Out of Step, Into You: A Journey of Yearning and Friendship
As a Black sapphic girly with a track background, Ciera Burch’s Out of Step, Into You immediately caught my eye. The idea of exploring the tender, messy world of cross-country running intertwined with the sweet ebbs and flows of young romance felt so relatable and intriguing. Thanks to NetGalley and MacMillan Children’s Publishing Group for giving me the opportunity to dive headfirst into this beautiful story about rekindled friendship and the complexities of first love.
From the very first pages, the book envelops you in an atmosphere charged with rivalry and yearning. Mari and her friends are not just runners; they’re chasing after each other’s hearts in a dynamic that feels both exhilarating and familiar. The duality between the competitive nature of running and the emotional chase for romance is a rich, delectable theme that Burch weaves seamlessly throughout the narrative.
Reading this novel brought back bittersweet memories of my own youthful crushes. Mari’s thoughts reflect that giddy feeling of having a friend who means just a little bit more, and the way she grapples with her feelings makes the narrative all the more relatable. Burch captures that essence perfectly, as seen in the quote: “I don’t know why this sleepover feels different, this hundredth sleepover of ours, but Mari is pre— I mean Mari is beau— I mean Mari is my friend.” It’s moments like these that made me kick my feet in delight, reminding me of the vulnerable beauty of friendship.
The romantic tension builds throughout the story, particularly highlighted in a pivotal moment: “I lean forward, just a little, slow enough that she can move back and I can shut my eyes and go to sleep and pretend it didn’t happen. But she doesn’t move away… and everything is so, so purple.” This exploration of color symbolizes the softness and brightness of their burgeoning relationship, all while evoking an emotional resonance that I cherished. For those who adore the color purple like I do, this language adds another layer of warmth and connection.
Moreover, Burch does a commendable job of tackling real issues such as medical representation and health anxiety, deftly portraying the pressures many young Black kids face, balancing their own aspirations while caring for their families. For instance, the character dynamics involving Mari and her mother reflect both the weight of responsibility and the longing for understanding, though I wish that relationship had been explored in greater depth.
While the novel had me entranced, there were moments where I felt the pacing faltered, particularly towards the end. The final chapters felt rushed, with some pivotal emotions and actions summarized too briefly. I found myself wanting more depth—after all the delicious tension we experienced, I craved more of Mari and her love interest just enjoying each other as a couple.
Despite these pacing issues, Out of Step, Into You is a delightful read, perfect for those looking for a heartfelt coming-of-age story filled with joy, longing, and the remarkable journey to self-acceptance. Whether you’re a runner or just someone who has ever had a crush on your best friend, this book is sure to resonate. For me, it reignited the feeling of nostalgia and yearning, leaving me eagerly reflecting on my own journey of love and friendship.
In essence, Ciera Burch has created a backdrop of friendship and first loves that speaks to the soul. While I would have loved a little more time with our characters, nothing can overshadow the sweetness of their story. If you’re looking for something refreshing and heartfelt, don’t hesitate to pick this one up!