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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
Totally embarrassing that I liked this book - but I did. It was very predictable, the characters were sterotypical, most of it was pretty cheesy, I actually groaned 'no it doesnt say that - oh yes it does' a few times. I liked it anyway. Very quick, fun, easy read.
Ten konec z nějakého důvodu nebyl úplně podle mých představ. Ani ne tak kvůli tomu jak byl napsaný ale kvůli tomu že by se mi líbilo něco jednoduše hezčího. Přesto, neb o i proto, jsem z té knížky úplně paf!
3.25 ☆
Alex is a reluctant member of the Latino Bloods. Brittany is a perfect rich girl, who hides behind materialistic things. Put these two together and what do you get? Who would've guessed! Perfect Chemistry!
ok. This is one of those books that if I over analyzed it, I wouldn't like it much at all. BUT I took it for what it was, which was a fun YA contemporary. A little dark at times, with a few super ignorant characters. A pretty cute romance, a little cringey... whatever. For some reason I really liked it, not really sure what I liked so much about it, but I did.
Would I recommend it? More for teens who like "bad boy good girl" tropes and everything that goes along with that, otherwise you should probably skip it.
*** UPDATE MAY 5th, 2017***
Okay, I lowered ny rating because I couldn't help it, I thought more about it even though I said that I wouldn't haha.
SPOILER BELOW
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It COMPLETELY slipped my mind that Brittany cheated on her boyfriend. WHAAAT. How did I forget that? I was sitting in class like, "wait a minute... didn't... oh hell no!" and I came home and did this. I lowered my rating. I did, I did.
Alex is a reluctant member of the Latino Bloods. Brittany is a perfect rich girl, who hides behind materialistic things. Put these two together and what do you get? Who would've guessed! Perfect Chemistry!
ok. This is one of those books that if I over analyzed it, I wouldn't like it much at all. BUT I took it for what it was, which was a fun YA contemporary. A little dark at times, with a few super ignorant characters. A pretty cute romance, a little cringey... whatever. For some reason I really liked it, not really sure what I liked so much about it, but I did.
Would I recommend it? More for teens who like "bad boy good girl" tropes and everything that goes along with that, otherwise you should probably skip it.
*** UPDATE MAY 5th, 2017***
Okay, I lowered ny rating because I couldn't help it, I thought more about it even though I said that I wouldn't haha.
SPOILER BELOW
.
♡
.
♡
.
♡
.
♡
.
♡
.
It COMPLETELY slipped my mind that Brittany cheated on her boyfriend. WHAAAT. How did I forget that? I was sitting in class like, "wait a minute... didn't... oh hell no!" and I came home and did this. I lowered my rating. I did, I did.
Summary: Told in two perspectives, alternating between Brittany Ellis and Alex Fuentes, Perfect Chemistry tells the story of two individuals from different backgrounds falling in love. While at first it is just a partnership in Chemistry class, the two soon realize they have developed feelings for one another while neither wish to admit it. Alex because of his gang ties, and Brittany because she must keep the perfect image of being head cheerleader. Delving into the lives of teenagers this book offers a light hearted look on teenage romance that is silly and unrealistic. Mainly due to the dialogue.
I rated this book three stars only because I wanted to see what else Goodreads would recommend for this book. The sub plot that goes along with this book was intriguing to me, Alex Fuentes being part of a fearsome gang. I think the problem I had with this book was that I was expecting something different. If you love the Fluff and cutesy ‘sexual aspect’ of teenage romance go ahead and read this book if you have no problem with swearwords and sexual business go ahead and read this book.
Those were problems that I had with this book, I don’t like reading excessive swear words, it makes me uncomfortable and I just don’t like it. I was really hard to ignore them in this book. I also don’t like reading about sex. I just don’t think it is good literature. Sure I like the occasional kiss and make-out scene but nothing to detailed, that’s just the way I am. And a lot of the sexual innuendos were not to my taste. I am tolerant to a point, but I feel like this book crossed the line for me.
Character development. Brittany, I feel, had too much going on. The author wanted Brittany to have the stereotypical ‘blonde haired blue eyed cheerleader’ persona, which she definitely achieved. Brittany’s snarky, perfect attitude was easy to spot and well played. It is understandable how Brittany must put on a façade for her mother and be the perfect daughter where Brittany’s sister cannot. This is where I don’t agree with how Elkeles creates Brittany. Brittany says she loves her sister and would do anything for her and isn’t ashamed of her, but she cannot seem to tell everyone about it. It has to be kept secret. If you are truly not ashamed of something there is no reason to hide it. If Elkeles was trying to make this point it was not reached.
Alex as a character was interesting. I don’t know much about Hispanic heritage, but I think Elkeles did a good job on providing a look inside the family. Alex is protective of his brothers and feels he must provide for his family after his father’s death. As I said earlier I do not like swearing or ‘sex talk’, but Elkeles, to me, got inside the head of a teenage boy. Some of the thoughts that ran through Alex’s head were believable. I see a lot more development in Alex then I do Brittany. Alex realizes many things about himself and the kind of person her wants and needs to be and makes those changes/decisions.
Supporting characters- Most to all of them were crap. I hate using such unprofessional language in reviews, but it is true. They were terribly developed. Yes, they are the supporting characters and not the most important people of the novel, but being able to relate to them and understand them and how they change in a novel helps us see the main characters more personally and relate to the plot of the novel. Most of the side characters were hard to see and understand and want to get to know.
Dialogue- Gag me with a spoon. Again I hate using such unprofessionalism, but seriously. It’s a good this I already return the book to the library. For those of you who have read the book I hope you understand where I am coming from. While I know the main premise of the book was romance that is no excuse to use cheesy, cliché, and such common dialogue exchanges. The last few pages of the book, when/if you get there you’ll understand. I am not kidding you when I say I made sounds of disgust and some of the stuff the characters said to each other. Insert eye-roll.
I’m thinking I should have just given the novel to stars. I really didn’t like it all that much to the point that I may return the second book to the library without reading it. I am trying to broaden the kinds of books I read and these realistic books intrigue me, not the best way to open my mind to a different genre.
I rated this book three stars only because I wanted to see what else Goodreads would recommend for this book. The sub plot that goes along with this book was intriguing to me, Alex Fuentes being part of a fearsome gang. I think the problem I had with this book was that I was expecting something different. If you love the Fluff and cutesy ‘sexual aspect’ of teenage romance go ahead and read this book if you have no problem with swearwords and sexual business go ahead and read this book.
Those were problems that I had with this book, I don’t like reading excessive swear words, it makes me uncomfortable and I just don’t like it. I was really hard to ignore them in this book. I also don’t like reading about sex. I just don’t think it is good literature. Sure I like the occasional kiss and make-out scene but nothing to detailed, that’s just the way I am. And a lot of the sexual innuendos were not to my taste. I am tolerant to a point, but I feel like this book crossed the line for me.
Character development. Brittany, I feel, had too much going on. The author wanted Brittany to have the stereotypical ‘blonde haired blue eyed cheerleader’ persona, which she definitely achieved. Brittany’s snarky, perfect attitude was easy to spot and well played. It is understandable how Brittany must put on a façade for her mother and be the perfect daughter where Brittany’s sister cannot. This is where I don’t agree with how Elkeles creates Brittany. Brittany says she loves her sister and would do anything for her and isn’t ashamed of her, but she cannot seem to tell everyone about it. It has to be kept secret. If you are truly not ashamed of something there is no reason to hide it. If Elkeles was trying to make this point it was not reached.
Alex as a character was interesting. I don’t know much about Hispanic heritage, but I think Elkeles did a good job on providing a look inside the family. Alex is protective of his brothers and feels he must provide for his family after his father’s death. As I said earlier I do not like swearing or ‘sex talk’, but Elkeles, to me, got inside the head of a teenage boy. Some of the thoughts that ran through Alex’s head were believable. I see a lot more development in Alex then I do Brittany. Alex realizes many things about himself and the kind of person her wants and needs to be and makes those changes/decisions.
Supporting characters- Most to all of them were crap. I hate using such unprofessional language in reviews, but it is true. They were terribly developed. Yes, they are the supporting characters and not the most important people of the novel, but being able to relate to them and understand them and how they change in a novel helps us see the main characters more personally and relate to the plot of the novel. Most of the side characters were hard to see and understand and want to get to know.
Dialogue- Gag me with a spoon. Again I hate using such unprofessionalism, but seriously. It’s a good this I already return the book to the library. For those of you who have read the book I hope you understand where I am coming from. While I know the main premise of the book was romance that is no excuse to use cheesy, cliché, and such common dialogue exchanges. The last few pages of the book, when/if you get there you’ll understand. I am not kidding you when I say I made sounds of disgust and some of the stuff the characters said to each other. Insert eye-roll.
I’m thinking I should have just given the novel to stars. I really didn’t like it all that much to the point that I may return the second book to the library without reading it. I am trying to broaden the kinds of books I read and these realistic books intrigue me, not the best way to open my mind to a different genre.
This book was really amazing!! I am a sucker for a good romance story and this was a perfect weekend read!
I just loved that Brittany and Alex were more than just the superficial tough, bad guy/perfect, popular girl they appeared to be. Not to mention it was just adorable the way they flirted with each other and fell in love. Seriously cutest thing ever!
I do have to say the writing was not the best... That doesn't mean it's not a good story, because the story is absolutely fantastic! Even though the theme has been so overdone Simone Elkeles really knows how to captivate a readers mind. I mean I literally couldn't put this book down! She makes you laugh, cry, and pretty much feel what the characters are feeling.
It was just a bit too cheesy and cliche. But I can overlook that because.... well because I'm a girl and I love that kind of stuff!!! The Spanish phrases were mostly exact translations from what had just been said in English. I didn't mind but I can imagine it being annoying for someone who doesn't wanna look up the translations every couple of minutes and realize it was already in front of your face.
My only real complaint is that I wish the relationship started earlier in the book. I would've loved more Brittany and Alex moments <333 And idk if anyone has watched The Secret Life of The American Teenager, but Brittany and Alex remind me of Ricky and Amy :)
One of the best parts of this book is the ending. Cutest ending ever!
I just loved that Brittany and Alex were more than just the superficial tough, bad guy/perfect, popular girl they appeared to be. Not to mention it was just adorable the way they flirted with each other and fell in love. Seriously cutest thing ever!
I do have to say the writing was not the best... That doesn't mean it's not a good story, because the story is absolutely fantastic! Even though the theme has been so overdone Simone Elkeles really knows how to captivate a readers mind. I mean I literally couldn't put this book down! She makes you laugh, cry, and pretty much feel what the characters are feeling.
It was just a bit too cheesy and cliche. But I can overlook that because.... well because I'm a girl and I love that kind of stuff!!! The Spanish phrases were mostly exact translations from what had just been said in English. I didn't mind but I can imagine it being annoying for someone who doesn't wanna look up the translations every couple of minutes and realize it was already in front of your face.
My only real complaint is that I wish the relationship started earlier in the book. I would've loved more Brittany and Alex moments <333 And idk if anyone has watched The Secret Life of The American Teenager, but Brittany and Alex remind me of Ricky and Amy :)
One of the best parts of this book is the ending. Cutest ending ever!
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I don’t know if it’s because of the decade and a half that’s passed between the publishing of this book and my reading it, but I found the writing very cringey and lacking, and I have to agree with other reviewers that it’s rather predictable and unrealistic.
For a book about a rich white girl falling in love with a Mexican gang member, I expected more discussion about race. Alex acknowledges that he isn’t welcome in Britney’s rich white neighborhood and is pulled over by police and searched until they find a reason to arrest him. He’s mistaken as part of the waitstaff at an art gallery and spoken down to. This book would have greatly benefited from any acknowledgment of this unfair treatment, but once these events happen there’s no conversation to be had by the characters. I also think the apprehension that Britney’s parents had about Alex merited a conversation for the same reasons.
In the same vein, Britney confronts some of her prejudices, but never her privilege. When Britney asks Alex to risk everything for their relationship like she is, she doesn’t realize that for Alex “risking everything” is quite literally risking everything. She can afford to take more chances than Alex because she will always have a privileged past to fall back on. She doesn’t worry about having to provide for her family or risk her life working in a gang. For Alex, risking everything is risking his family’s safety and his brothers' futures. Any kind of reflection on Britney’s part would have allowed her much more character development than she had. I realize I may be asking too much of a YA book from the early 2000s, but I can’t deny that any introspection of these topics would have really added to the book.
Despite these shortcomings, taken as it is (a YA romance) it’s not terrible. I did really like Alex, I found Britney’s friendships and conflicts with friends to be realistic, the book reads very fast, and for a young reader it could serve as a starting point to have open discussions about inequity and prejudices based on appearances, even if the text itself didn’t analyze these concepts as much as I wish it did.
It wasn’t great, it wasn’t awful, just so-so.
For a book about a rich white girl falling in love with a Mexican gang member, I expected more discussion about race. Alex acknowledges that he isn’t welcome in Britney’s rich white neighborhood and is pulled over by police and searched until they find a reason to arrest him. He’s mistaken as part of the waitstaff at an art gallery and spoken down to. This book would have greatly benefited from any acknowledgment of this unfair treatment, but once these events happen there’s no conversation to be had by the characters. I also think the apprehension that Britney’s parents had about Alex merited a conversation for the same reasons.
In the same vein, Britney confronts some of her prejudices, but never her privilege. When Britney asks Alex to risk everything for their relationship like she is, she doesn’t realize that for Alex “risking everything” is quite literally risking everything. She can afford to take more chances than Alex because she will always have a privileged past to fall back on. She doesn’t worry about having to provide for her family or risk her life working in a gang. For Alex, risking everything is risking his family’s safety and his brothers' futures. Any kind of reflection on Britney’s part would have allowed her much more character development than she had. I realize I may be asking too much of a YA book from the early 2000s, but I can’t deny that any introspection of these topics would have really added to the book.
Despite these shortcomings, taken as it is (a YA romance) it’s not terrible. I did really like Alex, I found Britney’s friendships and conflicts with friends to be realistic, the book reads very fast, and for a young reader it could serve as a starting point to have open discussions about inequity and prejudices based on appearances, even if the text itself didn’t analyze these concepts as much as I wish it did.
It wasn’t great, it wasn’t awful, just so-so.
Oh boy. Firstly, high school me wouldn't know a cliche if you hit her over the head with it. Secondly, over 10 years later and this book doesn't really hold up anymore. I wanted to start taking shots every time the word "gang member" was uttered.
2024 rating is probably closer to two stars. But I'm leaving my old rating and review anyway.
OG review:
Simone Elkeles is an amazing author and is a very funny person. She came to my school and talked to everyone. I read this book in about two or three days. I never wanted to put it down. I was on a camping trip when I read it, and I was mad that I hadn't brought the sequel, because I didn't see myself reading it that much. Although the plot may sound a bit cliche, once you actually start reading the book, it's amazing.
2024 rating is probably closer to two stars. But I'm leaving my old rating and review anyway.
OG review:
Simone Elkeles is an amazing author and is a very funny person. She came to my school and talked to everyone. I read this book in about two or three days. I never wanted to put it down. I was on a camping trip when I read it, and I was mad that I hadn't brought the sequel, because I didn't see myself reading it that much. Although the plot may sound a bit cliche, once you actually start reading the book, it's amazing.
It was 2.5-3 stars. Really dramatic and I finished it quickly. None of the characters really got on my nerves, but I also wasn't in love with any of them. In a book series like this I would usually want to read the next book, even if it's about the side characters, but with this book I don't feel that urge. It also had weird time jumps, like in the middle of chapter the next paragraph would be taking place 2weeks later. Also the Spanglish got annoying after a while. I'm Hispanic and the only time I switch languages is when I forget the word in the language I'm having a conversation in and therefore have to say it in the other language, or when I'm saying something that I don't want a non-Spanish speaker to understand. I do understand that there are a lot of hispanics who switch more than I do, but in the book sometimes it didn't make sense why that phrase was in spanish, as if it was just put there to prove a point the Alex was Latino/Hispanic. Anyway I don't know, the end kind of left me wanting a better resolution, and I wasn't invested in many of the characters. All in all like I said it was an ok book.
2.5 stars really.
I thought this book was a bit cheesy. I didn't enjoy reading about gang culture (partially because of my own sensitivity to violence and oppression and partially because it seemed steeped in stereotypes) and the whole good girl/bad boy dynamic didn't do it for me. I like stories with quirky, offbeat characters and this really was like a Grease sort of set up, with Sandy and Danny circa 2011. It wasn't my kind of plot. I didn't relate to Brittany, the main character. I think it perpetuated some stereotypes about Latino/a culture. Some of the white characters were incredibly racist, which was part of the storyline for sure but wasn't fun to read. So, overall not a book I loved or liked a lot but one that I finished quickly, which does say that it held my attention.
Highlights:
Portrayal of Latino/a family culture
Author attempted to give depth to characters
Character with disability
Young Adult book that is not punishing or moralistic about sexuality
I thought this book was a bit cheesy. I didn't enjoy reading about gang culture (partially because of my own sensitivity to violence and oppression and partially because it seemed steeped in stereotypes) and the whole good girl/bad boy dynamic didn't do it for me. I like stories with quirky, offbeat characters and this really was like a Grease sort of set up, with Sandy and Danny circa 2011. It wasn't my kind of plot. I didn't relate to Brittany, the main character. I think it perpetuated some stereotypes about Latino/a culture. Some of the white characters were incredibly racist, which was part of the storyline for sure but wasn't fun to read. So, overall not a book I loved or liked a lot but one that I finished quickly, which does say that it held my attention.
Highlights:
Portrayal of Latino/a family culture
Author attempted to give depth to characters
Character with disability
Young Adult book that is not punishing or moralistic about sexuality