Catch by Sarah Brill

Beth is sixteen, is struggling in year 11, and lots of things are changing in her life. Her body has just undergone transformation and she has become tall - tall enough to demand attention from those who see this as a basketball asset. Her transformation has also caught the attention of the Year 12 boy who lives across the road. Her sister, also in year 12, has created her own family disruption in a major way, but is powering forward.  Beth though is unsure of herself and lacking in confidence. But it is her newly discovered awareness of the impending falls from great heights (and deliberate attempts to self-harm) that has the biggest disruption to her life. The nausea and anxiety surrounding this awareness cause her to run to the distress and catch those who fall before the worst outcome happens. Can Beth survive this incredible responsibility? Will her friends and family understand her need to run? And can she see a future with the boy-next-door? 

This is a uniquely charming and challenging realistic fantasy. (Is that an oxymoron?) Nothing about the ability ‘to catch’ is real, but the reality of teen struggles, family dilemmas and new romance underpins the story. Sadly, there are also multiple stories of distress for those who ‘fall’ - some deliberately and others accidentally, but this book is not about solving the distress or giving Beth a counseling role, but it is painful to know that a young teen can ‘feel’ these potential tragedies. (NB. There may also be some readers who find these scenarios triggering.) The ‘falling into love’ aspect of the story is relatively romantic and gentle (but the sexual relationships of the teens is assumed, a teen pregnancy and physical intensity is part of this drama). This story has a coming-of-age vibe, with friendships intertwined with sport, but is primarily a fantasy. The fantasy aspect is what makes this book more than ordinary and will entrance readers aged 15-18. I was compelled to keep reading to see how the author would ‘catch us’ towards the end. Some may be disappointed, but I think the gentle subtlety she employed is admirable. Teacher's notes are available.

Themes: Teen romance, Suicide attempts, Teen pregnancy, Basketball, Fear, Family.

Carolyn Hull