Perfect Chemistry - Simone Elkeles

Paperback, 360 pages

Published January 1st 2008 by Walker Books for Young Readers

A modern tale of star-crossed lovers with a fresh urban twist. At Fairfield High School, on the outskirts of Chicago, everyone knows that south-siders mixing with north-siders can be explosive. So when Brittany Ellis and Alejandro “Alex” Fuentes are forced to be lab partners in chemistry class, this human experiment leads to unexpected revelations – that Brittany ’s flawless reputation is a cover for her troubled home life, that Alex’s bad-boy persona hides his desire to break free from gang ties, and that when they’re together, life somehow makes more sense. Breaking through the stereotypes and expectations that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apart, Perfect Chemistry takes readers to both sides of the tracks in a passionate love story about looking beneath the surface.

I have a special place in my heart for this book, it is magnificent.
The plot is completely real, and deals with real life issues such as gang members, and things that go on inside gangs. At times some of the issues were terrifying, and my heart really goes out to Alex for putting up with some of the horrible stuff that went on.


Brittany Ellis had everything she could want, a boyfriend, a nice house, riches and clothes. Alex Fuentes doesn't. He has to earn his living by performing horrible deeds to a gang which he has been forced into.


To me, this novel is basically about opposites and how we as humans, can get over stereo-types.


I love how Elkeles has portrayed each character. Brittany seems like she has absolutely everything, when really under the surface, her life is crumbling under the pressure of trying to be perfect, and we actually learn that her character is much more complex than we originally thought.


This was a brilliant Y.A romance, I mean really really extraordinary.


Her writing is amazing! Smooth, real and full of raw emotion.
I need more Elkeles, I really do.


An absolute 5/5

Love, Aubrey - Suzanne LaFleur

Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Puffin (7 Jan 2010)

I had everything I needed to run a household: a house, food, and a new family. From now on it would just be me and Sammy–the two of us, and no one else."

A tragic accident has turned eleven-year-old Aubrey’s world upside down. Starting a new life all alone, Aubrey has everything she thinks she needs: SpaghettiOs and Sammy, her new pet fish. She cannot talk about what happened to her. Writing letters is the only thing that feels right to Aubrey, even if no one ever reads them.

Emotional. That is the only word that comes to mind.

For a first novel, I thought Suzanne did a stunning job. I liked the way this book really gave me a strong insight into what losing a loved one might feel like.
This novel really plays with your emotions. One minute you are laughing along with her, and the next feeling tearful for this innocent little girl. I felt she really did capture the essence of an 11 year old girl wonderfully!

Pleasingly, Aubrey didn't get annoying! I sometimes find that when reading a story about loss, characters can sometimes seem like they are in an endless black hole with no good left in the world, but not Aubrey. She managed to stay sweet and touch your heart right through to the very last page.

Aubrey's new friend was also a cute, lovable character, and I loved seeing Aubrey's relationship develop as she overcome her sorrow. The handwritten letters were also a nice add-on!
Thoroughly enjoyed this one.

4/5