I received this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I’m not sure what I can say about this novel. I requested it as an ebook because the summary drew me in. I like the kind of novels that have couples of a different race; black and white, Hispanic and white, etc. So, I was excited to receive a copy to read.

I started slow, reading a few chapters a night. I decided to transfer it to my computer so I could read it faster before its release next week.

Needless to say, after finishing it, I was kind of let down. The plot is basically centered around Gretchen and Phoenix, completely different people but totally connected. They both have a sketchy history and it’s an obstacle to get over while also finding acceptance. However, the story focuses more on Phoenix as he tries to get reunited with his younger brother Ari and while also trying to stay in the United States.
Throughout all of that, I didn’t really get attached to the characters. They just seemed to slip through the cracks and it didn’t seem as if the plot was 100% solid. It was kind of...slow. Not slow, as in you want things to progress already. But slow, as in nothing really exciting happens.
Our characters come together, there is some drama, family reuniting, and that’s about it.
No disrespect to Marie Marquardt. I do think that the story has a promising plot, but it could have had more UMPH! to it. It did keep me interested, but I didn’t wow me. (3.5 stars)

An interesting look at an issue facing far too many teens right now. I think this book would resonate with readers wanting to learn more about immigration issues as well as PTSD.

I did not finish this title. Unfortunately I couldn't get into the book.

A cute and poignant tale of slightly star-crossed and struggling teens, one a young American girl recovering from a disturbing attack, one an immigrant refugee desperate to escape his past and secure his younger brother's freedom in the US even at the cost of his own. It's definitely very YA, and I couldn't fully enjoy it as it's not really a YA novel that skews older, but I definitely see this being an accessible yet different title in YA lit today, and it was highly entertaining.

The Radius of Us was an interesting, and sweet novel. I loved the characters and the relationship that they had - it was heartwarming and enjoyable.

St. Martin's Griffin and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of The Radius of Us. This is my honest opinion of the book.

Gretchen's life has been anything but normal since the day she was attacked on her way home from work. Panic attacks have left her basically housebound, terrified that strangers may strike at any instance. After a scare in the park with her cousins, Gretchen seeks out the boy who was the source of her anxiety. Will Phoenix, a teenager from El Salvador with problems of his own, be the person that Gretchen needs to help her move on? Will the complications of both of their lives derail their futures?

The Radius of Us is a YA realistic fiction with a touch of romance. The characters are fully developed and the plot is well paced. The book is very timely, as the subject of illegal immigration is a big topic in today's society. The Radius of Us shows the other side, the human side, of escaping a terrible situation with the hopes of finding something better. The romance aspect was not the major part of the story, which I found refreshing in this young adult book. Phoenix's story was compelling and, combined with Gretchen's, the book seemed complete without a big relationship entanglement. I would recommend The Radius of Us to other readers that enjoy realistic fiction and I look forward to reading more by this author in the future.

A timely and extremely relevant book. This is one that I've already started putting in the hands of readers in order to give them a wider scope of a world outside their suburban bubble. Although I was skeptical of the romance initially, I understand how truly necessary it was in order to demonstrate not only a healing process but understanding as well. A great read and I look forward to seeing what's next from this author.

Gretchen Ascher has experienced quite a traumatic incident. Late at night after her work in a restaurant she was attacked and robbed. It took just ninety seconds for her attacker to pull her to the ground. It was due to a car that drove by the attacker got scared and run away. And now Gretchen's life has changed forever. But then she meets Phoenix..

Phoenix Flores-Flores is living in the USA now, but is originally from El Salvador, where he and his brother escaped the dangerous gang situation they where almost slugged into against their will. Months after he and his brother crossed the Mexican-American border to, hopefully, safety, he has now a foster home with two women in Atlanta. He isn't a bad guy at all, though he stumbles upon quite some difficulties. He helps in a community garden and house building project, but later on in the story when it is known where he comes from, people try to avoid him because they think he can be dangerous. Just because someone spread some bad false rumours. But he also meets Gretchen there. And she really makes him feel at home in Atlanta.oenix can't believe a girl like Gretchen want to be his friend when everyone else around seems so suspicious of him. He likes her right away but knows that she's off limits. She a pretty, white American girl, and he's an ex-gang member soon to be shipped off to South America. It would be impractical for them to fall in love. But when has that ever stopped anyone?

This book is absolutely amazing! I don't know exactly why, but the last few years I really like stories where the main of one of the main characters is from South or Central America. So this one was accidentally the right pick as I didn't read the synopsis beforehand. I loved the romance between Gretchen and Phoenix! It was so realistic and also very cute! I also loved the final part of the book, when Phoenix's brother Ari has to appear in court. Ari is so traumatized that he lost he has gone mute. But Ari is great in making very detailed and lively drawings, which the judge approves as a way to hear what Ari has to say. This was very original, and the drawings where just a great addition to the already outstanding book! Highly recommend to read The Radius of Us!!

If you loved. The Sun is also a Star, you will love this one.

I was very surprised by this book. I requested it on NetGalley because the premise intrigued me, but at the same time I was scared that the Great Themes Mentioned in the Blurb would just fall flat in yet another YA romance with very little substance. Boy, was I wrong! Love is definitely a big theme in the book, but it goes so much further than merely instalove.

Gretchen and Phoenix have both been victims of trauma, even though their situations at first could not seem more different one from the other: Gretchen is the typical good girl from a nice American family; Phoenix is an asylum seeker, labelled illegal, fleeing from a situation so terrible even he has trouble talking about. What saves both of them is indeed love: the one they slowly develop for one another; Phoenix's love for his little brother, Ari; the love of their families and friends for these two survivors; and the love each of them reignites for himself. There are many layers to this story, many ways in which it can be read and appreciated. I'm sure that when I'll read this book again I'll discover so many more new themes that will leave me thinking.

This time, I particularly enjoyed the fact that the author decided to dedicate a book to surviving trauma, to mental health and panic attacks and how disruptive they can be. I loved that fact that she shed a light on a topical issue such as that of immigration and asylum. These are the real issues we are faced with everyday, yet we know remarkably little about. It is all too easy to fear what is "different", what looks strange and new, without ever bothering to understand what lies beneath. It is up to authors like Marie Marquardt to turn on the lights and confront these issues head on.

All of this, coupled with an excellent writing style and lovable, well-developed characters, makes The Radius of Us a very pleasant surprise indeed. Highly recommended.

I really enjoyed this book! The characters were well developed, and I loved the story was told from two differing points of view.. My favorite was the story of Phoenix, and his journey to the U.S. from El Salvador. I believe that many of my students will be able to relate to his story, and will empathize with his situation. The plot was interesting and had many twists. I have already recommended that my school library get this book and they've ordered multiple copies. I will also be recommending it to my students!

If I was pressed to summarize this book, I would pick the following part of the book blurb:
"Told in alternating first person points of view, The Radius of Us is a story of love, sacrifice, and the journey from victim to survivor."

There was just so much I loved about this book, I don't even know where to start. This is a love story, a story of redemption, and a story of survival. This is story of gang violence, refugees, and the Central American Crisis. This book hit me on so many levels, and I was all in from the first page.

Both Phoenix and Gretchen were victims. Gretchen had been assaulted, and was suffering from PTSD. Phoenix was running from his gang-life past, and fighting for him and his little brother to stay in the US. These two were able to find solace in each other's company. Gretchen was able to feel safe; Phoenix was able to see a possible future. Both were hopeful, and I couldn't help but be hopeful with them.

"Looking at that smile, I feel like I can breathe better, like the air has just changed to pure oxygen. "

Phoenix's story definitely stole the show. My heart ached as I learned about his past. He had experienced so many difficult things in his 19 years, it did not seem quite fair. He made mistakes in the past, but he turned his life around. This idea that one can change, and one does not need to be defined by one's past is so important to me. I want to think that every mistake I make will not haunt me forever. I want to believe that I can overcome my past, and move forward towards good things. I need redemption stories to keep this flame of hope alive, and this book definitely fits the bill.

"He's helping me come back alive. He's sort of amazing. "

This book is also packed with great characters. I know many people will mention the diversity present in this book, because there is A LOT of diversity in this book. There are black, white, and Latino characters. Some are straight, some are gay. They are rich, poor, and in-between. They were from all walks of life, and all these different perspectives added to the beauty of this book. But besides being diverse, they were just beautiful characters. Sally and Amanda were the lovely lesbian couple, who took Phoenix into their home and were paying for his lawyer. But they did not just give him monetary support, they gave him genuine affection and support, and served as one of several mother figures in Phoenix's life. There was Bree and Ty Pennington (Trading Spaces anyone?), Gretchen's friends, who were struggling with how to help Gretch after the attack. I really liked that Marquardt surprised me with Ty. He turned out to be so much more than I thought he would be. Sister Mary Margaret, another mother figure, had given a lot to Phoenix, and continued to fight for him from afar. Finally, there was Barbie and Bo, the biker couple with hearts of gold. All were special and really enhanced the story.

I read the acknowledgements, and was not surprised to find that Marquardt is an immigration advocate. Her passion and knowledge is obvious in this story. I found it all quite interesting and heartbreaking. It left me with a lot to think about for sure.

I am getting a little misty just thinking about it, but I. Loved. That. Ending. The epilogue was perfection for me. I am so grateful for that epilogue. It was everything for me.

Overall: A beautiful and emotional story of love and the human spirit, which deeply moved me and left me with many important things to ponder.

**Review will be published to blog on 07 Feb 2017 at 10:00AM EST**

I chose this book because:

What the heck happened during those 90 seconds?? Also it seems like this book could cover some heavy but important topics about race and immigration. I’m looking forward to finding it in this YA book!

Upon reading it:

At first I found Gretchen and Phoenix quite melodramatic, but I gradually warmed up to them. They were still kinda melodramatic at the end, but not as much, and after reading their story, I could understand it a little more. Those two definitely had their own separate struggles, so their angst was definitely warranted, but there was definitely something that was still juvenile about it.

"I hate the way it sounds. I sound so needy. I can’t believe I’m saying it, but it’s true."

For the record, she was sounding quite needy, it was true, but at least she acknowledged it? Maybe the only crime is the accuracy of it; I mean, teenagers are quite angsty.

Maybe I would have found their love less trivial if the focus was less about the physical love and more than “talking to her/him makes me feel good.” That said, I did like at the end how Gretchen found a therapist instead of relying on a boy to fix her or make her whole or make her feel safe. But also on the other hand, I don’t like how she based her decision about higher education based on a boy.

The romance aside, there were some pretty heavy themes, but written in a digestible way that shows you the warmth and life despite it all.

Gretchen has not fully healed emotionally from an attack she went through. While baby sitting, she sees a boy who reminds her of the guy who attacked her, and Gretchen decides she wants to know him.

Phoenix Flores-Flores is awaiting his trial for asylum, and unsure of his future. His minor brother is in detention and non-verbal after the traumatizing ordeal of their crossing into the US. Phoenix is struggling with his own violent past, and the decisions that he has made that might keep him away from freedom and his brother.

As the two teens become closer, they learn to work out their problems and work together.

The world, especially this country, needs more books and stories like this right now. We need more empathy and we need to learn about those who are different from us and why people come to seek refuge.

Read this book.

There were moments when I got swept up in the relationship between Gretchen and Phoenix. I think now more than ever students might need to read stories about people seeking asylum in the US in light of all that has happened this month. It is easy to turn away strangers. But when you see the horrors that people and children are subjected to, it will become much more difficult to demonize, criminalize, and dehumanize them.

The end felt a little rushed for me but maybe I just wanted to follow their story more.

3.75 Stars
Told from alternating points of view, The Radius of Us tells the story of Gretchen, an assault victim trying to find her way in the world after being irrevocably changed, and Phoenix, an eighteen-year-old from El Salvador seeing asylum for himself and his younger brother in the United States.
You could see it’s a WEE BIT timely.
I don’t reach much Young Adult fiction, living way way way beyond the age bracket of its intended reader but I know I’m missing out on some lovely stories in the genre. I saw this title on a couple book review blogs and was lucky to receive an digital copy for review. I was a little afraid at the beginning that the book may be a little too young adult for my taste but the characters and their circumstances grew on me fairly quickly after getting over the initial first bump.
This book feels like it’s going to be an important read to help shed some light on the plights that other young people face, a lesson that many privileged teenagers and young adults could always use. We see Gretchen shrinking into herself as she battles with symptoms of PTSD after an assault and witnessing a horrific scene. We see Phoenix, born into poverty and cultural situations most of us will never know, struggling to do the right thing despite his circumstances and sacrificing all he’s known to save his younger brother from a terrible and fated future. Phoenix’s story shines a light on the United States’ faulty immigration system from the outlook of an eighteen-year-old kid who is a man in the eyes of our crappy system and touches upon what young children experience in detention centers.
Phoenix’s presence in her life makes Gretchen want to feel alive again. Gretchen’s presence in his life makes Phoenix even more ashamed of his troubled past. Through a series of trials, a friendship they both desperately need blossoms into a support system that come to depend on.
It’s a sweet story, but not too cheesy or saccharine.
There are many marginalized groups represented in this book, which is always a plus, but I feel like it could’ve been rolled out a little more organically. It felt like the author wanted to make sure to include as many groups as possible and threw them all in a list near the beginning. Lesbian couple, check. Immigrant, check. Black girl, check. Feminist, check. All these things are so important to have represented in groups but it felt like the writer was trying a little too hard at first to make sure we knew they were there.
Overall, I think thought it was a pleasant little read and I was pleasantly surprised to see themes like immigration and asylum/refugee seekers addressed in a YA book in such a way.
The Radius of Us by Marie Marquardt is available now.

Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for a digital copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

One of the things I love about the YA genre is that, as of recently, YA authors tackle themes of difference and marginalization far better than authors of general and literary fiction. ’The Radius of Us’ is part of this burgeoning group of social justice oriented YA literature. The novel follows Gretchen, a young white American woman who is battling the trauma of a recent attack, and Phoenix, a Salvadoran immigrant seeking asylum in the U.S. after entering the country from Mexico. The author takes on so many themes here: sexual violence, trauma, mental health, Central American gang violence, and refugee migration to name a few. While the storyline is indeed intriguing, I found that the character development, dialogue, and narrative exposition all fell flat. I wanted Gretchen and Phoenix to be more complex; I was hoping that the dialogue would pull me in; I wished that the narration had captured my attention and made me deeply invested in the story. I wanted to be wholly engaged in the novel, but I simply wasn’t. That's not to say that it isn't a solid read; it is. I just think that it could have had more layers, more dimension.

I loved, loved, LOVED that Marquardt included a Salvordan immigrant, who left his country out of fear for his life, as one of her main characters. Phoenix represents so many of our teen population, yet so many of their peers never hear their voices. Through Phoenix, Marquardt gives them a voice. And she does so without grandstanding or political agenda.

Loved, loved this story! There is a lot going on in just 304 pages, and I appreciated that the author, Marquardt, took the time to write something worthwhile, emotional, and relevant.

Gretchen’s life is altered by an attack months ago. The repercussions haven’t stopped: she can’t go to school, won’t go back to work or drive, can’t think about college, doesn’t like to be around crowds, and can’t get the image of the boy who did this to her out of her mind. She’s getting what she needs- therapy, medication, and support from her family but the anxiety and PTSD from that night are just too much for her. It comes to a head when, while babysitting her cousins, she sees a boy that makes her heart stop and has trouble breathing. Not from romantic palpitations but because she is sure it is HIM. His dark features, the hair, the eyes, the build. It isn’t until she meets him again that she understand they just look alike and she doesn’t need to be scared of him.

Phoenix, the boy in question, can’t understand why this pretty white girl is looking at him like he’s getting ready to rape and pillage the city, starting with her first. His life isn’t going great right now, and the last thing he needs is this. He has spent the last months of his life on the run from gangs in El Salvador, leaving the only world he knows behind. He and his little brother escaped and once in the US became asylum seekers; the problem is his brother is being held in California, and he is in Georgia living with a gay couple who essentially rescued him from the detention camp he and other refugees were. His life is a bit of a dream- he has clothes, a bed, tv, phone, and food but his future is unsure. His past haunts him as the trauma of his experiences replay in his head.

Gretchen and Phoenix form an unlikely friendship, especially since Gretchen feels weirdly comforted by him. She finds herself opening up, going more places, driving her car alone, and telling Phoenix things she never thought she could. Phoenix is also taken with Gretchen, but he knows he is treading lightly. His future is being decided by a judge, his brother still isn’t speaking to anyone, and he might get deported back to El Salvador and into the hands of a gang that wants him dead. Despite that, Phoenix and Gretchen manage to create and cultivate a relationship until one of Phoenix’s secrets threatens to ruin everything.

Like I said, this is a quick story with a lot going on. Ultimately, this book succeeded in what all books should- creating empathy for characters who have gone through experiences that most (hopefully) readers have not. Looking at people for reasons past their skin, ethnicity, and first impressions. Excellent read with diversity of characters and a timely immigration/refugee theme.

I featured this book here: http://www.bethfishreads.com/2016/12/10-books-for-tweens-and-teens.html Hope to write a full review soon