Perfect Chemistry

Reader reviewed by Jessica

In this Romeo and Juliet story set in modern time, Brittney, a pretty white girl from the upper side, begins to fall in love with Alex, a rough Mexican involved in the gang that killed his father. After being pared as partners in their chemistry class by a teacher who refuses to listen to their pleads to get new partners, Brittney and Alex soon discover that there is more than just words between them drawing each other together. As the pair of them fall into a romance that is sure to make the readers smile, each reveals more secrets that they themselves have been carrying, though this easily leads to problems.

A beautifully written story of a couple who, by social boundaries, can never be together, is sure to make any reader fall in love with the characters who come off of the page and simply seem real. All teens can relate to the emotions of wanting something they cannot have, and "Perfect Chemistry" drags these emotions to the brink where another person is the coveted object.

As view points alternate, the story goes deeper and reveals more to the reader than the characters know. As the reader is allowed into the minds of not one but two characters, the story winds with twists and turns that were never expected. A great read for any time of the year, "Perfect Chemistry" has something for all readers.

Reader reviewed by sammyjones57

This is the first book I have read by this author, and I will say right now - she has completely won me over! I absolutely LOVED this book! Told in alternating point of views, Elkeles took the most stereotypical characters and turned them into so much more.

Brittany is determined to be perfect. Its the only thing she knows how to do. She cant let anyone down or ruin the image she has worked her butt off for. Alex is a member of a Latino gang and has to be tough. He has to show the world he doesn't give a crap. Both of them have embedded this image of themselves to live by, and think nothing will change that. They cant escape their lives, they were born to be who they were. But theyre not. Once these two characters let you into what is really going on with their lives. You see something different. Sure there is the perfect girl that isn't so perfect and the bad boy who wants more than life, but they sucked me right in and wouldn't let me go.

This book was a lot different read than most young adult I have come across. Simone does not sugar coat the character's feelings or what flies out of a character's mouth. This being said, if you don't like a whole lot of language or crude guy comments, (didn't bother me any, I use to roommate with three boys, I've heard and seen it all) - this book might not be for you. (Although I hope you can get over that because it really is a great story!)

It has the moments where I wanted to smack a few characters, (Colin and Darlene), laugh out loud, (the whole Was Paco in the bathroom? scene had me rolling!), and then bring me to the edge of my seat. There were times where I felt extremely nervous for Alex and Brittany because I wasn't for sure what the heck was going to happen next.

But the main thing I loved about this book was what I assume the author was getting across. Showing that even though there is diversity, and some people are born into this world rich, others born into this world poor - at the end of the day we are all still human. We all have our own set of dreams, disappointments, problems, and fears. I was surprised by the epilogue. Maybe because I haven't seen them that much in YA. I've read that some people weren't too fond of it, but to me, it was the perfect way to end the story.

Reader reviewed by Steph Su

Brittany Ellis is the epitome of
perfection: blond hair, blue eyes, cheerleader with the hot bod, designer
clothes, mansion, money, football quarterback boyfriend. Alejandro
"Alex" Fuentes is your stereotypical young Latino gangster. The two
seniors at Fairfield High don't have anything in common... except that they are
forced to be chemistry lab partners. Sparks fly--and not the good kind.

What they don't know about each other,
however, could turn the whole world upside down. Brittany lacks a healthy
family life, as her parents hide the fact that they have another, mentally handicapped
daughter. And Alex wants nothing to do the gang, but he has no choice: as the
oldest man in the family, he's in it for life in order to protect his family.

As the defenses go down and the two get
closer, it becomes impossible to deny the obvious attraction between them.
However, Brittany and Alex being together may be dangerous for both. How much
are they willing to sacrifice for a shot at true love? Their reputations? Their
families? Their lives?

I'm a fan of West Side Story but an
ardent NOT-fan of Romeo & Juliet; however, I liked the general idea
behind Perfect Chemistry. Every once in a while you just want to read a
straightfoward story about two lovers overcoming seemingly insurmountable
obstacles for a shot at happily ever after--this is one of those books.

Unfortunately, this was a classic story
idea that was poorly executed. The two main characters' conflicts were so
clearly defined from the very beginning that the characters weren't allowed to
grow very much as a result. The ending was so melodramatic, so fairy-tale
perfect, that my teeth nearly rotted out of my head. It left me unable to fully
sympathize with the characters' predicaments, nor believe in the seriousness of
Brittany and Alex's feelings for one another.

Despite the
cliches and Shakespeare drama throwback, I'm glad I picked this up. Perfect
Chemistry was a light and enjoyable read, great for a time when you want a
version of a timeless love story and a little hope in the saying "Love
conquers all."

Reader reviewed by stephanie