Author: Simone Elkeles
Series: Perfect Chemistry #1
Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers
Published: December 23, 2008
Pages: 357, Paperback
A fresh, urban twist on the classic tale of star-crossed lovers.
When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created 'perfect' life is about to unravel before her eyes. She's forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for: her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect.
Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more.
In a passionate story about looking beneath the surface, Simone Elkeles breaks through the stereotypes and barriers that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apartThis is a seriously amazing book that actually has a life lesson in it. BTW if you're wondering what the lesson is then read the book but it is pretty obvious. The story was a serious emotional roller coaster. I actually cried reading the book and I finished this book just hours ago and can still remember the raw emotions I felt. The book actually had some elements of 'the Outsiders' which I thought was also a great book. It is one hilarious book too next to the emotional roller coaster. It actually took me three minutes to come down after having a laughing fit from:-Goodreads
"Then leave the guy alone. I know him. He's cool."
Sam raises an eyebrow. "You know this guy?"
"Listen," I say, taking one look at White Guy and am glad he's wearing a blue button-down instead of his coral shirt. It's still geek city, but at least I can keep a straight face when I say, "This guy's been in jail more times than me. He might look like a complete pendejo, but underneath that fucked-up hair and lame shirt he's a complete badass."
"You're fuckin' with me, Alex," Sam says.
I step out of the way and shrug. "Don't say I didn't warn you."
White Guy steps forward, attempting to look tough. I bite my lower lip to keep from laughing and cross my arms around my chest as if waiting for the ass-kicking to start. My LB buddies also wait, ready to see Sam get his ass kicked by a white geek.
-page 273
Oh, I hope you see the funniness or this would be awkward...
Brittany is your typical plastic girl. She's the co-captain on the pom-pom squad (seriously... can't you just say cheerleaders) dating the quarterback football player, has an awesome car and wears designer clothing... or so it seems. In reality, her mother is an obsessed lady about being perfect and her father is rarely there mentally and physically. She has an older sister who is mentally delayed and physically impaired. In reality, she is just trying to perfect to make sure her mother stays stable, and her sister is okay and safe.
Alex is a LB or Latino Blood member (a gang) and plays the bad guy but in reality he is actually protecting his family. Once one is a member, the entire family is protected. Alex's father was killed and he is now the man of the family. Alex doesn't want to be a gangbanger but he has to be one to make sure his family is protected. He believes that his life will get better, but deep down he believes that it's his destiny to forever be a gangbanger. He wants to make sure that his two younger brothers get a better life and don't join a gang.
Soon the two entwine in each other's lives because of chemistry. It is the typical love scenery: first you can't stand them, then you spend time with them, and soon you fall in love.
That's what you call Perfect Chemistry
