About you asked for perfect:
IMHOyou asked for perfect:
You Asked For Perfect by Laura Silverman is wildly different from her debut, Girl Out of Water. Both SO good and the only similarities are being YA contemporary & including anxiety problems. I'm so impressed with her range and can't wait to see what comes next.
The Goods -
- Ariel's pronounced AR-iel, like ARRR! pirate not the Little Mermaid.
- Ariel's little sister & their relationship is adorable. I love seeing positive brother/sister relationships.
- Couple uses 'dork' and 'nerd' as affectionate teasing pet names.
- Great, living, and involved parents all around
- Love how it's about the assumed, presumed, and societal pressure rather than direct stress from parental figures like stereotypical 'Asian dad/tiger mom' scenarios
- Anxiety attacks are no joke. Ariel's are enough to bring tears to my eyes. I had to take a break after the 'I'm such a fuck up failure ruining everything' one. Really makes me appreciate how I've tamed mine in the last two years.
- Volunteering at a doggie shelter 3
- I just learned a couple of months ago on Twitter that security is common for Jewish synagogues. Seeing it brought to life on the page really brings home the reality of the situation.
- There's this moment that Ariel could've skated by doing the easy thing and I was worried the story would turn predictable. But there wasn't even a hesitation before doing the right thing. It's the moment that took You Asked For Perfect from good to great for me.
- Well-fitting and -meaning open ending. This isn't a simple solution to be had and I'm just happy with the happy for now aspect. Sweet, reassuring, but not sugar coated.
Let Me Explain -
Yes, there was a point where I got tired of his shit. But it struck the right balance with Ariel's unreasonable response to reasonable concerns. Not too much that I was driven away and not too little that it was pointless.
While there are reality check moments regarding class and financial privilege, it's essential a bunch of rich kids. Decidedly, NOT spoiled stupid brats. They acknowledge their luck and position. I'm just saying, be careful about reading it if you're going through a hard time. At different points in my teens, this book would've been a balm or salt in a wound for both reason.
I am ecstatic kids will seen themselves in You Asked For Perfect, but I also really hope it'll get teachers and parents to clue in to these issues and make changes.
Top 3 Quotes:
I'm not smart enough. I'm an impostor. If I'm going to lose everything I've worked for, at least I don't have to do it in front of an audience. -Ariel
No one told me that I'd have to know every answer to every test and also be a "unique" individual" following my life's calling at seventeen. - Ariel
Look, I know getting into an Ivy is the first priority for you guys, but some of us have to get into school and also be able to afford tuition. Great isn't always enough for scholarships. - Isaac
Personally, I'm a follower of Laura's on Twitter. That's actually how I found her before her debut. I highly recommend adding her to your feed! And don't forget to check out her first book, Girl Out of Water!
Giveaway:
Prize: Win a copy of YOU ASKED FOR PERFECT by Laura Silverman (INT)
Disclaimer: INT as long as Bookdepository ships to the country of the winner.
Start Date: 11th February 2019
End Date: 24th February 2019
Tour Schedule:
This review was originally posted on The Layaway Dragon