Perfect Chemistry - Simone Elkeles

Perfect Chemistry - Simone Elkeles

Pages: 357
Publisher: Walker Books
Release Date: 23th December 2008

Other Titles by This Author: Leaving Paradise, How to Ruin a Summer Vacation, How to Ruin My Teenage Life

At Fairfield High School, on the outskirts of Chicago, everyone knows that south siders and north siders aren’t exactly compatible elements. So when head cheerleader Brittany Ellis and gang member Alex Fuentos are forced to be lab partners in chemistry class, the results are bound to be explosive. But neither teen is prepared for the most surprising chemical reaction of all - love. Can they break through the stereotypes and misconceptions that threaten to keep them apart?

“Miss Ellis?” Mrs Peterson says. “It’s your turn. Introduce Alex to the class.”

“This is Alejandro Fuentes. When he wasn’t hanging out on street corners and harassing innocent people this summer, he toured the inside of jails around the city, if you know what I mean. his secret desire is to go to college and become a chemistry teacher, like you, Mrs Peterson.”

Brittany flashes me a triumphant smile, thinking she’s won this round. Guess again, gringa.

“This is Brittany Ellis,” I say, all eyes now focused on me. “This summer she went to the mall, bought new clothes so she could expand her wardrobe, and spent her daddy’s money on plastic surgery to enhance her, ahem, assets. Her secret desire is to date a Mexicano before she graduates.”

Game on…

I absolutely LOVED this book! There isn't much I can say that will sum up how much I loved it. I just couldn't put it down.

There was a smile plastered on my face the entire time that I was reading, well when I wasn't in shock or nearly in tears anyway. From the very beginning it was packed full of witty banter and snappy comebacks that I'd never think of until hours later.

The Spanish interspersed with Alex's speech and thoughts put a really cool spin on the narrative and the stereotypes turned on their head was really great to read. The real reason that I like this though is because I'm a sucker for romance. Even the gloriously cheesy epilogue that I thought was perfect.

Everybody needs to read this. It is so good!

Sophie