Out of Step, Into You: A Heartfelt Sprint Towards Love
From the moment I heard about Out of Step, Into You by Ciera Burch, I knew I’d be racing towards it. As a Black sapphic girly who once sprinted my way through track meets, the premise of rekindling friendships and discovering romance amidst the tension of cross-country running felt like a story I could immediately connect with. Thanks to NetGalley and MacMillan Children’s Publishing Group, I had the delightful opportunity to dive into this lovely tale.
The book captures the electric energy of rivalry and the soft tug of yearning that encapsulates young love. Right off the bat, Mari and her friends pull you into a whirlwind of emotions. The similarities between running—where every stride is a chase for triumph—and the delicate dance of their relationship is beautifully drawn. Reading this felt like rediscovering an old crush, the kind that makes your heart race and your stomach flutter, reminding me of those sweet friendships filled with unspoken tension.
One of the highlights for me was how Burch paints their interactions with such sensitivity. The smaller moments, like when Mari’s sleepover feels different, encapsulate the rawness of that confusing time in life when feelings start to shift. I found myself grinning at lines like, “I lean forward, just a little… and her hand is still on my cheek and everything is so, so purple.” I mean, who can resist a cozy moment adorned in hues of softness and loveliness? Purple truly seems to embody what this book captures—warmth, hope, and an undeniable connection.
Yet, amid this heartfelt narrative, Burch doesn’t shy away from the deeper themes, such as health anxiety and the weight of familial expectations. The responsibility carried by the older sibling, particularly within the Black community, is navigated with care, adding layers of depth to Mari’s character. However, there were moments when I wished Burch had fleshed out certain elements a bit more. For example, the dynamics with Mari and her mom could have offered more insight, which would have deepened the emotional stakes. And while the quick pacing towards the end kept the excitement high, I desired more — a glimpse into senior year, perhaps — to witness the culmination of their journey and growth as a couple.
Between moments of humor and a relatable camaraderie, this book perfectly balances friendship and budding romance. Humorous exchanges like, “You forgot the water," disguised amid a chaotic scene, add a levity that makes the characters feel real and relatable.
In conclusion, Out of Step, Into You is a charming exploration of young love, friendship, and the often tumultuous path to personal acceptance. I wholeheartedly recommend it to young adult readers, especially those who identify with its sapphic themes or find solace in stories about running and self-discovery. It’s a poignant reminder of those blush-inducing moments that shape our formative years, and reading it left me with a warm sense of nostalgia for my own experiences of love, friendship, and the sweet sorrow of growing up. Trust me, if you’re looking for a tale that captures both the joy and complexity of young relationships, this is a book you won’t want to miss!