Review: Perfect You

Author: Elizabeth Scott

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Genre: Young Adult Contemporary

Summary: And then there's Will. Gorgeous, unattainable Will, whom Kate acts like she can't stand even though she can't stop thinking about him. When Will starts acting interested, Kate hates herself for wanting him when she's sure she's just his latest conquest.Kate figures that the only way things will ever stop hurting so much is if she keeps to herself and stops caring about anyone or anything. What she doesn't realize is that while life may not always be perfect, good things can happen -- but only if she lets them.... Her father has quit his job to sell vitamins at the mall, and Kate is forced to work with him. Her best friend has become popular, and now she acts like Kate's invisible.

Elizabeth Scott's second novel is a poignant tale about first crush, anguish of losing a best friend, and the bemusement that comes with having to parent...Your parents. PERFECT YOU is a story of one girl's struggle to fit in to a world that keeps changing

The biggest strength of this book is Elizabeth Scott's ability to authentically capture the complex, conflicting feelings in a love/hate relationship. Underneath his flirtatious facade, Will is not what he seems. I loved the clever arguments and smart banter between himself and Kate. Elizabeth Scott has a talent for flawed girls with a unique voice and her leading men border on the divine.However, at times I lost my patience with Kate failing to believe over and over that Will may honestly want to go out with her, that he may ACTUALLY like someone like her. 

Also, I felt that Kate was too-quickly forgiving Anna of her unwillingness to acknowledge her around her new friends or stand up for Kate when she's being laughed at. I could not get pass how Kate was so willing to overlook everything Anna had done (or hadn't done, in this case) every single time. As soon as Kate was ready to forget that Anna and her would never be real friends again, Anna suddenly makes an appearance, says a sweet word or two, and Kate's all for it again. Yes, I realize that's the author's point, trying to emphasize that to certain people, it doesn't take much for that glimmer of hope to appear and disappear again, but it's somewhat annoying and off-putting.

And while I felt like it all wrapped up a little too fast as Kate's bleak outlook peaked, the ending was still rewarding and offered just enough closure in the epilogue-like final chapter. Props to Scott for not sugar-coating any of the harsher realities of teen and family life.   I mean, 99% of the time, the parent realizes his/her mistake, grows up, learns a lesson, and becomes a better person. Here, you’re kind of hit with reality. Not everyone realises their mistakes or wants to change themselves. People, even our parents, can be selfish.

 PERFECT YOU has just the right combination of humor, charm and weight to satisfy any reader, eventhough it had it flaws it was still an enjoyable read.