Catch Somewhere

by Megan Hall

Kinsley Johnson seems to have everything going well in her world. She’s starting her junior year, her best friend is by her side, and the new boy happens to be really cute and is paying attention to her. So why isn’t Kinsley happy?

With an English teacher who knows more than just literature, a youth leader who won’t give up on her, and a brush against a dangerous addiction, Kinsley has to decide if there is anything out there that can anchor her. If she could just find it, maybe her soul could catch somewhere and rest.

Genres: Fiction, Christian

156 pages, Paperback

Published April 7, 2017

Reviews

[Tonia Pearse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written. Poignant.
Megan Hall captures the angst drama and soul-searching issues of modern teen in an authentic and moving way. She is unflinching in her description of the issues and seamlessly weaves story with a message of hope, love and finding identity in Christ. The main character, Kinsley, is relatable in her imperfections and questioning of her relationship with God.

As a mother of two teenage girls, I am thankful to find an age appropriate and compelling book that will give my daughters a strong God-centered view. Ideally, I would recommend reading this book before your child and then having a dialogue after she reads it so you can discuss the themes. This book does acknowledge the existence of cutting, sex, alcohol and drug use but from a redemptive perspective.

I received an ARC from TouchPoint Press in exchange for my honest review.

[Victoria Kimble · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an important story! Teens face such hard things these days, and this story is a beacon of hope. Parents and teens alike should read this to open the conversation of the tough situations teens face and where to find help.

I received an ARC from TouchPoint Press in exchange for my honest review.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catch Somewhere is an example of the best that contemporary YA fiction can aspire to. I've noticed that much of the contemporary YA fiction available currently relies on flashy settings, love triangles, and superficial resolutions to provide its readers with a quick, feel-good emotional fix. While there is nothing inherently wrong with that, it was a pleasant surprise to find this novel, which offers its readers a substantive and emotionally complex story, true and honest struggles, and a resolution that satisfies on a heart-deep level.

Kinsley is an immediately relatable heroine - I found myself recognizing much of my own teen self in her struggle. I rooted for her, I cried with her, I cheered for her - you could say I got invested. I appreciate that Catch Somewhere does tackle a difficult and painful topic (adolescent cutting), but without romanticizing the subject or trying to make it seem "hip" or "cool". Kinsley's cutting is always treated as a serious issue, both by the adults in her life and by Kinsley herself. This is not a novel to worry about giving to the young adult in your life - this is great novel to read along with your young person, and have open and honest discussions about many of the topics it touches.

I'm thrilled to be able to offer this book to my own kids in a few years. Catch Somewhere is well-written, compelling, and emotionally satisfying. Highest of recommendations - I hope to read more by this talented author!

(I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher, Touchstone Press, in exchange for my honest opinion - but I'm definitely going to order my own copy for our shelves!)

[Deedra Mager · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am thrilled that someone is writing young adult fiction that has an honest and redemptive theme. This is the kind of YA lit I want my girls reading! Kinsley's story is one to which many young ladies can relate and it speaks to their generation. My three teenage girls are reading this book and excited about sharing it with their friends. I hope many more will benefit from the lessons that Kinsley's life teaches through Megan Hall's relatable and well-written story!

I received an ARC from TouchPoint Press in exchange for my honest review.

[Beth Habermehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Megan Hall perfectly captures the angst and heartache today's teens encounter in their quest to follow Jesus. This book delves into the culture of self-harm. It shows the pain that leads kids of today to hurt themselves and the addiction to the release of emotions that keeps them trapped in the horrible cycle. Most importantly, it shows uhow to combat the grips of addiction with the truth of God's words and the hope of his promises. Don't miss out on this amazing book! I received an ARC from Touchpoint press Publishing House in exchange for my honest review and I'm so glad I got an early look into this beautiful story!

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is incredible! The author has an amazing gift with words. Kinsley is completely alive to me, and she is so real. The book made me laugh and smile, and cry and grieve. And the message spoke to me in ways I really needed. This book is a treasure, one that is just as good if you're a teen or an adult. I can't wait to share this book with more people, and with my own tween daughters in a year or so. I can't recommend this book enough. I received an ARC from TouchPoint Press in exchange for my honest review.

[Kathy Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book by Megan Hall is an excellent novel for teens AND mothers of teens. Hall develops a strong female character who realizes her weaknesses in a believable way. Kinsley, the main character, is so very real in her thoughts, actions, doubts, and beliefs that most all females will relate to her struggles. I sobbed with Kinsley. The redemptive quality of faith is real in this story and reveals hope in God's promises through real-life situations and relationships.

I received an ARC from TouchPoint Press in exchange for my honest review.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. A lot of time with Christian books/entertainment it's really easy to be cheesy and over the top. But that was not the case with this book. It dealt with real relevant issues while sharing truth in a way that's not in your face. It made me cry and laugh. It was such a great read.
I received an ARC from TouchPoint Press in exchange for my honest review.

[Laura Knisely · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down! This book gives such a clear picture of the vulnerability and instability that all teenagers feel as they try to navigate school, friends, and relationships - romantic and otherwise. But, the book doesn't just leave you with a better understanding of the problems that teenagers are facing today, it goes on to give an inspiring message of hope and healing that people can experience when they put their trust in a God who loves them and cares for them in a personal way.

I think any teenage girl, parent of a girl, or adult who wants to understand what girls are going through today would benefit from this book. Christians have an anchor for their souls, and this book describes that anchor so beautifully!

I received an ARC from TouchPoint Press in exchange for my honest review.

[Heidi Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catch Somewhere is real and raw, a feeling that many authors in the Christian fiction genre struggle to capture. While I cannot relate to Kinsley’s specific circumstances, she reminds me so much of my teenage self. The feelings she deals with are ones we can all relate to. The people in her life remind me of those who helped me through my own teenage years. This book hits on all the things that I wish I could go back in time to tell the younger version of myself (and they are all things I still need to be reminded of so often today). I highly recommend this book for all teenagers and former teenagers – I will definitely be purchasing some extra copies to give to the Kinsleys in my life.

I received an ARC from TouchPoint Press in exchange for my honest review.

[Kelli Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catch Somewhere is well written and fast paced. More importantly, it is authentic and relevant. As I read, I couldn't help but reflect back on my own teenage years and my gratitude for the people who made a difference in my life. At the same time, I was thinking of all the teenage girls I want to share it with so we can walk through it together. The story builds so well and so intensely that I know they will want to read it and the discussions that will be able to take place because of the honest and vulnerable plot will be life changing. I was given an Advanced Reader Copy for my honest review. I am excited that my honest review will hopefully help parents and teens to pick up a book that will spark discussion and thought.

[Jennifer Behm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book to everyone with teenagers in the house. The story is very believablable and the topic needs to be brought to light. I loved the relationships with "safe" people and I think this story will resonate with many teens today, that there are safe people to talk with and receive help, who do not judge. Kins could be a daughter, niece, neighbor, student, or friend... We need to be the safe people who can identify the teen going thru the struggle. Excellent book and very well written.
I received an ARC from TouchPoint Press in exchange for my honest review.

[TiaraMoonbeam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catch Somewhere is a short story that realistically shows a problem almost every girl deals with at some point in her life. The story of Kinsley is relatable and the author provides a solution for the problem, which may help you if you struggle with it or something similar. Both my mom and I read this book and loved it. I highly recommend this for everyone and hope you can enjoy it as much as we did.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful read for teenagers or those who care about teenagers. Catch Somewhere has a solid message of the power and comfort that comes from being anchored to Christ.

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Dawn Stark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put it down! Megan’s honest handling of raw teen emotions is the real deal. Everyone has hurts and pains, even church kids like Kinsley growing up within a traditional family unit. The teen years are messy and complicated! Parents and teens both need all the insight, love, support, laugher, Kleenex and Jesus it takes to get through this phase of growing up. Thank you Megan for giving us such an incredible tool with this funny and fresh YA novel! What a great resource for opening up some honest conversation about pain between parents and teens, while also presenting us with a pathway through to freedom. (I received an ARC from Touchpoint press Publishing House in exchange for my honest review. I'm so glad I got an early look into this beautiful story!)

[Bethanyarmstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woah! This address the subject of cutting with Christian insight. I appreciate seeing a book with the back bone of Christianity dive deep into the dangerous world of cutting.

[Mary Faut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully crafted story!! It touched my heart, made me cry and truly helped me better understand self abuse and how a seemingly happy person can succumb to the behavior that they know is dangerous.

[Kimberly Beers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not sure where to start! I love this book. The characters are so relatable, I felt So if I knew them personally. I was invested in Kinsley, and I couldn't wait to follow up each day to see how her day was.
We teach kids how to act in most situations, but not how to react. Great book for moms to read with their daughter's. This story shows how important it is for our children to learn coping skills, especially when it comes to relationships. I love how she cautiously turned to God for help. I find myself reaching for the book to read more.
I received an ARC from TouchPoint Press in exchange for my honest review.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with Kinsley & felt her pain as she struggled through heartache. Catch Somewhere paints a beautiful picture of what Christian community should look like, with a mentor coming alongside Kinsley to guide her to Jesus. Definitely a book I would recommend to my own girls when they're a little older!

I received an ARC from TouchPoint press in exchange for my honest review.

[Anni Welborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, how I wish I had read this book when I was a teenager! How much grief it perhaps could have saved me! Catch Somewhere is a book about Kinsley Johnson, a 16-year-old girl struggling to find her identity, her moorings, her belonging-ness, her comfort. She makes all the wrong decisions, looking for love and acceptance in all the wrong places – just like we all do. As a result, she suffers all the consequences of her choices, painfully, realistically. I found myself wincing time and again as I recalled how I had made similar (but different) choices…and suffered similar consequences.

But God… (How I love those words!) But God redeems Kinsley’s life. At first, such intervention makes her angry, and she feels betrayed. But then she is bowled over by love and grace and mercy. Her situation doesn’t become better overnight, but it does begin to reflect who she really is and where she can really find her significance.

I found this book difficult to read at times. Honestly, I had to put it down a few times because some of the writing hit a little too close to home for me. But I had to pick it back up because I desired to know how Kinsley solved those problems. I also had to put it down a couple of times because I didn’t want to burst out crying in a public place. Sometimes those tears were painful, remembering how I had chosen poorly as well. Sometimes those tears were of gratitude because of how God showed me love and mercy, just like He showed Kinsley.

My only critique of the book is that I wish it were longer. I highly recommend this book for any tween/teen girl who struggles to understand who she is and why she has significance – which means just about any girl you might know. Our world screams that significance can be found in looks or accomplishments, in drugs, sex, people groups, or shocking and destructive behaviors. Catch Somewhere points to a better Place, a better Way (the only Way) to truthfully define one’s self.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catch Somewhere is a YA book that is full of teen angst, friendships, romance, and searching for belonging. In a world where Kinsely sees herself as unworthy of love and attention- she finds her worth is anchored in Christ. Hall does a magnificent job of telling a story that draws you in, as if you are experiencing the same feelings as the characters. The heartbreak, the betrayal, the surrender. It's all as if you are living it. Hall also tackles the hard subject of cutting in a real way - and offers hope to those who find themselves in the same place as Kinsely. As, a middle school teacher (with a Masters of Language Arts) by trade, I can assure you that this is a book your teen will want to read and one you'll be thankful they are reading! This book is a must read for all teens girls.

**I was given an ARC of Catch Somewhere by TouchPoint Press in exchange for my honest review**

[Aurora Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meagan Hall has written a brilliant, poignant story that sensitively sheds light into the heart and soul of teen girls. Every young woman who has struggled with or been tempted to engage in self-harm will find their story, their voice shared in the pages of this wonderful novel. For those that love and minister to teen girls, the reasons behind how and why some turn to self-harm to cope with their emotions is a mystery. Reading this novel made so many things clear for me and gave me a deeper level of compassion for young women struggling with this issue. "Catch Somewhere" is a must-read for everyone involved in youth ministry and it's a must-give book to every young woman you know. Girls who are struggling will find the hope they so desperately need, a hope grounded in the love of Christ for the hurting heart.

[Melissa Ried · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that I couldn’t put down! I connected with the main character right away and reading her story brought back so many memories from high school. This is a great book for teenagers to read, and also for parents, because even though it is fiction, the novel deals with a subject that could affect any of our children. I cried my way through the last several pages, and I hope to read more about Kinsley in the future!

I received an ARC from TouchPoint Press in exchange for my honest review.

[Julie Presley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read for teen girls AND their mom's. This fictional story has great realistic and intense life situations that kids face today. Real life is hard for teens too, and it's okay to talk about it. I love that Hall has written something for girls to relate to, that won't leave them feeling inadequate or less than. And from a mom's perspective, it's a good reminder what it's like to be a teen struggling through regular teen things, especially in today's culture. I think this book will open up a lot of doors for kids and parents to have open dialogue.

[Kellie Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am far removed from my teenage years, however I truly enjoyed this book written for the YA audience. In fact I read it one day because I could not put it down!
Kingsley seems to be an average teenager and is completely relatable. She finds herself falling into a dangerous way of dealing with the pressures and feelings of daily life.
This book has a powerful redemptive message that all teens (and the rest of us!) need to hear. Our value can only be found in the One who created us.

I received an ARC of this book for review.

[Emily]

Things you couldn't pay me enough money to do: go back to high school.

The drama.
The boys.
The drama.
The girls.
The drama.

I think you get the point. Author Megan Hall does a fantastic job of telling Kinsley's story without making it preachy or complicated. Kinsley is your average girl trying to figure out life, and that comes with all the ups and downs of being a teenage girl. Hall does a good job weaving the Christian message and meaning of the book throughout the pages as Kinsley battles her own demons and comes face to face with knowing her own fragile state and finding the help she needs.

I received an ARC from TouchPoint Press in exchange for my honest review.

[Jennifer Willerton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is unlike any young adult book I've ever read. When I first started reading, I assumed this book was going to be a typical teen romance novel. I was wrong. This book tackles some tough subjects that teens today deal with in a deep and sensitive manner. Megan Hall has written a Christian teen novel that is neither cheesy nor trite. It's a beautiful story about finding yourself and the power of redemption. I wish I had this kind of book available to me when I was a teenager. Great story-telling paired with interesting characters make for an enjoyable read. I received an advanced copy of this book from TouchPoint Press in exchange for my honest review.

[Jennifer Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catch Somewhere is a book that hits you right in the feels. I was instantly hooked by the storyline and Kinsley. She, and the other characters, are well written and relatable. Kinsley's story could easily be the story of any teen you know. Anyone who knows, lives with, or works with teens should read this book... from pastors to parents and everyone in between. What the author has given you in this story is not only a good read, but a way to open lines of conversation with the teens in your life... lines into conversations you might otherwise be afraid to broach. I look forward to seeing what else this author has to offer in the future.

I received and Advanced Reader's Copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gut wrenching, raw, authentic, redemptive, and inspiring: this was a good read. It was a bit slow for me in the first few chapters, but then I was hooked and didn't want to put it down.

I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book; this is my honest review.

[Linda Hibner · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a powerful reading experience! Megan Hall’s debut young adult novel caught my attention and my heart from the very beginning. Kinsley, the main character, is a relatable and very three-dimensional character whose emotional struggles pulled me in immediately. I found myself connecting to her challenges and rooting for her to overcome them. Hall is a gifted wordsmith who takes her readers on a journey through the culture of self-harm. With well-defined characters and realistic dialogue Hall carried the storyline through the realities of this horrible cycle of self-abuse. Hall balanced the dark side of this story with the redemptive hope offered through God’s truth and a relationship with Christ. This is a must read for teens and for those who love them. I received an ARC from TouchPoint Press in exchange for my honest review.