All Rivers Flow to the Sea

All Rivers Flow to the Sea is by Alison Mcghee. This story is sort of a 'Coming of Age' type book. It's from the point of view of high-schooler, Rose, who was in a car accident with her sister, Ivy. Rose is traumatized, because while she got away with few injuries, her sister went into a coma. Rose sits by her sister's side for a month, waiting for her to wake up. She swears she's going to be there when Ivy wakes up. After that month, everyone convinces her to go back to school, everyone misses her... right? 

Back at school, Rose is struggling with the rumors people are spreading about her sister. She's just a "vegetable," is what everyone is saying. Rose knows, though. Her sister had moved that one time, and that meant she wasn't just a vegetable. She still aches from the loss, though. Rose goes at it the wrong way, however. She invites Jimmy Wilson up to the Stern's Gorge. Things happen... and the rumors spread. Jimmy wasn't the one to relieve her of her pain. She tries with another boy. Then another. Her emotional aches and pains are not fixed.

Everyday after school, she rides the bus home, then goes to her neighbor, William T., to go see Ivy. Every single day, all she does is read to Ivy. William T. has always been there for Rose and her family. He's almost like the father she never had. Rose's mother hasn't gone to see Ivy since the accident. 

This book, while not incredibly long, is a good read for reluctant readers or people who have been through any kind of trauma. There is some strong language, but not a ton. The characters and situations are very realistic, and up to speed with the current times.

So what do you think...? Does Ivy wake up? Does Rose finally find closure and end up with a boy who actually cares for her? You'll just have to pick up the book and find out.