Review: Pivot Point by Kasie West

Pivot Point (Pivot Point #1) by Kasie West
February 12th, 2013 · Harper Teen
Source: Purchased
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 343

Knowing the outcome doesn’t always make a choice easier . . .

Addison Coleman’s life is one big “What if?” As a Searcher, whenever Addie is faced with a choice, she can look into the future and see both outcomes. It’s the ultimate insurance plan against disaster. Or so she thought. When Addie’s parents ambush her with the news of their divorce, she has to pick who she wants to live with—her father, who is leaving the paranormal compound to live among the “Norms,” or her mother, who is staying in the life Addie has always known. Addie loves her life just as it is, so her answer should be easy. One Search six weeks into the future proves it’s not.

In one potential future, Addie is adjusting to life outside the Compound as the new girl in a Norm high school where she meets Trevor, a cute, sensitive artist who understands her. In the other path, Addie is being pursued by the hottest guy in school—but she never wanted to be a quarterback’s girlfriend. When Addie’s father is asked to consult on a murder in the Compound, she’s unwittingly drawn into a dangerous game that threatens everything she holds dear. With love and loss in both lives, it all comes down to which reality she’s willing to live through . . . and who she can’t live without.

Pivot Point was heavily inspired by Sliding Door and while I haven’t seen the movie, you have to admit, that alone is a cool premise. So add in a futurist world, awesome powers, an amazing bunch of characters and you've got an incredible book in more ways than one.

From her love of books; to her kindergarten friend; to failing at small talk, I related with Addie on so many levels. It’s not every day you come across such an awesome main character that you connect with right off the bat but I certainly did with Addie. Of course, I can’t forget to mention Addie’s best friend, Laila! Sassy and fun, I’m really looking forward to reading from her POV in the sequel.

Pivot Point has not one but two guys yet the decision was easy: Team Trevor all the way. Likeable, sweet and a good-guy character but with depth, his and Addie’s relationship was refreshing to read and enjoyable to watch unfold; I hope there’s more where that came from!

The way the author told the story and delivered two alternate realities between chapters was award winning-worthy. Kasie handles it like a real pro but I can just imagine how many Junior Mints she would have needed to get her through it because while it was incredibly effortless to read, I can imagine it was no easy feat to write. Wit, humour and more, Kasie West is the whole writing package.

In case it isn’t clear, I loved Pivot Point a whole bunch. With this being my favourite debut of the year so far, I’m incredibly excited to read Split Second and not a moment too soon!

4.5/5