Description: When we first meet Susie Salmon, she is already in heaven. As she looks down from this strange new place, she tells us, in the fresh and spirited voice of a fourteen-year-old girl, a tale that is both haunting and full of hope.

In the weeks following her death, Susie watches life on Earth continuing without her-her school friends trading rumors about her disappearance, her family holding out hope that she'll be found, her killer trying to cover his tracks. As months pass without leads, Susie sees her parents' marriage being contorted by loss, her sister hardening herself in an effort to stay strong, and her little brother trying to grasp the meaning of the word gone.

And she explores the place called heaven. It looks a lot like her school playground, with the good kind of swing sets. There are counselors to help newcomers adjust and friends to room with. Everything she ever wanted appears as soon as she thinks of it-except the thing she most wants: to be back with the people she loved on Earth.

With compassion, longing, and a growing understanding, Susie sees her loved ones pass through grief and begin to mend. Her father embarks on a risky quest to ensnare her killer. Her sister undertakes a feat of remarkable daring. And the boy Susie cared for moves on, only to find himself at the center of a miraculous event.

The Lovely Bones is luminous and astonishing, a novel that builds out of grief the most hopeful of stories. In the hands of a brilliant new writer, this story of the worst thing a family can face is transformed into a suspenseful and even funny novel about love, memory, joy, heaven, and healing.

My Comments: This book was recommended to me by many friends and it sat on my Mt. TBR for quite a while. I think this was an amazing read. The story is so different, so touching. It explores family, death, grief and afterlife. Wonderfully written and I cannot wait to pick up the next Sebold book. I have added this author to my list of favorites.

As part of the 2009 NY/NJ Nice Challenge, this former NYer turned Jersey girl is sending this surprise RABCK to Ciloma. I hope you enjoy this wonderful author and hope you find it to be a good read.

Part of a challenge that was sent to me. Thanx a bunch!!

The back cover says "Mesmerizing" and "Savagely Beautiful." It also says "Don't start The Lovely Bones unless you can finish it..." I did not find this book very compelling to read, mesmerizing, or savagely beautiful. I didn't hate it. I found it rather slow reading and wanted it to just move along - a lot.

On its way to MrsJones

Thanks for sending this my way. I read it years ago in a book club I was in and people were split. People loved it or hated it. I loved it. We talked about what our versions of Heaven would be like. Mine would include a comfy chaise by a window in a room full of bookcases and cats. :)

I'll share this with my daughter. I think she'd like it.

Left in the flower bed right outside the restaurant (since a server returned it to me when I tried to leave it on a chair). Haha. Enjoy!