Perfect Chemistry (Perfect Chemistry #1)
by Simone Elkeles
Published: December 23, 2008
Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers
Paperback, 358 pages
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.--Goodreads
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.--Goodreads
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| What a novel! 5 Starz! |
Review:
A contemporary like no other! If you are a person who usually hates contemporaries, this contemporary will probably be the contemporary that restores your faith in contemporary novels! Best. Novel. Ever. Read it now!
Within a few pages I was sucked into the world of Brittany and Alex. I felt like I was living two lives. Brittany strives to be perfect for her family and Alex needs to keep up his tough guy exterior to protect his family.
Brittany of course hates that she has to be perfect, but her sister can never be perfect, so Brittany has to be perfect. Brittany's mom is the worst! She's always yelling at Brittany for the tiniest things and the way she treats Shelly, Brittany's older handicapped sister, is horrible! Brittany's mom is constantly worried about what other people would think and since her eldest daughter is handicap, people gossip about Shelly when she has her episodes. Brittany's mom's constant worry over the opinions of others carried over to Brittany because all Brittany wants is to appear to be perfect. The thing about perfection is that no one can be perfect, no matter how much you try to be. So when Brittany starts to like hanging out with Alex she has to keep that to herself because Alex is from the poor side of Fairfield and Brittany is from the rich side. The South and North sides aren't suppose to mix...
Mrs. Peterson was awesome! You always hear about English teachers being the best teachers, but in this case the chemistry teacher was the best! Mrs. P doesn't take nonsense from her students and it was Mrs. P who bailed out Alex when everyone else didn't believe him when he said that he did not vandalize the school gym.
Alex is extremely smart, but believes that he can never do anything other than being in a gang. Because of the environment that he grew up in, I think a lot of people have the view that they can't do anything more because it's not expected of them. Extremely sad, but true. :( Anyway when Alex met Brittany, he starts to mess with her, but later actually likes her. In the end they both help each other.
Purchase this novel at: Amazon / B&N / TBD
Alex is extremely smart, but believes that he can never do anything other than being in a gang. Because of the environment that he grew up in, I think a lot of people have the view that they can't do anything more because it's not expected of them. Extremely sad, but true. :( Anyway when Alex met Brittany, he starts to mess with her, but later actually likes her. In the end they both help each other.
Purchase this novel at: Amazon / B&N / TBD
I absolutely ADORED Perfect Chemistry! It's so good. In fact, your review is making me want to reread it because its been awhile. I've read the first sequel, about Carlos, but I haven't read the third book, Chain Reaction. I didn't enjoy the sequel as much as the first so I just sort of stopped reading.
ReplyDeleteSimone Elkeles's other series, Leaving Paradise, was equally as amazing as this book. I don't know of you've read that series, but if you haven't I definitely suggest giving it a try!
Oh and also have you seen the rap song for Perfect Chemistry? It's the best, most catchy song EVER!
http://youtu.be/hr0OtYYpyek
Jesse @ Pretty In Fiction
I'm thinking of reading Leaving Paradise as soon as I'm done with this series lol :)
DeleteThe rap is hilarious, but at the same time it represents the book amazingly! :)
Jenny@YAN