Sep 15, 2012

Pushing The Limits By: Katie McGarry Review

Pushing The Limits
Author: Katie McGarry
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Pages: 384
Rating: 5/5

   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.


   Pushing The Limits is a Y.A. novel by author Katie McGarry. Now, I'm sure many of you have seen the major hype this book has gotten, and I have to say, it deserves it! Pushing The Limits is easily one of my favourite books of the year- I get goosebumps on my arms from just thinking about this amazing story! 

   What's interesting about this book is that it actually has three stories going on at once- making the novel very dynamic. The first "story" or plot point revolves around Echo's struggle to remember what happened the night she received the scars on her arms and everything changed.  She's been forced to go to therapy, and no one will tell her what happened (not even her own family). The second story is all about Noah and how he is  working towards gaining custody of his younger brothers  Jacob and Tyler. And the last story is both Echo and Noah's- through their common duty of going to therapy, they begin to have feelings for one another and slowly start to fall in love. Being able to read Echo and Noah's individual struggles makes reading scenes with the both of them together so much more enjoyable- knowing a bit of background on them both made me fall deeper and deeper in love with this duo!

   The character's in this book were, in a word, impeccable! There's a story behind practically every single character, making each one relatable to me in different ways. The multiple relationships in this book were also really well done. There's the obvious relationship between Echo and Noah that was sexy, hot, loving, and understanding all at the same time. Their relationship wonderfully shows how love is worth fighting for, and sometimes that means making tough decisions. (Plussss there's a lot of awesome swooning ;)  I also loved the bond Echo and Noah both individually shared with their therapist Mrs.Collins! She was always right in the middle of everything, pushing along both Echo and Noah towards growth which is apparently seen by the end of the novel. The friendship between Noah, Beth and Isaiah, the brotherly love Noah, Jacob and Tyler shared, and the strained relationship between Noah, her father, and her stepmom added so much depth to the book! I absolutely loved it!

   Pushing The Limits has got to be The Oxford Dictionary definition of an emotional roller-coaster! I am completely shocked by how much I laughed, cried (more like bawled :S ), smiled, frowned, squealed, and tsked while reading this book! Katie McGarry is a true expert at placing you directly into the characters' shoes and making you really feel everything Echo and Noah are going through. *bows down* All hail Katie, All hail Katie!

Favourite Quotes...


“We’d read about sirens in English this fall; Greek mythology bullshit about women so beautiful, their voices so enchanting, that men did anything for them. Turned out that mythology crap was real because every time I saw her, I lost my mind.” 
~~~~~

“Please, Noah, I don't want to do this wrong. Tell me how to make you feel good."

He shifted so that his body rested beside mine, his leg and arm still draped over me. I felt small under his warmth and strength. 

His chocolate-brown eyes softened. "Being with you feels good. Touching you-" he tucked a curl behind my ear. "-feels good. I have never wanted anyone like I want you. There's nothing you can do wrong when just breathing makes everything right.” 

~~~~~
"I watched you battle against the worst memory of your life and I watched you win. Make no mistake, Echo. I battled right beside you."
~~~~~~

“Are you ready to take the ACT on Saturday?" my father asked.

Did chickens enjoy being put on trucks labeled KFC? "Sure.” 


Overall...

   Overall Pushing The Limits surpassed my high expectations- it was an emotional and moving read! I only now wish there was more of Echo and Noah's story left to read! Luckily we'll get to read a Pushing The Limits companion novel in 2013 that will revolve around Beth. The sequel is entitled Dare You To! I forget where, but I recently read an excerpt and am VERY excited for Beth's story! =D Have you read Pushing The Limits? Are you excited for Dare You To? Be sure to let me know in the comments! Keep Reading!


Your Y.A. Bookworm,
Caitlin <3

10 comments:

  1. Pushing the Limits is definitely my favorite book that I've read so far this year! I was blown away by how connected I became with all the characters, but especially Noah and Echo. This is definitely a book I will be re-reading and re-reading!

    So glad you loved it! :)

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    1. I completely agree with you- the connection I felt with the characters was unbelievable!

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  2. I haven't read pushing the limits yet but after this review I definitely will be..if my library has it! -.- Great review I'm glad you enjoyed it as I've seen a few reviews that haven't been very positive. :/ xx

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    1. Oh I'm so glad to hear that! I think this book really stands out amongst other romance novels I've read because there's really deep issues and emotions the characters have to deal with. Hope you love it as much as I did =D !!

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  3. I'm super excited to read this book! These characters sound amazing. Great review.

    J'adore Happy Endings

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  4. Oh my!! I loved this book too. Great review. I also gave it 5 stars :)

    A Sprinkle of Books

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  5. I SOOO love this book, can't wait for Beth's book.

    Talk Supe
    Reader Tribute

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