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The Tension of Opposites

by Kristina McBride (Goodreads Author)

3.81 of 5 stars 3.81 · rating details · 673 ratings · 145 reviews

"Tense! The constant push and pull of friendship, pain, love, and jealousy is beautifully drawn. A definite must read."—Jay Asher, New York Times best-selling author of Thirteen Reasons Why

"[A] well-paced story with . . . emotional punches that really connect."—Publishers Weekly

"Told without explicit detail, the headline drama about sexual predators will pull teens in."—Bo...more

Paperback, 288 pages

Published May 24th 2011 by EgmontUSA (first published May 25th 2010)

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May 24, 2010 Sara Grochowski rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed

The Tension of Opposites is one of those novels that pulls you in from the first lines and refuses to let you go until you've read every last word. Devour is almost too tame a word to describe how quickly I read this novel... inhale might be a better fit. It's always a magical experience when a reader finds an author whose writing style fits perfectly with his or her preferences - and I'm happy to say that I experienced that magic with Tension.

I feel that I should mention that the the descripti...more The Tension of Opposites is one of those novels that pulls you in from the first lines and refuses to let you go until you've read every last word. Devour is almost too tame a word to describe how quickly I read this novel... inhale might be a better fit. It's always a magical experience when a reader finds an author whose writing style fits perfectly with his or her preferences - and I'm happy to say that I experienced that magic with Tension.

I feel that I should mention that the the description of Tension only conveys the darker elements of the plot, despite the fact that there is plenty of lighter material in the novel as well. Not only are both light and dark elements present, they are perfectly balanced. With a novel that addresses such a heavy topic, attempts at lighter material may be awkward and disrupt the flow of the novel, but this isn't so with Tension: it plunged into the inky dark depths of emotion and managed an amazing love story. The fact that the story is told from the point-of-view of the victim's best friend offered a unique perspective and, I think, ultimately allowed McBride to write such a balanced story. I would have been frustrated if the entire story was dark, since Tessa is the narrator and I wanted her to move past the traumatizing event and find happiness, despite the horrors that Noelle suffered. It will never be something that she will forget, but she can't postpone her life indefinitely, no matter how much she loves Tessa.In ways, I thought the fact that Noelle lost so many things provided even more reasons that Tessa shouldn't. Noelle had those things taken... Tessa shouldn't just give them up.

Tessa and Noelle's relationship was painful and heartbreaking. I felt for Tessa... She waited so long to regain her best friend, guilty and afraid to live her own life after Noelle's had been cruelly shattered. When Noelle returns home, Tessa knows that things won't be the same, but nothing can prepare her for the new Noelle... Elle, who doesn't seem to have even a glimmer of Noelle left in her. At the same time, I understand why Noelle had to adopt this new persona: Noelle, Tessa's best friend, is dead. I think McBride accurately conveyed Tessa's POV, which is different than most other YA novels dealing with the same topic, as they usually told from the victim's POV.

One of the brightest elements of the novel is the romance between Tessa and Max, the boy who finds a way past Tessa's carefully constucted walls and into her heart. Max and Tessa's relationship is one of my absolute favorites... and I read a lot of good love stories. I think the realistic quality of their story is what really won me over... I believed in their story. That and the fact that there is the definite possiblity that it might not work out between them and I desperately believed that they should be together! Tessa's ready to do anything to help Noelle, including giving up her own happiness... and Max.

Grade: A+

Cover Notes:
When I first saw the cover I wasn't really a fan, but after reading the novel I think it's a pefect fit!
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Apr 13, 2011 Erica rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I have to admit that this book was four material even leading to a 5 in the beginning but I guess it did not make that mark becuase the story did not go the way that I thought it was going to. It took a different path, the description of the book was a bit misleading and I thought that it was going to be an action packed novel, when it wasn't. Do not get me wrong I really enjoyed this book and the story that it told it was really cute and sometimes sepenseful, but I was always able to tell that...more

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Nov 16, 2012 Jennifer Wardrip rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: trt-posted-reviews

Reviewed by Sally Kruger aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com

Tessa and Noelle had been best friends for as long as either could remember. They were ripped apart two years ago when Noelle disappeared. All that was left was her bike abandoned on the sidewalk. For two years, Tessa spent every waking moment thinking about Noelle and missing her. She carried on but refused to enjoy life without her best friend.

Suddenly, life has changed. Noelle has returned. Against the predicted odds from law enf...more Reviewed by Sally Kruger aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com

Tessa and Noelle had been best friends for as long as either could remember. They were ripped apart two years ago when Noelle disappeared. All that was left was her bike abandoned on the sidewalk. For two years, Tessa spent every waking moment thinking about Noelle and missing her. She carried on but refused to enjoy life without her best friend.

Suddenly, life has changed. Noelle has returned. Against the predicted odds from law enforcement officials and other similar cases, she escaped her captor. Tessa can hardly believe it's true. It's like she can finally live again, too.

Dreams of a joyous reunion and catching up on all they've missed together over two years are all Tessa can think about. Instead, she discovers her friend is refusing to see her. Understandable in the beginning, but as the weeks go by, Tessa can't comprehend why Noelle stays hidden away.

When she finally gains access, she is puzzled by Noelle's reaction. One of the first things the kidnap victim insists is that she wants to be known as Elle, not Noelle, and that's not all that's changed. Tessa finds out Elle has not been hiding from everyone, but rather sneaking out at night on risky adventures, and the more Tessa observes, the more concerned she becomes.

Loyalty to Elle is complicated by the fact that Tessa has met Max. At first, he was just the new guy and her partner in photography class, but he's different and beginning to fill a special place in Tessa's life. Elle seems happy for her, but Tessa is torn between enjoying her new relationship and being there for the still emotionally fragile Elle.

Described as "a haunting psychological thriller," THE TENSION OF OPPOSITES is one you will want to get your hands on this summer. Author Kristina McBride delves into the minds of her characters to illustrate that trauma takes its toll on victims and survivors alike. Elle may have been the victim of a horrendous kidnapping, but those left behind before her return lived with their own trauma, as well. Even a so-called "happy ending" has its complications, too.

Readers will remember this one long after they turn the final page. (less)

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Nov 16, 2012 Zooey Riveria rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: borrowed, chick-lit, family, favorites, friendship, melancholy, young-adult

This is truly one of the most amazing books I've ever read. Ever.

The whole time I was flipping through the pages, there was like this ball of emotions choking up my windpipe and my tears forced themselves to come out, but they couldn't. The emotions packed into these 277 pages were so overwhelming, so raw and so real. Descriptions were really vivid, like how the author could convey a person's every little action into words, making the characters so easy to relate to. Adored her writing style, I...more

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Sep 20, 2011 Jenalyn rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: English teachers, Young Adults

Shelves: young-adult, romance, realistic

NOTE: This is the review I wrote on Amazon.com as "Fire Fairy"

In The Tension of Opposites, first-time writer Kristina McBride spins a marvelously woven tale that focuses on the other side of a kidnapping story. While most kidnapping stories' "Happily Ever After" comes with the victims rescue, in this story, the rescue is only the beginning. McBride beautifully captures what happens after the fact, and how the victim, as well as family, friends, acquaintances, and everybody else struggle to retur...more NOTE: This is the review I wrote on Amazon.com as "Fire Fairy"

In The Tension of Opposites, first-time writer Kristina McBride spins a marvelously woven tale that focuses on the other side of a kidnapping story. While most kidnapping stories' "Happily Ever After" comes with the victims rescue, in this story, the rescue is only the beginning. McBride beautifully captures what happens after the fact, and how the victim, as well as family, friends, acquaintances, and everybody else struggle to return to the norm.

The story is told through the eyes of Tessa, a teenager who's best friend was torn away from her two years ago, at the age of fourteen. Now, exactly two years and sixteen days after Noelle disappeared, she calls home and is finally rescued. Tessa is elated to have her best friend back, only to discover that the Noelle she knew is gone, to be replaced by a haunted, hollow girl that calls herself Elle. In the midst of all this, a new guy from Montana moves in to the community and into Tessa's life, who was so torn apart from her best friend's absence that she has previously avoided any type of love in her life. But Max, who shares Tessa's love of photography, is just as determined to help Tessa find her way back to normalcy as Tessa is to help Elle.

To call this novel a page-turner would not be doing it justice. Tessa's efforts to regain Elle's friendship, Elle's struggles to find peace, Max's determination to have a relationship with Tessa--each one of these are enough alone to give the story drive and realism. The characters themselves didn't seem to "pop out of the page", to coin the popular phrase. Instead, they reach out and drag the reader along with them, into the story itself. Anyone who dares to pick up this book should prepare his or her self for the ride of a lifetime.

To be honest, this story has touched me personally as well. Watching Tessa and Elle in their re-developing friendship made me wonder if the author had taken a peek into my own life. I haven't been kidnapped or had a friend who was kidnapped, of course, but the story of Tessa and Elle, as well as the characters themselves and the choices they make, practically mirrors my best friend and me. I promise that this story has been portrayed very realistically, that the things and feelings the characters experience and do are real. I know, because I've been there. Not literally, not exactly the same, but it's close enough. McBride did a fabulous job with this story, and deserves more than a round of applause, more than two thumbs up, more than a standing ovation. Her story, although fiction, is real, is compelling, and is a definite must-read. I wouldn't be surprised to see this book ranked among famous works of literature such as "The Diary of Anne Frank," "The Outsiders," and "Speak". Perhaps it may make it's way onto a high school reading list someday. The only drawbacks of this book are the language, which frequently dips into the "a" and "b" words, and the disturbing topics, as it addresses some very tender issues such as rape and other things.

So, take the time to open up this book, and prepare to be changed for good. (less)

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Sep 12, 2011 Chamera rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is a book that begs to be read and urges to be reviewed. Tessa has spent the last two years of her life worried, nervous, and fearful. Her life long best friend went missing, and not a trace of her whereabouts had been found. Everyone believed Noelle to be dead.

That is, until she calls and tells her brother that she has a plan to rid herself of her captor and to get him arrested also. Noelle's return shocks everyone in their town, but especially her family and Tessa.

But Noelle has dramatic...more

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Feb 05, 2011 MaryBookSwarm rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

It's a terrible nightmare, especially for parents, to have a child taken from them, to have no word if she's alive or dead. And, when their child finally comes home, she's been through something so traumatic, she's a totally different person. I can't even imagine.

But this story isn't told from the parents' perspective. It's told from the viewpoint of Noelle's best friend in the whole entire world, Tessa. Tessa is an introvert, more comfortable behind the lens of her camera, while Noelle was the...more

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Dec 16, 2010 Linda rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. What really interested me about this book was that didn’t deal so much with the captivity (although that is addressed) but more with what happens afterwards. There is a lot of tension in this book. Tension between Elle and Tessa, tension between Tessa and Max, tension between Elle and her family, and tension in the community. I could hardly breathe as I raced through the book, dying to know what happened to Elle and how this story would end.

While this book has some very lighthearted moments it...more

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Dec 07, 2010 Alisha rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: drama, young-adult

I have to start out by saying that The Tension of Opposites followed Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott for me, so that probably hurt my rating of this book as that one was pretty great and this one just fell short. Just thought I'd mention in that in the interest of full disclosure. Anyway, back to The Tension of Opposites, I thought that this book was just okay. I don't fully understand why I didn't love it, it's just that I felt like I was going through it for the sake of going through it. I...more I have to start out by saying that The Tension of Opposites followed Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott for me, so that probably hurt my rating of this book as that one was pretty great and this one just fell short. Just thought I'd mention in that in the interest of full disclosure. Anyway, back to The Tension of Opposites, I thought that this book was just okay. I don't fully understand why I didn't love it, it's just that I felt like I was going through it for the sake of going through it. I wasn't fully connected to it.

I loved the premise of having a kidnapping story told through the eyes of someone other than the person who was kidnapped. That rarely happens and if it does, it's told from the perspective of the parents. The Tension of Opposites focuses on the victim's best friend and her reactions to everything that has happened, as well as her wallflower behavior as a consequence to the events. Again, I liked that unique aspect of it. However, I think that the thought of it was way better than the actual execution. For one thing, I didn't feel connected to any of the characters. Since the story is told from Tessa's (the bff) point of view, we don't get the whole story on Elle and her reactions and I just found her a more interesting character than Tessa, herself. Tessa was just so wishy-washy and I was annoyed with her throughout most of the book. I understand being there for a friend and I commend her for it, but it really was a bit much. Tessa was full out obsessing over Elle. If I were Elle, I would've told her to back off at least to have a minute to breathe.

However, while I did understand a bit where Tessa's boyfriend was coming from when he said that Tessa needed to focus more on herself, he came off a bit jerky when focusing on herself was supposed to be focusing on him completely. He just came off kind of douchey and self-obsessed with the whole "Baby, I need attention" facade. I'm sorry, but I don't find needy men attractive. In fact, I find them way annoying. And "dude, who's name I totally cannot recall right now" was no exception.

I did like the rest of the supporting characters. I liked Darcy and thought that she was a pretty kick-ass friend and I absolutely loved Cooper. In fact, I totally could've read a whole book from Cooper's point of view and his reactions to his sister's kidnapping. Now, there is an intriguing character. I really did love Coop's relationship with Elle. I thought that it was so sweet.

So, all in all, I thought that The Tension of Opposites was just okay. It was a page-turner and it did keep me reading, but I just didn't feel a tangible connection to any of the characters besides wanting to know how they would end up. And again, Tessa was mildly annoying. I do recommend it as it was a pretty compelling read, but it just wasn't my favorite novel.(less)

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Nov 20, 2010 Lauren rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. The flap copy calls this book a "haunting psychological thriller," but this description only holds true for the first half of the story. Alas, I chose the wrong place to take a reading break ('round about page 130 or so), because when I came back I felt like I was reading a different book.

Let me back up a bit -- I was really drawn in to Tessa and Noelle / Elle's story through the first few chapters. The writing style isn't anything to get excited about, but it hangs out in the background and le...more The flap copy calls this book a "haunting psychological thriller," but this description only holds true for the first half of the story. Alas, I chose the wrong place to take a reading break ('round about page 130 or so), because when I came back I felt like I was reading a different book.

Let me back up a bit -- I was really drawn in to Tessa and Noelle / Elle's story through the first few chapters. The writing style isn't anything to get excited about, but it hangs out in the background and lets the story do its thing. There's a lot of tension about whether Elle is going to speak to Tessa again, and, when she does, whether she's going to try to be Tessa's friend or if she's going to take out her psychological anguish on her former best friend. We also have Tessa's struggle to come out of the shell she's built for herself over the last two years, and her questions about how she can get through to Elle and help her get back to some semblance of a normal life.

But maybe I missed something around this part of the story, because after some initial tension between the two old friends, Elle generally comes back around to Tessa, with no real catalyst for this shift. At first, Elle had no intention of speaking to Tessa again, but soon enough Tessa's driving Elle to school and she's sitting -- though grudgingly, perhaps -- at Tessa's lunch table. I accepted this because I was rooting for their friendship, but I wish there'd been more of a reason for its occurring.

I could see the author's writerly tracks in making sure that Tessa bumped into Chip somewhere within the first 50 pages of the story. I knew that he'd have to come back into the story, but I hoped he wouldn't have a major role. Well, blah. So much of the drama in the final third of the story revolves around the relationship between Elle and this Chip guy, and Chip's vengeful ex-girlfriend Jessie (one character notes -- in dialogue, even -- the cliche of the hot football player dating the thin, bitchy, and beautiful captain of the cheerleading squad. Acknowledging the cliche doesn't make it any less cliche, however). I get that it was supposed to be a plot point about Elle's struggle to lead a "normal" teenage life after her ordeal (and the part about her wanting to *choose* to have sex with someone -- even if it was Chip -- rather than having it forced upon her was quite powerful), but SO much time and so many pages are spent on this ridiculous love triangle that it's unclear whether the author wants us to care about these characters or not. Perhaps, like Tessa, we're supposed to see the whole thing as silly, but to continue on in hopes of "saving" Elle. It didn't make for very interesting reading, though.

Finally, there's Max, Tessa's boyfriend. Who has curly hair, as we're told many times. And he has a Mustang. And he's an awesome photographer. And he has eyes for no one but Tessa, of course! I've read a good amount of YA fiction, but it's been a while since I read about a boyfriend character who was this flawless. He's perceptive about everything, including what Tessa should do about Elle, and about Elle herself. At one point, Max had so much insight into Elle's psychological state that I thought a secret would eventually come out about Max -- that HE was one of the other kids who Elle's kidnapper had tormented. But no, Max just knows what to do in every situation. His only real "secret" was that he had a girlfriend before Tessa. They might have had sex. Oh nooo! Anyway, I don't know what else to say here. Max. He will save the world one day, with his delectable curls hanging in his face.

Things wrapped up fairly well for Elle, Tessa, and Max. Tessa and Max get to kiss a lot and take awesome photographs. Elle gets something of a normal life, including a new stoner boyfriend and a dream of attending Ohio State. So, yay?

(2.5 stars, really, because those first 130-ish pages really pulled me in)(less)

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Oct 28, 2010 Danya rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-but-not-owned

It happened two years ago, but Tessa's been living a shadow of a life ever since. Her best friend — kidnapped. No dead body found, no clues, nothing. And Tessa's withdrawn from everyone else, her photography being one of the only things she still enjoys. Until Max comes into her life. He's also into photography, he keeps trying to strike up a conversation, and Tessa finds herself drawn to him.

And then...Noelle comes back. It turns out she's been alive this whole time. Tessa reaches out to her, w...more

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Apr 18, 2010 Andrea rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

First of all, let me say that I liked the premise of this story. I had never heard of Stockholm Syndrome (where the person who has been abducted shows signs of loyalty to the kidnapper) so it was neat to read about this in the story (although Elle claimes that she did not experience this).

But I'm not too sure about other parts of the story. For example, I just plain didn't like Elle. Yes, I know she just went through something traumatic, for two years, but to me, she just plain seem like a bitc...more

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May 15, 2010 Jennifer (Crazy-for-Books.com) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, read-in-2010, received-for-review, received-in-2010, ya

Tessa and Noelle are best friends. They have been best friends for what seems like forever. Then, in 8th grade, Noelle disappears without a trace. Tessa is forced to move on with her daily life, but cuts off all connections to her old friends. This book opens two years later with Tessa meeting with Noelle's brother, Cooper, who informs her that Noelle called and setup a sting to catch her kidnapper. Tessa is stunned and can't believe it. But when she watches the events unfold on tv, she is excit...more

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Aug 20, 2010 Brigita rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Tackling such a serious issue as kidnapping is commendable in itself, and McBride does it well. Elle's reaction to her kidnapping seems realistic, expressed through her vacillating between anger, fear, resentment and detachment.

Tessa's obsession with Ella's disappearance and later her well-being after she returns feels less well-founded. Particularly since Ella is portrayed as a not particularly likable person even in flashbacks to before her kidnapping. So there are no clear reasons for the de...more

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Jul 14, 2010 Crystal rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: won, read-july-2010

I have really lucked out with my YA reading lately. Adding to my already huge number of glowing reviews this month is this one for The Tension of Opposites.

First I loved Tessa, I could relate with Tessa. No, I never had my best friend kidnapped, but know what it's like to be that girl, the one who doesn't make friends as easy, the one who is more introverted and one who keeps just a few good friends around. When Noelle is kidnapped, Tessa retreats into herself and into her photography, with only...more I have really lucked out with my YA reading lately. Adding to my already huge number of glowing reviews this month is this one for The Tension of Opposites.

First I loved Tessa, I could relate with Tessa. No, I never had my best friend kidnapped, but know what it's like to be that girl, the one who doesn't make friends as easy, the one who is more introverted and one who keeps just a few good friends around. When Noelle is kidnapped, Tessa retreats into herself and into her photography, with only Darcy as a friend. Darcy is the one who wills Tessa to take chances, like with the Senior photography class and also with her dating life with the new guy at school, Max. Tessa is a great character because she feels real - when Noelle returns she wants to make everything normal again and she puts her whole self into Noelle and doing what she can for her, to the point that she loses herself. What teenage girl hasn't done this whether with a friend or with a boyfriend. Tessa is a pleaser, she doesn't think of herself, but she is not spineless, she has a backbone and through the book she learns more about herself than she ever thought possible.

The secondary characters of Noelle, Max and Darcy are very important to Tessa's development and I enjoyed getting to know all of them and their interactions with Tessa. The character development in this book was pivotal and Ms. McBride does an astounding job developing them and using them to move the story forward.

Next is the plot, which is primarily character driven and just amazing. I found myself turning page after page wondering what would happen next. What would Tessa feel, what would she do, could she save Noelle from herself. Seeing the kidnapping from the best friend's point of view was a wonderful way to write this book. I think The Tension of Opposites will resonate with me for some time to come.

So if you are looking for a non-paranormal young adult novel that will appeal to the young and old alike, I can highly recommend The Tension of Opposites. It has been getting raves from the blogging community and after reading it I can see why. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this book and wish I could come to know Tessa, Max and Noelle even more.

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Aug 15, 2010 Lea rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: high school students.

When Tessa McMullen's best friend was abducted, Tessa's life stopped as well. After two years with no word, Tessa is still holding herself away from life, not allowing herself to do any of the things that her missing best friend can't do. But when Noelle returns, Tessa has to find a way to start living again.

That's not a very good summary, but it's intentional. The Tension of Opposites is a book that moves in unexpected directions, and so I don't want to oversummarize it. The book is written fro...more

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Dec 29, 2012 Marissa Ellison rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

When I read the back of this book, I was super excited to read it. It sounded thrilling and horrific and that's what compelled me to read it. The synopsis talked about how it was about a girl who was kidnapped and held hostage for two years, and then escaped captivity and got her kidnapper arrested. It was supposed to be a book about her and her best friend attempting to rekindle their friendship after two years of changes. Unfortunately, like every other novel targeted at teenagers, the book wa...more

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Oct 30, 2012 Davina rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The problem with teenage romance novels is that they can easily cross the borderline into annoying. And this book just got so annoying at certain points. The most frustrating thing for me is that the author avoided going into detail about the most interesting part of the whole plot: What happened to Noelle during the 2 years when she was kidnapped. All we get is brief referrals to some of her trauma, but COME ON! That was the focal point of the book and its as if the topic is just tip toed aroun...more

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Nov 30, 2011 Tara rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I REALLY LOVED THIS BOOK!
yeah thats why i put it in Caps
anyway its about this girl Tessa whose best friend was kidnapped when they were both 14. Tessa misses Noelle, enough that she has avoided friendships and boyfriends because she felt that if Noelle could never have those experiences, its only right that she doesnt either. However one day, she finds out that Noelle is ALIVE and coming home. Her kidnapper, charlie Croft would be arrested. Tessa hoped that all this crazy stuff would be over,...more

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Jun 08, 2010 Jenny / Wondrous Reads rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Tension of Opposites is a thought-provoking debut novel that covers the very serious subject of child kidnapping. It's not quite as graphic as other novels following a similar theme (like Elizabeth Scott's Living Dead Girl, for example), which could be seen as more of a good thing than bad.

The story is told by kidnap survivor Noelle's best friend Tessa, so it's her thoughts and observations that we're presented with. She notices countless differences in Noelle after her return, and tries to...more
The Tension of Opposites is a thought-provoking debut novel that covers the very serious subject of child kidnapping. It's not quite as graphic as other novels following a similar theme (like Elizabeth Scott's Living Dead Girl, for example), which could be seen as more of a good thing than bad.

The story is told by kidnap survivor Noelle's best friend Tessa, so it's her thoughts and observations that we're presented with. She notices countless differences in Noelle after her return, and tries to help her any way she can. Tessa's own life is no longer the most important thing to her, instead Noelle, or Elle as she is now known, has taken that place. Tessa's actions aren't through sympathy or guilt, instead they are the product of a love so deep not even a two-year gap can stamp it out.

McBride writes about a side to these stories we never seem to see: the side of the people left behind. Tessa has started to rebuild her life minus Noelle, and her return throws everything into a spin. Noelle is a changed person, as you would expect. Her ordeal haunts her, and no amount of normality can detract from the nightmare she lived for two years. We don't get to hear about much of her experiences, though we get snippets from her diary entries. It sounds like a nightmare like no other and, in this instance, I'm glad there isn't more detail into her kidnapping. Your imagination will run away enough as it is, and a closely detailed look at Noelle's captor's actions would have detracted from the point of the book.

Together with love interest Max, Tessa starts to rebuild Noelle's life, even if all Noelle seems to do is push her away. She never gives up, and makes their friendship her number one priority. Without her, I'm sure Noelle would have retreated into herself, made some bad decisions and regretted most of her actions. It's a case study of friendship that knows no bounds, and we should all be so lucky to have a friend like that.

At times, I felt like too much time was dedicated to Tessa and Max's relationship, and not enough focus on Noelle's state of mind. I wanted to hear more about what she was feeling and thinking, and I didn't think that was explored to its full potential. Max's journey with Tessa is inspiring, though, and all he does for her is truly selfless. In a way, he saves her, while she's trying to save Noelle. It's a constant roundabout, with the circles representing more than simple human kindness.

The Tension of Opposites is an important book, and one that shouldn't be read lightly. It will make you think, and will undoubtedly raise awareness of kidnapping and its consequences. It's a powerful look at an all too realistic topic, and is a worthy addition to this year's strong debut offerings. (less)

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Apr 18, 2010 Debut Authors Blog rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Kristina Mcbride's The Tension of Opposites is a story of two best-friends struggling to overcome the tragic events that tore them apart. Two years prior to the beginning of the narrative Tessa's best friend, Noelle, was kidnapped. In the first several chapters the reader learns that not only is Noelle alive, but she is returning home! Tessa is ecstatic for her friends return. Her joy turns to disappointment and sadness as she is faced with the oft overlooked realities of child-abduction survivo...more

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Aug 05, 2010 Katie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-i-own, signed-books

For someone who grew up watching true crime and investigation shows, I was a bit nervous that this book would be completely unrealistic and dolled up for the pages. Fortunately, Kristina McBride did her research. The Tension Of Opposites was mysterious, intense and very real.

We didn’t get much of a glimpse into Tessa’s life while Noelle was missing, but when she comes home, it’s a whirlwind of drama and emotions as she tries to rebuild her friendship with Noelle, who doesn’t want anything to do...more

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May 26, 2010 Kate rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

THE TENSION OF OPPOSITES, by Kristina McBride, was a bone-chilling thriller that explores the ripple-effect that a kidnapping creates. Although Noelle was kidnapped two years prior, her best friend, Tessa, held onto the hope that she was still alive and would come back home. When Noelle's brother told Tessa that Noelle was found and coming home, she believed that her friend was back but the opposite was true.

I really enjoyed this book. There were two stories that revolved around Tessa, one with...more

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Oct 13, 2011 Littlemissmusicalsunshine rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The cover and the line on the back of this book stating that it is a haunting psychological thriller are SO misleading. This story lacked action. Nothing seemed to be happening except for maybe in the first 100 pages of the book. Even then, I wasn't really pullled in, and I never really felt for the characters..scratch that, I never found them likeable (I think that's a good way to put it!). Eventually the problem of Tessa and Noelle not being friends gets panned out, and it leads on to other th...more

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Oct 05, 2010 Alex rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Wow.

I was trying to go for something a little more articulate when I started this review, but the only thing that came out was "wow." This book elicited so many thoughts and feelings inside of me.

This is the story of a girl who was kidnapped and tortured for two years, only to return home suddenly as a changed person. I liked that the point of view was from Tessa, her childhood best friend, instead of the kidnapping victim herself. Tessa's confusion over why Noelle is so distant is heartbreakin...more

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Jul 04, 2010 P.M. rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Tessa's best friend Noelle had been kidnapped two years ago. As the book begins, Noelle's younger brother Cooper tells Tessa that Noelle has made contact and has set up a trap to catch her kidnapper. Tessa is thrilled because she has put her life on hold for those same two years, just waiting for Noelle to be found. But Noelle has been replaced by Elle, who doesn't know how to fit in after all she has been through. Tessa believes it is her job to make everything right for Elle. This conflicts wi...more

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May 15, 2011 Amy rated it 2 of 5 stars

Two years after her disappearance, Tessa's best friend, Noelle, escapes from the clutches of a nasty pedophile and returns to her family. Tessa has just learned to cope with the idea that her best friend was gone forever. Now that she's back, Tessa no longer has an excuse to keep her life on hold, but she's not sure how to move on and wonders if it's even possible for her to do so.

Like The Iron King, I thought this was an interesting idea, but the execution was so blah, I couldn't get into it. M...more

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Jun 12, 2010 Melissa rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Living Dead Girl Fans

Shelves: 2010-debut-author-challenge, 2010-teen-book-reviews, read-in-2010, teen-general-fiction, with-reviews

When Noelle disappeared two years ago, Tessa stopped living. It just didn’t feel right for her to go on, do things her best friend would not do, experience things her best friend would never experience. Since then, she has had few friends, and none of them are close. Until she finds out that Noelle is alive, and is finally coming home, finally escaping from the man who held her captive for two long years. Now Tessa hopes things can go back to the way they were, that their friendship can pick up...more When Noelle disappeared two years ago, Tessa stopped living. It just didn’t feel right for her to go on, do things her best friend would not do, experience things her best friend would never experience. Since then, she has had few friends, and none of them are close. Until she finds out that Noelle is alive, and is finally coming home, finally escaping from the man who held her captive for two long years. Now Tessa hopes things can go back to the way they were, that their friendship can pick up where it left off, but sometimes you can’t go back.

One reviewer compared this book to Elizabeth Scott’s Living Dead Girl. I would definitely say that there are similarities. While in Living Dead Girl the story is told from the point of view of the victim, this story is told from the point of view of the victim’s best friend. I have to say, that in that sense alone, this book held more appeal for me than Living Dead Girl(LDG). For me LDG was just too voyeuristic and extreme. Tension of Opposites is able to convey the story without making it seem like you are intruding in someone’s very personal pain.

I like Tessa. She, like Noelle, suffers in this book. Not the same kind of suffering that Noelle has faced certainly, but she does suffer. She felt the loss of her friend, the need to protect her friend from the outside world, and even protect Noelle from her reckless impulses. When once she felt safe in her small town, she now fears for her safety, and has lost a lot. For two years, she simply refused to live, have friends, or do anything that Noelle couldn’t. Tessa is extremely well drawn, and very believable. When Noelle returns, Tessa longs for things to be like they were, but she and Noelle have both changed. She tries to be there for her friend, to understand and help her, but Noelle is too impulsive and reckless. Tessa’s need to help Noelle, causes her to put Noelle’s life and happiness before her own, sometimes causing conflict in Tessa’s life.

The question this book raises is whether or not you can return to normal life after such a tragedy. It is thought provoking, and very well written. Although there are some mildly graphic parts, it is much tamer that LDG and shows mostly the struggle of the family and friends of the victim.

Noelle’s story read like Alice’s from LDG. In some ways this was a what would happen if Alice did come home scenario.

Thought provoking, well written, and very well developed. A quick read.
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Jun 25, 2010 Christi rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Okay, this is a YA book that I was "screening" prior to my teenage daughter reading it. It's also a first book by local (Ohio) author Kristina McBride, so I was especially interested in reading it. I think this is a good book for teens and young adults--thus the 5-star rating. The writing is well-paced, realistic, thoughtful and just plain good! It keeps the reader engaged. There's teenage angst, and real monsters (a pedophile, the media). There's undying friendship, family, loyalty, first love...more

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Mar 09, 2012 Sydney rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This book was actually really good considering this was her first book. I'm usually not mean in my reviews or my ratings. Because if I don't like a book, I won't finish it. At first I was getting a little annoyed with this. There were too many descriptions and little unnecessary phrases in my opinion. And also, it was frustrating that Tessa was being so shut off. I know that if my best friend was abducted, I wouldn't want to socialize that much either. But once Elle came back, Tessa continued to...more

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About Kristina McBride

Kristina McBride, a former English teacher and yearbook advisor, dreamed of being a published author since she was a child and lived across the street from a library. Kristina has published two novels for young adults - The Tension of Opposites (May 2010) and One Moment (June 2012). She lives in Ohio with her husband and two young children. Visit her online at www.kristinamcbride.com.

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“It wasn’t enough, just knowing that Noelle was alive and on her way back to us. So I sat there wondering if Noelle had screamed when she was taken. And if she had, why hadn’t anyone heard?” — 6 people liked it

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