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Out of Reach Audiobook
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(3.00) - 591 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
How do you find someone who doesn't want to be found? In this darkly lyrical novel, a girl searches for her missing addict brother while confronting her own secrets.
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.
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"3.5 A strong first novel, focused on dealing with the collateral damage when a family member drops out of everyday life due to drug addiction. Though the narrative describes a one-day search for missing brother Micah, it is really about narrator Rachel's anger, guilt, and finally acceptance of the reality of her brother's choice (or perhaps illness). The narrative is weighted a little too heavily toward flashbacks, rather than on present-day scenes, and the budding romance between Rachel and Micah's friend Tyler feels a underdone. Still, a promising debut."
— Jackie (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“A current of tender, believable sadness flows through Out of Reach…This is a thought-provoking novel of choices and their effect on who we become.”
— Washington Post -
“Arcos paints a complex, honest, devastating portrait of what it means to watch someone you love turn into a stranger. The result is an empathetic, highly readable tale that captures the messy dynamics of sibling relationships, the pain and powerlessness of addiction from a loved one’s perspective, and, in an ending that brilliantly mingles loss and hope, the necessity of letting go.”
— Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review) -
“Out of Reach shows the impact of Micah’s addiction on the rest of the family, but even then, the focus is tight: a day in Rachel’s life.”
— School Library Journal -
“Teens affected by drug use may see their own experiences reflected in Rachel’s story. Recommend this to readers of Ellen Hopkins’ similarly themed novels in verse.”
— Booklist -
“Ellen Hopkins fans will find another look at methamphetamine addiction in this quick, realistic debut.”
— Kirkus Reviews
Awards
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A 2012 National Book Award Finalist
Out of Reach Listener Reviews
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" This book had ideas. But it felt like not much happened.. or it just ended up in circles. "
— Lianna, 2/13/2014 -
" A National Book Award Finalist???? Why? A story that has been told many, many times - theme of lying to one's family, friends and oneself and the consequences and regrets. Add in a meth abuser, and you can pretty much figure out the story. Quote from book, "It is easier to say good by than to say I love you" - duh! Should not have bothered picking it up at the Library! I am a sucker for "Award Books"! "
— Pat, 1/2/2014 -
" Some of the conversations between the main character, Rachel, and her friend, Tyler, are painful. The scenes where the two try to connect over deeper issues feel contrived and don't flow naturally. However, I liked the premise and there were scenes between Rachel and her brother, Micah, that were touching. It wasn't as good as I would expect from a National Book Award nominee, but it wasn't a run of the mill YA novel either. "
— Rachel, 12/16/2013 -
" I liked this. It was a fast read and it kept me going, but it was really short and seemed like it just kind of ended. I wanted more closure . . . I guess that made it real though - that's what it's like to have an addict in your life. "
— abbylee, 12/12/2013 -
" I thought this book dealt with drug use's affect on an entire family. I liked the main character, but I guess I wished to see more story. "
— Sarah, 12/11/2013 -
" I thought that the ending of this book was very realistic. "
— Julie, 6/29/2013 -
" This book was so beautiful. It almost made me cry many times. "
— Melanie, 6/27/2013 -
" Sister's perspective on dealing with a brother with a meth addiction. Written for High School. I believe it connects well. "
— Erica, 5/1/2013 -
" I was very disappointed in this book. The characters were flat and had no personality. It appeared that the sister was more caught up in Tyler than trying to find her own brother. It was very predictable and disappointing. "
— Becca, 3/26/2013 -
" Did anything really happen??? Hmmmm... "
— Erin, 2/8/2013 -
" Solid writing, and a really good ending. The journey itself was way more introspective than I'd hoped, but that probably just means I'm the wrong audience for this book. "
— Basil, 11/29/2012 -
" So good! Loved it :) "
— Sarah, 11/21/2012
About Carrie Arcos
Carrie Arcos earned an MA in creative writing and English literature and writes young-adult fiction. She has taught high school and college English. Her Out of Reach was a finalist for the National Book Award.
About Candace Thaxton
Candace Thaxton is an actress and audiobook narrator. She has starred in several films and television shows, including Ghost Town and Law & Order.