Title: Perfect Chemistry
Publication: December 23rd, 2008
Publisher: Walker Childrens
Genre: Young Adult
Rating: 5 out 5
Publication: December 23rd, 2008
Publisher: Walker Childrens
Genre: Young Adult
Rating: 5 out 5
Synopsis:
When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created 'perfect' life is about to unravel before her eyes. She's forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for: her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect.
Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more.
In a passionate story about looking beneath the surface, Simone Elkeles breaks through the stereotypes and barriers that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apart.
Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more.
In a passionate story about looking beneath the surface, Simone Elkeles breaks through the stereotypes and barriers that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apart.
Thoughts: Simone brings out the bad boy verses good girl plot. Alex is a part of the latino gang in Chicago, and is stuck if he wants to provide for his family. Brittany is a popular blonde who's life is "perfect". When you dig deeper into their lives, you'll see they put on some sort of act for their friends and schoolmates. Alex is smart and wants more than gang life, and Brittanys family is far from perfect. You see both of them going through adolescent changes. They help move each other forward, and learn about themselves during the journey. Simone has a nice balance between the two stories.
It has very different writing than other YA books. The point of view changes in each chapter. First we get to read Brittanys side, then Alex, and it rotates through out the whole book. You don't just read about the characters actions... you understand in depth why they made certain decisions, what they're feeling about each other and the world, and how it all comes together. If you want to read a feel-good book, this is for you. It's very sweet, and the characters are very loveable. It's about love, loss, hardship, honor, and unity.
Sounds a little like the movie She's All That (from the late 90's. Showing my age here), and a little bit like the Twilight books. I like books that let the reader view things from the perspective of that character. Sounds like a good book.
ReplyDeleteIt's not like She's All That nor Twilight. The movie plot was making an okay-looking girl into a stunning popular high schooler. The main character doesn't redesign anything... she's already popular and everyone says she looks "hot". Same with Alex... no change. I don't know how you can view this as Twilight, so I can't really defend that. :P
DeleteI'm happy that you like this one! :) I really enjoyed in whole trilogy. Have you read the rest of them? Second book is my favourite! :)
ReplyDeletePS. No it's not like Twilight at all. Characters are different and whole story is different. :)
I'd read this book a few months ago, since I was so intrigued by it. And I absolutely loved it! I agree with you that the whole alternating point of view gets really interesting. Great review. :D
ReplyDeleteUgh I really need start reading this book! Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteI would love to read this. I have read books that practically changed perspective from one chapter to the next. I don't mind that. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great review!
This is one of my favorite books. I have to finish the series. But I'm swamped. Great review.
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I love this book and I loved the alternating POVs as well! :)
ReplyDeleteI have this on TBR list. I apparently need to move it up. Thanks for your thoughts.
ReplyDeletewhoa..this is my fav book,,i love alex and brittany..cant stop for reading this book..^^
ReplyDeletenice riview ^^
I think I already have this book on my TBR list since last year but haven't got the urge to read it LOL *silly me
ReplyDeleteBut I'll read it ASAP. Love your review, by the way, simple yet informative. Just like I love them :)
I ordered this off of The Book Depository and I'm waiting for it to arrive. I hope it comes soon, it looks awesome!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any of her books, but I'm very interested thanks to your review.
ReplyDeleteI feel really lucky--I was in Half Price Books in the clearance section and found this book for $1! It was a steal! I'm really looking forward to reading it, especially after your review. :)
ReplyDeleteI've had this one on my shelf for so long, and I don't know why I haven't read it yet. It sounds like something I would love. I love alternate POV's in romances.
ReplyDelete