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the_embodiment_of_chaos's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia
Moderate: Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Drug use, Alcoholism, Alcohol, and Infidelity
Minor: Vomit, Violence, and Kidnapping
battyaboutbooks's review
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
π¦ Perfect on Paper Book Review π¦
β #QOTD What's the best advice you've ever received or given? β
π¦ High school junior Darcy Phillips has a secret identity as the relationship advice expert behind Locker 89. Leave a letter along with $10 and she'll provide the perfect solution to your relationship woes. So far, she hasn't been caught...that is, until Alexander Brougham catches her collecting letters. He'll keep her secret...if she can fix his relationship post-break-up, that is. Can Darcy help Brougham win his girlfriend back (without strangling the entitled, rich, yummy-Australian-accent-slinging swimmer) in the process?
π Perfect on Paper was nominated for a Goodreads Choice Award (Best Young Adult Fiction - 2021) and it's no wonder. This was the exact book bisexual baby me needed a decade ago. Though I've read a multitude of books featuring bisexual FMCs, Sophie Gonzales is the first to capture the authenticity of internalized biphobia. I'll admit I was sheltered enough that it took me a while to realize bi was even an option for me. Bisexual erasure didn't help; once I self-identified, I was given the oh-so-cliche, "that's not real," and "it's just a phase." Bitch, I'm a moon goddess; I'm in a new phase every day of my life. ANYWAY. Darcy is authentic in her concern that a crush over a guy invalidates her bi-ness. The Queer & Questioning Club scene where Darcy's community validates her was everything (and truly got me misty-eyed).
π The advice column aspect of the story was brilliant. Darcy's letters are written in a tone that's patient and empathetic yet informative and encouraging. She'd obviously done her research and it shows, but you see her mentally unravel the moment there's personal bias and it's BEAUTIFUL. Darcy isn't perfect. She's a high schooler, still figuring herself out. Yes, she's flawed, but she's also self-aware, willing to grow and change and take her own advice (or the advice she gets from her AMAZING trans big sister, who I adored).
π While this is a queer YA romance, there are so many layers beyond that. There's a mixed bag of diversity and personal trauma (and with that, potential for growth) to explore.
π The story DID take a minute to pick up speed, so the beginning left me waiting for a catalyst for momentum. I've said it before and I'll say it again: I'm no a fan of the miscommunication trope. HOWEVER, it does fit here, and proves how easily a tiny moment of misunderstanding can completely alter the course of a friendship. I did have to put the book down at one point, when Darcy's best friend outs her (I was super frustrated on Darcy's behalf because that betrayal was intense). I was disappointed that no one stepped forward and THANKED Darcy for her advice when she was getting attacked as the person behind Locker 89. People were upset BEFORE their letters were taken, but no one thanked Darcy until LONG after the situation cooled. Given Darcy's self-proclaimed success rate (was there a mention of HOW she knew she was successful, beyond the lack of refunds?), I expected a lot more praise for her abilities beyond one person.
π¦ Recommended to fans of Leah on the Offbeat and Imogen, Obviously, with a hint of To All the Boys I've Loved Before and Netflix's Sex Education.
β¨ The Vibes β¨
π Bisexual FMC (w/ Internalized Biphobia)
π Queer Young Adult Rom-Com
π Lots of Rep
π Hate-to-Love
π Friends to Lovers
π POC Sapphic Side Characters
π¬ Quotes
β "Do you think thereβs a chance that [...] youβre intellectualizing things so you donβt have to, you know, feel them?" β
β I was sitting in the space between a sound and its echo. Brougham had asked a question, and I had to answer it. It was that, or keep dreaming about love, and working toward helping others find it, while never letting myself risk it. β
β In some ways, we mirrored each other. We shared cracks in complementary places. β
β Bi people are part of the queer community, and their identity does not change depending on who, if anyone, they happen to have feelings for or date at any given moment. β
β #QOTD What's the best advice you've ever received or given? β
π¦ High school junior Darcy Phillips has a secret identity as the relationship advice expert behind Locker 89. Leave a letter along with $10 and she'll provide the perfect solution to your relationship woes. So far, she hasn't been caught...that is, until Alexander Brougham catches her collecting letters. He'll keep her secret...if she can fix his relationship post-break-up, that is. Can Darcy help Brougham win his girlfriend back (without strangling the entitled, rich, yummy-Australian-accent-slinging swimmer) in the process?
π Perfect on Paper was nominated for a Goodreads Choice Award (Best Young Adult Fiction - 2021) and it's no wonder. This was the exact book bisexual baby me needed a decade ago. Though I've read a multitude of books featuring bisexual FMCs, Sophie Gonzales is the first to capture the authenticity of internalized biphobia. I'll admit I was sheltered enough that it took me a while to realize bi was even an option for me. Bisexual erasure didn't help; once I self-identified, I was given the oh-so-cliche, "that's not real," and "it's just a phase." Bitch, I'm a moon goddess; I'm in a new phase every day of my life. ANYWAY. Darcy is authentic in her concern that a crush over a guy invalidates her bi-ness. The Queer & Questioning Club scene where Darcy's community validates her was everything (and truly got me misty-eyed).
π The advice column aspect of the story was brilliant. Darcy's letters are written in a tone that's patient and empathetic yet informative and encouraging. She'd obviously done her research and it shows, but you see her mentally unravel the moment there's personal bias and it's BEAUTIFUL. Darcy isn't perfect. She's a high schooler, still figuring herself out. Yes, she's flawed, but she's also self-aware, willing to grow and change and take her own advice (or the advice she gets from her AMAZING trans big sister, who I adored).
π While this is a queer YA romance, there are so many layers beyond that. There's a mixed bag of diversity and personal trauma (and with that, potential for growth) to explore.
π The story DID take a minute to pick up speed, so the beginning left me waiting for a catalyst for momentum. I've said it before and I'll say it again: I'm no a fan of the miscommunication trope. HOWEVER, it does fit here, and proves how easily a tiny moment of misunderstanding can completely alter the course of a friendship. I did have to put the book down at one point, when Darcy's best friend outs her (I was super frustrated on Darcy's behalf because that betrayal was intense). I was disappointed that no one stepped forward and THANKED Darcy for her advice when she was getting attacked as the person behind Locker 89. People were upset BEFORE their letters were taken, but no one thanked Darcy until LONG after the situation cooled. Given Darcy's self-proclaimed success rate (was there a mention of HOW she knew she was successful, beyond the lack of refunds?), I expected a lot more praise for her abilities beyond one person.
π¦ Recommended to fans of Leah on the Offbeat and Imogen, Obviously, with a hint of To All the Boys I've Loved Before and Netflix's Sex Education.
β¨ The Vibes β¨
π Bisexual FMC (w/ Internalized Biphobia)
π Queer Young Adult Rom-Com
π Lots of Rep
π Hate-to-Love
π Friends to Lovers
π POC Sapphic Side Characters
π¬ Quotes
β "Do you think thereβs a chance that [...] youβre intellectualizing things so you donβt have to, you know, feel them?" β
β I was sitting in the space between a sound and its echo. Brougham had asked a question, and I had to answer it. It was that, or keep dreaming about love, and working toward helping others find it, while never letting myself risk it. β
β In some ways, we mirrored each other. We shared cracks in complementary places. β
β Bi people are part of the queer community, and their identity does not change depending on who, if anyone, they happen to have feelings for or date at any given moment. β
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcoholism, Biphobia, Emotional abuse, Drug use, and Alcohol
stacy837's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship and Biphobia
Moderate: Vomit, Infidelity, Alcohol, and Cursing
Minor: Classism, Drug use, and Violence
pandora_rose_reads's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I felt really connected to Darcy throughout the book. I was rooting for her and Brougham for a while and I was so happy at the end. Plus she got to find a way to carry on giving advice ππ»π
Content Warnings
Moderate: Biphobia and Alcohol
Minor: Vomit, Acephobia/Arophobia, Drug use, and Addiction
percervall's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Toxic friendship, and Vomit
Moderate: Alcoholism, Drug use, Biphobia, and Child abuse
inkyinsanity's review
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was such a fun, sweet read! I had a blast reading it and actually stayed up late on a work night to finish it, which is rare for me.
It's exactly what the summary makes it sound like, and I absolutely loved it. Darcy is wonderful to read about and her voice is hilarious and casualβit really feels like she's actually talking to the reader.
The romance is done well and I was surprised by just how much I was rooting for them, and how early! No instalove here, trust me. Just two terrified, completely oblivious teens having a blast or offering a shoulder when one of them needs to cry.
The friendships and side relationships were also great, and everything complemented the other plotlines and kept the story balanced. It's been a while since I can remember reading an ending that wrapped every plotline up effectively while also keeping it tense or fun as needed!
It's exactly what the summary makes it sound like, and I absolutely loved it. Darcy is wonderful to read about and her voice is hilarious and casualβit really feels like she's actually talking to the reader.
The romance is done well and I was surprised by just how much I was rooting for them, and how early! No instalove here, trust me. Just two terrified, completely oblivious teens having a blast or offering a shoulder when one of them needs to cry.
The friendships and side relationships were also great, and everything complemented the other plotlines and kept the story balanced. It's been a while since I can remember reading an ending that wrapped every plotline up effectively while also keeping it tense or fun as needed!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia
Moderate: Alcohol and Drug use
Liberal use of the Q slurβfor those in areas where it's still an active slurpsliz's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
lovveee all the platonic, familial, and romantic relationships! such a fun read with very important topics!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Violence
Moderate: Biphobia, Alcohol, and Infidelity
Minor: Kidnapping, Acephobia/Arophobia, Homophobia, Alcoholism, Lesbophobia, Drug use, and Vomit
genevieve_eggleston's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Biphobia, Homophobia, Misogyny, Toxic friendship, and Cursing
Minor: Abandonment, Acephobia/Arophobia, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Violence, Vomit, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Drug use, and Emotional abuse
lchambers394's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book was so charming. A perfect high school romance, its characters shone. Distinct, complicated, and likeable, all of the main characters were a joy to get to know. I thoroughly enjoyed the relationship advice and I liked that the author wasnβt scared to raise the stakes. Characters messing up really messed up, and the pay off was so cathartic. Sadly, I feel like a conversation between Darcy and Brooke was missing at the end to truly tie everything together. It would have been useful if the final chapter was labelled as an epilogue. Overall, however, this book exceeded my expectations. It was an enjoyable read and Iβll keep an eye out for Gonzalesβ other works.
(I also really liked the discussions of bisexuality! They were sensitive and powerful)
(I also really liked the discussions of bisexuality! They were sensitive and powerful)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia and Alcohol
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Drug use, and Vomit
jpxsoleil's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol, Addiction, Biphobia, and Alcoholism
Minor: Vomit, Drug use, and Toxic friendship