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3.95 AVERAGE
3.95 AVERAGE
I loved this book! The characters in this book had to face some very hard issues and handle so many different obstacles. I really felt connected to Noah and Echo. This is not your typical love story, these characters had to face some very real issues that most adults probably couldn't handle. The romance between Noah and Echo was definitely HOT! It definitely delivered the swoons. I loved how Noah and Echo were there for each other. And man, did Katie McGarry nail the male pov. I loved getting a look inside Noah's head.
This story had everything and gave me a satisfying ending. The characters are easy to relate to. I really enjoyed the writing style and am looking forward to reading more from this author.
This story had everything and gave me a satisfying ending. The characters are easy to relate to. I really enjoyed the writing style and am looking forward to reading more from this author.
4.75 Casi perfecto pero.... a veces se me hacia un poco cansino ese tira y afloja entre Noah y Echo así como el final que, bueno, es bonito y perfecto pero se veía venir. TODO él.
I wasn’t too interested in Pushing the Limits, one I don’t read much contemporary fiction and two the cover kind of screams romance but I got the ARC at BEA and so much people who had read advanced copies were giving Pushing the Limits positives reviews, including one of my favourite authors so I decided to give it a shot. This novel is so much more than a romance.
Told from alternating points of view Pushing the Limits is about Echo, who ever since an attack she can’t remember that left her arm permanently scarred is trying not only to remember what happened to her so she can move on but is also trying to deal with the grief of losing her brother Aires who died overseas on deployment. It’s about Noah, who after a fire kills his parents has been shipped from one foster home to another and only wants to be reunited with his little brothers again. It’s about two people’s struggles with overwhelming issues trying to find hope and happiness.
Pushing the Limits was both a deep and compelling read that had me glues to the pages and desperate to find out how the story ends. Katie McGarry knows how to create realistic characters and she knows how to get me to care about them. Both Noah and Echo are the reasons I did not want to put this book down, not only did I want to find out how their individual stories pan out but I wanted to see their relationship out and to find out what would become of it. Echo is a girl who was betrayed be someone she should have been able to trust above everyone else and because of the aftermath she hides herself from the world and has become a shadow of her former self. Noah is the result of the failings of the Foster Care system, there is barely anyone he will trust and he is both hurt and angry. It took me a while to like Noah; I could sympathize with him sure but because of his reputation for doing drugs and sleeping around with girls it wasn’t until about one hundred pages in that I started liking him as a character but I eventually did and in the end he was the character that had me crying and wanting to comfort.
Pushing the Limits is not a fluffy light read but nor will it bog you down and fill you with angst. Pushing the Limits is both real and hopeful and a stand out début.
Told from alternating points of view Pushing the Limits is about Echo, who ever since an attack she can’t remember that left her arm permanently scarred is trying not only to remember what happened to her so she can move on but is also trying to deal with the grief of losing her brother Aires who died overseas on deployment. It’s about Noah, who after a fire kills his parents has been shipped from one foster home to another and only wants to be reunited with his little brothers again. It’s about two people’s struggles with overwhelming issues trying to find hope and happiness.
Pushing the Limits was both a deep and compelling read that had me glues to the pages and desperate to find out how the story ends. Katie McGarry knows how to create realistic characters and she knows how to get me to care about them. Both Noah and Echo are the reasons I did not want to put this book down, not only did I want to find out how their individual stories pan out but I wanted to see their relationship out and to find out what would become of it. Echo is a girl who was betrayed be someone she should have been able to trust above everyone else and because of the aftermath she hides herself from the world and has become a shadow of her former self. Noah is the result of the failings of the Foster Care system, there is barely anyone he will trust and he is both hurt and angry. It took me a while to like Noah; I could sympathize with him sure but because of his reputation for doing drugs and sleeping around with girls it wasn’t until about one hundred pages in that I started liking him as a character but I eventually did and in the end he was the character that had me crying and wanting to comfort.
Pushing the Limits is not a fluffy light read but nor will it bog you down and fill you with angst. Pushing the Limits is both real and hopeful and a stand out début.
This is one of my all-time favorite books. It was emotional, heart-warming, intense, heartbreaking, and swoon worthy. It is a story about love, loss, friendship, and trust. It was sweet, sad, and sexy. Basically, it’s a little bit of everything, it’s the type of story that makes your heart pound while reading, makes you want to cry, smile, and a story that you will never forget. Pushing The Limits is a story that will stick with you, it will affect you, and it’s an emotional ride. The best kind of ride.
I read Pushing The Limits last year, and after the first time I read it, I went back and immediately read it again and then again. I couldn’t get enough of it. I still can’t get enough of it.
The writing in Pushing The Limits is amazing, it’s brilliant, and beautiful. I was sucked into the story from page one. Life went on around me while I was reading, I didn’t notice, and I didn’t really care because I had to know what happened next.
I felt as tough I was part of the story. I felt all of the character’s emotions, their struggles, and everything.
Katie McGarry is one of my auto-buy authors and after you read this book, she will be one of yours.
The characters are amazing. I loved every single one of them, even Beth. My heart broke for Echo and Noah. Pushing The Limits will tug on your heartstrings, you will smile, and tears will form in your eyes. It’s emotionally gripping. It will captivate and consume you.
It’s told in dual point-of-view, which I loved. I loved being inside both of Echo and Noah’s minds because it allowed us to get to know them better and see what each of them were dealing with. Oh, boy each of them had their own demons and struggles to overcome. My heart shattered for both of them.
Both of them have suffered a lot, but they are both very strong and brave. I admired that about each of them.
While reading this you will feel every bit as though you are on an emotional roller-coaster. I have to say at the end, it was worth every moment of it. Because, I was left feeling content.
If you love YA or any books that are emotionally gripping you will love this one. If you haven’t read it by now, you should read it asap.
I read Pushing The Limits last year, and after the first time I read it, I went back and immediately read it again and then again. I couldn’t get enough of it. I still can’t get enough of it.
The writing in Pushing The Limits is amazing, it’s brilliant, and beautiful. I was sucked into the story from page one. Life went on around me while I was reading, I didn’t notice, and I didn’t really care because I had to know what happened next.
I felt as tough I was part of the story. I felt all of the character’s emotions, their struggles, and everything.
Katie McGarry is one of my auto-buy authors and after you read this book, she will be one of yours.
The characters are amazing. I loved every single one of them, even Beth. My heart broke for Echo and Noah. Pushing The Limits will tug on your heartstrings, you will smile, and tears will form in your eyes. It’s emotionally gripping. It will captivate and consume you.
It’s told in dual point-of-view, which I loved. I loved being inside both of Echo and Noah’s minds because it allowed us to get to know them better and see what each of them were dealing with. Oh, boy each of them had their own demons and struggles to overcome. My heart shattered for both of them.
Both of them have suffered a lot, but they are both very strong and brave. I admired that about each of them.
While reading this you will feel every bit as though you are on an emotional roller-coaster. I have to say at the end, it was worth every moment of it. Because, I was left feeling content.
If you love YA or any books that are emotionally gripping you will love this one. If you haven’t read it by now, you should read it asap.
I wasn't amazed by this, but I did really like the story. I would read the other two books in the series, and I probably will. I didn't like the font changes. I kind of expected to like this a lot more.. But alas, I think this is a 3 star.
Oh man did this book bring out all my feels. Noah. Whoa. He's an amazing character. The loss and sacrifice that he had to go through, it was unbelievable. Echo was just as amazing. I thought the things she went through were just as crazy. Her mom? What-what!!! I really enjoyed all the side characters as well.
The end got way better than the beginning, but there was something off to me.
Also, DAMN YOU NOAH, grab a thesaurus and learn a compliment other than sexy! :P
Also, DAMN YOU NOAH, grab a thesaurus and learn a compliment other than sexy! :P
Before I get into my issues with the book, there were things I really liked. I loved the characters, Noah could be called cliche, but I like that "bad boy" trope, so I found it sweet & adorable. I really liked Echo as a main character for the most part, & I appreciated how strong she was.
Another thing I really liked were the issues expressed in this novel. I liked that it had such deep issues such as mental diseases, & death. It gave it depth, & I liked the mystery of "what really happened to Echo?"
One of the things that I believe this book excelled at was the character development. Noah & Echo both had wonderful character arcs, I think they developed really well, & not in an abrupt way.
Their relationship, for the most part, had a real connection for me. I think they made each other stronger, & made each other realize things about themselves.
Now for the things that I wasn't a fan of:
1. The writing at some points just got under my skin. For example, I didn't like the excessive use of "baby", & I didn't like the way Noah seemed to over-sexualize Echo, especially at first. I mean, maybe she meant for him to be that way, as a part of his character, but it just felt almost barbaric at times.
2. The way high-school was portrayed was a bit off for me. How automatically it was so organized, jocks = popular. Tattoos & leather = weird goth freaks. They can never intermix, & if they do, OH THE HORROR! I just felt like it was the stereotypical "high-school" set up.
3. I wasn't itching to read this 24/7. It was one of those books where I had to make myself pick it back up. Now, while reading it I wanted to continue, but it's not a book where once you put it down you want to pick it right back up to continue the action, at least not for me.
4. This is just a person bias, as contemporary isn't my favorite genre. I gravitate more towards fantasy & sci-fi, so it's almost a given that I won't enjoy a contemporary as much as others. That's why when one does get a 5 star, it means I REALLY enjoyed it. When I want another contemporary that isn't just fluff, I may pick up Dare You To, but I was sort of let down, because of all the hype surrounding this book.
Another thing I really liked were the issues expressed in this novel. I liked that it had such deep issues such as mental diseases, & death. It gave it depth, & I liked the mystery of "what really happened to Echo?"
One of the things that I believe this book excelled at was the character development. Noah & Echo both had wonderful character arcs, I think they developed really well, & not in an abrupt way.
Their relationship, for the most part, had a real connection for me. I think they made each other stronger, & made each other realize things about themselves.
Now for the things that I wasn't a fan of:
1. The writing at some points just got under my skin. For example, I didn't like the excessive use of "baby", & I didn't like the way Noah seemed to over-sexualize Echo, especially at first. I mean, maybe she meant for him to be that way, as a part of his character, but it just felt almost barbaric at times.
2. The way high-school was portrayed was a bit off for me. How automatically it was so organized, jocks = popular. Tattoos & leather = weird goth freaks. They can never intermix, & if they do, OH THE HORROR! I just felt like it was the stereotypical "high-school" set up.
3. I wasn't itching to read this 24/7. It was one of those books where I had to make myself pick it back up. Now, while reading it I wanted to continue, but it's not a book where once you put it down you want to pick it right back up to continue the action, at least not for me.
4. This is just a person bias, as contemporary isn't my favorite genre. I gravitate more towards fantasy & sci-fi, so it's almost a given that I won't enjoy a contemporary as much as others. That's why when one does get a 5 star, it means I REALLY enjoyed it. When I want another contemporary that isn't just fluff, I may pick up Dare You To, but I was sort of let down, because of all the hype surrounding this book.
Also posted on Rally the Readers.
I admit it—when I see massive numbers of people reading a book and/or featuring it in their book haul posts, my curiosity gets piqued, and chances are, I’ll read the book unless it sounds like something that absolutely isn’t my cup of tea. I still remember all of the buzz Pushing the Limits generated when it was released, and just to see what everyone was talking about, I added it to my TBR list. Where it ended up languishing until recently when a shiny new paperback copy appeared at my library. As much as I wanted to read it, I was a little hesitant because my last few YA contemporary reads didn’t go so well. I didn’t want to develop a phobia of the genre just because I’ve been on a bit of an unlucky streak with it, either, so Pushing the Limits went home with me. And hooray—I really liked it!
I find it easier to discuss what I like/don’t like about paranormal, fantasy, and even dystopian novels than what exactly makes realistic fiction work for me. It’s an intangible element—something about a contemporary either clicks with me or it doesn’t. Pushing the Limits was that kind of contemporary; it kept me reading late into the night.
Echo and Noah were both very well drawn characters. The story is told from their dual points of view, and I was impressed with how distinct their narrative voices were. And I’m not just saying that because Noah sometimes uses colorful language in his chapters. That’s also merely an observation, by the way, not a judgment; Noah wouldn’t have been Noah otherwise.
I don’t like sappy romances and I’m especially skeptical and critical of ones that go for the “there’s only one person in the world who understands me” angle, but this book left me convinced beyond a doubt that Echo and Noah belonged together. I rooted so hard for those two, and you have no idea how much I wanted Luke, Echo’s ex-boyfriend, to fall into a hole somewhere when he tried to get back together with her. One, Echo was clearly meant to be with Noah and vice versa, and two, Luke was such an insensitive moron.
As the tragedies in Echo and Noah’s pasts were revealed, I was a little concerned that perhaps they were a bit too much drama-wise. The more I thought about them, though, the less I viewed them that way. Sometimes life does just fall apart in a matter of seconds and then continues to pummel you while you’re already down. I do think the book makes a conscious effort to counterbalance all of the heartache, of which there is plenty, to keep the story from becoming overwrought.
A gigantic round of applause goes to Mrs. Collins, the school social worker and the initial link between Echo and Noah. Mrs. Collins goes above and beyond her job description to help, and she genuinely cares about them. The pair have been let down repeatedly by the adults in their lives, and it was touching to see them finally have one who was one hundred percent on their side.
In the end, what really resonated with me was both Echo and Noah’s realization that it’s impossible to go back to the past. No one can take your memories of happier times away from you, but you also can’t dwell on them to the point where you can’t move forward with your life. Moving on also sometimes requires acting in a way that seems selfish, but really isn’t. This book gave my heart quite an emotional workout, and I’m very glad that I took the chance on it.
I admit it—when I see massive numbers of people reading a book and/or featuring it in their book haul posts, my curiosity gets piqued, and chances are, I’ll read the book unless it sounds like something that absolutely isn’t my cup of tea. I still remember all of the buzz Pushing the Limits generated when it was released, and just to see what everyone was talking about, I added it to my TBR list. Where it ended up languishing until recently when a shiny new paperback copy appeared at my library. As much as I wanted to read it, I was a little hesitant because my last few YA contemporary reads didn’t go so well. I didn’t want to develop a phobia of the genre just because I’ve been on a bit of an unlucky streak with it, either, so Pushing the Limits went home with me. And hooray—I really liked it!
I find it easier to discuss what I like/don’t like about paranormal, fantasy, and even dystopian novels than what exactly makes realistic fiction work for me. It’s an intangible element—something about a contemporary either clicks with me or it doesn’t. Pushing the Limits was that kind of contemporary; it kept me reading late into the night.
Echo and Noah were both very well drawn characters. The story is told from their dual points of view, and I was impressed with how distinct their narrative voices were. And I’m not just saying that because Noah sometimes uses colorful language in his chapters. That’s also merely an observation, by the way, not a judgment; Noah wouldn’t have been Noah otherwise.
I don’t like sappy romances and I’m especially skeptical and critical of ones that go for the “there’s only one person in the world who understands me” angle, but this book left me convinced beyond a doubt that Echo and Noah belonged together. I rooted so hard for those two, and you have no idea how much I wanted Luke, Echo’s ex-boyfriend, to fall into a hole somewhere when he tried to get back together with her. One, Echo was clearly meant to be with Noah and vice versa, and two, Luke was such an insensitive moron.
As the tragedies in Echo and Noah’s pasts were revealed, I was a little concerned that perhaps they were a bit too much drama-wise. The more I thought about them, though, the less I viewed them that way. Sometimes life does just fall apart in a matter of seconds and then continues to pummel you while you’re already down. I do think the book makes a conscious effort to counterbalance all of the heartache, of which there is plenty, to keep the story from becoming overwrought.
A gigantic round of applause goes to Mrs. Collins, the school social worker and the initial link between Echo and Noah. Mrs. Collins goes above and beyond her job description to help, and she genuinely cares about them. The pair have been let down repeatedly by the adults in their lives, and it was touching to see them finally have one who was one hundred percent on their side.
In the end, what really resonated with me was both Echo and Noah’s realization that it’s impossible to go back to the past. No one can take your memories of happier times away from you, but you also can’t dwell on them to the point where you can’t move forward with your life. Moving on also sometimes requires acting in a way that seems selfish, but really isn’t. This book gave my heart quite an emotional workout, and I’m very glad that I took the chance on it.
3.5 stars. I listened to the audiobook and for me it wasn't the best narration. I think it took something away from the story while listening. At least the narrators change for the other books so I will be giving those a shot. And I don't even know what to say about the story. This is not a fluffy read if that's what you're looking for. The writing was done very well.