THE PERFECT GUY

Author: Ann Herrick ISBN: 075993522X 6/2005 YOUNG ADULT Publisher: HARD SHELL WORD FACTORY

When Rebecca's mother marries Pres's father, Rebecca is sure that living in the same house with the guy of her dreams will turn her new step-brother into her new love. Even though her best friend, Celeste, warns her to face reality, Rebecca doesn't listen. She thinks Pres is the perfect guy for her! But Celeste's brother, Josh, has been friends with Pres for years, and Celeste thinks she knows what she's talking about. Rebecca's not so sure about her relationship with her new step-father. She knows he can't replace her real dad, but she thinks she can get through to him by helping him with the school play. But things don't go as planned, and as friendships start to change, Rebecca faces surprising truths about herself and her friends. Will she find happiness in her new family and find The Perfect Guy?

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

In THE PERFECT GUY, Rebecca must adjust to the changes in her life when her mom remarries. Not only is her new stepfather an English teacher at her school, but she also has a crush on her new stepbrother. Convinced that her stepbrother is "the perfect guy," Rebecca schemes to get him to see her as potential girlfriend material. But is Pres the perfect boyfriend or just the perfect big brother? And what about Josh?? He's her best friend's big brother and always jokes around, but he might just be perfect for Rebecca.

I enjoyed laughing about Rebecca's many ideas about how she was going to get Pres to notice her as a girl. With Rebecca's tunnel vision, she's convinced that Pres just hasn't recognized that she's his "soul mate." While obvious to everyone else, Rebecca is ignorant of Celeste's brother, Josh's feelings for her. I couldn't wait to get to the part where Rebecca would finally notice Josh.

With Rebecca's playwriting talent, she is no longer just a stereotypical teen; she's a more complex, three-dimensional character. I found the glimpse of her writing process, from idea to research to editing, to final product, fascinating. Not only does the reader get a sweet romance in this story, but the reader is also privy to the steps Rebecca follows in developing a close familial relationship with her new stepbrother and stepfather.

Ms. Herrick seems to understand what teen girls like reading—a sweet story with a happily ever after ending. While predictable, THE PERFECT GUY is a perfect way to spend a couple of relaxing hours.

Kendra Patterson