Monday, August 30, 2010

review: Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers
pages: 368
pub date: December 23, 2008
source: library

from goodreads:
A fresh, urban twist on the classic tale of star-crossed lovers.
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.
 
my experience:
Simone Elkeles writes books that are addicting! The first books I read by her were Leaving Paradise and Return to Paradise. I got both of them at ALA and Ms Elkeles signed my copy of Return. When I was standing in line the girls in front of me were probably about 15 and they were so excited. They had all of Elkeles' books and were talking to her about how much they loved them. It was fun to watch.
 
Anyway, Perfect Chemistry was just as addicting at the Return books. I stayed up beyond really late to finish it. After reading Mockingjay, I needed a book that had was upbeat and had a happy ending and some good kissing and that wasn't depressing. This book was perfect. I got sucked into the romance.

Like Elkeles' other books, it's told in alternating chapters between the two main characters pov. It was fun to get into both of their heads, to read how one of them was feeling and what they were thinking, and then see how they were perceived by the other. Especially at the beginning when they both shared a great hatred. Elkeles did a great job making Alex and Brittney more than just stock characters. They had depth and character and secret desires. Great read.

There is a lot of swearing, a lot of the f-bomb, and sex/talking about having sex, to the point that I was a rather uncomfortable at times. I was sucked in to the plot so I kept reading and skipped where I could. There's also drugs, smoking, and alcohol.

There's a book trailer for Perfect Chemistry on Amazon. If you haven't seen it, you have to. It's funny. In a good way. I keep watching it over again and laughing (with it, not at it)because it's so...great. Really.

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