).  Madeline's character made me nervous.  I couldn't tell if I liked her or not.  I did enjoy the author's portrayal of "is this real or not," but I felt that sometimes the book was confusing.  Overall, this book is recommended to young adult readers.

4 Stars

This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.