Coming from a dysfunctional (in a good way) family, “Picture Perfect” families freak me out. How can they manage to be so perfect, pristine and glossy? There’s no way I can imagine my family ever getting ourselves together well enough to pull something like that off. Of course, I’ve learned that it’s usually all a façade, unless you’re a Kardashian (Kidding!). Juliet has—or had—that kind of family (No, not like the Kardashians) in Melissa Kantor’s new book, Better than Perfect.
Juliet is a perfect student, girlfriend, friend, sister and daughter. But when her dad leaves her mom, and her brother’s off enjoying college life, Juliet is stuck at home with her depressed mother. Juliet recognizes that her mom has both “good” and “bad” days, and on a very “bad” day, she finds her mom passed out on the bathroom floor with pills and blood scattered around her. Was it an accident? The question haunts Juliet and wrecks her perfectly-constructed world. It forces her to re-evaluate her life, aspirations, relationships and family.
What I appreciated about Better than Perfect was how imperfect the main character is. Juliet is not completely likable, but she’s still relatable. She’s dealing with the same kind of doubts most teens feel, and her situation isn’t that unusual. In fact, despite how hard her situation is, it finally gives Juliet some much needed perspective on her life and upcoming choices. Making big decisions is hard, and she finds herself overwhelmed by them. She’s practicing hard for the SATs, so she can secure a spot at Harvard with her boyfriend. Along with an onslaught of other pressures, anyone would break; Juliet does. She cheats on her boyfriend with Declan, the new guy in town. She tries to ignore the connection she feels to Declan, but after joining his band at the insistence of his younger sister, Juliet finds herself drawn to him. More importantly, she’s having fun, for which seems like the first time ever. Singing in a punk band isn’t about boosting her college applications, but about letting it all go. And that’s what Better than Perfect is all about. Letting go of all the things we get hung up on, and actually living and enjoying life in a way that is both challenging and redeeming. That’s better than perfect.
The story does get a little over dramatic at some points, and I wish the supporting characters were better developed. However, I think the overall message transcends any flaws the book may have. I like that mental illness is topic being increasingly explored in YA, and Kantor writes about it realistically. Juliet’s initial reactions to her mother’s actions are confusing, sad, and angry. Watching Juliet come to terms with those feelings is rewarding.
Better than Perfect is far from perfect, which makes it pretty darn good. This little coming-of-age story has a heart-soaring, thrilling ending that will inspire readers to take a look at their own lives.
Rating: 7.5/10
Better than Perfect by Melissa Kantor will hit stores on February 17, 2015.
Book Info:
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Publisher: Harper Teen (February 17, 2015)
Length: 336 pages (Hardcover)
Series: N/A
Source: ARC from publisher
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary Fiction, Family Issues
Completed: January 2015
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