home about archive

Monday, December 12, 2011

Book Review: Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

Title: Perfect Chemistry

Author: Simone Elkeles

Publisher:Walker & Company

Publication Date: December 2008

Genre: Young Adult Realitic Fiction/Romance


Series or Stand Alone: Series, Book One

Synopsis can be found here.

Review: Ok, Perfect Chemistry, Where have you been?!

This novel blew me away. It has everything. Two characters, from different sides of the tracks, a forbidden love. outstanding obstacles. And most importantly, a horrifyingly real gang and its members willing to harm anyone that gets in their way.

Alex is such a complicated character, I didn’t know if I wanted to slap him or scream at him or hug him or maybe a little bit of everything. He doesn’t seem like a good guy at first, but as the novel goes on, it’s easy to see his heart of gold and the sacrifices he’s willing to make to protect his family.

Brittany is so real and sympathetic. I was afraid I wasn’t going to like her or be able to relate to her. It’s easy to fall into the stereotype of the stuck up little princess. But Brittany is human, flawed and loving. She turns out to be a fighter, a lover and a stronger girl than I first gave her credit for. She grew on me fast and pretty soon, I was rooting for her and Alex. I was totally invested in them as a couple. I was reading this book way into the night and then trying to figure out how to possibly get the next book in the series at like 2am when everything is closed.

The gang violence is very real and pretty scary. You can tell Elkeles did a lot of research on this topic. How can a gang member/drug dealer be the hero of our story? What would an upper class snob be doing with the likes of him? There is a fair amount of violence, threats, drug deals and language in this book. And it all made it even more believable. I loved the mingling of Spanish with Englis when Alex is speaking.
The glimpses into Alex’s and Brittany’s home-lives are startling. The parental figures are true to form, loving, suffocating and absent at the worst times. 

And there is NO denying the chemistry between these two characters is smoking hot. The writing is fantastic and smooth, flawlessly pivoting between Alex’s and Brittany’s point of view. I loved that the chapters would change at the exact time I wanted to know what was going on inside the other one’s head.

Yes, it’s a love story. Yes, it’s romantic, fun and hot. But it’s deeper than that. It speaks about culture, about family, about choices. It raises questions you wouldn’t expect in a romantic young adult novel.

So I ask you, Perfect Chemistry. Where have you been all this time?
Oh, you’ve just been waiting for me to pick you up.
It’s waiting for you too.


Rating 10 One of The Best.

2 comments:

  1. That was some review.
    Loved it especially this part.
    "Yes, it’s a love story. Yes, it’s romantic, fun and hot. But it’s deeper than that. It speaks about culture, about family, about choices. It raises questions you wouldn’t expect in a romantic young adult novel.

    So I ask you, Perfect Chemistry. Where have you been all this time?
    Oh, you’ve just been waiting for me to pick you up.
    It’s waiting for you too."

    Had from another blog review this was pretty good but love your particular take.
    ~ Cassandra
    Book & Movie Blogger
    Now blogs anime, comics, manga, and graphic novels.
    http://bmdimension.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  2. ahhhh! great review. now i am dying to read this one.

    ReplyDelete