Monday, October 11, 2010

The Limit by Kristen Landon


An eighth grade girl was taken today . . .

With this first sentence, readers are immediately thrust into a fast-paced thriller that doesn't let up for a moment. In a world not too far removed from our own, kids are being taken away to special workhouses if their families exceed the monthly debt limit imposed by the government. Thirteen-year-old Matt briefly wonders if he might be next, but quickly dismisses the thought. After all, his parents are financially responsible, unlike the parents of those other kids. As long as his parents remain within their limit, the government will be satisfied and leave them alone. But all it takes is one fatal visit to the store to push Matt’s family over their limit—and to change his reality forever.


This book is quite possibly one of my favorite middle grade books that I’ve read. Not only is The Limit a really fast read, but it’s also incredibly thrilling. Landon kept me on the edge of my seat and wanting more. I loved Matt. His determination was really amusing to read. One of my favorite parts of this book were the nicknames that Matt gave the various adults around him (these included the names Honey Lady, Gorilla Man, and Crab Women). The Limit was humorous, serious, action-packed, and fun to read!
Matt's parents can’t control their spending, despite their child being taken away. I think that this book also bares some resemblance to the world today. It deals with debt, but instead of people having their houses taken away or going homeless, the children get taken away to try and clear the debt.
I really enjoyed reading this. I read it in two days and I never wanted to put it down. A book really says something when you abandon your family to go and read it. Kristen Landon wrote a thrilling book that will keep you on the edge of your seat!


FTC- Received from publisher.

1 comment:

Lenore Appelhans said...

I really liked this too, but those parents were so ridiculous!