Pushing the Limits Review

Title: Pushing the Limits

Author: Katie McGarry

Date of Publication: July 31, 2012

Formats Available: Hardcover, Paperback, E-Book

Buy This Book: Amazon

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.

My Review:

A bit stereotypical and a bit unoriginal Pushing the Limits is an entertaining but forgettable read. With alternating perspectives between Echo and Noah and more interesting turns around every corner Pushing the Limits was not a difficult book to read, just forgettable.

From a psychological standpoint I thought what happened to Echo was more interesting than the novel itself. As she struggles to remember the night that changed her life forever she undergoes blackouts and panic attacks, making me curious about the truth of what happened. Likewise Noah's life has taken a complete 180 degree turn, going from a popular boy with both of his parents to living in an abusive foster home. The psychology behind what happened to them was immensely fascinating, much more so than the actual plot.

Both Noah and Echo were likable characters. It was easy to relate to their anger and sadness over what had happened to them and their joy in finding each other. Noah was the stereotypical bad boy; spending his time getting stoned and causing trouble wherever he went. Even though he was a bad boy he was still a sweet character and his dedication to Echo was admirable. Completely opposite of Noah, Echo was popular with a big group of friends. If it hadn't been for her love of art she would have been hard to relate to, but as it was she was a good character to read about.

Even though I liked the novel there were a few things that really got to me toward the end. I hate to be nit-picky but it irritates me to no end when boys call their girlfriends "baby" and Noah called Echo that so often I began to wonder if he even knew her name. On a larger scale it also felt like the author was running out of ideas toward the end. There were some events near the end that I felt like didn't really fit in with the story, but maybe it was just me.

Overall Pushing the Limits was a good story with a happy ending for everyone. Even though it was a little forgettable it was still a good story and strong fans of realistic fiction may really enjoy this novel. Those who don't like realistic fiction as much may be put off by the length and slight blandness of the story.

3/5