Almost Perfect

Almost Perfect by Brian Katcher (2009)

I've just read this novel for the second time, for my Not-So-Young Adult book group at work. Since I've already reviewed it I won't repeat myself, but will just add some thoughts.

One of my favorite aspects of this book has always been how the main character, Logan, dealt with Sage's secret. When he first learned the truth he completely freaked out, said terrible things, and high-tailed away from her as fast as possible. Eventually the better aspects of his nature came though, but he continued to struggle. Logan is a product of the small mid-western town where he grew up, and of our society as a whole, in which transgendered people are still pretty far outside of what most people consider the norm. Katcher is just brilliant at capturing the struggles of teens dealing with their conflicting feelings about other people (see also: Playing With Matches). His characters are incredibly genuine, and easy to sympathise with in all their imperfections and angst.

A couple book group attendees were skeptical that such a story would take place, because surely EVERY town has a PFLAG group these days, right? When one grows up in arguably the most liberal part of the nation, I suppose stories like these can be hard to believe, but I grew up in a very small rural town much like the Boyer, Missouri of the novel and I found it all completely believable. And every day I feel grateful that I live in the veritable utopia of eastern Massachusetts now.

It may seem like a strange choice for Sage's family to move to such a place when an urban setting would have provided the anonymity they wanted, as well as the resources to help the whole family deal better with Sage's transition. But growing up where I did, I remembered being surprised when gay people moved to my town only to be whispered about behind their backs and sometimes shunned. Why ever would you do that to yourself? Well, you would do it if you are a small town person who doesn't like cities much, and I think that's the case with Sage's family.

Almost Perfect remains true to its realism throughout, Logan consistently screwing up and seeming to learn from his mistakes, then screwing up all over again, as teenagers do. It's not a happily-ever-after book either and I think if it had been, it would have been a bit harder to swallow. But it's also not hopeless or depressing, and Logan has clearly been left profoundly changed for the better.

This has become longer than my original short review, but it's an unusual book that deserves attention and discussion, and it remains - in my eyes at least - one of the best YA books out there. I'm glad I read it again and had the opportunity to discuss it with a group. If you haven't read it already, I highly recommend it.

Playing With Matches : a review

Playing With Matches by Brian Katcher (2008)

Leon isn’t the most attractive kid at his high school, but he’s also not the worst looking. That distinction goes to Melody Kennon, who was seriously burned as a child and is now shunned by the other students. Her face is covered in scars, she has no ears, and no hair. Once the kids outgrew playground taunting, Melody was just left completely alone. But when she is suddenly Leon’s new locker neighbor, he casually makes a joke to break the ice and soon realizes he has a lot in common with Melody. He invites her to sit at his table in the cafeteria and she starts hanging out with his friends. Finally, he admits his feelings for her are stronger than friendship and they begin dating. Which is right around the time that Amy, who Leon has lusted after forever, suddenly notices that he exists. Now he’s in a predicament and like many of us at his age, he does all the wrong things.

The story arc is similar to Almost Perfect. The main character has a relationship with someone who is a risk to be with, he screws up, he tries again. This was Katcher’s first novel and at times it does feel a little rough around the edges, but that in no way lessened my enjoyment of it. Aside from being a great – and unusual – story, it had the added benefit of a main character with a healthy, yet dorky, sense of humor.

“What has two legs and bleeds profusely?

Half a cat!”

See? Hilarious!

Leon was a wonderfully mixed-up, misguided character who it is easy to identify and sympathize with. There was a period during which he would sometimes feel incredibly attracted to Melody, and at other times would feel rather put off by her. He was understandably confused by these on-again off-again feelings. I’ve had the exact same thing happen, yet I think it’s the first time I’ve ever read such a spot-on portrayal of this in a book.

Katcher is skilled at accurately representing how teenagers cave to social pressures, and the myriad ways in which they manage to screw up their lives and make everyone around them angry. His books are fantastically readable, and I just can't get enough of them. Seriously - he only has two! Please, Brian Katcher, write some more books!

Almost Perfect : a review

Logan is still trying to get over his ex-girlfriend when he meets Sage, who just moved to his small Missouri town. Sage is like nobody else he has ever met- she is loud and wacky and sews her own wild clothing. She also has incredibly strict parents, isn’t allowed to date, and has been homeschooled for the last five years. Although Sage tries to keep her distance, Logan finally kisses her – a wonderful, perfect kiss that leaves him wanting more. And that’s when Sage tells him the truth about herself. She is really a boy.

You can imagine the conflicting feelings that Logan has after this revelation, and their relationship becomes a veritable rollercoaster as Logan and Sage try to figure out what sort of relationship they have, if any. This is the first young adult novel I’ve read (or heard of) about a transgender teen and it’s fun and sweet and sad - I didn’t want to put it down! If you are into YA books, this is a must-read.