Review: Better Than Perfect by Melissa Kantor

Title: Better Than Perfect
Author: Melissa Kantor
Series: n/a
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: February 17th, 2015
Source: received from publisher via Edelweiss
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Juliet Newman has it all. A picture-perfect family; a handsome, loving boyfriend; and a foolproof life plan: ace her SATs, get accepted into Harvard early decision, and live happily ever after.

But when her dad moves out and her mom loses it, Juliet begins questioning the rules she’s always lived by. And to make everything even more complicated there’s Declan, the gorgeous boy who makes her feel alive and spontaneous—and who’s totally off-limits. Torn between the life she always thought she wanted and one she never knew was possible, Juliet begins to wonder: What if perfect isn't all it’s cracked up to be?

Melissa Kantor once again delivers a tale that is equal parts surprising, humorous, heartbreaking, and romantic. Powerful and honest, Juliet’s story brilliantly portrays the highs and lows of life in high school and will resonate with any reader who has experienced either.

Last year I read Maybe One Day by Melissa Kantor and absolutely loved it. It made me laugh and cry and basically stole my heart. So when I saw Better than Perfect on Edelwiess, I could not resist requesting it. It was good but I'll admit it didn't hold that same magic for me that Maybe One Day did. It didn't effect me as emotionally and I was kind of expecting/hoping it would.

Juliet's life is pretty much perfect. At least it was, but now with new family developments, everything starts to unravel around her. One particular event, which is not mentioned in the description, really messes Juliet up. Rightly so, because it's kind of a doozy. I can speak from experience, that when tragedies like this happen, it changes you. Drastically.

Juliet makes mistakes. She's not herself, and she questions everything she's ever believed, and I really connected with that. She meets new people, and begins to explore who "She" wants to be verses who everyone around her has expected her to be.

I really liked that part of the story. I think that's a very important lesson to learn in life. My biggest complaint, is that I wish it would have focused more on her family relationships. There was a lot going on there, and it deserved more attention. But her relationship with her "perfect" boyfriend was hashed out well.

I'm having trouble writing this review honestly, because there are things I want to talk about, but I can't because of spoils. Over all, I did really liked Better Than Perfect. The ending left a little more to be desired though. Like just one more page.. lol. but now I'm being nit picky.

About the author:

Melissa Kantor lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her family. Her most recent book, "Maybe
One Day," tells the story of two best friends and what happens when one of them gets sick with a life-threatening illness. "When I was in my twenties, my father was diagnosed with leukemia. I always wanted to write about what happened to him, but it took me two decades to write this book. I think I needed that time to figure out what I wanted to say."


Find Melissa:

Website | Goodreads | Facebook

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Labels: Better than perfect, harper-collins, maybe one day, Melissa Kantor, reviews

Waiting on Wednesday: Better Than Perfect & All the Rage

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's WoW selections are...








's Pick:

Title: Better Than Perfect
Author: Melissa Kantor
Series: n/a
Publisher: HaperTeen
Publication Date: February 17th, 2015

Juliet Newman has it all. A picture-perfect family; a handsome, loving boyfriend; and a foolproof life plan: ace her SATs, get accepted into Harvard early decision, and live happily ever after.

But when her dad moves out and her mom loses it, Juliet begins questioning the rules she’s always lived by. And to make everything even more complicated there’s Declan, the gorgeous boy who makes her feel alive and spontaneous—and who’s totally off-limits. Torn between the life she always thought she wanted and one she never knew was possible, Juliet begins to wonder: What if perfect isn't all it’s cracked up to be?

Melissa Kantor once again delivers a tale that is equal parts surprising, humorous, heartbreaking, and romantic. Powerful and honest, Juliet’s story brilliantly portrays the highs and lows of life in high school and will resonate with any reader who has experienced either.

While getting our TTT together for this week, it made me think of how much I'm looking forward to this book. I loved Maybe One Day and I'm hoping I will love this one just as much. Thankfully I won't have to wait until February to read it. I'll be getting to this one as soon as possible. :)

's Pick:

Title: All the Rage
Author: Courtney Summers
Series: n/a
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Publication Date: April 14, 2015

In her hardcover debut, from the author of Cracked Up To Be and This is Not a Test, comes a powerful new young adult novel.　

The sheriff’s son, Kellan Turner, is not the golden boy everyone thinks he is, and Romy Grey knows that for a fact. Because no one wants to believe a girl from the wrong side of town, the truth about him has cost her everything—friends, family, and her community. Branded a liar and bullied relentlessly by a group of kids she used to hang out with, Romy’s only refuge is the diner where she works outside of town. No one knows her name or her past there; she can finally be anonymous.But when a girl with ties to both Romy and Kellan goes missing after a party, and news of him assaulting another girl in a town close by gets out, Romy must decide whether she wants to fight or carry the burden of knowing more girls could get hurt if she doesn’t speak up. Nobody believed her the first time—and they certainly won’t now—but the cost of her silence might be more than she can bear.　

With a shocking conclusion and writing that will absolutely knock you out, All the Rage examines the shame and silence inflicted upon young women after an act of sexual violence, forcing us to ask ourselves: In a culture that refuses to protect its young girls, how can they survive?

So, I was just saying how I needed to read more from Courtney Summers after loving This is Not a Test, and I think I know which one I want to read next. If TiNaT is any indication, this will not be an easy book to read, but it will be honest and real. And after reading the first chapter, I know I'm going to feel all the rage myself. I hadn't planned to feature this book this week, but the cover was revealed yesterday and I checked out that sneak peek, and I knew I had to switch out my pick for this week. This book is going to be amazing and sad and poignant and I cannot wait until I have the opportunity to read the whole thing.

What are you desperately waiting for this Wednesday? Let us know in the comments or share a link to your own WoW post!

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Labels: all the rage, Better than perfect, contemporary, courtney summers, harper-collins, macmillan, Melissa Kantor, st. martin's press, tough subject, waiting on wednesday (wow)

{AudioBook} Review: Maybe One Day by Melissa Kantor

Title: Maybe One Day
Author: Melissa Kantor
Narrator: Shannon McManus
Series: n/a
Publisher: Harper Audio
Publication Date: February 18th, 2014
Source: purchased audio
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible

Zoe and her best friend, Olivia, have always had Big Plans: They'll tour the world as prima ballerinas and live in a swanky Manhattan apartment (where they'll hang out with their fabulous boyfriends, of course). But when they're cut from the ballet company, their plans for the future evaporate. Suddenly, Zoe's dodging cheerleaders who want her and Olivia to go out for the squad, and Olivia's got a crush on Calvin Taylor, who Zoe can't stand.

Zoe can't imagine anything worse happening . . . until Olivia gets sick. Really sick. Suddenly, not being able to dance is the least of their problems.

Olivia has always been the nice one, the happy-go-lucky one. Zoe has always been the snarky one, the look-on-the-dark-side one. But when your best friend is in the hospital, you better learn to step up fast. Now Zoe needs to put on a brave face and be the positive one. Even when Zoe isn't sure what to say. Even when Olivia misses months of school. Even when Zoe starts falling for Calvin.

The one thing that keeps Zoe moving forward is knowing that Olivia will beat this thing, and everything will go back to the way it was before. It has to. Because the alternative is too terrifying for Zoe to even imagine.

Not too long ago, I saw April at Good Books and Good Wine review Maybe Someday. I hadn’t heard of it before, but I knew from reading her review that I would love it. I figured I would try the audio since I didn’t know when I would be able to get to it otherwise. April did not steer me wrong, I really loved this book.

Zoe and Olivia are best friends. More than best friends, they are more like family. They grew up together, built their dreams around each other. They always imagined the worst thing that would happen to them, is not dancing anymore. That was, until Olivia is diagnosed with Leukemia.

I know, I know… another cancer book. But it’s a friendship book too. It’s not all doom and gloom, though it mostly is, so be prepared. (tissues are a must) Zoe and Olivia’s relationship was so beautiful. It was! Anyone lucky enough to have that kind of friendship with someone better hold on tight. These two made me laugh constantly, but in the next moment, they could yank my heart strings and tears would be rolling down my face.

Zoe is sarcastic, difficult, and a bit of a bitch sometimes. She owns it though and she showed a lot of growth through-out the book. There were times that she made me so angry but I loved her. Her devotion to Olivia made it impossible not to. Olivia, she’s the sweetest character, she really is, and I felt horrible for all she was going through.

There is a little bit of romance, but it’s not the main focus. Zoe can’t think let alone handle much more than being there for Olivia. But Calvin, he was just awesome. He’s such a nice guy. He really is, and I’m a sucker for nice guys. There is one scene between them that is absolutely smoldering.

The Narrator, Shannon McManus, I was tossed at first. This being my second Audio book, I don’t have much to go by so initially I found her voice to be a little annoying. By the end of the story though, I had fallen in love with her voice. When she read the cheerleader parts, I laughed. I mean really laughed, she mocks them so well. She really did fit Zoe perfectly. She fit this book perfectly, at least for me she did. I’d listen to audio by her again.

The main thing that you need to know is that you will probably cry!

And if not you are cold and heartless!! Just kidding, but seriously, there are some tear jerking scenes. They won't make everyone cry, but I couldn't hold it bad. And as sad is this book was, I still felt good after reading/listening to it. Maybe One day might make it into my top ten this year, that’s how much I enjoyed this one.

About the author:

Melissa Kantor lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her family. Her most recent book, "Maybe
One Day," tells the story of two best friends and what happens when one of them gets sick with a life-threatening illness. "When I was in my twenties, my father was diagnosed with leukemia. I always wanted to write about what happened to him, but it took me two decades to write this book. I think I needed that time to figure out what I wanted to say."


Find Melissa:

Website | Goodreads | Facebook

Read More

Labels: Audiobook, best friends, cancer, maybe one day, Melissa Kantor, reviews, tears