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3.95 AVERAGE
3.95 AVERAGE
Great book. A very emotional story about acceptance, letting go, and moving on. Two broken people who lived their lives haunted by their pasts finally found peace together.
This felt like a journey for me. I cried so many times reading this book. I cried for their loss, their pains, and i cried when they finally let go of their past. It is really hard let go of happy and beautiful memories but sometimes, it's the best thing to do in order to create new wonderful ones. It's hard to give up on a dream but sometimes, life offers us a better plan than what we could've ever dreamed of. And i love that they, together with their families and friends, found the happiness they longed for.
Echo. I like her. She's confused and angry and tortured but she's very strong. She lost everything important: her friends, boyfriend, father, mother, brother-the one person who loved her so much, and even the respect of the student body but she never gave up on life entirely. And the way she handled everything in the end, how she chose to face her fears and be the person her brother could be proud of, she got my respect. It's never easy to forgive but it's the only way to forget.
Noah. Love the guy. The way he strives so hard for his brothers is heart warming. He's sensitive and thoughtful and understanding. He had trust issues but eventually, he learned that he is young and he needs someone to depend on. He loves his brothers so much and I can't help but cry so hard when he let go. It was a BIG step for him and I'm so proud of him. I've always believed that the person who lets you go just to make you happy is the one who loves you most.
I love how everything was wrapped up in the end. The revelations that made everything sensible were revealed at the right times, in my opinion. It's great that the characters had closures and new beginnings with the people who affected them most. I like that I got to be in both Echo and Noah's head and see and understand things the way they do. It was a great read and it's going in my "Recommended" shelf.
P.S.: Aires! Damn everything if I didn't fall in love with this guy. He's an amazing brother and person. He's a great loss. :((( oh! And Jacob and Tyler! Ohmygosh, I love them! They always make me smile with how much affection they have for their older brother. Makes me cry. ;(
P.P.S.: Saw that there's a sequel with Beth's story. Saw the excerpt and it was a guy named Ryan instead of Isaiah. Hmmmm. Interesting. They better be as cute and sweet as Noah and Echo. :))
This felt like a journey for me. I cried so many times reading this book. I cried for their loss, their pains, and i cried when they finally let go of their past. It is really hard let go of happy and beautiful memories but sometimes, it's the best thing to do in order to create new wonderful ones. It's hard to give up on a dream but sometimes, life offers us a better plan than what we could've ever dreamed of. And i love that they, together with their families and friends, found the happiness they longed for.
Echo. I like her. She's confused and angry and tortured but she's very strong. She lost everything important: her friends, boyfriend, father, mother, brother-the one person who loved her so much, and even the respect of the student body but she never gave up on life entirely. And the way she handled everything in the end, how she chose to face her fears and be the person her brother could be proud of, she got my respect. It's never easy to forgive but it's the only way to forget.
Noah. Love the guy. The way he strives so hard for his brothers is heart warming. He's sensitive and thoughtful and understanding. He had trust issues but eventually, he learned that he is young and he needs someone to depend on. He loves his brothers so much and I can't help but cry so hard when he let go. It was a BIG step for him and I'm so proud of him. I've always believed that the person who lets you go just to make you happy is the one who loves you most.
I love how everything was wrapped up in the end. The revelations that made everything sensible were revealed at the right times, in my opinion. It's great that the characters had closures and new beginnings with the people who affected them most. I like that I got to be in both Echo and Noah's head and see and understand things the way they do. It was a great read and it's going in my "Recommended" shelf.
P.S.: Aires! Damn everything if I didn't fall in love with this guy. He's an amazing brother and person. He's a great loss. :((( oh! And Jacob and Tyler! Ohmygosh, I love them! They always make me smile with how much affection they have for their older brother. Makes me cry. ;(
P.P.S.: Saw that there's a sequel with Beth's story. Saw the excerpt and it was a guy named Ryan instead of Isaiah. Hmmmm. Interesting. They better be as cute and sweet as Noah and Echo. :))
If you want an excellent YA Romantic read with a bad boy with issues who meets girl with issues, and they have an amazing story, then this book is for you! Love this book! Love this author! Love all characters! Love story line! I laughed, I cried, I swooned, I sighed....amazing. I can't wait to read Dare You To (Beth's story)!
Sigo con la buena racha de libros, más o menos.
Al principio, no me pareció tan bueno como creí o como decían algunas reseñas, y a mitad del libro hasta pensé en dejarlo, por eso las cuatro estrellas.
Pero después todo cambió y lo amé, más o menos.
Tuve unos momentos un tanto difíciles con Echo y su actitud, pero no la odié (¡oh milagro!)
La historia de Noah fue la que más me llegó al corazón, sus hermanos y la pérdida de sus padres, todo el sufrimiento que lo rodeaba me desgarró el alma totalmente.
Y la manera en que todo logró solucionarse me hizo llorar mares.
Sí, creo que lo amé.
Al principio, no me pareció tan bueno como creí o como decían algunas reseñas, y a mitad del libro hasta pensé en dejarlo, por eso las cuatro estrellas.
Pero después todo cambió y lo amé, más o menos.
Tuve unos momentos un tanto difíciles con Echo y su actitud, pero no la odié (¡oh milagro!)
La historia de Noah fue la que más me llegó al corazón, sus hermanos y la pérdida de sus padres, todo el sufrimiento que lo rodeaba me desgarró el alma totalmente.
Y la manera en que todo logró solucionarse me hizo llorar mares.
Sí, creo que lo amé.
(Updated)
I have to say, Katie McGarry has a way with words, she sent me through an emotional roller coaster right along with her characters... and her words, Echo and Noah's love story, has left a mark on my heart.
Echo and Noah have more in common than they think - they both used to lead the perfect teen life: popular, gorgeous, outgoing, smart and with promising futures. Until separate tragedies happen to both that leaves them physically and emotionally scarred forever. When Echo and Noah meet they were set on the fact that they would lead very different and lonely lives from what was expected. And that they would never have anything in common, least of all, get along - how will they ever be able to get through their mandatory tutoring sessions?
Watching Echo and Noah let their guards down and try to trust and understand each other is not easy. Their stories and hurts run deep. The connection between the two runs even deeper. This is not your typical love story. But it is definitely one with no regrets, full of hope and wonder.
And do not underestimate any of the secondary characters! Each and every one of them will leave their mark on you too. They each have a story to tell, and Katie McGarry is able to show you just enough to let you know their stories to sympathize with them... or not.
Katie McGarry's writing is beyond mesmerizing! This is THE contemporary of the year!
And I have to add - in the back of the (ARC) book, the author shares a playlist for Pushing the Limits. All of the songs listed are wonderful and include music by Patty Smyth, Train and Kings of Leon...
One of my most favorite songs of all time: Crash Into Me by The Dave Matthews Band is listed!!! And this is the song that she listened to every time she had to write a kiss scene for Echo and Noah :)
I have to say, Katie McGarry has a way with words, she sent me through an emotional roller coaster right along with her characters... and her words, Echo and Noah's love story, has left a mark on my heart.
Echo and Noah have more in common than they think - they both used to lead the perfect teen life: popular, gorgeous, outgoing, smart and with promising futures. Until separate tragedies happen to both that leaves them physically and emotionally scarred forever. When Echo and Noah meet they were set on the fact that they would lead very different and lonely lives from what was expected. And that they would never have anything in common, least of all, get along - how will they ever be able to get through their mandatory tutoring sessions?
Watching Echo and Noah let their guards down and try to trust and understand each other is not easy. Their stories and hurts run deep. The connection between the two runs even deeper. This is not your typical love story. But it is definitely one with no regrets, full of hope and wonder.
And do not underestimate any of the secondary characters! Each and every one of them will leave their mark on you too. They each have a story to tell, and Katie McGarry is able to show you just enough to let you know their stories to sympathize with them... or not.
Katie McGarry's writing is beyond mesmerizing! This is THE contemporary of the year!
And I have to add - in the back of the (ARC) book, the author shares a playlist for Pushing the Limits. All of the songs listed are wonderful and include music by Patty Smyth, Train and Kings of Leon...
One of my most favorite songs of all time: Crash Into Me by The Dave Matthews Band is listed!!! And this is the song that she listened to every time she had to write a kiss scene for Echo and Noah :)
Me encantó demasiado este libro, lo recomiendo...
“If you’re scared, tell me. If you need to cry and scream, then do it. And you sure as hell don’t walk away from us because you think it would be better for me. Here’s the reality, Echo: I want to be by your side. If you want to go to the mall stark naked so you can show the world your scars, then let me hold your hand. If you want to see your mom, then tell me that too. I may not always understand, but damn, baby, I’ll try.”
OMG I am kicking myself for waiting this long to read this incredible book!!!!! I loved it all. Through and through. Another book that had me in tears by the end.... I don't even know what else to say right now. So many emotions. Gahh I just freakin' LOVED it!!!
Actually this book almost failed to keep me from reading the whole story. The first and second chapter almost failed to hook me. But i'll give it a try.
After Noah and Echo first encounter, well i really intrigued to keep reading. Noah has problems with being a 'hero' that ended up not quite good and Echo has lost her memorize about a night that changed her whole life.
They try to figure everything together. But their insecurities and their past made some problem with their relationship.
But, they strong enough to let go and move on. The very important, that they try to forgive.
After Noah and Echo first encounter, well i really intrigued to keep reading. Noah has problems with being a 'hero' that ended up not quite good and Echo has lost her memorize about a night that changed her whole life.
“The pain. The wounds scab over and you don’t always feel like a knife is slashing through you. But when you least expect it, the pain flashes to remind you you’ll never be the same.”
They try to figure everything together. But their insecurities and their past made some problem with their relationship.
“Because growing up means making tough choices, and doing the right thing doesn’t necessarily mean doing the thing that feels good.”
But, they strong enough to let go and move on. The very important, that they try to forgive.
"...Here’s the reality, Echo: I want to be by your side. If you want to go to the mall stark naked so you can show the world your scars, then let me hold your hand. If you want to see your mom, then tell me that, too. I may not always understand, but damn, baby, I’ll try.”
Pushing the Limits is easily one of my favorite YA contemporaries that I've read so far. Katie McGarry did a wonderful job writing a book that deals with some serious issues in a way that was also funny and romantic.
The two main characters and dual narrators, Echo and Noah, are both working through some very important events in their lives and are definitely struggling to survive when they happen upon each other. The new guidance counselor/therapist at their school has paired them up as tutor and pupil in hopes that Echo will help Noah pass more classes and graduate and Noah can help Echo earn some extra money and get her out of hiding. After a rocky start, they decide working together to access their files within the counselor's office will help solve both of their problems. As they spend more time together they are forced to learn the truth about each other, including Echo's dark past with her family and Noah's past struggles with his foster families and his reputation as a player. They discover they may not be as different as they thought and that the other person could be exactly what they need to help get them through and teach them about real love.
Echo was a fantastic female protagonist. At the beginning of the book we meet Echo, her dad, and her pregnant step-mom, who used to be her babysitter. We learn that Echo's mom is no longer part of her life and that something dramatic happened that Echo can't remember. We also learn that Echo's brother was killed while serving in Afghanistan and that he was the one person she trusted and felt loved by. After losing her brother and surviving the dramatic event with her mom, Echo is left with scars all over her arms and a reputation that takes her from a popular girl at school to an outcast. Throughout the story, we get to see true growth from Echo. She faces her fears, confronts her realities, and learns how to let go.
Noah is a truly great character. He was once the golden boy star athlete turned struggling bad boy after the death of his parents in a car crash. He starts the book with so much attitude and it appears there is nothing more to him than the chip on his shoulder. But it turns out, there is a lot more going on than what we see. It turns out Noah is a big softy, fiercely loyal, and highly protective. Since losing his parents, he's been carrying a world on his shoulders and trying to do right by those that still love him. He makes mistakes, but he learns. And in the end, he finds that what we wants most may not be the best for everyone. Sometimes letting go is better. Noah really grows up by the end of the book.
I'm now a big fan of Katie McGarry and can't wait to read her next book. She gave all of her characters unexpected depth and they all felt real. They were flawed, scarred, and needy. But they were all able to work through their issues in the end. There may have been a happy ending for Echo and Noah, but I guarantee it's not the ending they thought they would get or thought that they wanted. McGarry also gives her characters chances to grow and improve themselves, and though it may take them several tries, they take those chances and the characters that we have grown to love in the book become characters that we also respect in the end.
While I am a big fan, there were a couple of issues I had with the book. I think that Noah's dialogue seemed a bit fake and over-the-top in some places. There were a bit too many nicknames, always a baby or something from him. His narrative also seemed a bit feminine in places. He always talked about how Echo smelled like a bakery and cinnamon. It was a little weird for me. I still loved Noah, I just wished it felt a bit more real to me.
I find that I tend to like YA contemporaries more if they are either just romance (Anna and the French Kiss) or deal with real issues (Thirteen Reasons Why). But Katie McGarry did an incredible job of finding just the right balance between both in Pushing the Limits. Romance and real life, fun and serious, sexual tension and true love. They're all there and in just the right amounts. Echo and Noah's love story is one of the best I've read. They teach each other how to trust again and together overcome their pasts that threaten to bring them down separately. McGarry shows us that love is something that makes you stronger, divides the difficult tasks, and means taking the other into consideration when making important decisions. Echo and Noah exhibited all of these behaviors. It's books like this one, rather than books like Twilight, that I want showing my kids what love really means.
Overall, Pushing the Limits is one of my favorite books I've read this year. It teaches us about love, forgiveness, and letting go. McGarry gives us some incredible characters, a beautiful love story, and a reminder that things aren't always as they seem. If you're looking for a YA contemporary to read, don't miss this one. I give Pushing the Limits 4 stars.
The two main characters and dual narrators, Echo and Noah, are both working through some very important events in their lives and are definitely struggling to survive when they happen upon each other. The new guidance counselor/therapist at their school has paired them up as tutor and pupil in hopes that Echo will help Noah pass more classes and graduate and Noah can help Echo earn some extra money and get her out of hiding. After a rocky start, they decide working together to access their files within the counselor's office will help solve both of their problems. As they spend more time together they are forced to learn the truth about each other, including Echo's dark past with her family and Noah's past struggles with his foster families and his reputation as a player. They discover they may not be as different as they thought and that the other person could be exactly what they need to help get them through and teach them about real love.
Echo was a fantastic female protagonist. At the beginning of the book we meet Echo, her dad, and her pregnant step-mom, who used to be her babysitter. We learn that Echo's mom is no longer part of her life and that something dramatic happened that Echo can't remember. We also learn that Echo's brother was killed while serving in Afghanistan and that he was the one person she trusted and felt loved by. After losing her brother and surviving the dramatic event with her mom, Echo is left with scars all over her arms and a reputation that takes her from a popular girl at school to an outcast. Throughout the story, we get to see true growth from Echo. She faces her fears, confronts her realities, and learns how to let go.
Noah is a truly great character. He was once the golden boy star athlete turned struggling bad boy after the death of his parents in a car crash. He starts the book with so much attitude and it appears there is nothing more to him than the chip on his shoulder. But it turns out, there is a lot more going on than what we see. It turns out Noah is a big softy, fiercely loyal, and highly protective. Since losing his parents, he's been carrying a world on his shoulders and trying to do right by those that still love him. He makes mistakes, but he learns. And in the end, he finds that what we wants most may not be the best for everyone. Sometimes letting go is better. Noah really grows up by the end of the book.
I'm now a big fan of Katie McGarry and can't wait to read her next book. She gave all of her characters unexpected depth and they all felt real. They were flawed, scarred, and needy. But they were all able to work through their issues in the end. There may have been a happy ending for Echo and Noah, but I guarantee it's not the ending they thought they would get or thought that they wanted. McGarry also gives her characters chances to grow and improve themselves, and though it may take them several tries, they take those chances and the characters that we have grown to love in the book become characters that we also respect in the end.
While I am a big fan, there were a couple of issues I had with the book. I think that Noah's dialogue seemed a bit fake and over-the-top in some places. There were a bit too many nicknames, always a baby or something from him. His narrative also seemed a bit feminine in places. He always talked about how Echo smelled like a bakery and cinnamon. It was a little weird for me. I still loved Noah, I just wished it felt a bit more real to me.
I find that I tend to like YA contemporaries more if they are either just romance (Anna and the French Kiss) or deal with real issues (Thirteen Reasons Why). But Katie McGarry did an incredible job of finding just the right balance between both in Pushing the Limits. Romance and real life, fun and serious, sexual tension and true love. They're all there and in just the right amounts. Echo and Noah's love story is one of the best I've read. They teach each other how to trust again and together overcome their pasts that threaten to bring them down separately. McGarry shows us that love is something that makes you stronger, divides the difficult tasks, and means taking the other into consideration when making important decisions. Echo and Noah exhibited all of these behaviors. It's books like this one, rather than books like Twilight, that I want showing my kids what love really means.
Overall, Pushing the Limits is one of my favorite books I've read this year. It teaches us about love, forgiveness, and letting go. McGarry gives us some incredible characters, a beautiful love story, and a reminder that things aren't always as they seem. If you're looking for a YA contemporary to read, don't miss this one. I give Pushing the Limits 4 stars.