The Tensions of Opposites Review

The Tensions of Opposites by Kristina McBride
Coming out May 25, 2010
Summary from Goodreads:
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.

My review:
When I received this novel, I wasn't sure what to expect - realistic YA novels weren't what I were usually interested in. However, there was just something about the premise that intrigued me so I picked it up. And loved it.

Right from the start, the way Tessa was portrayed and the way the plot went immediately sucked me in. I found myself enjoying the book immensely. I thought the portrayal of Tessa's struggle was extremely well-written. It was easy to see how much she struggled and how she went out of her way to balance her happiness with her best friend's. It was easy to see why she did the things she did and her attitude was extremely realistic.

Tessa, Max and Noelle were well-developed characters. I thought they were extremely well-written and thought the characterization was excellent. Tessa is an excellent friend who thinks a lot about her friend's safety and happiness especially after what has happened to her. Sometimes though, it seemed like she cared more about her friend's happiness than for her own. It was really thought provoking.

Noelle was well described but I wished that some her inner struggles were portrayed more. Her attitude at times seemed very bipolar - one minute harsh and cruel and the next, vulnerable to the extent that you just want to cry. It made sense after her experience but it was hard to follow at times.

And Max? Loved him. Though he wasn't as realistic as Noelle and Tessa, he was really likable. His attitude and his patience and his perseverance despite Tessa's avoidance of him was a nice change to the otherwise somewhat realistic novel. This is because him chasing a girl despite the fact that she continuously pushes him away was quite unrealistic. And this unrealistic aspect goes well with otherwise extremely realistic setting.

Overall, The Tensions of Opposites is an awesome book. Extremely well-written and realistic. It's a fantastic read and a nice change to all the paranormal YA books out there.

My rating:
Plot: 9/10
Theme: 10/10
Characters: 9/10
Cover: 9/10
Recommendation: 10/10
Total: 47/50 = 94%

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