"The Radius of Us" is the story of Gretchen, a young woman who faced an assault so bad that she still experiences panic attacks well after the attack took place. It's also the story of Phoenix, who escaped from violent El Salvador in search of a new life. After ending up in detention in the United States, he is incredibly lucky to be adopted into a home in Atlanta. He'll have to get used to a brand new place while worrying about his little brother who is trapped in detention for underage children. This is a great book for young adults about a difficult subject.

I've said this before but it bears repeating: we need diverse books (look up the hashtag, all). It's so especially important for young adults. These books may be the first time that readers are able to dive into an issue like this. I really like the authors treatment of this difficult subject. In light of the election and its run up, illegal immigration has been very much in the spotlight. Sometimes it is hard to put a face on an issue. Although Phoenix is fictional, his story is very similar to so many young people out there who have come to the country illegally because the idea of staying in a bad situation in their own company was so unfathomable. It's important to see those examples in the books that we read so we can understand a little more about what it might be like to walk in somebody else's shoes.

The writing of the book was good. The author did a great job of making the characters feel realistic through the details on their back stories. This is the second book that I've read by Marquardt and I really appreciate how she brings to life real issues without being preachy or sacrificing a good story for a message (although the message is certainly there).

Solid YA story of two teens that have each been through way too much in their young lives. They find each other, as teens often do, and begin to embark on a healing journey of friendship and love.

Wow!!! This book was amazing! I'm not even sure what to say for a review because there are no words to describe how gorgeous this book was. This is the kind of book that will stay with me forever. I think every teen should read this and learn from it- it's so much more than just a romance. Absolutely fantastic!

I don’t even know where to begin in describing how much I fell in love with this book. Seriously, if you care about anything – diversity, love, life – you NEED to read The Radius of Us. This is an exquisite story about overcoming your past and building a brighter future. It’s full of hope and light and everything wonderful in the world. I laughed and cried and even now I just cannot get this book out of my head.

Gretchen is recovering from a hit and run that has left her with panic attacks and vivid memories that send her spiraling during everyday events. Phoenix is trying to forget his horrific past in El Salvador and focus on his asylum case and taking care of his younger brother Ari, who is traumatized after their journey to the US border. These two make an unlikely pair, but they soon realize that they each might be exactly what the other needs.

Warning: THIS BOOK IS FULL OF PUPSAS REFERENCES.

What? You thought I was going to talk about all of the delicate and hard topics The Radius of Us addresses beautifully? I’ll get to that in a moment, but really, I think everyone should know that this book is going to leave them with a growling stomach. I wanted pupusas so badly while I read this that I went out the day I finished it in the middle of a snowstorm to hunt some down in Salt Lake City. It was a beautiful moment. If you don’t know what pupusas are, you should read this book just for the perfect description of their deliciousness.

Okay. I guess we can talk about the hard topics now. The Radius of Us deals with:

1- Assault
2- PTSD
3- Panic Attacks
4- Gang Violence
5- Sexual Assault
6- Illegal Immigration
7- Torture

In any other book I might think that those are far too many hard issues for one story, but truly, I cannot stress this enough, Marie Marquardt does things right here. She doesn’t sugarcoat the negative or the horrific, but she also doesn’t try to use it to ramp up the dramatic effect. The horrible things are just part of the story – they fit, and it never feels like a book that’s trying to sensationalize or understate the issues. At its heart, this story is about forgiveness – for others and for yourself – and moving on, including all of the complications that come with trying to do that.

It’s a gorgeous love story, which just happens to be a well-executed social commentary at the same time. It’s unputdownable. Unprecendented. What I’m trying to say is… stop reading this review and go read this book. NOW!

What happens when you fall in love with someone everyone seems determined to fear?

Ninety seconds can change a life — not just daily routine, but who you are as a person. Gretchen Asher knows this, because that’s how long a stranger held her body to the ground. When a car sped toward them and Gretchen’s attacker told her to run, she recognized a surprising terror in his eyes. And now she doesn’t even recognize herself.

Ninety seconds can change a life — not just the place you live, but the person others think you are. Phoenix Flores-Flores knows this, because months after setting off toward the U.S. / Mexico border in search of safety for his brother, he finally walked out of detention. But Phoenix didn’t just trade a perilous barrio in El Salvador for a leafy suburb in Atlanta. He became that person — the one his new neighbors crossed the street to avoid.

Ninety seconds can change a life — so how will the ninety seconds of Gretchen and Phoenix’s first encounter change theirs?



ah I do love a troublesome lovestory with lots of complications. From the description this should have been totally my cup of tea. And don't get me wrong, I didn't mind reading this title at all. Nothing stiked me as "bad" in this story. Sadly I just didn't cared all too much. Gretchen went thru hell and is slowly fighting her way back to life, trying her best at ordinary living.

Phoenix went thru another sort of hell, all to save his little brother, just to be separated now, and unsure about the future. Stranded in that town, he meets gretchen, a girl way out of his league.

Both see the pain in one another and the grasp of what the other had to suffer, so they feel connected to one another. The diversity in having a boy from El salvador was a nice touch, as was the subject of gang members and their life. The theme of rascism and prejudice had a continuation through the whole story and was on point.

I feared the "Love heals all" aspect, as it is nothing I believe in. i don't think you should expect other to save you, rescue you and change your life. That's up to you. While I was already annoyed with the story, for going into that direction, thankfully the author changed it! Phoenix tells her exactly that: I cannot save you. The ending really rescued this book for me, having them going apart and getting their shit together before becoming a real couple.

So in the end, this novel had it all. Controversial theme, a nice lovestory, diversity, humor ( thank you Gretchen!).

Described by School Library Journal as "a must-have for all YA collections," A RADIUS OF US by Marie Marquardt actually has some happy and hopeful moments. This is the story of Phoenix, an 18-year-old asylum seeker from El Salvador; his younger brother, Ari; and Gretchen, a home-schooled Atlanta area high school student. All three are trying to recover from trauma. For Phoenix and Ari that involves the impact of gangs in El Salvador and their horrific flight through Mexico to the United States. For Gretchen, it is the way her active, involved life changed when she was robbed and witnessed a murder one night after leaving her job.

Telling the story in alternating chapters, Phoenix and Gretchen form a bond and come to depend on each other, although the ensuing romance was a little too emphasized in my opinion. The issues with which they cope are huge – rights of refugees, drug trade, gang rituals, cultural integration – and will give readers much to consider. There's an opportunity to begin learning about the asylum process, legal distinctions which are made, including an emotional use of Ari’s art at a trial and throughout the story. Filled with diverse characters including tattoo artists, lesbian sponsor couple, and a resilient nun, A RADIUS OF US received a starred review from School Library Journal.

This is a beautiful story of love and recovery from trauma. It sheds light on immigration issues and makes you realize things are not so black and white. The characters were wonderfully developed and authentic. Highly recommend.

3.5 Stars

The Radius of Us is a good book. It's not necessarily the book I would choose if looking for a good YA Romance, but it does have a strong focus on important social issues and character diversity.

Pros:
POC: male lead and female best friend
LGBT Parental Figures
Immigration/Asylum seeking
Effects of Gang Violence
Psychological Effects of Trauma
Former criminals turning their lives around

Cons:
Romance was "ok"

I would recommend this to YA readers looking for a book that deals with tough social issues and character diversity. There is some romance in it, but it's not the most important part of the book. I read a lot of YA, but this felt a little "teen" for me so older readers may want to keep that in mind.

3.5 Stars. High school senior Gretchen Asher's life changed forever the night she was attacked. She has lived in fear for the past six months. One day, she has a panic attack after seeing a young man who resembles her attacker. She realizes it couldn't possibly be the same person, so she finds him to apologize. The young man's name is Phoenix (18) and he just recently arrived in the United States. He and his brother Ari (12) fled their home in El Salvador to seek asylum in the United States. Gretchen and Phoenix quickly bond. She doesn't have to pretend with him. He's the first person who asks the questions that matter and really listens to her replies. For Phoenix, it's hard being an outsider in a new country where the people are automatically suspicious of him. Gretchen's attention makes this place feel like a home. Sadly, the pair might not have much time together. Phoenix has little hope of being granted asylum.

The chapters alternate between Gretchen's and Phoenix's perspectives. At first, I thought this book may be a little too YA for me, but these two characters slowly stole my heart as their background stories were revealed. The thoughtful gestures they made to each other as their friendship developed were so sweet. The story behind the title is a really 'aww'-worthy moment! Gretchen and Phoenix are able to lean on each other, but sometimes it seems that Gretchen is the one that demands the most support. When she realizes the disparity in the relationship, she steps up for Phoenix in a meaningful way. I'm leery of love stories, but it helped that these two characters were interesting as individuals. They had their own issues to deal with outside of falling in love and other interesting relationships besides each other. Their connection solidified because they were are able to empathize with each other in a way that others weren't able to.

Gretchen has been suffering from PTSD since she was attacked. She can barely leave the house, never knowing what will trigger a panic attack. Well-meaning people try to talk to her about her incident, but they always seem more interested in the attacker's appearance or explaining to her what they would've done. She knows she'll never be the same, but all her friends and family are waiting for her to revert back to her old self. At the same time that Gretchen is trying to get a handle on her PTSD, she is also experiencing typical teen problems. Her boyfriend moved off to college and they're drifting apart. Her best friend Bree acts completely different since getting a boyfriend. One thing I liked about that storyline was that while Gretchen is a little annoyed by the new boyfriend, he ends up being a great friend to her and Phoenix. This isn't the only time that Gretchen's preconceived notions are challenged.

In El Salvador, Phoenix and Ari get forced into a life-or-death situation. Phoenix sees only one way to protect his brother: flee. The four-month journey to the US was long and brutal. After the brothers reached the US border, they were detained and put into separate detention facilities. Phoenix was sent to Atlanta, Georgia, while Ari is in Texas. Phoenix is frustrated that Ari hasn’t spoken one word since they were separated, traumatized by the horrors they witnessed. As an "unaccompanied minor," Ari has a good chance of staying in the United States, but only if he's able to communicate. Phoenix was fortunate enough to be taken in by a local family, but he has little chance of being granted asylum--and even less of a chance if anyone looks deeper into his past. In an unforgiving legal system, Phoenix is unable to put that past behind him. The thought of returning home is terrifying because he will almost certainly be killed. Phoenix's chapters shine a light on the United States immigration system, the conditions in detention centers, and what happens to young people once they reach the border.

Gretchen and Phoenix both survived things that no one should have to experience. They support each other as they learn how to overcome feelings of guilt and keep living a full life despite their past trauma. The Radius of Us is more than a story about two young people falling in love. Through the character's unique perspectives, the reader learns (1) about overcoming preconceived notions, (2) what it's like to be a victim of a violent crime, (3) how to be a supportive friend, and (4) why a person might leave the only home they've ever known and what awaits them at the other side. It also gives exposure to another country and culture that many might not be familiar with. On that last note, this book encouraged me to seek out more information on El Salvador. Phoenix's descriptions of pupusas had my mouth watering and I’ve already found a few local Central American/Salvadorean restaurants that I'm going to try! Recommended for young adult readers. Books like these are important for spreading awareness and fostering empathy.

___________________

Notes: How did the violence in El Salvador get so out of control? Hundreds of thousands of Salvadoreans fled while their country was immersed in a twelve-year civil war, many settling in the United States. In some areas, gangs began to form as a protective mechanism for these new neighborhoods. The US introduced new tougher immigration legislation in 1996 and began deporting large numbers of gang members back to their home countries. Still reeling from the effects of civil war, El Salvador was a fertile ground for violent gangs to thrive. (Sources: How El Salvador Fell Into A Web Of Gang Violence & Who’s to blame for El Salvador’s gang violence?)

“I have this strange feeling that we’re both on our way to someplace better.”

A lot can happen in 90 seconds, and even more can happen in 304 pages. The synopsis said it best: This book is about victims becoming survivors. It’s about violence, trauma, life, love, and safety. It’s about family and home. And it was all written sincerely and beautifully.

This book manages to tackle so much in such a short amount of time. Yes, there is romance… but it wasn’t love at first sight. It was panic at first sight. There was vulnerability and distrust. Excitement and fear. And somewhere along the way, this became understanding and healing. It might also be wise to include a trigger warning for trauma, physical assault, and gang violence. It’s all quite heavy in regard to subject matter, but you can also expect a story filled with hope and perseverance.

I really appreciated reading about Gretchen’s progress from victim to survivor. After her assault, she knows she will never be the same again but she’s starting to realize that maybe that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. People can adapt. They can be hurt, but they can also thrive and survive and grow. And she really grows into herself throughout this novel. The development is fantastic.

And then we have Phoenix. His story breaks my heart. Him and Ari are also survivors of some unpleasant circumstances. His home is no longer a home. All he wants is to keep his brother safe, but the threat of deportation (and ultimately, death) is wearing him down. No one ever said it would be easy, but he’s certainly not giving up on his brother. It’s only a matter of whether he’s willing to fight for himself, too.

Needless to say, this book has some great representation. I was really looking forward to reading it when the synopsis hinted at immigration struggles. We need more stories like this. There are so many people like Ari and Phoenix, who had no choice but to leave the only place they’ve ever known, simply because they know they would not survive if they stayed. People like my parents. Their particular struggles just really struck a chord in me.

After reading the author’s biography, I can tell that she has some firsthand experience with the immigration process, and that she is passionate about spreading awareness and helping others who fight for their freedom every day. I really respect her for that, and I love even more that she wrote this book because of it.

In any case, those are my two cents. This was a stellar read.

I was drawn to The Radius of Us because of how much I enjoyed Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles. These two books both deal with Latino gang violence, and I guess that's what initially drew me in. One of the things I found so interesting about Perfect Chemistry was how Simone Elkeles incorporated the realities of being in a gang with a character that you just couldn't bring yourself to hate like you would expect. And that's essentially what I expected to find and enjoy with The Radius of Us. But the problem with having a book that I enjoyed so much that touches on a similar subject is that I was a little let down at first that The Radius of Us wasn't Perfect Chemistry. That, combined with some misconceptions I had from reading the book description wrong (Phoenix was not Gretchen's attacker), had me feeling disappointed at the beginning of The Radius of Us. However, I came to appreciate The Radius of Us as a completely separate entity as Perfect Chemistry which is only fair since the two books aren't really connected beyond involving a Latino gang. Once I got past this, I was able to open up and enjoy The Radius of Us.

The Radius of Us isn't Marie Marquardt's debut novel, but based on the writing, I assumed that it was. On the one hand, I became entranced with the story, and I was determined to keep reading until I got to the end. However, I had a few complaints. In the first part of the novel, I felt like there was a bit too much description. There was a small inconsistency where Gretchen states that "Adam gets it. He understands that, these days, I can't even think about another body against mine." and then later "Adam is so completely out of touch with my reality that I feel like crying." This wasn't a huge issue, but it pulled me out of the story and left me furrowing my eyebrows. Also, Phoenix references soccer a couple of times and football once, but soccer is futbol in El Salvador. Again, this is something that perhaps Phoenix knows the difference between "soccer" and "football" for Americans since he's worked closely with missionaries in the past, but one would assume he'd use his native references to such. It's not inconceivable, but the references made me stop and think rather than being able to just continue reading.

However, my favorite quote from The Radius of Us is:
-"My American Dream's way more simple than that. I just wanna be able to go for a walk in the woods alone--get on one of those little trails in the forest and walk for hours. That would be so awesome. Or maybe head over to a friend's place after dinner to watch a football match on TV, and not have to look behind my back every five seconds, not to have to worry about whether I'll make it home alive."

The Radius of Us was one of those books that just rang so clearly of truth. Obviously, Marie Marquardt got inspiration for this story and these characters from real life. Somethings just can't be made up, and somehow the truth of The Radius of Us (specifically the events of Phoenix's life) came right off the pages. And after reading the acknowledgements, I feel this is definitely the case. It breaks your heart that people experience events in their lives like Gretchen and Phoenix experienced, but that is the world we live in.

Marie Marquardt touches on many aspects of loss and trauma. The physical effects of being assaulted. The psychological consequences of witnessing torture and death. The aftermath in our relationships when someone we love (or we ourselves) experience life changing events. She did a wonderful job touching on so many pieces of this puzzle.

The Radius of Us was better than I expected while also not being perfect. I wanted to know more and to keep reading. I actually read The Radius of Us very quickly. Yet, I felt like Marie Marquardt's writing could have used a bit more polishing. It wasn't bad at all, but a few more tweaks would have made reading this flawless for me. I was invested in the characters, their story, and if/how things would work out in the end. The Radius of Us gets 3.5 Stars. Have you read The Radius of Us? Let me know!

Wow this is a very compelling book! I loved that it tackled a lot of issues such as trauma, violence, and immigration. The characters were beautifully written, I didn't have a hard time connecting to them. This is easily one of my favorite reads this 2017! I highly recommend it!

Gretchen lives a small life. It started the night a man forced her to the ground and then told her to run, his own terror taking hold of her. Now she keeps to the small safe neighborhood surrounding her home, places where nothing bad can happen. And then she meets the boy who looks like him. Like the one who attacked her. When she meets Phoenix, though, she isn’t afraid. Something about the way he listens, the way he asks the right questions, the way he carries his own trauma and fear, makes her trust him. Soon she’s tangled up in his life and the desperate attempt to save him and his brother from death at the hand of gang members waiting for him back in Ilopango. To stay safe, he must be granted asylum in the US, a rare occurrence for El Salvadoran refugees.

On its face, this is a simple romance. Sad girl meets sadder boy. Both find that to love they must be brave and work toward healing. Underneath that simple story is a deeper, more heartrending one. This is the story of a boy whose home town gave him two choices: live by the gang or die by it. It’s the story of a small Atlanta suburb and the community thousands of miles from El Salvador still affected by the destruction of gang violence.

I feel like I’m not doing a very good job talking this book up because it’s such a serious topic. There are some light moments in which Phoenix and Gretchen joke around. At one point, she makes it her mission to find pupusas, a delicacy that Phoenix remembers from home and craves but can’t find in the US, and that whole adventure is fun and sweet. Phoenix meets a couple who own a tattoo shop (and also remove tattoos) and befriends them. Their quirky personalities brighten up several scenes, and they offer some timely wisdom.

This is a little darker than Marquardt’s first novel, but still definitely worth reading. It took me some time to acclimate to Phoenix’s voice, but other than that, I really enjoyed the story. Definitely add this one to your list if you’re looking for an unusual romance or book that explores social issues.

Post date: 1/13/17

YES!! This book far exceeded my expectations. Phoenix comes from El Salvador and he came across the border so that he could get his brother away from the gang violence and the people that were looking to kill him. Phoenix is living with two women who took him in while he waits for word on whether he will be granted asylum status and his brother is living in a facility in another state waiting on word about whether he will be able to stay in the country. Meanwhile, Gretchen has PTSD from a robbery and assault months earlier. Both Phoenix and Gretchen were affected by gang violence, but in very different ways.

This was such a moving story and I loved both of these characters. Phoenix was so determined to save his brother and he went through so much to get here that I just wanted him to be able to stay. Phoenix's story just broke my heart. He made some mistakes and he carried a lot of guilt, but he was just trying to do the right thing for his brother. This book shed a lot of light about the gang violence in El Salvador and how hard it is for people to come across the border and what happens when someone tries to get asylum in this country. What I really loved was the author's use of the Spanish language. I have read a few other books where the author didn't do anything but drop some well known words in, like "amigo" or "buenos dias." It's like the author is just trying to do that to make us realize the character speaks Spanish. But I loved the author's use of that language and her knowledge of the culture and city of El Salvador. It felt so authentic. The author obviously did her research and she does talk about that in the author's note at the end.

Gretchen was such a survivor. Her story touched me as well. The author did a great job of showing how the assault and robbery affected her life and how everyone just wanted her to be the person she used to be, but that was never going to happen. I also thought Gretchen showed a lot of growth. In the beginning, she is a bit judgmental about members of gangs and why someone would choose to go into that life. Part of her feelings are because of the attack and part of them are because she has never went through what Phoenix did so she couldn't possibly understand. But I loved that she acknowledged her judgment and she realized she was wrong.

I loved the relationship between Gretchen and Phoenix and I also loved that this was not a story about how love can "cure" trauma. I have read too many of those books and they just aren't realistic. Gretchen has been through so much and during her first meeting with Phoenix, she mistakes him for her attacker. But then she realizes it's not him and she forces herself to apologize and become friends with him so that she can get out of her own head. Their relationship was so sweet and they had great chemistry. But I loved that they started out as friends. They got to know each other and opened up to each other.

This was such a beautiful story and I honestly can't think of anything I would want to change. The characters and the plot and the writing were all incredibly well done. I guess my ONLY issue was that things wrapped up a bit neater in the book than they probably do in real life. But it's a book so I can forgive it. Highly recommended!

**Live 1/15/17**

I did not expect to love The Radius of Us as much as I did! The synopsis sounded good, but after requesting I scheduled it and then forgot about it. Is it bold if I say that I think a lot of people will, or have, done the same thing? I haven’t seen many reviewers talking about The Radius of Us. I haven’t seen it on many ‘Diverse Books’ list, but it should be.

First, I have to talk a little about Perfect Chemistry. I’m not sure if you guys remember, but it was so popular about 5 years ago. It has a similar story, not about asylum seekers, but about Latino gang life in the US. I never connected to the story, I thought it felt too much like a fantasized relationship with a gang member. It didn’t feel honest. I needed to mention that because for everything that I thought Perfect Chemistry got wrong, I think that The Radius of Us got right. I felt like the representations in the story were more realistic, and that’s why I loved it so much.

My heart hurt so much for Phoenix and his brother Ari. Phoenix fought so hard to get out of El Salvador and away from the gang violence, to save himself but mostly to save his brother. Then to read how even the event of seeking asylum was fraught with perils. I felt myself tearing up more than once for him, and especially for Ari. My daughter is 12, the same age as Phoenix’s brother, and it killed me to imagine my daughter going through even a fraction of what Ari went through.

I also can’t minimize Gretchen’s trauma right here in the US. I don’t want to talk to much about it, because what she went through is parceled out over the course of the story and it’s important that you read it as she gives it.

However, it was the two stories coming together that left me both sad and hopeful. I was nervous and in love. I believed the entire story from page one. I would love to see more people reading and talking about this book, because I think the author did an amazing job.

Lastly I want to just mention the epilogue. It seems like epilogues can be a bone of contention with readers. Sometimes an epilogue is just too fluffy and pretty. It wraps up the story too perfectly. “They are happy, and everything is perfect, and look she’s pregnant! And he’s got the promotion, and everything is PEACHY.” But at the same time, we also struggle with wanting to know that everything will be okay. Rest assured, the epilogue in The Radius is perfect. One page. A sweet overview that soothes your soul, but doesn’t saturate you in sweetness. I think it was my favorite chapter of all.

I will sum this up pretty fast!
Phoenix Flores meets Gretchen and she turns out to be his saving grace...This young love story has a little of everything thrown in, some hard facts about gangs here in the United States and in other countries, deportation and what happens to people trying to get asylum to the United States.

Fast pace read I recommend to all!!

My thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This contemporary young adult novel is told in alternating points of view between Phoenix, a college student from El Salvador seeking asylum in the US and Gretchen, a high school student who suffers from extreme panic attacks after an assault. Right away there was a certain familiarity in the writing that made it enjoyable to read, though I often questioned whether or not there was too much going on because the main story lines were so interesting. Both characters could have easily sustained a plot and storyline all on their own, though I was more interested in Phoenix's story and his struggle to leave behind gang violence in his hometown. While their attraction/relationship was total insta-love, I really bought into their chemistry and found myself hoping for a happily ever after.

I wasn't as crazy about the last third of the book; it felt rushed not only with the plot, but details from minor characters that felt randomly placed and not entirely authentic. I enjoyed reading a YA novel that touched on issues that are so relevant and important today, instead of the typical boy meets girl one summer saga. Marquardt is a huge advocate for immigration and that definitely shines through in her writing.

Phoenix is in Georgia waiting to find out if he will be sent back to El Savador and worrying about his brother who is currently in Texas. Gretchen is working past a traumatic experience she had a while back. She was struggling until with being in public and panic attacks until the day she meets Phoenix. Can these two heal each other? Can they feel comfortable with each other? Can they make something work and stay together? Will Phoenix get to stay and get his brother back?

I absolutely loved this book. This is a great story about something that you wouldn’t normally see in a book, especially a YA book. I loved the characters and fell in love with them quickly. The plot was intense and deep but really good. Even the flow and pace were good and worked well with the characters. The authors writing style was fun and dynamic.

If you are looking for an intense book then look no further. However, it isn’t just intense though. It is fun and deep and sweet. There were so many emotions floating through me as I read this book. I laughed, I cried and wanted to throw my kindle across the office…lol. Such a great book with some good lessons to teach/learn. Thank you for an amazing book!

5 stars!

Do you ever so thoroughly enjoy yourself that you get lost, completely consumed in the moment, and forget everything else in the world? In that period of time, nothing else matters, it’s just you and that utter bliss that is safety, warmth, and contentment. This is that feeling in book form. I don’t think I’ve ever had such a joyful reading experience. This story is beautiful and heartbreaking and reaches into the depths of your soul and asks you to open your eyes, to truly see people past their surface value. There is so much, so many moments that will leave you feeling so full of love and like you can float away on a cloud. At the same time, there’s this crushing sense of dark reality and despair. What Phoenix and Ari went through…it’s enough to break anyone and yet, it’s a reality for so many people in this world. It’s not okay. This will be an experience for some readers, one of learning and opening up to the world around you. Sometimes there is so much bad in the world that it’s easy to forget about the good, but always, even when the odds are slim, there is hope.

The Radius of Us deals with so many current issues-gang violence, asylum seekers, immigration, PTSD, racial issues, and how the system treats people from specific countries. There’s a mix of court proceedings that give you a broad, but poignant picture of detention centers, how people who show up at the border are treated, the agony and fear when they separate adults from their little ones, the role of parole officers, and how much money it costs to fight for your safety. There’s also a little about the groups that advocate for asylum seekers from countries that are considered high risk. Sometimes we live our lives in a bubble and we become so wrapped up that we forget about what others go through, how they have to fight for the right to live peacefully, safely. This reality hits and it hits hard.

Gang violence plays a key role in this story. It’s terrifying and brutal. It’s not especially graphic. There are short, abrupt, and blunt scenes that suggest enough without the gore and others that will leave you feeling shaken and sickened. How gangs work, their conditioning processes, what membership means, and what you must suffer to get out are here in brief, but it’s totally enough to understand without getting too specific. From El Salvador to Guatemala to Mexico, each system is different and come with threats.

This book is fantastically diverse in the best way. It calls the characters and the reader out on their perceptions and prejudices. It many ways, it crushes stereotypes.

Love is a major theme. What love can inspire, how it can keep you holding on when everything falls apart and dares you to hope; it gives you something to live for, just knowing other people want you around is enough to move mountains. There are all forms of love in this story: love between siblings, between relatives, strangers, friends. So much love it leaves you breathless and keyed up. Happy.

Secondary characters. Many times they fade out or fall flat but these characters, you will love them in their own right. They’re memorable, unique, full of life, laughter, heart, and compassion. I loved Bo and Barbie. I mean a tattooed biker couple helping ex-cons remove tattoos from their past. Just wow. They’re gruff and funny and just wonderful characters. So are Phoenix’s guardians. An elderly lesbian couple so in love and with so much to give to a complete stranger. Seriously this story will restore your faith in humanity.

PTSD comes in all shapes and sizes. Trauma can cause all sorts of debilitating side effects and take over the victim’s life. Ari and Gretchen both suffer different forms. The portrayal of each is so raw, so real, you feel every ounce of panic, fear, and memory.

Ari and Phoenix. I didn’t realize it, but I’ve been dreaming of a story with a strong sibling bond. This story delivers. Phoenix risks everything, literally his life several times for his brother’s safety, to protect him from gang recruitment and all the pain he went through as a kid forced to join. I mean months through Central America in horrific conditions. Death, violence, and evil all around them. Phoenix tried to protect his brother the best he could, nothing mattered but getting him out, even if Phoenix died in the process. That kind of love, that’s something unbreakable. This alone will make you fall for Phoenix. He’s selfless, compassionate, and loves fiercely. There’s nothing he wouldn’t do. The scenes of Ari and Phoenix together are bittersweet. There are laughs, but there are also tears, seeing Ari the way he is, so traumatized he’s unable to speak. I mean it kills him. I think my heart broke a hundred times in as many pages.

Gretchen’s story also has to do with gang violence. Her whole life was altered by one moment. Everything she used to be was gone, obliterated by an act of violence that made her scared, that left her with memories that crushed her and caused her to fold in on herself and sacrifice a normal life. And yet, Gretchen offers comfort and kindness to everyone she meets. She gives so much of herself without realizing it. What she does for Phoenix with barely a thought-she’s a genuinely good person.

Phoenix’s story. I’m struggling to find the words for that kind of hardship and sadness. Sometimes there are only two choices and both are bad. Sometimes your surroundings shape your future and you have no choice but to become something dark to save the light in your life-in this case Ari and his grandmother. Phoenix’s past haunts him. He feels guilty. Like he’s a terrible person despite all the good. He has no kindness for himself, only regret and it’s like being suckerpunched in the heart.

Gretchen and Phoenix. While I wasn’t exactly happy about how and why they met-because wow that is not okay but it is addressed in the story-they’re perfect for each other. They soothe and comfort, they complete one another. They’re in sync. Their radius is the same. There’s chemistry and resistance and such heated tension. You might want to throw the book waiting for them to happen.

I honestly could go on forever about the merits and awesomeness that is The Radius of Us but this is probably the longest review I’ve ever written. Just do yourself a favor. Read this. Give it as a gift. It’s worth every minute.

DNF at 16%

Nothing against the book, the writing style is just really not my thing. It happens, sadly. Please, do check it out for yourself though!