Backwards

Gr 9 Up—This is a novel in reverse. In the opening scene, high school senior Dan is bleeding to death in his bathtub from self-inflicted wounds while the Rider, who lives in Dan's body, dispassionately describes what's happening. The following day finds the Rider reliving Dan's life the day before his death; the next day it's the day before that. As listeners experience Dan's life in reverse, they gain a unique perspective on the events leading up to his suicide. The Rider, who doesn't have a physical presence but can escape Dan's body when he is asleep, finds himself envying Dan's life with his distracted mother, needy little sister, and Cat, a quirky, independent girl who used to be Dan's friend, but who now wants nothing to do with him. Is there a way that the Rider, while living backwards, can make some small change in Dan's life to prevent his death? Like Jay Asher's 13 Reasons Why, this title explores how the cumulative effect of small things can become overwhelming. Narrated competently by veteran voice actor Nick Podehl, this unorthodox book will appeal to teens.—Julie Paladino, East Chapel Hill High School, Chapel Hill, NC