about a book

I don’t often read YA novels anymore. I’ve taken myself into the world of classics, like D.H. Lawrence and (what I consider to be a modern classic) A.S. Byatt (Possession). But through a random recommendation from Amazon, I recently picked up Jennifer Echols’ Going too Far. It isn’t as cheesy as most YA novels tend to be. It certainly won’t win a Pulitzer. But it’s a light read with dark undertones (and overtones, to be honest) to take away from the heaviness of early twentieth century literature that I’ve recently been into.

The story goes, a young woman has to undergo punishment administered by an enthusiastic newbie cop in the form of a week long ride-along. During this week, both break down each other’s walls and figure out exactly why each other hurts, all the while being the giver of such pains.

It’s a solid story, with few if any at all, plot holes. The characters are written with strong voices, and they’re haunting enough to stay with you. I like the length and pace of the book because they both go together so well. The romance is very unconventional. When you start reading it, it seems pretty far-fetched for the characters to have the kind of connection that they build. But after having gone through their “love’s journey” so to speak, it’s pretty obvious that they spark something in one another that they both seem to lack in their respective lives. I’d read it again and again.

-namevictoriais