My second book review: Perfect Chemistry

Perfect Chemistry
Genre: Young Adult
Pages: 360
Published: December 23rd 2008
Author: Simone Elkeles


Summary from Goodreads:
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 apart.


My review:
First of all, the cover is gorgeous! It totally represents Brittany and Alex. At least, that's how I would imagine what they look like. After reading Anna and the French Kiss, I've become so attracted with realistic YA books and when I found this, it definitely lives up to its reviews! Perfect chemistry tells the story of Alex and Brittany, both high school students who have completely different lives. Brittany tries to maintain her 'perfect' life while Alex Fuentes is a member of a gang and he's a 'bad boy'. But, when they got paired up in Chemistry, they never thought that something would 'spark' between them. Alex made a bet to lure Brittany to his life, but he turned out to fall for her. Alex Fuentes, what can I say? He's a bad boy but at the same time, a 'good' boy. He speaks Spanish and he's really smart! His life is sad considering that he was forced to join the gang to protect his family. 


The good thing about this book is that we get to read the perspectives of both Brittany and Alex. Which is why, we can understand both characters and how they attract to each other, a wonderful 'chemistry' between them. The thing I like the most about this book is how people should break all the stereotypes in their lives. We should not be living up to stereotypes in our lives, but instead being ourselves and living up to our own expectations. Brittany wanted to be the 'perfect and good girl' everyone loves, but she never felt happy because it's not who she really wanted to be. Alex was forced to join a gang in order to protect his family and he thought that girls like Brittany are annoying. Everyone has their own life and secrets they want to protect. As soon as Alex and Brittany learn about each other's lives, they found out that they are somehow similar and that's how they started falling for each other. 


What's even better in this book is how Simone Elkeles decided to put Epilogue, a short Epilogue about 20 years later after the story of Alex and Brittany. It was really funny and I totally loved it. (won't spoil it for those who haven't read this one!) You can learn Spanish too! Alex speaks in both Spanish and English and it's awesome!


Overall: One word: Caliente [Hot in Spanish]! It's beautifully written and the theme of the story is not just your-everyday-high school story. It's more than that. Stereotypes, differences, chemistry are probably the words I would use to summarize this book. Alex Fuentes + Brittany = PERFECT CHEMISTRY. A must read!

5 forget-me-not flowers rating for Perfect Chemistry!

Note: Rules of Attraction is the second book in the Perfect Chemistry series. Alex Fuentes has two younger brothers: Carlos and Luis. Rules of Attraction tells the story of Carlos and Chain Reaction tells the story of Luis. I've read Rules of Attraction and I'm on my way to make the review! The Fuentes brothers are just awesome! The titles of the series are amazing! They all relate to the actual Chemistry in Science and the titles are definitely related to what the characters have in each book. 


Want to check out the rap trailer of Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles? 
http://www.youtube.com/user/selkeles#p/u/4/hr0OtYYpyek
Funny video!