
'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.
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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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