Reading this is like watching an approaching storm from an emotional standpoint. When you open it, you find half the main characters, Izzy, Cass and Janie on a beach amidst classmates and the aftermath of an end of school party. Suddenly the sky above is rent with the sound, then the sight, of a low flying plane. Right after it passes overhead, it starts a steep climb, stalls and plunges, nose first into the ocean. It's not long before the three girls begin to suspect the worst, that Izzy's twin brother, Israel, Cass' ex-boyfriend, Shane and Janie's next door neighbor Nate, who's given her mixed messages forever, are in the plane and most likely dead.
How did three high school kids manage to get a plane and why did they fly it? Those, along with the dynamics of all six teens, plus their parents, are what you the reader discovers as the book moves along. Told in alternate viewpoint and time lines, each chapter takes you ever deeper into the mind of each teen, peeling away layers of secrets and pain until you, and the three girls are left with an answer. It's a masterfully done revelation and a book many public and school libraries should have on their shelves. ( )

n achingly beautiful story of heartbreak and loss.

When three teen girls witness a plane crash on a beach after a party, it shatters their lives. Not only do they know the victims, but it’s the people who are most important to them. Izzy lost her twin, Israel. Cass lost her ex-boyfriend, Shane. And Janie lost her best friend Nate, who’d only hang out with her when no one from school could see.

Israel had been interested in past lives, but when Izzy swears their souls have moved into three dolphins, her friends think she's losing it. The other girls agree to help her find out why the tragedy occurred to help her cope. Each one is searching for a sense of meaning. What led three teen boys to steal a plane and take it for a spin? The answer to that question will test the three girls’ friendship.

These characters are vivid, unique and feel like real people. The book alternates between past and present, giving you glimpses into each teen's heart. I especially enjoyed Janie gaining confidence and becoming an even larger part of the friend group as the time went on.

I would describe this book as an emotional thriller. You needed to know the answers to "why" just as much as the girls did, so it kept me turning pages. I read this in one sitting.

Even though this book dealt with some tough topics - depression, suicide - I loved the note of hope. The bittersweet ending will leave you with tears in your eyes.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Teen for the advance review copy of this book. ( )