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Perfect Chemistry

Book 1 in the series:Perfect Chemistry

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'Perfect Chemistry' by Simone Elkeles is a young adult novel that follows the story of Brittany Ellis, a popular white girl, and Alex Fuentes, a Mexican gang member, who are forced to be lab partners in senior chemistry class. Despite their vastly different backgrounds and the stereotypes surrounding them, Brittany and Alex find themselves attracted to each other. As they navigate through racial prejudice and societal expectations, they must break free from these constraints to be together. The book explores themes of love, friendship, gang life, and the challenges faced by teenagers from diverse backgrounds.

The plot of 'Perfect Chemistry' is a modern twist on classic tales like Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story, portraying a romance between two individuals from opposite sides of the tracks. The author, Simone Elkeles, skillfully alternates between the voices of Brittany and Alex, providing insight into their lives, emotions, and struggles. The writing style is engaging, realistic, and relatable, capturing the complexities of teenage life, relationships, and societal pressures.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, with Brittany embodying the pressures of perfection, and Alex representing the struggles of gang life and loyalty.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging with a dual narrative, providing insights into both main characters while incorporating cultural elements.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot involves a love story between two high school seniors from contrasting socio-economic backgrounds, highlighting their struggles and the evolution of their relationship.

Setting:

The setting contrasts affluent and impoverished areas, serving as a backdrop for the characters' divergent lives.

Pacing:

The pacing is quick, keeping readers engaged and invested in the characters' journey.

Notes:

The story features characters from opposing social classes at Fairfield High School in Chicago.
Brittany is a wealthy white girl who presents a perfect image but struggles with family issues.
Alex is a gang member from the south side who hides a compassionate side beneath his tough exterior.
The chemistry teacher pairs Brittany and Alex as lab partners, prompting their unexpected romance.
The book explores themes of classism, identity, and personal struggles in adolescence.
The characters' backgrounds (Brittany's disabled sister, Alex's father's murder) add depth to their stories.
Perfect Chemistry is often compared to Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story for its star-crossed lovers theme.
The writing alternates between Brittany's and Alex's perspectives, giving insight into both characters' thoughts and feelings.
There is a mixture of English and Spanish throughout the dialogue, adding authenticity to Alex's character and his background.
The book deals with mature themes like gang violence, drug use, and teen sexuality, but it is written for a young adult audience.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include depictions of gang violence, language, underage drinking, and sexual situations.

Has Romance?

The romance element is a central focus of the novel, with a strong emphasis on the developing relationship between Alex and Brittany.

From The Publisher:

In the first book in Simone Elkeles' New York Times bestselling YA contemporary romance series, sparks fly between unlikely lab partners Brittany Ellis and Alex Fuentes . . . and when two polar opposites meet, the results are bound to be explosive.

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.

Neither Brittany nor Alex is prepared for the most surprising chemical reaction of all-love.

Don't miss any of these other books from New York Times bestselling author Simone Elkeles:

The Perfect Chemistry Trilogy

Perfect Chemistry

Rules of Attraction

Chain Reaction

Better Than Perfect

Ratings (28)

Incredible (5)
Loved It (7)
Liked It (9)
It Was OK (3)
Did Not Like (3)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (57):

Read It (32)
Want To Read (18)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (6)
 
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