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Imagining Elsewhere
Being a better person can be a lot harder than it looks.
It’s 1988, and former bully Astrid is forced to move from Queens to the small town of Elsewhere. Although this town is totally weird, Astrid sees the move as a way to reinvent herself. That is, until Candi—the teenage tyrant with supernatural powers who rules Elsewhere—decides she wants Astrid to be her new bestie.
Having to choose between the perks and safety of being the Queen B’s best friend and the desire to be a better person could literally cost Astrid her life. As Astrid and her new friends begin to dig into the dark history of Elsewhere and the source of Candi’s powers, they form a dangerous plan to resist Candi’s compulsion and to escape Elsewhere, or else be doomed to live under Candi’s rule forever.
It’s 1988, and former bully Astrid is forced to move from Queens to the small town of Elsewhere. Although this town is totally weird, Astrid sees the move as a way to reinvent herself. That is, until Candi—the teenage tyrant with supernatural powers who rules Elsewhere—decides she wants Astrid to be her new bestie.
Having to choose between the perks and safety of being the Queen B’s best friend and the desire to be a better person could literally cost Astrid her life. As Astrid and her new friends begin to dig into the dark history of Elsewhere and the source of Candi’s powers, they form a dangerous plan to resist Candi’s compulsion and to escape Elsewhere, or else be doomed to live under Candi’s rule forever.
496 pages, Paperback
Published June 28, 2022
3 people are currently reading
5049 people want to read
About the author
Sara Hosey
7 books137 followersSara Hosey's debut novel, IPHIGENIA MURPHY, about a runaway who starts a new life in a wooded city park, has been called "gritty and unflinching" and named an audible buzzworthy listen. Kirkus Reviews calls her latest YA novel, SUMMER PEOPLE, "a timely mystery exploring multiple complex themes."
Sara's debut short story collection, DIRTY SUBURBIA, traces the experiences of girls and women living in a world that often hates them.
Sara's debut short story collection, DIRTY SUBURBIA, traces the experiences of girls and women living in a world that often hates them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 7, 2023
*DNF at 5%*
So I got the audiobook from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
The concept for this is great, however the execution left something to be desired. Every single 80's references were overly explained. I understand I'm not the targeted demographic but I don't need to be born in the 80's to know about classic films, music and fashion trends, so it's safe to assume that most people would have a general idea of the references given. Rather than explaining it maybe there could have been a list at the back of the book that explains them. ANYWAYS... it wasn't for me unfortunately.
So I got the audiobook from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
The concept for this is great, however the execution left something to be desired. Every single 80's references were overly explained. I understand I'm not the targeted demographic but I don't need to be born in the 80's to know about classic films, music and fashion trends, so it's safe to assume that most people would have a general idea of the references given. Rather than explaining it maybe there could have been a list at the back of the book that explains them. ANYWAYS... it wasn't for me unfortunately.
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March 12, 2022
Imagining Elsewhere was really not for me. I thought the premise was initially super cool and what sounded like a really fun read, but the book took a dive right at the beginning.
During the first few chapters, I kept thinking this might have been better as a Horror movie instead of a novel? Some of the scenes were fun and like they were dramatic enough to be a good set up for the big screen. Sadly, that didn't last long.
I really can't put into words how much I disliked the execution of this story. I personally don't think it was well developed enough to make much sense beyond what the premise literally tells us. I didn't like Astrid as a main character and Candi, who was interesting at the beginning, ended up coming across as a cartoon villain. The plot kept jumping from one thing to the next without much build up and none of the characters felt like real people to me.
Another thing that mostly confused me were the footnotes. They were a mix of 80s "historical" information about movies and commercials and other things from around that time (Walkman, payphones) as well as notes about Astrid as a character, her feelings, and things that had happened to her. Some of the 80s stuff came across to me as Hosey thinking teenagers now (they're the target audience for this book, I believe) are clueless about anything that existed pre-2010s. It was a bit insulting, personally? And the notes in regard to Astrid would have been better used as actual lines/character development throughout the story.
The ending was also not an ending. It was rather abrupt and obviously left way too many loose threads. There was even a footnote asking if that really was the end...
*
ARC provided via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
During the first few chapters, I kept thinking this might have been better as a Horror movie instead of a novel? Some of the scenes were fun and like they were dramatic enough to be a good set up for the big screen. Sadly, that didn't last long.
I really can't put into words how much I disliked the execution of this story. I personally don't think it was well developed enough to make much sense beyond what the premise literally tells us. I didn't like Astrid as a main character and Candi, who was interesting at the beginning, ended up coming across as a cartoon villain. The plot kept jumping from one thing to the next without much build up and none of the characters felt like real people to me.
Another thing that mostly confused me were the footnotes. They were a mix of 80s "historical" information about movies and commercials and other things from around that time (Walkman, payphones) as well as notes about Astrid as a character, her feelings, and things that had happened to her. Some of the 80s stuff came across to me as Hosey thinking teenagers now (they're the target audience for this book, I believe) are clueless about anything that existed pre-2010s. It was a bit insulting, personally? And the notes in regard to Astrid would have been better used as actual lines/character development throughout the story.
The ending was also not an ending. It was rather abrupt and obviously left way too many loose threads. There was even a footnote asking if that really was the end...
*
ARC provided via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
March 22, 2022
I tried really hard to read this book objectively. I was excited to read and review it, but it quickly became a chore to turn the page. The author writes in a way far more intellectual than her target audience expects. It’s almost condescending at times, or like Hosey feels the need to, I don’t know, prove how smart she is? It’s her first novel, so maybe she’s trying too hard.
And that’s not even including the footnotes. Yes, footnotes, in a young adult novel. They’re not ALMOST condescending; they ARE condescending, and the entire book is riddled with them. The author assumes the reader doesn’t know anything about the past. The book is set in the 80s, so every single reference to the past is footnoted, from broad terms like cassette players to specific brand names. Not only that, but they’re commentary. Like Sara Hosey was trying to speak directly to the reader. One of the footnotes literally says “insert eye roll.” … Insert eye roll. With each little note, this book becomes less of a fiction novel and more of a really long essay.
I’m sorry I wasn’t able to read far enough to review the entire book, but even without the footnotes and language that a teenage girl would never use, the story part was lacking. Elsewhere, a tiny little nothing town, is apparently run by another teenage girl? People are afraid to even talk about her. Upon her first introduction, it’s clear that she is the paranormal part of the book. I’m not sure if it’s meant to be glaringly obvious, but it is. Ultimately, I don’t understand her motive. She humiliates the main character, steals from her, physically harms her, knocks her out, and leaves her passed out for hours in a field. This is all after meeting the main character for the first time and having a less-than-five-minute conversation with her. Seems a bit much just for “establishing dominance,” no?
Go ahead and roast me if this turns out to be a hit or if it gets significantly better as the book goes on, but I didn’t like it enough to give it a pass for the parts that bothered me.
And that’s not even including the footnotes. Yes, footnotes, in a young adult novel. They’re not ALMOST condescending; they ARE condescending, and the entire book is riddled with them. The author assumes the reader doesn’t know anything about the past. The book is set in the 80s, so every single reference to the past is footnoted, from broad terms like cassette players to specific brand names. Not only that, but they’re commentary. Like Sara Hosey was trying to speak directly to the reader. One of the footnotes literally says “insert eye roll.” … Insert eye roll. With each little note, this book becomes less of a fiction novel and more of a really long essay.
I’m sorry I wasn’t able to read far enough to review the entire book, but even without the footnotes and language that a teenage girl would never use, the story part was lacking. Elsewhere, a tiny little nothing town, is apparently run by another teenage girl? People are afraid to even talk about her. Upon her first introduction, it’s clear that she is the paranormal part of the book. I’m not sure if it’s meant to be glaringly obvious, but it is. Ultimately, I don’t understand her motive. She humiliates the main character, steals from her, physically harms her, knocks her out, and leaves her passed out for hours in a field. This is all after meeting the main character for the first time and having a less-than-five-minute conversation with her. Seems a bit much just for “establishing dominance,” no?
Go ahead and roast me if this turns out to be a hit or if it gets significantly better as the book goes on, but I didn’t like it enough to give it a pass for the parts that bothered me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
dnf
August 27, 2023DNF page 192
I started this over a year ago and was not enjoying it. So, I set it aside with the intention of coming back to it or maybe just forcing myself to read a chapter here and there, between other books, until I had finally finished it. I didn't want to DNF it because it was the first ARC I received through Edelweiss, and I feared that if I didn't review it, I'd probably never have a hope of receiving another one. (I also ended up with a paperback from somewhere.)
Here's the thing. I've been shuffling it around my coffee table ever since and have finally given up. I'm never coming back. I'm just not finishing. I'm letting it and the obligation tied to it go. I remember being bored and thinking the writing/narrative was really smug and insulting to the intelligence of the reader (explaining things that didn't really need explaining because the author assumed teens wouldn't know). I was just irritated the whole time I tried to read it.
I started this over a year ago and was not enjoying it. So, I set it aside with the intention of coming back to it or maybe just forcing myself to read a chapter here and there, between other books, until I had finally finished it. I didn't want to DNF it because it was the first ARC I received through Edelweiss, and I feared that if I didn't review it, I'd probably never have a hope of receiving another one. (I also ended up with a paperback from somewhere.)
Here's the thing. I've been shuffling it around my coffee table ever since and have finally given up. I'm never coming back. I'm just not finishing. I'm letting it and the obligation tied to it go. I remember being bored and thinking the writing/narrative was really smug and insulting to the intelligence of the reader (explaining things that didn't really need explaining because the author assumed teens wouldn't know). I was just irritated the whole time I tried to read it.
May 2, 2022
I received an ARC of Imagining Elsewhere and thought it would be fun to one day read together with my daughter. Imagine my surprise when I found myself (a middle-aged woman who doesn't typically read YA) completely charmed and delighted by Astrid and all the references to the 80's (remember Walkmans?) in this paranormal, YA book about bullying, friendship, and doing the right thing. The book had me reflecting on my own high school years and the lengths people go to to be in the "popular crowd." The book is a fun read that explores serious themes. Highly recommend!
June 27, 2023
When Astrid moves from New York City to elsewhere she is unprepared for the popular girl at school her name is Candy and she has sway unlike any teenage girl ever anywhere! She has power over the whole town and although Astrid tries her best to keep her head down it seems candy has made her her new mark the town does whatever this girl says. they’re not equipped with modern day conveniences and when she sees Astrid has a walk man (because the book is set in the 90s) Candy wants it and this is when Astrid learned her first lesson in her new town. Astrid makes a couple of friends and although they try to steer clear of candy and her football boyfriend it seems candy is always noticing her oh yes and want to move to elsewhere you can never leave. Someone needs to take candy down will that be Astrid? This was one of the strangest books I have ever read I totally enjoyed the story I found it funny strange and altogether a great read. I thought the narrator did an awesome job and this is a book I highly recommend I can’t say one bad thing about it if you love sci-fi mystery thrillers with a dash of horror you’ll love this book I certainly did and highly recommend it. I received this book from NetGalley and Comcat books but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
July 12, 2022
A breezy, fast paced exploration of teenage girl interactions, which range from bullying and complex social dynamics to general social awkwardness.. and a side of supernatural powers. At times the narrator’s style gets a little trite — surviving his school is a cliche— but the driving force is the idea that there is no black and white in high school, as in life. As Astrid struggles to get acclimated to her new home, she has to deal with bullies…but, via flashbacks, it appears that Astrid herself once bullied others. She is at once a victim and an antihero, which makes for an interesting tale. Then weave in some extra powers and it all ramps up a notch.
The book is littered with footnotes, breezy references that clue in the reader as to how TV antennas used to work and what 80s movies were popular, which is cute, but makes it seem like it’s written more for millennials than for teenagers, and is a little overplayed.
The book is littered with footnotes, breezy references that clue in the reader as to how TV antennas used to work and what 80s movies were popular, which is cute, but makes it seem like it’s written more for millennials than for teenagers, and is a little overplayed.
June 27, 2022
I received a copy of this book directly from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I barely got through this book. I almost put it down within the first few chapters, but I kept pushing, hoping it would get better… but at 50%, I gave up.
I liked the plot. Honestly, it was probably my favorite part of the story, and it was fun to see a book set in the 1980’s, because that was my childhood. (1983 baby!) There were a lot of fun references and the ridiculous and unique plot that was very reminiscent of 80’s movies. I think the author did a fantastic job of making the story very 80’s-centric.
The problem is, there wasn’t much else I liked about it. The main character was a bully, frequently took her anger out on others, and somehow the author attempted to make her attitude problems into something to like about the character. It was gross. The attempted romance between Astrid and several of the boys in the story was flimsy at best, and again, kinda gross. You could tell the romance subplots were forced, and it made those relationships feel skeevy.
These are things I didn’t like, but I could have pushed past, if it hadn’t been for the precious and quirky way the author put footnotes into the story every few sentences to comment on Astrid’s preferences and 80’s references. I don’t know if the author was attempting to do some sort of pop-up-video type insert into the story or what, but it was incredibly annoying and didn’t translate well into the story. Instead, I was constantly pulled out of what was happening to read these little asides that didn’t add anything to the story or the plot.
In the end, I put the book aside at half-way-through because I was bored. As promising as the plot was, I just couldn’t get myself to care about what was going on or the characters. It was a good attempt, but I can’t see the book appealing to anyone who didn’t live through that time period – and frankly, those of us who did are probably too old to find the juvenile way the characters act as anything but frustrating.
I barely got through this book. I almost put it down within the first few chapters, but I kept pushing, hoping it would get better… but at 50%, I gave up.
I liked the plot. Honestly, it was probably my favorite part of the story, and it was fun to see a book set in the 1980’s, because that was my childhood. (1983 baby!) There were a lot of fun references and the ridiculous and unique plot that was very reminiscent of 80’s movies. I think the author did a fantastic job of making the story very 80’s-centric.
The problem is, there wasn’t much else I liked about it. The main character was a bully, frequently took her anger out on others, and somehow the author attempted to make her attitude problems into something to like about the character. It was gross. The attempted romance between Astrid and several of the boys in the story was flimsy at best, and again, kinda gross. You could tell the romance subplots were forced, and it made those relationships feel skeevy.
These are things I didn’t like, but I could have pushed past, if it hadn’t been for the precious and quirky way the author put footnotes into the story every few sentences to comment on Astrid’s preferences and 80’s references. I don’t know if the author was attempting to do some sort of pop-up-video type insert into the story or what, but it was incredibly annoying and didn’t translate well into the story. Instead, I was constantly pulled out of what was happening to read these little asides that didn’t add anything to the story or the plot.
In the end, I put the book aside at half-way-through because I was bored. As promising as the plot was, I just couldn’t get myself to care about what was going on or the characters. It was a good attempt, but I can’t see the book appealing to anyone who didn’t live through that time period – and frankly, those of us who did are probably too old to find the juvenile way the characters act as anything but frustrating.
July 16, 2022
***Contains Spoilers***
Note: I listened to the audiobook so there may be many names misspelled.
In Imagining Elsewhere you know what to expect from start to finish and you have to work really hard to stay immersed.
I enjoyed the fact that the main character, Astrid, experienced realistic growth and changes as a young teenager. She embodies all the cringe, sass, rebellion, self-centeredness of a true teen. She was the most (and possibly only) dynamic character. Unfortunately, every other character was basically a caricature, especially Candi.
There were some heavy topics brought up, but never fully addressed. Did Astrid ever apologize to Evie? Not sure. Death was used as a plot device and rarely addressed as real, constantly brushed over, like so many other topics. Oh and Cecile and Astrid both agreeing to send their unconscious mom with a man they had JUST MET (especially so soon after Astrid experienced some pedophile vibes from the sheriff) just did not seem to align.
The part that really made immersion quite difficult were the footnotes. How they were written and where they were placed hindered more than helped more than I'd like to admit.
All in all, not bad, but I'd rather have watched this in a 90 minute movie than have spent 9 hours listening to the book.
Note: I listened to the audiobook so there may be many names misspelled.
In Imagining Elsewhere you know what to expect from start to finish and you have to work really hard to stay immersed.
I enjoyed the fact that the main character, Astrid, experienced realistic growth and changes as a young teenager. She embodies all the cringe, sass, rebellion, self-centeredness of a true teen. She was the most (and possibly only) dynamic character. Unfortunately, every other character was basically a caricature, especially Candi.
There were some heavy topics brought up, but never fully addressed. Did Astrid ever apologize to Evie? Not sure. Death was used as a plot device and rarely addressed as real, constantly brushed over, like so many other topics. Oh and Cecile and Astrid both agreeing to send their unconscious mom with a man they had JUST MET (especially so soon after Astrid experienced some pedophile vibes from the sheriff) just did not seem to align.
The part that really made immersion quite difficult were the footnotes. How they were written and where they were placed hindered more than helped more than I'd like to admit.
All in all, not bad, but I'd rather have watched this in a 90 minute movie than have spent 9 hours listening to the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2023
This was painful.
SO many similarities to the book "Burrying Eva Flores" that it seemed like these two books were a writing assignment; having the same checklist of necessary details and plot points for both authors to stick to.
Would have dnf-ed if I hadn't gotten the free audiobook from Netgalley.
SO many similarities to the book "Burrying Eva Flores" that it seemed like these two books were a writing assignment; having the same checklist of necessary details and plot points for both authors to stick to.
Would have dnf-ed if I hadn't gotten the free audiobook from Netgalley.
March 20, 2022
Incredible! This was such a fun read. With the sarcastic self-awareness of a Deadpool film, the wit and references of an 80s film, and the vibrancy of a novel written by someone who knows her craft, this book had me engrossed from the beginning.
The characters were grounded and each one felt so real, the motives were realistic and even the big baddie was intriguing and relatable.
I loved embarking on Astrid's unique journey of self healing and redemption mixed with supernatural barriers and temptations to draw her back to her own ways. Her relationship with her sister Cecile was beautiful and made me wish I had a sister, and her connections with Marcel and Milo were sweet and heartbreaking in their own ways.
Hosey really captured what it feels like to be accepted by the popular kids, and the flipside of high school rejection. Oof, some scenes hit so close to home!
Can't wait to read more from this author, and while I wait I think I need to rewatch a few John Hughes films.
Thanks to the author for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The characters were grounded and each one felt so real, the motives were realistic and even the big baddie was intriguing and relatable.
I loved embarking on Astrid's unique journey of self healing and redemption mixed with supernatural barriers and temptations to draw her back to her own ways. Her relationship with her sister Cecile was beautiful and made me wish I had a sister, and her connections with Marcel and Milo were sweet and heartbreaking in their own ways.
Hosey really captured what it feels like to be accepted by the popular kids, and the flipside of high school rejection. Oof, some scenes hit so close to home!
Can't wait to read more from this author, and while I wait I think I need to rewatch a few John Hughes films.
Thanks to the author for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 10, 2022
Imagining Elsewhere is an intriguing novel that begs for a sequel. By the time I reached the end I was begging for one too!
At first, Elsewhere seems like a regular town with only slightly irregular inhabitants. As the story progresses it becomes very evident that there is nothing normal about Elsewhere, be it the land or those who dwell on it.
The ending of this book is where the fireworks really go off, which is why I considered calling this a slow burn at first, but I can't say that's entirely true. There is not one normal day lived in this book, even Astrid’s first day at her new school is eerie. Strange things keep happening and just keep getting stranger making you wonder, was this really what high school was like? Maybe it’s a bit more vicious because it's set in the 80’s? Or is there something else going on here?
As someone who is not traditionally a fan of paranormal fiction, I was a bit apprehensive to read at first, but after the first few pages I fell hard into this story. Even though this story is fictional it provides great insight to the human condition. People do not stay the same, they will change and grow, especially when they’re still in high school learning to navigate the world and deal with their peers. Astrid proves to be one of the best characters I’ve read because of the way she deals with what she's done in the past and present. It’s hard to make decisions when you know lives are on the line but she’s able to keep her cool until the right moment strikes.
All in all, Imagining Elsewhere gets five stars from me. I didn’t expect to love it as much as I did because of the paranormal aspect but it was a nice sprinkle of strange on the cake that is this relatable high school tale of personal growth.
I am patiently waiting for a second book and stay rooting for Astrid!
At first, Elsewhere seems like a regular town with only slightly irregular inhabitants. As the story progresses it becomes very evident that there is nothing normal about Elsewhere, be it the land or those who dwell on it.
The ending of this book is where the fireworks really go off, which is why I considered calling this a slow burn at first, but I can't say that's entirely true. There is not one normal day lived in this book, even Astrid’s first day at her new school is eerie. Strange things keep happening and just keep getting stranger making you wonder, was this really what high school was like? Maybe it’s a bit more vicious because it's set in the 80’s? Or is there something else going on here?
As someone who is not traditionally a fan of paranormal fiction, I was a bit apprehensive to read at first, but after the first few pages I fell hard into this story. Even though this story is fictional it provides great insight to the human condition. People do not stay the same, they will change and grow, especially when they’re still in high school learning to navigate the world and deal with their peers. Astrid proves to be one of the best characters I’ve read because of the way she deals with what she's done in the past and present. It’s hard to make decisions when you know lives are on the line but she’s able to keep her cool until the right moment strikes.
All in all, Imagining Elsewhere gets five stars from me. I didn’t expect to love it as much as I did because of the paranormal aspect but it was a nice sprinkle of strange on the cake that is this relatable high school tale of personal growth.
I am patiently waiting for a second book and stay rooting for Astrid!
June 19, 2023
Imagining Elsewhere by Sara Hosey is a story about a teen named Astrid who moves to a strange new town. Astrid was her old school’s biggest bully, and in this weird new town, she meets the bully of Elsewhere. Yup, that’s right, the bully of the entire town. Everyone is terrified of teen Candi. Astrid quickly notices this unfortunate situation isn’t just unfortunate, it’s sinister and life-threatening. Can Astrid help save herself, her family, and possibly the whole town? Or will everyone just end up going through the malicious motions?
I was lucky enough to receive an audiobook version of this story to review from CamCat Publishing and Netgalley for an honest review.
The narration was great! The narrator’s voice was perfect for these characters and this story, and the pacing was right on point!
The characters were well flushed out and believable as people. I strangely loved Candi’s mom and thought of her as a little bit unhinged from her many, many years of abuse from her daughter.
This was such a good story, however, I did think that Astrid should have noticed what was going on a tad earlier, but it wasn’t a slow read by any means. The last chunk of the book was un-put-downable.
I’ve heard that some people had a hard time staying in the story with all of the footnotes, but I liked it! Being an 80’s child myself, it was fun to remember all of the throwbacks and I found it helped me to remember the time frame. To each their own I suppose!
I could completely see this story becoming a movie! I would also love to see a sequel. The open ending left me imagining what could happen next, and the possibilities are intriguing! I also wouldn’t mind a prequel!
I gave it ⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you like supernatural stories and 80s vibes, this read could be perfect for you!
*Content warning* attempted suicide, bullying, violence
I was lucky enough to receive an audiobook version of this story to review from CamCat Publishing and Netgalley for an honest review.
The narration was great! The narrator’s voice was perfect for these characters and this story, and the pacing was right on point!
The characters were well flushed out and believable as people. I strangely loved Candi’s mom and thought of her as a little bit unhinged from her many, many years of abuse from her daughter.
This was such a good story, however, I did think that Astrid should have noticed what was going on a tad earlier, but it wasn’t a slow read by any means. The last chunk of the book was un-put-downable.
I’ve heard that some people had a hard time staying in the story with all of the footnotes, but I liked it! Being an 80’s child myself, it was fun to remember all of the throwbacks and I found it helped me to remember the time frame. To each their own I suppose!
I could completely see this story becoming a movie! I would also love to see a sequel. The open ending left me imagining what could happen next, and the possibilities are intriguing! I also wouldn’t mind a prequel!
I gave it ⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you like supernatural stories and 80s vibes, this read could be perfect for you!
*Content warning* attempted suicide, bullying, violence
February 22, 2024
hmm.. everything was pretty great other than that wack and lazy ending, the constant footnotes on obvious things and references, and then the weird/unnatural romance aspect. but wow. the ending was just so lazy and did not do a story like this justice. i loved the 80s setting too. a lot of people mentioned that the book and candi's powers were unrealistic but I didn't mind that part too much. that's typically why i read books...to escape into a reality where the impossible does happen..however, i do have to admit it did tend to get a little overused and kind of boring after a while. BUT THAT ENDING THO. gosh it sucked.
August 22, 2022
This story was funnier than I expected, ironic, different, and intriguing at the same time. It's just so I don't know - if you've read it, you'll know what I'm trying to say better than I can say it. It was also, I think, targeted to quite a bit younger of an audience than me and I think the target audience would probably like it, get it more than I did.
Some of what was so funny and weird to me is how they kept explaining and referring to what walkmans were and that kind of thing that's old tech nowadays but if you were a kid in the 80s like me - yep dated myself there - you remember how walkmans at one time were cool and how exciting it was when they started selling CD players and CDs lol.
Anyway, on to the story, this is about Astrid, who is a former bully, and how she becomes the bullied one by Candi in the new town they moved to after her bullying got out of hand and she went too far.
The town they move to is called Elsewhere until a few days or so after they move there. Then it gets changed to Candi-land, which is so ridiculous, but it fits in this story, you'll see when you read it. It starts with Astrid, her sister, and her Mom trying to adjust to their new place and new school and during her first day/week at school, Astrid gets bullied by Candi, the most popular girl in the school and town as is shown later on. Then there's a 180 and suddenly Astrid finds herself as the BFF of Candi, the popular bully, and then finds out why Candi is actually so popular and how she seems to have power over others and everything.
As things go on, Astrid, her sister, and her new friends find and realize that they have to stop Candi from keeping everyone under her control and get out of Elsewhere for good. They make a plan and things happen and then some of them get free and some of them don't and the ending leaves questions so there's a possibility of a continuation of this series and I'd be curious to see what happens if there is another book with this town and these characters.
It's a fun, quick read touching on topics of bullying, depression, suicide, mental health, and such with high school-aged kids. It's something that I'd recommend checking out if you're looking for a quick and entertaining read with some deeper moments and topics touched on, but not overdone.
Thanks so much to Edelweiss and CamCat Books for letting me read and review this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Some of what was so funny and weird to me is how they kept explaining and referring to what walkmans were and that kind of thing that's old tech nowadays but if you were a kid in the 80s like me - yep dated myself there - you remember how walkmans at one time were cool and how exciting it was when they started selling CD players and CDs lol.
Anyway, on to the story, this is about Astrid, who is a former bully, and how she becomes the bullied one by Candi in the new town they moved to after her bullying got out of hand and she went too far.
The town they move to is called Elsewhere until a few days or so after they move there. Then it gets changed to Candi-land, which is so ridiculous, but it fits in this story, you'll see when you read it. It starts with Astrid, her sister, and her Mom trying to adjust to their new place and new school and during her first day/week at school, Astrid gets bullied by Candi, the most popular girl in the school and town as is shown later on. Then there's a 180 and suddenly Astrid finds herself as the BFF of Candi, the popular bully, and then finds out why Candi is actually so popular and how she seems to have power over others and everything.
As things go on, Astrid, her sister, and her new friends find and realize that they have to stop Candi from keeping everyone under her control and get out of Elsewhere for good. They make a plan and things happen and then some of them get free and some of them don't and the ending leaves questions so there's a possibility of a continuation of this series and I'd be curious to see what happens if there is another book with this town and these characters.
It's a fun, quick read touching on topics of bullying, depression, suicide, mental health, and such with high school-aged kids. It's something that I'd recommend checking out if you're looking for a quick and entertaining read with some deeper moments and topics touched on, but not overdone.
Thanks so much to Edelweiss and CamCat Books for letting me read and review this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 7, 2023
A 3.5 star read… but couldn’t justify rounding it up.
So this book follows Astrid who has moved to Elsewhere after horrifically bullying another student and ends up being Candi’s new play thing. Although Astrid doesn’t want no involvement… she can’t help but do everything Candi says.
Let’s start with the positives: I could imagine what was happening so the descriptions were detailed and simple. I laughed during this book with smart comments and I was also tense throughout some scenes (the head on table scene, if you know you know).
However, The plot of this book had such great potential but it fell flat multiple times and I felt bored sporadically throughout this book. I couldn’t really connect with Astrid, her previous bullying ways was too far to feel any remorse or redemption for her, and I am still confused on who she liked out of her love interest(s).
The footnotes too, at times, were insulting. Explaining extremely basic things but I can appreciate a younger audience may not know (I’m 25) but I wasn’t born in the 80s and understood all references.
The ending also fell flat… and it wasn’t really an ending?
So this book follows Astrid who has moved to Elsewhere after horrifically bullying another student and ends up being Candi’s new play thing. Although Astrid doesn’t want no involvement… she can’t help but do everything Candi says.
Let’s start with the positives: I could imagine what was happening so the descriptions were detailed and simple. I laughed during this book with smart comments and I was also tense throughout some scenes (the head on table scene, if you know you know).
However, The plot of this book had such great potential but it fell flat multiple times and I felt bored sporadically throughout this book. I couldn’t really connect with Astrid, her previous bullying ways was too far to feel any remorse or redemption for her, and I am still confused on who she liked out of her love interest(s).
The footnotes too, at times, were insulting. Explaining extremely basic things but I can appreciate a younger audience may not know (I’m 25) but I wasn’t born in the 80s and understood all references.
The ending also fell flat… and it wasn’t really an ending?
June 19, 2023
For an audiobook, the narrator was okay. Not great voice changes or inflections, but I was able to speed it to 1.75x and handle the pacing.
The biggest issue was the constant footnotes. They were distracting and seemed to convolute the story rather than clarify it. If the 1980s was going to be such a struggle to use as a setting, I'd rather skip the footnotes and move on.
Astrid wasn't a very likeable character; we can't overlook the severity of her past transgressions. Candi is clearly the antagonist, and since Astrid voices early on WHY Candi is a threat, the story doesn't have many places to go... It's a shame because I think this is a story where various POV might have given more depth to the story.
I hoped for a twist that never came, so instead I'll chalk this one up as a miss.
Overall: 3 stars
I'll tell my students about: language, magic, death, mental health/trauma, violence
**Thank you to NetGalley and CamCat Publishing for the free ALC. All opinions expressed are my own.**
The biggest issue was the constant footnotes. They were distracting and seemed to convolute the story rather than clarify it. If the 1980s was going to be such a struggle to use as a setting, I'd rather skip the footnotes and move on.
Astrid wasn't a very likeable character; we can't overlook the severity of her past transgressions. Candi is clearly the antagonist, and since Astrid voices early on WHY Candi is a threat, the story doesn't have many places to go... It's a shame because I think this is a story where various POV might have given more depth to the story.
I hoped for a twist that never came, so instead I'll chalk this one up as a miss.
Overall: 3 stars
I'll tell my students about: language, magic, death, mental health/trauma, violence
**Thank you to NetGalley and CamCat Publishing for the free ALC. All opinions expressed are my own.**
June 9, 2025
The concept of the book really drew me in, which is why I picked it at the library. However, the writing style seemed really juvenile and there were many unnecessary footnotes explaining each of the 80s references. It almost seemed like the book was outdated when it was written if you had to explain each reference. I understood most of them, and I am a teenager. Besides, it didn't really seem like the book being placed in the 80s was necessary to the plot anyway, so it could have been set in modern day. Overall, this seems like the book I would write if I was 10 trying to get the reader to join all my fandoms and overlooking the plot because of it. Like, "I jump down from tree. Carved in it says 'You should play Minecraft'" and then a footnote explaining what Minecraft is. Nobody cares!
October 26, 2025
Okay. Let’s see. What do I say. Well, I liked the 80s setting. I liked that the lead character came from a bad situation at her old school and the roles were reversed in the new one. I liked the witchy undertones, especially so close to Halloween.
Now, I did not like Candi. I did not like all the unnecessary footnotes. There were so many and there was no need for them. It interrupted the flow of the story. Nor did I like the ending. It was an entire book of build up build up build up build up, and you are waiting to see what happens, and it ends. Like a door being slammed in your face. I read a review that said that the end was lazy. I agree! No thought, not even a try at an ending.
It was a quick read. I read it in less than 24 hours. But the bad outweighs the good on this one.
Now, I did not like Candi. I did not like all the unnecessary footnotes. There were so many and there was no need for them. It interrupted the flow of the story. Nor did I like the ending. It was an entire book of build up build up build up build up, and you are waiting to see what happens, and it ends. Like a door being slammed in your face. I read a review that said that the end was lazy. I agree! No thought, not even a try at an ending.
It was a quick read. I read it in less than 24 hours. But the bad outweighs the good on this one.
July 3, 2022
Now I know you are not meant to judge a book by it's cover but I did when I saw Imagining Elsewhere as it really gave me the feeling of the supernatural and then when I read the synopsis I was like sign me up.
I am not going to say what happened in the book as I don't do spoilers but I will say it gave me the vibes of Mean Girls, Heathers, Stepford Films and The Craft added together with the book being set in 1988 and everything 80s by the truck load scattered throughout and I ate it all up. I really think Sara did a fantastic job and I am hoping for a sequel hint hint. So I had to give it 5 stars
I am not going to say what happened in the book as I don't do spoilers but I will say it gave me the vibes of Mean Girls, Heathers, Stepford Films and The Craft added together with the book being set in 1988 and everything 80s by the truck load scattered throughout and I ate it all up. I really think Sara did a fantastic job and I am hoping for a sequel hint hint. So I had to give it 5 stars
May 31, 2023
Imagining Elsewhere follows a mean girl who was forced to transfer to another school for her senior year due to some horrific bullying. Astrid has to learn how to have empathy when she Candy, the small down queen bee with actual supernatural abilities. Candy not only rules the school but the whole town. With lots of references to 80s movies and culture, this is a really fun story that tackles some serious issues. I would def recommend this to younger readers for its examination of teen girl relationships and the culture of bullying. I would also recommend it to anyone who likes John Hughes movies or teen movies in general.
July 3, 2022
What an eerie, chill-inducing, YA paranormal book. I think the fact that all of the characters (antagonist included) are teenagers is what really makes the whole plot so terrifying in many ways. And addicting - once I started, I couldn't stop reading. It's such a propulsive, unique, fabulous book. I loved the eighties backdrop, and all the references that were scattered throughout. I thought the footnotes were funny and interesting, and altogether this was just a really great read. If you're in for a young adult paranormal thrill fest, then I would 100% recommend this book.
May 27, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the audio version of this book. Lots of creepy (in the wrong way) characters and lots of humour. A modern dark fairy tale, this YA story is set in the 1980s, with a wicked teenager controlling a town and bullying everyone to carry out her wishes. Will history continue to repeat itself or can Astrid find a way to escape her past, and escape from Elsewhere? Thank you to CamCat publishing and NetGalley for the audio ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.
April 14, 2022
I'm a huge fan of YA and was also a child of the 80s, so this book was right up my alley. I really enjoyed how the author turned the mean girl narrative on its head - the main character, Astrid, the subject of the bullying, was a bully herself in her former life. Hosey does a great job making us root for Astrid despite her many character flaws. If you're looking for a fun, supernatural YA adventure, I highly recommend Imagining Elsewhere.
June 24, 2022
I really love this book! I am quite happy with the ending as well. I love the 80s references because it gave me all kinds of nostalgia. I think that it was written very well to appeal to 80s babies as well as the current youngsters. I love that it wasn’t black and white and it was complexity to the story. It felt like I was reading a horror movie where I just kept yelling at the characters to do something other than what they were doing.
July 11, 2022
This was such a fun read! A clever, supernatural tale set against an 80s backdrop, and with a unique voice that kept me turning the page. The heroine, Astrid, is really an anti-heroine--a bully who's about to meet an even bigger bully in the new town of Elsewhere. That's what really set this book apart for me. Astrid's perspective is an unexpected twist on the coming-of-age story. Also, I'm a sucker for footnotes in fiction!
October 16, 2022
This book was in the middle of bad and good. I really liked the footnotes feature and was surprised to find that many people found it condescending. I also really like paranormal fiction, so it hooked me in the beginning. But that's all there was. I was expecting...I don't know...more? The rest of the book almost seemed mechanical to me and I didn't quite like the way the characters were developed. :\
November 2, 2022
I really enjoyed the premise of this book - I listened to the audiobook- but it left a lot of holes and unanswered questions. I felt the resolution was rushed and incomplete. I wondered if it was leaving room for a sequel or just incomplete. Not the best writing I’ve ever read but it was ok. I kept hoping it would get better. Like I said it was a great idea just not that well executed. I would have loved more depth to it.
June 7, 2023
I enjoyed parts of this (the footnotes were fine for me) and would listen to another one if there is one eventually. (Kind of left open for a sequel.) But there were so many things that had the potential to be deep - that were just barely mentioned once and then never again. Like the feud between the families...was that just racism or something else? Or the awful step father/sherif? I could see my high schoolers enjoying this. Thanks to Netgalley for the audio!
May 7, 2022
A witty, poignant, and FUN book for the YA audience -- which will also resonate with their parents, as it takes place in the 80s! Creating the story from the point of view of the bully and not the bullied was an inspired choice which allows the reader a new angle from which to understand human behavior. Grateful for the ARC of this book and highly recommend for your teen (or your adult!).
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