Title: Pivot Point
Publisher: Harper Teen
Release Date: February 12, 2013
Pages: 352
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Addison Coleman’s life is one big “What if?” As a Searcher, whenever Addie is faced with a choice, she can look into the future and see both outcomes. It’s the ultimate insurance plan against disaster. Or so she thought. When Addie’s parents ambush her with the news of their divorce, she has to pick who she wants to live with—her father, who is leaving the paranormal compound to live among the “Norms,” or her mother, who is staying in the life Addie has always known. Addie loves her life just as it is, so her answer should be easy. One Search six weeks into the future proves it’s not.
In one potential future, Addie is adjusting to life outside the Compound as the new girl in a Norm high school where she meets Trevor, a cute, sensitive artist who understands her. In the other path, Addie is being pursued by the hottest guy in school—but she never wanted to be a quarterback’s girlfriend. When Addie’s father is asked to consult on a murder in the Compound, she’s unwittingly drawn into a dangerous game that threatens everything she holds dear. With love and loss in both lives, it all comes down to which reality she’s willing to live through . . . and who she can’t live without.
First Thoughts: LOVED this book! I woke up the next morning, after finishing the book, and was so sad I didn’t have more to read - I wanted more of the characters. YAY sequel!
What a wonderful surprise this book is! I read a few “parallel world” stories this summer and they just didn’t do it for me; I didn’t mind the books, but I wasn’t turning the pages as fast as I could to see what would happen next. Pivot Point on the other hand? WOW! I couldn’t put this book down. I found myself extending independent reading time in class (whoops) because I got so caught up in the story and the characters; I raced home after school to sit on the back porch and read some more. My only regret? I wish I didn’t finish it so quickly, because it left me wanting more.
First of all, I love paranormal worlds; there, I’ve said it - I’ve revealed a secret reading pleasure of mine. I think that’s what made this book different than the other “parallel world” books I’ve read. Although it seems illogical, the explanation of Addie’s ability to see two different life paths through her paranormal ability, made much more sense to me than just a random colliding of worlds. Plus, Kasie West’s world-building in this book is fantastic! The paranormal and normal worlds fit seamlessly together, and it actually had me questioning the possible existence of these “abilities” in our society. I love the way Addie’s two stories/lives become more intertwined as the book goes on - as a reader, I loved noticing the connections and picking up on the small details and clues left throughout the story.
Not only is the story fantastic, but so are the big ideas woven throughout. It really makes you think about the repercussions of our actions; can we ever really change our fate or are we destined to do what we are going to do? And, if we do change our own fate, how does that affect everyone around us? As someone who likes EVERYTHING planned out, this book really made me stop and think about the effects of even the small decisions we make on a day-to-day basis.
And, lastly, what I love most about this book - the characters (surprise, surprise)! Addie as the main character - perfect (down-to-earth, witty, and loves books - doesn’t get much better than that)! Her best friend Laila - spot-on complement to Addie! Duke and Trevor, the boys - can’t help but love them both (although I was Team Trevor from the very beginning)! West wrote these characters so perfectly, that as a reader, you want Addie to choose both paths. That’s one of the things that makes this book so great - you don’t know how you want it to end, and when it does end, it hits you like a ton of bricks. Are you happy? Are you sad? As a reader, you don’t know how to feel, but in the end, you know it’s right.
Final Thoughts: A book that had me putting aside school work, tuning out my husband’s (loud) band practice, and staying up late into the night to finish. An all-around great read (hard to believe this is West’s first novel)! This is a sequel I can’t wait to get my hands on!
Who Should Read It? Fans of realistic fiction and paranormal worlds alike will enjoy this story. It has love, comedy, friendship, and two very swoon-worthy boys (seriously girls, Trevor and Duke will be at the top of your fictional crush list). The story moves quickly, it’s hard to put-down, and it will make you think and question until the very end. This is going to be a top recommendation for years to come!
Loved Pivot Point. I liked both boys and Laila to a certain point and then I wasn't a fan LOL. Trevor and his little brother are probably my most favorite characters though! Such a great read and I'm so excited for Split Second where we get dual POVs on the same timeline!
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