Out of Reach
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- $9.99
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
How do you find someone who doesn’t want to be found? A girl searches for her missing addict brother while confronting her own secrets in this darkly lyrical novel, a National Book Award Finalist.
Rachel has always idolized her older brother Micah. He struggles with addiction, but she tells herself that he’s in control. And she almost believes it. Until the night that Micah doesn’t come home.
Rachel’s terrified—and she can’t help but feel responsible. She should have listened when Micah tried to confide in her. And she only feels more guilt when she receives an anonymous note telling her that Micah is nearby and in danger.
With nothing more to go on than hope and a slim lead, Rachel and Micah’s best friend, Tyler, begin the search. Along the way, Rachel will be forced to confront her own dark secrets, her growing attraction to Tyler…and the possibility that Micah may never come home.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Arcos's debut novel unfolds over the span of a single day, as 16-year-old Rachel searches for her meth-addicted older brother, Micah, who has gone missing. Out of the blue, Rachel receives a vague, anonymous email telling her that Micah is in the Ocean Beach neighborhood of San Diego and "not doing so good." Rather than, say, reply to the email to ask for more information, Rachel calls Micah's friend and bandmate Tyler, and the two drive down to try to find him. Several hours, one stolen car, and many conversations later, they're not having much luck. Rachel is a believable, if not especially appealing, combination of na ve and judgmental, qualities that soften only slightly as the book progresses. Arcos works in information about crystal meth (including its history and effects), genetic predisposition to addiction, and other topics, but the brunt of the narrative consists of Rachel's flashbacks and memories. This both aids character development and makes sense, as Rachel can't let go of the brother she knew, but it also greatly hampers the story's momentum. Ages 14 up.
