The Last Universe by William Sleator

Quantum universes, universes existing simultaneously, each one spun into being by a choice, a happenstance in one or another. Quantum scientists contend that such universes exist, but can't find a way to get to them. A writer has the ability to spin a story into a million, well infinite, directions with the stroke of a pen and William Sleator is a master. In his novel, The Last Universe, Sleator plays with quantum mechanics, quantum universes and a very strangely behaving quantum garden.

Susan has to take of Gary, whether she wants to or not. How can she deny her dying brother's (not to mention her parents demands) to go into the garden created by their great-uncle. But strange things have begun to happen in the garden, plants that shouldn't grow in cold climate have sprung up overnight, lotus have filled the pond and the paths have begun to decide for themselves where they should lead. Guiding her brother's wheelchair into the maze, Susan is equally fascinated and frightened by the outcomes. Gary is excited by the possiblity that in one of the universes he will not be plagued by disease.

Toying with the universes and the theories of quantum mechanics, William Sleator has created a wonderfully suspenseful novel that you can't put down. "The twist at the end is entirely logical (if anything about quantum can be) and entirely shocking. Well-drawn characters and a believable story will catch and hold Sleator's fans and make new ones. Another solid entry from a deservedly popular author," says Elaine Fort Weischedel, Milton Public Library, MA in School Library Journal.

Just imagine how your universe might be affected by the decision to pick up and read this book or not. You never know where the path might lead.