Tuesday, 31 March 2009

Perfect You / Elizabeth Scott

Summary - 16 year old Kate Brown is a normal girl until things start suddenly going wrong. Her best friend Anna has found her way into the popular crowd while forgetting Kate exists. Her father has decided to follow his dream, selling Perfect You vitamins at the mall while dressed like a bumblebee, and he has decided that he needs Kate's assistance. Her overbearing grandmother has moved into her house and her collage aged brother refuses to move out. To top it all off, she has fallen for the most annoying guy at school, Will. But is life as bad as it seems or does she make herself believe it is?

Review - My first ever Elizabeth Scott novel was a great little read. Quick paced and full of sarcastic, witty dialogue this book felt like it flew by. Some situations were a little cliched but had I been in that situation I think I would have believed all the gossip about Will also. I would have believed that I was one of many and overlooked any genuine displays of affection. Will is scrummy in the best kind of way,

The characters are finely crafted, each well rounded and with their own motives. The depiction of family is an interesting one. What is the line between being supportive of someone's dreams and/or delusions? Kate's dad is an absolutely irresponsible person and his wife's continuing tolerance of his behaviour is understandable and immensely frustrating. The friendship between Anna and Kate is also realistic, wanting to hold onto someone you still care for but I truly believe that Kate (in reality) may have made the break sooner. But it is always easier to say that when you're not the person in the situation, looking for a way to reunite.

What is truly winning is the Scott narrative. Her distinct voice is a character of its own, infusing the story with humour and snark. It's for this reason that I really enjoyed this book. Having work in a mall based franchise before, I could easy picture and have witness some of these situations before. Kate's life is clearly shown to be in transition, affected by many factors she has no control over yet she's in no way helpless. Elizabeth Scott has a talent for well rounded, flawed girls with a unique voice and her leading men border on the divine. Hand me the next one!

6 comments:

Janssen said...

I loved this book. Will was SO dreamy (pretend I'm fifteen . . .).

Luisa at Chicklish said...

Thanks for the great review. I've got this book and can't wait to read it now!

prophecygirl said...

Nice review, A. I look forward to this one!

Erika Powell said...

great review, I love elizabeth scott!

Sadako said...

Haven't read any Elizabeth Scott books but you're definitely making me want to now!

H said...

This was my first Elizabeth Scott too. Not going to be my last =)