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mitchie 's review for:
Pushing the Limits
by Katie McGarry
McGarry’s debut novel, PUSHING THE LIMITS, is a raw and edgy contemporary work of fiction that leaps beyond the (mature) YA genre. At its base is a story about a girl and boy who audaciously search for a sense of normalcy after their respective worlds shatter around them. In that respect, this is a book that everyone can relate to, no matter their age.
High school senior and popular girl-turned-social-outcast Echo Emerson finds herself tutoring resident stoner Noah Hutchins in order to save money for a personal project she desperately wants to complete. But, the story was so much more than that. This emotionally charged novel is about (re)defining yourself and your family, a demonstration of loss and resiliency, and finding hope in a fragile situation.
If you enjoy character-driven novels, then this book is for you. Yes, there was an air of mystery that was woven throughout the book as Echo tries to figure out what happened to her two years ago that led to scars on her arms and amnesia of that night. But, the plot was secondary to the character development. Echo was a completely relatable character. She had such courage and strength, and I could not even begin to tell you how often I found myself tearing up while reading her POVs. McGarry did a graceful job in balancing Echo’s growing relationship with Noah, her struggles with her social life, and her contentious relationship with her father and nanny-turned-pregnant stepmother. Noah was such a multi-layered character that I couldn’t help but fall in love with him. Initially described as a “bad boy,” he was so much more than that, and I loved how we got to see his layers peel back through Echo’s eyes. Noah is determination personified in piecing his family back together.
The dual narrative between Noah and Echo was initially jarring, but once I got into the groove of things I felt this narrative style really helped to enhance the pacing and depth of the story. With the exception of Echo’s stepmother, the supportive characters were well-rounded and multi-dimensional. In particular, Noah’s friends lent humor in just the right places.
I have a new book boyfriend, and his name is Noah Hutchins.
This review and others can be found on my book blog: MitchiexBooks.
High school senior and popular girl-turned-social-outcast Echo Emerson finds herself tutoring resident stoner Noah Hutchins in order to save money for a personal project she desperately wants to complete. But, the story was so much more than that. This emotionally charged novel is about (re)defining yourself and your family, a demonstration of loss and resiliency, and finding hope in a fragile situation.
If you enjoy character-driven novels, then this book is for you. Yes, there was an air of mystery that was woven throughout the book as Echo tries to figure out what happened to her two years ago that led to scars on her arms and amnesia of that night. But, the plot was secondary to the character development. Echo was a completely relatable character. She had such courage and strength, and I could not even begin to tell you how often I found myself tearing up while reading her POVs. McGarry did a graceful job in balancing Echo’s growing relationship with Noah, her struggles with her social life, and her contentious relationship with her father and nanny-turned-pregnant stepmother. Noah was such a multi-layered character that I couldn’t help but fall in love with him. Initially described as a “bad boy,” he was so much more than that, and I loved how we got to see his layers peel back through Echo’s eyes. Noah is determination personified in piecing his family back together.
The dual narrative between Noah and Echo was initially jarring, but once I got into the groove of things I felt this narrative style really helped to enhance the pacing and depth of the story. With the exception of Echo’s stepmother, the supportive characters were well-rounded and multi-dimensional. In particular, Noah’s friends lent humor in just the right places.
I have a new book boyfriend, and his name is Noah Hutchins.
This review and others can be found on my book blog: MitchiexBooks.