Perfect You

Elizabeth Scott

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Who Would Like This Book:

This is a quick, heartfelt read that balances family angst, lost friendships, and a snappy, complicated romance. The banter between Will and Kate is sharp and frequently funny, and Elizabeth Scott's dialogue feels both witty and real. Fans of contemporary YA - especially those who enjoy stories about imperfect families, awkward crushes, and finding your footing after life's curveballs - will be totally hooked. If you like authors like Sarah Dessen but want something a bit edgier and snarkier, this is for you.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some readers get frustrated with Kate’s persistent negativity and occasional self-sabotage, especially when it comes to friendships and romance. If angst-ridden, 'woe is me' teenage narrators aren’t your jam, or you need your main characters to be relentlessly likable and drama-free, you might find parts of this one grating. Also, some plot points - like the dramatic friend makeover - feel exaggerated and not fully explored.

Fresh, funny, and full of feels! "Perfect You" is a sweet pick for fans of real-girl stories who don’t mind a little teen angst with their romance, even if the main character gets under your skin at times.

About:

'Perfect You' by Elizabeth Scott is a coming-of-age story centered around Kate, a teenage girl dealing with family drama, friendship struggles, and a budding romance with a boy named Will. The book explores Kate's journey of self-discovery, as she navigates through the challenges of her father's career change, her best friend's betrayal, and her own insecurities. The writing style includes witty banter, sharp dialogue, and a mix of humor and emotional depth that brings the characters and their dynamics to life.

Characters:

The characters are a mix of flat personas and relatable traits, with Kate being a complex figure struggling with her identity and relationships.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is described as well-crafted, engaging, and realistic, enhancing the overall storytelling.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features a quick, fluffy narrative with family dynamics and a romantic subplot, focusing on characters navigating complex relationships.

Setting:

The setting primarily revolves around a mall and home, reflecting typical teenage environments and issues.

Pacing:

The pacing is swift and engaging, making it a book that can be easily read in one sitting.

Notes:

The book is a quick read and can be finished in one sitting.

Kate, the protagonist, has two contrasting sides: Normal Kate is funny and smart, while Lame Kate is overly dramatic.

Kate has a complicated relationship with her ex-best friend Anna, who loses 90 pounds over the summer and becomes popular.

The writing style is praised for being well-structured, honest, and engaging.

Will, Kate's love interest, has an actual personality and provides a positive dynamic in the story.

Not everything is resolved neatly by the end, which makes the story more realistic.

Kate is depicted as smart yet struggles with interpersonal relationships, particularly with Will.

The familial relationships in the story are complex and play a significant role in the narrative.

The author, Elizabeth Scott, is appreciated for her ability to address serious issues in a lightweight way.

Kate's character evokes mixed feelings; she's relatable yet occasionally annoying with her pessimism.

The book captures teenage feelings of longing and insecurity, particularly in friendships and romance.

Many readers enjoyed the character dynamics, especially the tension between Kate and Will.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains medium content warnings that may include emotional trauma regarding friendships, body image issues, and familial tension.

Has Romance?

There is a medium level of romance present, with notable romantic tension and development between the protagonist and her love interest.

From The Publisher:

Kate Brown's life has gone downhill fast. 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.

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....

March 2008

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304 pages

Ratings (5)

Incredible (1)
It Was OK (3)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (7):

Read It (5)
Want To Read (2)

What can you read after
Perfect You?

About the Author:

Elizabeth Scott is the author of Bloom, Perfect You, Living Dead Girl, Something Maybe, The Unwritten Rule, Between Here and Forever, and Miracle, among others. She lives just outside Washington, D.C. with her husband and firmly believes you can never own too many books. Visit her online at ElizabethWrites.com.

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