Pushing the Limits(Pushing the Limits # 1)
by Katie McGarry
(young adult, contemporary, chick lit)
Published: 07-31-12
Publisher: Harlequin TeenHardcover: 392 pages Purchase: $9.99 on Amazon (at time of post)
5 stars
Synopsis
No one knows what
happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock
boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with "freaky" scars on her arms.
Even Echo can't remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she
knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal.But when Noah
Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket,
explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising
understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have
imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they
both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.
Yet
the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to
ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she'll risk
for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.
Cover
I'm not a fan of this cover. There's nothing really wrong with it, but I just prefer a nice picture instead of actual people. If this book were to become a movie one day (which it better because it's fan-friggin-tastic) this photo will ruin it because I want the two on the cover to fill the roles. Having a face go with a book doesn't work for me. I like leaving a bit of mystery to the imagination, therefore I'm not torn between who's image I like better should it hit the big screen. It's a nice photo of these two though.
Characters
There couldn't possibly have been a better group of characters in a book. Echo was damaged but still had a good head on her shoulder about certain teenage issues. And don't get me started with Noah. His tough exterior with the aching undertone set the mood for this whole story. Lila is the very best of friends while Grace needs to get her teeth knocked out. I loved that each character had their own special background story that came together in the end. One minute you hate someone, the next you totally relate to them. The only character I didn't like was Echo's mom, but you'll agree once you read it.
Story
Where do I even begin with this story? Again, I'm not a fan of contemporary novels. And again, I have eaten my words. This makes number three that I've read, and they seem to be getting better each time. I may have found a new favorite genre. Seriously, if they're all this good, I've been missing out. I know I've said this before, but this is my favorite young adult novel. I cried guys... no joke. This book friggin made me cry. That has never happened in my entire history of reading. Well played Katie, well played.
I thought this was going to be another smart girl tutors rebellious guy and they fall for each other story. And it is... but it's SO much more than that. I went into this thinking I wasn't going to like it at all, and I literally could not put it down. I read it in 4 hours which is a world record for me. I read it while I was cooking dinner, while I was eating dinner, when I went to the bathroom. Well, you get the picture. This story has so much depth to it, I don't see how anyone could not love it. I wish I could give this book a million stars.
Foster care plays a big part in Noah's background. I used to work in child welfare so his story really hit home to me. I think I connected most with him because of that. I know exactly what those kids went through from an outside perspective and it literally broke my heart reading about his separation from his brothers because it happens ALL the time in the system. Luckily everything came together in the end and there was just the right amount of heartbreak and joy put together to make this one unforgettable novel. I could talk about this book all day, but I won't do that to you guys. Just take my advice and go buy it immediately. You won't regret it, I promise. If it can make someone like me love it, you're golden.
Quote(s)
“I must have killed a lot of cows in a past life for Karma to hate me this much.”
Due to my future veganism, I giggled inside when I read this.Author
And thennn...
Have you read this book yet? If not, what the hell are you waiting for? If you have, tell me about your experience. What were you thinking and feeling while you were reading it... when it was over?
DISCLOSURE: All of the reviews posted are my opinions and mine alone. I am in no way paid for them. Every book reviewed was either purchased by me, received for free directly from the publisher/author specifically for review or received via:
