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thatdarnreader's review against another edition
4.0
Far From Perfect, the second instalment in the Valentine family series. Following Faith Valentine, the girl who has it all; fame, money, a handsome singer boyfriend and a lineage of famous actors.
All sounds amazing, but living up to this life takes its toll on Faith.
This is a book about self discovery, making decisions that are right for oneself, friendships and family.
I really enjoyed the Geek Girl Series and Holly Smale has got another great series on her hands.
scottiesandbooks's review against another edition
4.0
“We are all so busy editing a perfect version of ourselves, we don’t notice everyone else is faking too”
Thank you to Kaleidoscope tours for allowing me to read and review this little gem of a book! This is the second book in the Valentine series, but you don’t need to have read the first to pick it up! To be honest it’s a book meant for people half my age BUT that did not stop me from loving every second of it!
Faith Valentine has it all- fame, money and extraordinary beauty. But what she wants more than anything is a quiet life away from the cameras. Except nobody ever asks Faith what she wants, and her family’s expectations are crushing her.
The world thinks she’s perfect, but is there more to perfection than meets the eye?
This is not just another rom-com young adult book about the perfect girl with the perfect life and the perfect boy. You know the type of book that makes young readers strive for that perfect life, hate themselves and try and conjure up the perfect version of themselves on social media just for likes and potential fame. Oh no! This takes all those books and characters, rips them up and says to the young readers “you know all that is fake right!?”
Honestly couldn’t recommend this enough if you have a teenager in your household! It highlights the fakeness of social media and how celebrities only put out the “perfect” version of themselves (which probably isn’t even a version of themselves anyways). In a world where our teenagers think the only way to be someone is by increasing the amount of followers you have, this will show them that it’s ok to be themselves and that they should WANT TO be themselves!
Such a brilliantly executed book, with loads of hilarious moments as well as some sad ones. As an adult I absolutely adored it!
Thank you to Kaleidoscope tours for allowing me to read and review this little gem of a book! This is the second book in the Valentine series, but you don’t need to have read the first to pick it up! To be honest it’s a book meant for people half my age BUT that did not stop me from loving every second of it!
Faith Valentine has it all- fame, money and extraordinary beauty. But what she wants more than anything is a quiet life away from the cameras. Except nobody ever asks Faith what she wants, and her family’s expectations are crushing her.
The world thinks she’s perfect, but is there more to perfection than meets the eye?
This is not just another rom-com young adult book about the perfect girl with the perfect life and the perfect boy. You know the type of book that makes young readers strive for that perfect life, hate themselves and try and conjure up the perfect version of themselves on social media just for likes and potential fame. Oh no! This takes all those books and characters, rips them up and says to the young readers “you know all that is fake right!?”
Honestly couldn’t recommend this enough if you have a teenager in your household! It highlights the fakeness of social media and how celebrities only put out the “perfect” version of themselves (which probably isn’t even a version of themselves anyways). In a world where our teenagers think the only way to be someone is by increasing the amount of followers you have, this will show them that it’s ok to be themselves and that they should WANT TO be themselves!
Such a brilliantly executed book, with loads of hilarious moments as well as some sad ones. As an adult I absolutely adored it!
diaryofdifference's review against another edition
4.0
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#1 Happy Girl Lucky - ★★★★★
#2 Far From Perfect - ★★★★
I am extremely happy and excited to be part of the blog tour for Far From Perfect by Holly Smale. Thank you to the team at Harper Collins and Kaleidoscopic Tours - for letting me part of this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
Far From Perfect is the second book in the Valentines series. Read my review of the first book - Happy Girl Lucky.
Synopsis:
Being born in a family that is considered Hollywood royalty is not easy. When all her family is expecting perfection form her, Faith just wants to be normal.
Instead, paparazzi follows her everywhere. She needs to rehearse everything she says and does. She needs to be herself - but, you know, someone else... at all times.
My Thoughts:
Far From Perfect manages to portray an unwanted life in the spotlight of a girl that simply wants to be normal. I was very satisfied to see how the media was presented in this book. They push famous people's boundaries, twist stories and stir waters, causing dramas. And while I understand this is their job, I am grateful to see someone write about the negative impact they have on famous people.
I loved Faith as a character and I was so proud to see her stand up and fight. It was so easy to put myself in her shoes and experience her anger and frustration of not being listened to. I loved the friendship Faith has with Scarlett. It is real and funny and strong. But most of all, I loved the sister bond that Faith has with Mercy. It is so pure and emotional, and it made me think of my own little sister and how much she truly means to me.
The story Faith tells us is a story that will touch every teenager. The struggles of love, family, friendships and finding purpose in the world. We have all been there, we have all fought the same battles and we understand. Even though some problems may seem trivial as a grown up, I remember how important those moments were to me when I was young, and how they shaped me today, and I was glad this was not underestimated in this book.
And sometimes, life makes us forget. Time passes by, and we are lost for a bit. Until a book comes in our hands - to remind us what really matters. This is that book. A beautiful continuation of the series. I recommend it to the teenagers - to find your purpose; and also to everyone else - to remember what that purpose is!
Wishlist | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
#1 Happy Girl Lucky - ★★★★★
#2 Far From Perfect - ★★★★
I am extremely happy and excited to be part of the blog tour for Far From Perfect by Holly Smale. Thank you to the team at Harper Collins and Kaleidoscopic Tours - for letting me part of this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
Far From Perfect is the second book in the Valentines series. Read my review of the first book - Happy Girl Lucky.
Synopsis:
Being born in a family that is considered Hollywood royalty is not easy. When all her family is expecting perfection form her, Faith just wants to be normal.
Instead, paparazzi follows her everywhere. She needs to rehearse everything she says and does. She needs to be herself - but, you know, someone else... at all times.
My Thoughts:
Far From Perfect manages to portray an unwanted life in the spotlight of a girl that simply wants to be normal. I was very satisfied to see how the media was presented in this book. They push famous people's boundaries, twist stories and stir waters, causing dramas. And while I understand this is their job, I am grateful to see someone write about the negative impact they have on famous people.
I loved Faith as a character and I was so proud to see her stand up and fight. It was so easy to put myself in her shoes and experience her anger and frustration of not being listened to. I loved the friendship Faith has with Scarlett. It is real and funny and strong. But most of all, I loved the sister bond that Faith has with Mercy. It is so pure and emotional, and it made me think of my own little sister and how much she truly means to me.
The story Faith tells us is a story that will touch every teenager. The struggles of love, family, friendships and finding purpose in the world. We have all been there, we have all fought the same battles and we understand. Even though some problems may seem trivial as a grown up, I remember how important those moments were to me when I was young, and how they shaped me today, and I was glad this was not underestimated in this book.
And sometimes, life makes us forget. Time passes by, and we are lost for a bit. Until a book comes in our hands - to remind us what really matters. This is that book. A beautiful continuation of the series. I recommend it to the teenagers - to find your purpose; and also to everyone else - to remember what that purpose is!
Wishlist | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
frenzyreads's review against another edition
3.0
The Valentine family - Mercy, Max, Faith, and Hope - are full of young teen celebrities as their Grandmother is the matriarch of an acting dynasty. Faith's mother is also an actress and Faith's father is a director even as they are going through a difficult divorce. Max is disappearing and re-appearing at odd times, likely sneaking off with girls; Mercy has to be watched to be sure she doesn't beat anyone up especially the paparazzi; Hope needs someone to support her in her latest venture. And who is there to support everyone and keep the family happy? Faith, of course.⠀
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Faith has now turned 16 and can begin acting as is the right in the family dynasty so she is trying out for her first roles. She is in a perfect relationship with teenage singing heartthrob Noah. Her award-winning grandmother has been helping her prepare for the newest role. She posts and maintains the perfect Valentine daughter image. ⠀
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But...who is Faith? What is it that she wants? Who supports Faith when she is having a hard time? ⠀
⠀
This is a good YA story for young teens to realize that no one is perfect including and especially famous people. Relationships are hard for everyone-- family, friends and romantic. The most important relationship that needs to be developed is the one you have with yourself. ⠀
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The pacing of the novel and settings will appeal to young teens. It is not a completely clichéd story as well so there is enough happening to keep a young reader hooked. I would recommend for readers from 10-13. It might read a little young for 15 and over. ⠀
⠀
Faith has now turned 16 and can begin acting as is the right in the family dynasty so she is trying out for her first roles. She is in a perfect relationship with teenage singing heartthrob Noah. Her award-winning grandmother has been helping her prepare for the newest role. She posts and maintains the perfect Valentine daughter image. ⠀
⠀
But...who is Faith? What is it that she wants? Who supports Faith when she is having a hard time? ⠀
⠀
This is a good YA story for young teens to realize that no one is perfect including and especially famous people. Relationships are hard for everyone-- family, friends and romantic. The most important relationship that needs to be developed is the one you have with yourself. ⠀
⠀
The pacing of the novel and settings will appeal to young teens. It is not a completely clichéd story as well so there is enough happening to keep a young reader hooked. I would recommend for readers from 10-13. It might read a little young for 15 and over. ⠀
mytreasureinbooks's review against another edition
3.0
Second in The Valentines series, Far From Perfect tells Faith’s story. At sixteen, the middle daughter, Faith is an inspiring actress and dating the teen heartthrob singer Noah. Her life is dictated by her Grandmother, including what to dress, her social media posts, the answers to give journalists. This is not who Faith is, but who is the real Faith?
I found this book a fun read, I liked the mix of characters in the Valentine family (the younger sister Hope is especially sweet!) and Scarlett was a great addition to the story. Faith spends so much of her life being who she is told to be that it takes its toll on her, and the author shows how Faith struggles to cope with the expectations placed on her, and how it affects her mental health. She criticises her own looks, takes multiple selfies but finds fault with every one, she also worries about how other people view her. I think these are important themes in a book aimed at a younger audience. The book shows the differences between what is seen on social media and what is real life.
As someone who hasn’t read the first book in the series, I was able to follow the story, but there are some references to events in Happy Girl Lucky.
It’s a book series aimed at middle grade or the younger end of YA readers, so I found it a little young for me, but I did enjoy it. It’s easy to read and its fun, but with some moments of sadness, and important issues highlighted regarding fame, social media and what people perceive as being “perfect”
Thank you to Kaleidoscopic Tours, Holly Smale and Harper Collins for my #gifted copy of this book.
I found this book a fun read, I liked the mix of characters in the Valentine family (the younger sister Hope is especially sweet!) and Scarlett was a great addition to the story. Faith spends so much of her life being who she is told to be that it takes its toll on her, and the author shows how Faith struggles to cope with the expectations placed on her, and how it affects her mental health. She criticises her own looks, takes multiple selfies but finds fault with every one, she also worries about how other people view her. I think these are important themes in a book aimed at a younger audience. The book shows the differences between what is seen on social media and what is real life.
As someone who hasn’t read the first book in the series, I was able to follow the story, but there are some references to events in Happy Girl Lucky.
It’s a book series aimed at middle grade or the younger end of YA readers, so I found it a little young for me, but I did enjoy it. It’s easy to read and its fun, but with some moments of sadness, and important issues highlighted regarding fame, social media and what people perceive as being “perfect”
Thank you to Kaleidoscopic Tours, Holly Smale and Harper Collins for my #gifted copy of this book.
alyce6d980's review against another edition
5.0
Far From Perfect is actually damn close to perfect. The second book in the Valentines series, Far From Perfect follows Faith Valentine as she rebels against the perfect image that she’s built for herself and starts to decide what she really wants from life.
I struggled through the first half of Happy Girl Lucky, but Far From Perfect was a breeze from start to finish. Hope Valentine’s narrating style is very unique, whereas Faith is a down-to-earth girl who just happens to have been born into one of the most famous families on the planet (and isn’t a huge fan of the attention, FYI).
This is a much more serious book than Happy Girl Lucky, and I really enjoyed the fact that it had a similar sort of arc to the first book in the series: it starts off quite light-hearted and fun, but Faith’s attitude changes rapidly after being cheated on by her boyfriend and forced to go to acting classes after a train wreck of an audition. Imagine Britney at the height of her mental health issues; that’s pretty much how bad things get for Faith. Lots of rebellion.
So many books have characters who want to be famous and rich and love it when they get there, but it’s nice to read a story featuring a famous girl who would really just like to be normal, thank you very much. My favourite scene in the entire book is when Faith’s boyfriend Noah takes her out on stage to dedicate his new song to her and she’s internally cringing the whole way through: that might be the dream for some people, but don’t underestimate the power of more normal romantic gestures!
There’s a twist towards the end of the novel which literally made me sit in shocked silence for about five minutes reevaluating EVERYTHING, and it makes it impossible not to pick up the third book in the series. It seems like that’s going to be a difficult read, with some serious issues addressed, and I think it’s genius that this series just seems to be stepping further towards dark and tricky topics with each release. In fact I’m probably going to re-read both of the first two books before the as-yet-untitled third novel is released, as I think it will be very interesting to read the Valentines story through the lens of the new information which gets revealed.
I wish I’d waited to read this series when all of the books were already released, because as soon as I finished this story I was desperate to pick up the next one. At least I already own the entire Geek Girl series, so when I eventually get around to reading those I won’t have such a long wait in between!
This review was originally posted on The Bumbling Blogger.
I struggled through the first half of Happy Girl Lucky, but Far From Perfect was a breeze from start to finish. Hope Valentine’s narrating style is very unique, whereas Faith is a down-to-earth girl who just happens to have been born into one of the most famous families on the planet (and isn’t a huge fan of the attention, FYI).
This is a much more serious book than Happy Girl Lucky, and I really enjoyed the fact that it had a similar sort of arc to the first book in the series: it starts off quite light-hearted and fun, but Faith’s attitude changes rapidly after being cheated on by her boyfriend and forced to go to acting classes after a train wreck of an audition. Imagine Britney at the height of her mental health issues; that’s pretty much how bad things get for Faith. Lots of rebellion.
So many books have characters who want to be famous and rich and love it when they get there, but it’s nice to read a story featuring a famous girl who would really just like to be normal, thank you very much. My favourite scene in the entire book is when Faith’s boyfriend Noah takes her out on stage to dedicate his new song to her and she’s internally cringing the whole way through: that might be the dream for some people, but don’t underestimate the power of more normal romantic gestures!
There’s a twist towards the end of the novel which literally made me sit in shocked silence for about five minutes reevaluating EVERYTHING, and it makes it impossible not to pick up the third book in the series. It seems like that’s going to be a difficult read, with some serious issues addressed, and I think it’s genius that this series just seems to be stepping further towards dark and tricky topics with each release. In fact I’m probably going to re-read both of the first two books before the as-yet-untitled third novel is released, as I think it will be very interesting to read the Valentines story through the lens of the new information which gets revealed.
I wish I’d waited to read this series when all of the books were already released, because as soon as I finished this story I was desperate to pick up the next one. At least I already own the entire Geek Girl series, so when I eventually get around to reading those I won’t have such a long wait in between!
This review was originally posted on The Bumbling Blogger.
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