2010 Debut Author Challenge

OK...So I decided that I would take the initiative and become a part of the 2010 Debut Author Challenge.  It is hosted by Kristi (The Story Siren) and the challenge is to read at least 12 debut books throughout the year.  If you need an incentive, Kristi gives away prize packs every month, but for the most part it should be about having fun and enjoying cool new books that have recently premiered.

Here is my list so far (I will edit as I go):

1. The Tension of Opposites by Kristina McBride
2. Angel Star by Jennifer Murgia
3. Freaksville by Kitty Keswick
4. Dirty Little Secrets by C.J. Omololu
5. This Gorgeous Game by Donna Freitas
6. The Line by Teri Hall
7. Voices of Dragons by Carrie Vaughn

Review: The Tension of Opposites

The Tension of Opposites

By Kristina McBride

Summary:

It’s been two years since Noelle disappeared. Two years since her bike was discovered, sprawled on a sidewalk. Two years of silence, of worry, of fear.

For those two long years, her best friend Tessa has waited, living her own life in a state of suspended animation. Because how can she allow herself to enjoy a normal high school life if Noelle can’t? How dare she have other friends, go to dances, date boys, without knowing what happened to the girl she thought she would share everything with?

And then one day, someone calls Noelle’s house. She’s alive.

A haunting psychological thriller taken straight from the headlines, The Tension of Opposites is a striking debut that explores the emotional aftermath of a kidnapping on the victim, and on the people she left behind.  

*Photo and Summary borrowed from Goodreads

My Thoughts:

When I first heard about this book, it sounded like any other kidnapping book. I was wrong. Turns out it was so much more. It tells not only the story of Noelle coming home and her recovery, but also the recovery of her family and Tessa, her best friend from before the incident. The entire book is in Tessa’s point of view and follows her on her journey of self-discovery after holding herself back for the two years that Noelle was gone. We also learn some of the things that Noelle went th...more When I first heard about this book, it sounded like any other kidnapping book. I was wrong. Turns out it was so much more. It tells not only the story of Noelle coming home and her recovery, but also the recovery of her family and Tessa, her best friend from before the incident. The entire book is in Tessa’s point of view and follows her on her journey of self-discovery after holding herself back for the two years that Noelle was gone. We also learn some of the things that Noelle went through while being a captive and the repercussions of those devastating years.
I was surprised at the way that Noelle acted once she started socializing again. She was angry, of course, but she was also extremely self-destructive. Some of the people around her had me going “heartless bastards” and I wondered if they really knew the impact of their actions. *Note that I am not talking about the kidnapper; he knew what he was doing and was fully aware of the consequences.
Overall I would recommend this book to anyone that can handle the reality of a situation such as this. Pick up The Tension of Opposites and you won’t be disappointed.