The Tension of Opposites by Kristina McBride - Review

Can you save someone whom is broken and does not want to be saved? That's the ultimate question asked in The Tension of Opposites; Kristina McBride asks this hard question, in a poignant, real, though provoking way; after something devastating happens to you can you, return? Save yourself? Or does that horrible event define you forever?

My Synopsis:
Tessa has forgotten how to live, after her best friend Noelle is kidnapped, Tessa shuts down, shuts off...numb. She is determined that if Noelle can't have a life, than she does not deserve one either...I mean how can you laugh, when your best friend could be suffering? How could you love, when your best friend might be crying out in pain? How can you have joy when your best friend might be struggling merely, to stay alive?

Tessa turns to her school work, pushing her other friends away, only after her grandfather passes, and she is gifted the one thing she's always wanted of his, an old camera, does she start to see life again, if only though the lens of a camera. She knows she can't participate, but she can at least see it, acknowledge that it's out there, her photographs become part of her, a soul she can see, touch and put a finger on. She, though not embarrassed by them, hides them away – after all showing them to ANYONE is like opening her soul, and exposing her heart. But, there's no way that can happen, not when Noelle is still out there...not when, no one knows where she is or if she's even alive.

Then one day it happens, Noelle; a voice across the telephone line, a plan, she sets in motion, Noelle comes home, she's “safe” and “alive.” But now she's, nothing like the Noelle of Tessa's memories, or of her dreams – it's been 2 years, and Noelle, now Elle, has suffered unimaginable pain, at the hands of a madman, no one expected her to be the same, not really – but for Tessa, all she has is her memories; she wants her best friend back, and she's willing to loose herself to make that happen.

In the end, I think The Tension of Opposites, though about a friendship, as well as love, is about learning how much, in order to move forward, you must learn to live with the past, even if you don't want to.

Each of us changes, with in the confines of our life, yes genetics' has something to do with who we are, but honestly - I believe that, where you live, and how you live means more...does that mean that we are all defined by how we grew up, no I don't think so, but some circumstances are harder to overcome than others.

This story really makes me believe that even more, we are, or we become, what our "story" makes us. And though we may want to change that story for ourselves, or those around us we love - we can't, we must learn how to push on, push past and live, life, as it comes, one second, or one minute, if a day is to much to think about, at a time.

I like that this story was not told from Elle's point of view, but rather from Tessa - I felt like I could understand Tessa, and Elle wormed her way into my heart, don't get me wrong; I liked learning about what happened to Elle, though it's amazingly hard to read about, it gave the story exactly what it needed. But, to hear Tessa's voice, to be inside her head, was like catching a glimpse of a bird, soaring overhead, it's majestic, beautiful yet strong and determined.

Tessa gripped me, tugged at my heart-strings, it was nice to see what those who are “left” have to deal with, it's not just those whom suffer from a major trauma that come away damaged or less than whole, something like the kidnapping of a child ripples though a whole community – and often those left behind almost suffer as much as those taken, as you can see though the telling of Tessa's story.

There are several characters I have yet to address, Tessa's parents, Coop and Max; each adding to the story in there own delicious ways. I loved how protective Tessa's parents were toward her, yet they did it in a very loving and respectful way. Coop, the ever adoring brother, I loved the banter that swept the pages between him and Elle, adding a light air to a heavy subject. And then there's Max, ever defining, ever present, Max – he's not like most boys in YA today, he's solid, strong and sticky (in a good way). He, in his own wonderful way, I think, became Tessa's lifeline, her reason for being able to pull though this tough, dark time and survive.

Bottom Line – if I had to sum up The Tension of Opposites using only two words I would use, Brave Love. These two innocuous little words, usually, I will admit, not seen together, can encompass an ocean, drag up feelings, sometimes we would rather not give voice to. But, they fit – like your grandparents hands fit inside each other, each worn in away that complements the other, allowing warmth, desire, and love to seep into each crack, line and bend.

Elle and Tessa are powerful characters, in this emotionally charged, story about what happens after, disaster strikes someone you love more than yourself. Kristina McBride, with her authentic voice and powerful subjects, has demanded attention, which is oftentimes reserved for more seasoned authors. She's not only proven herself, with her debut but has proved that not only does she have a voice that belongs in YA Literature, she's a voice that needs to be heard, felt and devoured. Kudo's to you Kristina, your debut novel is powerful, permeable and eloquent - I devoured it and I can't wait to read more! I give The Tension of Opposites 5 mushrooms.

The Tension of Opposites
By: Kristina McBride
288 Pages
Published: May 25, 2010
Publisher: EgmontUSA
Received via an ARC Tour, for my honest review; though now my very own copy sits upon my shelf.