Title: The Opposite of Hallelujah
Author: Anna Jarzab
Category: Fiction, Young Adult, Contemporary
Publication Date: October 9, 2012
Publisher: Random House Children's Books

Caro Mitchell considers herself an only child—and she likes it that way. After all, her much older sister, Hannah, left home eight years ago, and Caro barely remembers her. So when Caro’s parents drop the bombshell news that Hannah is returning to live with them, Caro feels as if an interloper is crashing her family. To her, Hannah’s a total stranger, someone who haunts their home with her meek and withdrawn presence, and who refuses to talk about her life and why she went away. Caro can’t understand why her parents cut her sister so much slack, and why they’re not pushing for answers.

Unable to understand Hannah, Caro resorts to telling lies about her mysterious reappearance. But when those lies alienate Caro’s new boyfriend and put her on the outs with her friends and her parents, she seeks solace from an unexpected source. And when she unearths a clue about Hannah’s past—one that could save Hannah from the dark secret that possesses her—Caro begins to see her sister in a whole new light.

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I was completely blown away by The Opposite of Hallelujah. It made me cry and laugh in equal measure. Not only was it a truly spectacular stand-alone read, but it also left a lasting impression on me that will surely not fade away with time.

The characters that Anna Jarzab created are so refreshing and real. This book is geared towards teens and young adults, and it certainly captures that audience well. I was brought back to my teenage years as I feltl my own heart break alongside Caro's when Pawel, her new boyfriend, discovers that she lied to him. I felt heavy with desperation as I watched Hannah's struggle with depression and extreme emotional grief. My smile beamed when Pawel, Reb, and Erin -Caro's boyfriend and friends- entered a scene. I drew comfort from the steady presence of Father Robert, Caro's priest and eventual confidant. 

I feel it's important to highlight Caro, the main character. She truly shines throughout the book. She starts out as a bratty, self-absorbed kid, whose first instinct is to lie when asked about things that make her uncomfortable or that she doesn't know how to explain. I can see how some might find this kind of character unlikeable, but honestly? I saw quite a bit of the teen me, and every teenager I know, in Caro. However, as the story unfolds, Caro grows and develops into such a good-hearted young woman that my own heart was bursting with love and pride. Kudos, Anna Jarzab, for writing such a flawed, beautiful character!

The plot, while not full of action and intrigue, did hold an element of suspense as the reader endeavors to discover just what happened to Hannah before she disappeared for years. The unfolding of events happens delicately and precisely, giving the reader just a bit more every time. I never felt like it was unnecessarily drawn out and really enjoyed the pacing of the book.

While The Opposite of Hallelujah does address religion, belief, and even science, I felt that these aspects were handled well, and do not come off as preachy or condescending. More than anything, this book is about the horrible, unfathomable depths of grief and the incredible healing power of faith and forgiveness. Given the issues that are addressed within this book, I would highly recommend it to any teen. After all, what teen isn't searching for answers and the meaning to life? They may not find all that they're looking for within the pages of this book, but I do think it gives them a great starting point to thinking critically about life and its meaning.

Finally, the last thing I loved about this book were the various mentions of M.C. Escher's work sprinkled throughout the story. This was my first introduction to his work, and I've found myself really intrigued to study more of it. One lithograph in particular is mentioned quite a bit: Waterfall. Take a look at that and let the genius sink in!

The Opposite of Hallelujah is a thought-provoking contemporary novel for young adults that addresses real issues, such as grief, forgiveness, faith, and self-discovery. Using familiar and comfortable subjects, such as art and science, The story within the pages is accessible to a wide audience, no matter their religious persuasion. I would highly recommend this novel to any teen, and believe that it will give them a great starting point to thinking critically about life and its meaning.

If you enjoy solid contemporary reads that are witty, emotional, and thought-provoking, The Opposite of Hallelujah is for you!

Title: Pushing the Limits
Author: Katie McGarry
Category: Fiction, Young Adult, Contemporary
Publication Date: July 21, 2012
Publisher: Harlequin Teen

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.

Oh, my poor heart! I didn't think a book could affect me so much, but this one did. The intense emotions and circumstances of the characters touched the raw edges of my soul I try so hard to protect. The synopsis for Pushing the Limits does not do the book justice. There have been tons of books written about damaged girls who find solace in a "good bad boy", and vice versa - this is not one of them. 

Noah and Echo have been through a lot in their short teenage lives. Echo knows that something horrible happened to her at the hands of her own mother, but no one will help her remember that horrific night. She is a pariah at her high school, a freak in long sleeves, and only has a handful of friends she trusts. Noah, on the other hand, is an orphaned foster home reject, separated from his two younger brothers because of his temper, and determined to do anything it takes to get them back. Two completely different people, but both damaged and in need of understanding, love, and most of all, a second chance. 

Throughout the book, we watch Echo and Noah try to reclaim pieces of their previously "normal" lives. When their paths cross in the office of their clinical social worker, Mrs. Collins, they begin a tumultuous, confusing, passionate relationship that left my heart beating fast, and at times, with tears in my eyes.

Noah is nowhere near perfect, and he certainly makes his share of mistakes when it comes to his relationship with his two adorable little brothers. He wants what's best for them, and believes their place is with him, despite the fact that their foster parents seem to be loving and dedicated. My heart ached for their little family and the trauma they experienced with the death of their parents.

Meanwhile, Echo has to deal with a distant father and a heavily pregnant babysitter-turned-stepmom, both of whom she thinks are a bit too involved in all aspects of her life. As the mystery around that fateful night slowly unfolds, it quickly becomes apparent that Katie McGarry does not shy away from tough subjects, like mental disease. As if Echo didn't already have enough on her plate, she's also dealing with her grief following the death of her older brother, who died in combat. 

I cannot begin to tell you how amazing the character development is in Pushing the Limits. Even secondary characters, like Echo and Noah's friends, and virtually unseen characters, like Echo's mom, take on lives and personalities of their own. In particular, the story of Noah's friend, Beth, is very intriguing and will actually be the subject of Katie McGarry's next book. (Can 2013 hurry up and get here already?!) Pushing the Limits also allows for a peek into the foster care system, which is not always a healthy community with happy endings for orphaned and unwanted children. Mrs. Collins determined involvment in the lives of Echo and Noah was admirable and touching, and a true testament to the selflessness of the very best social workers. 

There is so much to talk about that is precious and worth mentioning, but I feel like I would give away the best parts of the book that I so desperately want you to discover and experience for yourself. Suffice it to say that Pushing the Limits will leave you feeling a bit raw and vulnerable, but also happy and hopeful for the future. I am beyond impressed with Katie McGarry's debut novel, which has made me a fan for life. I think you will be, too.

*A copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.