Monday, 20 August 2012

Pushing the Limits by Kate McGarry (Young adult, 9/10)




6th August 2012, Mira Ink
around 400 pages, Paperback
Review copy

Themes: school gossip, isolation through a horrific event, repressed memories, mental illness, trials and joys of step and adopted families, finding inner strength, having to lose everything to be able to face life, teen romance, drug use, strong swearing ( not overly frequent) tissues definitely needed.

Summary from Mira Ink

"They say be a good girl, get good grades, be popular. They know nothing about me. I can’t remember the night that changed my life. The night I went from popular to loner freak. And my family are determined to keep it that way. They said therapy was supposed to help. They didn’t expect Noah. Noah is the dangerous boy my parents warned me about. But the only one who’ll listen. The only one who’ll help me find the truth. I know every kiss, every promise, every touch is forbidden. But what if finding your destiny means breaking all the rules?

Nayuleska's thoughts
Often when I read books like this, the suppressed memory isn't as bad as I imagined. In Echo's case, it was worse. She stuggles so much with looking different to others. No wonder she's drawn to Noah when he treats her differently to how most treat her.

I wasn't keen on him (remember that I'm not usually interested in romance). I admit he does help Echo a lot, encourage her and be therefor her when times are tough. But he is a drug user. His reputation was gained unfairly, but the part where he is forceful with Echo, and intimidating her by invading her personal space isn't acceptable for me.

I was cheering where most readers probably will be sad when there's friction between Echo and Noah. That's why this is a 9/10 read as the ending wasn't quite what I'd wanted given that aspect of his personality. I was pleased with how much both Noah and Echo had changed, and their new family situations provide them with the stability they need.

You can find out more on Kate's website.

Suggested read

For another girl with physical disfigurement and all the mixed emotions that entails try Skin Deep by Laura Jarrett

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