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We Are Immeasurable

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In We Are Immeasurable, eighteen -year-old Mazie, who is blind, discovers the unpredictability of life --both tragic lows and unexpected highs. Her story is one of strength, love, loss, and learning to truly exist in life's fullness despite hardships. When a chance friendship with a classmate blossoms from constant arguments to finding shared interests, laughter, and adventure, Mazie finds that even though pain and heartache are imbedded in the tapestry of life, so are moments of inner peace and profound love.

355 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 29, 2018

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32 people want to read

About the author

B.L. McGrew

3 books25 followers
Native of Ohio, B. L McGrew, is the author of Her Butterfly Diary. This is her debut Young Adult Contemporary Fiction novel. McGrew, has a background in teaching, but has decided to focus on her career in writing.

McGrew, is a vegan, a runner, a lover of music, and a bibliophile. She started writing in her free time, nearly ten years ago. She is currently working on many projects, three of which will be realeased in 2018-2019. Her sophomore YA release, a book of poetry, and a contributor/ lead substantive editor for a diversity anthology.

Visit her website for updates and book events.

Social Media/ contact:
Email: authorblmcgrew@gmail.com
Instagram: @writer_b.l
Twitter: @WriterBLMcGrew
Facebook: B. L McGrew (Author)

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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Profile Image for Astra.
41 reviews
August 1, 2021
You won't be able to put this down. This book have such honest moments laced with butterfly-in-the-stomach romance. I don't usually write reviews but I had to make an exception because it is a great read.
P.S. I wanted to fight Barnaby over the name thing.
Profile Image for Andria.
Author 3 books2 followers
May 22, 2019
Indie Book Review of We Are Immeasurable


This review contains no spoilers.

I’m just going to say it right now---I don’t usually read teen fiction, kind of like the people who never eat salads or deviled eggs, or onions. It’s just not my margarita, and that’s okay. To each her own and all of that. Yes, there is a ‘but’ coming, and not the kind that farts gas. The ‘but’ I’m referring to is the fact that not only did I actually enjoy reading a book that is not my usual genre, but that We Are Immeasurable is one of the best indie books I’ve had the pleasure of reading and reviewing. That’s saying a lot, because most indie books suck.

There, I said it, and I’m an indie author too. Bite me.

We Are Immeasurable is the touching, coming-of-age story of an 18-year-old girl who wishes to go to public high school for her senior year. This sounds pretty cliche so far, right? But here’s the breath of fresh air in what would have ended up being just another high school story: Ezmerelda is blind.

High school is challenging enough when you don’t have a disability, but when you do, it can be like relearning the alphabet. Ezmerelda, who actually did have to relearn the alphabet in the form of Braille, now has to learn how to navigate an environment that does not cater to blind students. From the stares she cannot see, but sense, to the limited collection of Braille books in the library, she knows she is in for a challenge, perhaps her greatest in a short life that has already seen more than its share of hell. Even more annoying than all this is her new friend Barnaby, a boy whom she would really love to punch because of his big mouth that never closes. But if she didn’t have him, she’d have no friends at all.

I adored Ezmerelda, who prefers to be called Maizie, right from the first page. It was obvious early on that she was a strong, stubborn young woman that was determined not to let her blindness of the last five or six years ruin the joy in her life. She was tough and brave, yet feminine enough to not put people off. I can’t stand female characters that are far too confident to ever admit that they need help occasionally, or ones that act perfect at all times. Maizie was neither of these, and I found myself wishing that I could meet her face-to-face, because I think we’d be great pals.

Barnaby was an insanely likeable character. Annoyingly loveable, and funny as a comedian, he was highly entertaining to read about, especially when he was going out of his way to tease Maizie and make her mad enough to throw things at him.

B.L. McGrew has many elements in her writing that impress me more than a person who stops aging without the help of night cream. The three that stood out best for me were the characters, humor, and dialogue.

Characters: Ezmerelda, her sister Amaya, and her friend Barnaby were so well-painted in their descriptions, mannerisms and ways of speaking, that I often felt like they were right there in the room with me as I read the text.

Humor: It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book that’s been laugh-out-loud funny, but this one had me wiping my eyes and blowing my nose because my face tends to turn into a swamp when I laugh too much.

Dialogue: Beautifully written, the chemistry and humor in the interactions between characters was very enjoyable, and often highly amusing to read because of the sarcasm. As a person who can’t live without her daily dose of sarcasm, I greatly appreciated this.

The only thing I really didn’t care for about the book (though it didn’t detract from the skill with which it was written) was the fact that it was written in the present tense. I don’t know if this is just a trend in the teen book genre, but I see it a lot these days and I just don’t prefer it. McGrew wrote a great book, but I would have enjoyed it better if it was in past tense. On the other hand, the present tense passively represents and re-enforces the live-in-the-moment theme that the book pounds into you from chapter one to the epilogue, so perhaps it was done for that reason.

Tenses aside, this book is not to be missed!
Profile Image for Alretha Thomas.
Author 18 books223 followers
October 2, 2019
Not Just Another Love Story

B.L. McGrew has created a love story unlike any I’ve ever read or seen on the silver screen. Move over Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman (Casablanca); Whitney and Kevin Costner (The Bodyguard); Romeo & Juliet. McGrew’s Ezmerelda Day and Barnaby Parks, two high school sweethearts, take love to new heights.

McGrew’s exquisitely written novel reads like a symphony. She brings the elements of the story together harmoniously with beautiful prose that takes your breath away. In an era of twerking, graphic sex scenes, casual sex, microwave relationships, profane language, THOTs, and side chicks, McGrew’s work is a literary breath of fresh air. Told in the first-person present voice of Ezmerelda, we’re given a birds-eye view of the couple’s unconventional whirlwind romance.

Ezmerelda, who at the beginning of the story prefers to be called Mazie, is an eighteen-year-old blind girl and aspiring author. Her sole closest relative is her sister Maya. If that weren’t challenging enough, she’s also a cancer-survivor, who when the story opens, is starting a new high school. During week two, she meets seventeen-year-old Barnaby, who at the request of her English teacher, escorts her to the library where she plans on spending her free period. Barnaby also has a free period during this time. Barnaby has no problem escorting Mazie, but Mazie rebuffs Barnaby at every turn.

Mazie, who has been without sight for five years, is fiercely independent. It’s the very reason she opted to transfer from the school for the blind, she had attended for three years, to a regular high school. “There is nothing at that school that will teach me about the real world, about real people. It’s a false representation of what the world is, and I want to experience the real thing, I think I deserve that much.” Those are Mazie’s words that speak volumes to her feisty, take no prisoners spirit—a spirit that Barnaby is immediately drawn to—so much so that from that day on, he doesn’t leave her side.

They spend almost every day together, discussing literature, life, and host of other topics that result in heated debates that invariably lead to bouts of laughter. Throughout the relationship Mazie grapples with her insecurities and doubts about Barnaby’s true intentions, but he’s relentless in his pursuit of her, taking her on several adventures that require her to have blind faith in him (no pun intended). Overtime, the relationship deepens, but Mazie feels Barnaby is not forthcoming enough about his family life. It’s apparent he’s harboring a dark secret.

McGrew has ingeniously created underlying tension in the novel that keeps you on the edge of your seat, wondering if the proverbial shoe is going to drop and if so, when? Is this true love? Will it last? I found myself biting my nails, wondering if and when the pair would consummate their relationship—an act that would be a first for Ezmerelda. And if they did, how would it change things? What would their first real fight be like? Would Mazie fall ill again and how would Barnaby be able to handle it? What does the future hold for them together and or apart? The answers to these questions, and this wonderful, magical couple that became my fictional couple crush, kept me turning the pages.

We Are Immeasurable is in a class of its own and definitely worth the read.

Bravo, B.L. McGrew!
Profile Image for C.M. Lockhart.
Author 9 books139 followers
November 27, 2019
There are two things that you absolutely know about Ezmerelda Day from the first chapter. One, she is blind and two, she hates being called Ezmerelda. She goes by Mazie and is adamant that anyone who interacts with her calls her that. She has lived her life as independently as possible, but since she'd been in a high school for the blind, she felt like she was being coddled there and missing the true experiences life offered in a regular high school to prepare her for the real world. So, for her senior year, she decides to transfer to her local public high school. While there, she meets Barnaby Parks.

Barnaby Parks is the boy who is assigned to show Mazie where the library is during her first week of going to school without a chaperone. Without missing a beat, he engages her in conversation -- and Mazie being accustomed to being alone in her dark world, finds Barnaby annoying. He teases her, argues with her, questions her, embarrasses her and makes her blush -- and then they repeat it again the next day and every day after that.

Mazie and Barnaby fall in love in the most beautiful and genuine way that can be described. They're in love with each other before they ever realize it and the way they interact is so relatable. They're teenagers and they argue and they say the wrong things and their feelings are intense and they can't keep their hands off each other. I've read a lot of YA books, but I absolutely adored the way this book wrote how they fell in love. It wasn't rushed -- it wasn't an "on again, off again" relationship -- it wasn't so far fetched that you couldn't imagine them being in your high school or your friend or your cousin.

They were real.

And that, for me, was the best part of this book -- the realness, the emotions, the relatability! The story is beautiful too and the mix of ups and downs was blended well -- it was like a well timed roller-coaster. It moved fast enough to give you a rush, gave you enough loops to keep you excited, and slowed down just at the right time before catching another wave of momentum.

This book made me feel things.

This book made me remember falling in love.

This book reminded me of why I love, love so much.

I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who loves a romantic story about teenagers fighting to not be insignificant in a world of infinities. If you are a fan of John Green's A Fault in Our Stars, then you will love this book too -- guaranteed.
----
Full review on WrittenInMelanin.com
Profile Image for Tracey Robinson.
89 reviews6 followers
February 25, 2019
We Are Immeasurable is B.L. McGrew's second book, but my first time reading her work. It surprised me in so many ways. I believe this is the book for the true book lover out there. Mazie and Barnaby are young by age but have old souls!!! As I read and shared my thoughts with McGrew, I told her they are by far the most mature 17/18 year olds I ran across in reading.

Mazie is on a journey of re-experiencing the world after five years of being blind. Entering her senior year of high school, she decides to leave the comforts and protections of a school for the blind to attend a "regular" high school. Why? Because that's what the real world will be. Of course during this transition she becomes friends with the somewhat weird, irritating, and inquisitive student, Barnaby. As the friendship develops, they both realize how much they need each other.

This book took me on an emotional high, not a roller coaster though. McGrew almost prepares you from the beginning something pivotal, life-changing is going to occur. You just don't know when, but you are waiting on it and then bam! it happens. Of course I am not going to spill the beans, but this book will remain close to my heart on so many levels.

Why? Well let me tell you how I always do when reviewing a book. The Words that Spoke to My Soul includes a few different things. First, remember the power of books and literature. My book club provides an outlet for me not only to share what speaks to my soul, but what speaks to the souls of others. I may miss something and hearing another's perspective only opens my literary eyes even further. Second, never doubt what you deserve. A disability doesn't restrict personal greatness. Set no limits on your aspirations, constantly LEVEL UP!!! Last, focus on what you can control, YOU!! The power in positivity is, in fact, immeasurable when you really think about it.

I read this book during a tough time in my life. There were many days where I felt people no longer saw me, only my illness. I related to Mazie and her feelings of not being seen in totality. Although this is a fictional story, the life experiences felt like reality. I felt the energy between Mazie and Barnaby, I describe it as cosmic. Despite the banter, the love was felt and known without the words being uttered. Once the words were uttered, it only confirmed what was already known.

If you're looking for a great love story, this is it. We Are Immeasurable is very deep, but refreshing. The year is early, but I see this being my top read for 2019.

As Always,
#Happy Reading

Tracey Robinson
Words For The Soul Book Club
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Mikayla Serrano.
51 reviews5 followers
December 23, 2018
We are Immeasurable is unlike anything I’ve ever read in the past. I love when authors, such as John Green, can take horrible situations and turn it into something amazing. The main character was amazing when it came to overcoming circumstances even though she had a disability. It really shows people that no matter what life throws at you, you can make it through and have an amazing ending.

I really liked the growth that the author showed in the characters from beginning to end. I think this can be a very good book for people to read because all of the topics that it touches. This is a wonderful love story that you will never want to forget!

I would recommend this to anyone likes contemporary!
Profile Image for Colleen Samura.
159 reviews3 followers
December 29, 2018
I had the great privilege of being a beta reader for We Are Immeasurable almost a year ago. It's been one of my favorite reads and has stuck with me in the time since. The characters are dynamic, nuanced and interesting. The story takes you on a journey through tragedy, heartbreak and ultimately hope. One of my favorite elements is the blind POC protagonist, whose voice is thoughtful and filled with wonderfully lovable sarcasm. She gives much needed depth to the portrayal of disabled characters in YA literature. The author, B.L. McGrew, writes with incredible insight and beautifully tender prose. If you're looking for an epic love story, or just an excellent read, definitely check out We Are Immeasurable.
Profile Image for Brandon Epps.
Author 5 books11 followers
March 5, 2019
I loved this book! It is an exceptionally beautiful story of love, loss, hope, and determination. The main characters (Maizie, Barnaby, and Maya) are interesting, realistic, and well realized. The dialogue is witty and well crafted. The philosophy and themes tie perfectly into the very plausible and grounded plot. It’s evocative and thought provoking with high peaks and deep valleys. Though it is outside my preferred genre, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!
Profile Image for Porsha Deun.
Author 20 books35 followers
January 18, 2019
I purchased this book as part of an author exchange. I'm so glad I did! This has to be the most beautiful piece of fiction I've ever read. I'm still reeling emotionally from the events that took place in this book. Kudos to the author.
Profile Image for Rye.
3 reviews
March 17, 2019
I’m at a loss for words. Barnaby and Mazie are such compelling characters, with such deep backstories. This book had...has...me so emotional. I finished it in a day. It’s so well written and really evokes emotion without being “too much.” It’s just right. Please read it, you won’t regret it.
145 reviews
August 27, 2019
A wonderful life love story

I laughed, I cried and everything in between. B.L. McGraw wrote Ezmeralda and Barnaby in a perfect yin and yang fashion. I enjoyed their youthful, hopeful love and life story. Definitely worth more than the purchase price!
Profile Image for Crishanna Randle.
32 reviews1 follower
July 9, 2019
Loved it! Definitely made me cry, a pure love story with a bittersweet end.
3 reviews
March 26, 2019
We Are Immeasurable is simply amazing

We Are Immeasurable is a beautifully written story about love, courage, hope and self discovery. I truly fell in love with Mazie, Barnaby and Maya. Mazie was looking for independence and discovering who she was in the world as a person who has a disability and she found so much more. This story is filled with a variety of emotions, but the overall message is truly inspiring.

This book is up there with the likes of John Green, Nicola Yoon and Jenny Gan. Seeing the growth in B.L McGrew’s writing from Her Butterfly Diary to We Are Immeasurable has been amazing.

Beautiful story and great writing. I definitely recommend this story for YA readers and any reader who loves to read about a fierce young woman on a journey of self discovery and finding love along the way. I promise you won’t have a dry eye at the end of this book!
Profile Image for Vanessa.
Author 3 books41 followers
January 20, 2020
Find this review on my blog https://victoriasshelves.wixsite.com/...

This is one of the best books I have read so far this year. It is also the second book that I have read this year that deals with a disability.

We enter the world of Ezmeralda or Mazie, a girl left blind by cancer. Mazie is stubborn, down to earth, cynical and intelligence. She is a force of her own. She decides to go to a regular school and not attend a school for the blind. There she meets Barnaby, a funny, peculiar and amazing human being who will become her best friend and eventually boyfriend.
I loved how the relationship flourished slowly. It was funny how Mazie couldn’t stand Barnaby and his annoying jokes but he grew on her. Their relationship was beautiful as two different people, with a different view of the world came together and loved each other despite their differences. Barnaby sacrificed so much for Mazie, he was there when she needed him the most and this is where I felt that Mazie was a bit selfish. I felt that she didn’t really care about Barnaby’s problems or at least not as much as he cared about hers.

Nevertheless, this is a story about overcoming fears and obstacles, loving with all of your heart and not choosing the easy way to live. It is a story that teaches you that love and support can be found in the most unexpected places and that loss and grief can be dealt with even when you feel that all hope is lost.

I definitely recommend this!
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