Book Review: Perfect You by Elizabeth Scott

“I didn't want it to be one good memory that led to a lot of bad ones. I wanted it to stay what it was, one amazing moment, something that was strong and sweet enough to stand on its own. Something I could remember without any pain.”

― Elizabeth Scott, Perfect You

Synopsis from Goodreads...

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..

My reaction to this novel...

I've had this book for years, but I just now got around to reading it. Since I have heard of Elizabeth Scott previously and have seen some reviews of her works, I am actually rather excited to read my first book from her. I noted that the author used straightforward language throughout, which made it enjoyable and eerily chilling to read. She crafts the story in a style that teens would adore. The story moves quickly, so until I glanced at the page I was currently reading, I was not aware that I had already read half of it. The first half of the novel was fantastic, I was actually reminded of my adolescent years.

After finishing the book, I realized how annoyed I was with Kate, Anna, and Steve (Kate's father). The way Steve is careless, narrow-minded, and egotistical truly irritates me. I cannot put up with his philosophy. It appeared as though he had not given his family any thought at all. I was furious at him for making me glad about what happened to him in the end. His behavior truly irritated me. He is such a child. I'm so annoyed at him that I can't even describe it. I felt compelled to see and speak with him until he made sense.

Additionally, I don't like Anna's persona. She really is such a loser. If I were Kate, I would never conceive of becoming Anna's friend again after all the opportunities she has given Anna to make up for her. She is not at all a good friend. Her way of thinking condemns her to failure. She is to blame for never having a close friend. It's beyond comprehension how quickly she can get away with what she did to Kate. How foolish Kate is because of her, and how ungrateful Kate is for repeatedly forgiving Anna while harboring negative feelings against her grandmother? Although I am aware that her granny is far too much to manage, old people shouldn't be treated in such a disrespectful manner.

This is probably a standard teen story with themes of family, friendship, and love. It's probably intended for girls, but I think boys could like it as well. I don't think this book is for me because I can't stand the teen drama in it. It is somewhat dramatic and heavily self-centered, which I found to be intrusive. Despite being somewhat disappointed, I still intend to read more works by Elizabeth Scott in the future.

My Overall Rating: ⭐⭐(2/5)

“Things end. People leave. And you know what? Life goes on. Besides, if bad things didn't happen, how would you be able to feel the good ones?”

All things, including humans, have and must come to an end. Endings are always followed by new beginnings. It's the same as in a problem. Those who are suffering from it may seem as if it will never stop and is extremely oppressive, but one day you will wake up and realize that the situation has been handled and you are ready to face the new beginning. Without an ending, we may take our lives for granted and believe that they will just keep flowing through the system of life, failing to enjoy each and every moment of it.