Review Detail

Reader reviewed by Megan Howell

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. Shes 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 forher 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 apart.
    This book was amazing. Alex and Brittany were amazingly well
developed characters. Most of the characters are as well. I think a lot
of young adults can relate to this book. No matter where you are, there
is undoubtedly racism around. It's considered weird if you're with
someone outside of your ethnic group. By breaking this barrier, this
book truly becomes close to a modern Romeo and Juliet.

All
the characters reactions are real, which is always a real plus. The
book also shows the 'ugly' side of being perfect in a new light which
is totally unexpected. Most books follow the
"my-perfect-life-really-isn't-perfect-because-my-dad's-a-drunk-plan" or
something similar. Also Elkeles handles a delicate subject -gang life-
in a realistic light that's not over played.

One of my only true
issues with this entire book is Brittany's parents. While the reason
Brittany's life isn't perfect is a hard thing to live with, it
shouldn't destroy a family like it did.