Customer Reviews

Almost Perfect

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is a book that grabs you by the heart and gets into your head. It's the first book in a very long time where I not only had no idea how it was going to end, but was sincerely concerned with how the situation would resolve itself.

I could write an essay about this book, what it meant to me, and how I feel about it. I loved it and I hated it. I was afraid to read another chapter, and I never wanted it to end. My head wants me to wrap Brian Katcher in my arms and thank him for such an amazing story, even as my heart wants me to pound on his chest and demand that he rewrite the ending.

I fell in love with these characters - Logan as much as Sage, to my surprise - and didn't want to let them go . . . especially not like that.

Ultimately, this could just as easily been a story about racial, religious, or cultural identity. The elements of the story could have worked with any other struggle at the heart, but I dare say the book would not have been as powerful (or nearly so interesting). Through the question of Sage's gender identity we also get to explore questions of sexual identity/orientation, particularly with Logan, who struggles with what it means to love a girl who used to be (and, from a purely biological standpoint, still is) a boy.

Brian Katcher's novel is as brave as it is bold, and he's to be applauded as much for his choice of subject, as for his talents as a story teller.

A scanty "review" since I don't want to spoil anything for current and future readers.

Let me just say that I loved this wondrous, gut-wrenching, thought-provoking book (and still can't stop thinking about it).

Please, please, please read it.

I was so impressed with this book! Love stories are not my usual thing, but this one was such a good read that I was amazed. Be forewarned, it's not for everyone; this is an unconventional tale of coming of age, true love and self discovery. I picked it up to read because I felt it was going to be a controversial addition to our library collection, and it probably will cause it's share of problems. What I do hope that people will see in this book is a stunningly sensitive story peopled with memorable characters that tug at your heart. It can hopefully teach a few lessons on understanding and acceptance, maybe open a few eyes to some of the differences that exist in our society and generate some soul searching among its teen and adult readers.

I don't mean to indicate that this was strictly an "issue" book, and I don't want to spoil any of the plot by talking specifics. Above all, this is a good story. It was well plotted and although I initially had problems really believing Logan's character, the author developed him so skillfully throughout the book that by the end I felt like I truly knew him. I will remember Sage and Logan for a good while and look forward to telling others about this book. I would recommend this to anyone 16 or older who enjoys a good romance and is willing to look at things with a non judgemental eye. A big recommend - and thanks to the author for a great, realistic ending. You didn't cop out when the going got tough.

This book touched me in so many ways. I can relate to the girl in the book in countless ways. I cried my eyes out over and over and over again.

It's a good book. It's real. I can honestly say this stuff happens in real life because I've lived it.

I would recommend this book to anyone.

This book is one of the very few books that actually gets a transsexual character right - it doesn't mock them, it doesn't go crazy with stereotypes, it doesn't make them seem like an alien from outer space.

Instead, it provides an amazingly rich portrait of the emotional, social, and even physical issues involved with transsexuality for both the trans individuals themselves and those who make their acquaintance.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone, trans or not.

Funnily enough, I didn't meant to buy this book. I downloaded the sample, and when I got to the end of it, I fully intended to drop it in my "maybe later" folder, where it would probably have stayed. I wanted to check how much it was, but clicked "buy this book" instead. A lucky accident :) I finished it yesterday, so it's had some time to sink in.

I really loved this book. I loved the writing style, even if it did seem just a touch too introspective for an 18-year-old boy. I loved that it was told from the perspective of the straight, small-town boy who falls for Sage. I loved the way Sage and her family are presented. I loved the way not everything is wrapped up in a neat bow.

Best line in the book: "Of course, the problem with Sage wasn't our differences, but what we had in common."

*SPOILER*SPOILER*SPOILER*SPOILER*




I think my favorite part was how the idea of Sage trying to live as a male again affected me. By the end of the book, the idea that her father could expect her to live as something she is not seemed totally ridiculous. While I've never had a problem with MTF trans people, I also have never known any or really thought about it all that much. This book brought it home, and for that I am extremely grateful.

Almost Perfect is my first book by Brian Katcher, and a book written about transgender. I didn't know what to expect (even though many reviews I read highly praised it), and I didn't allow myself to have high expectations. Nevertheless, it wouldn't have been a disappointment if I had believed the admiration.

I loved this book. I love the way the story flows, and the way Katcher portrayed a true teenage boy and his relationship with Sage. Logan's reaction to Sage's situation was acceptable, and it never made me say, "Logan, you're stupid, get over it!" Logan's reaction could've been annoying, but rather it was understandable and genuine. In many ways, Logan was a great character I adored. His relationship with his mom and sister represent a real family who had a problem, but preferred to strive without copious complaint.

Sage's parents, especially her father, were a piece of work not only for her, but Logan, too. Logan and Tammi, Sage's sister, were a major influence in Sage's life and the story in whole. Her life was a predicament. She knows what she wants, but only Tammi and Logan could understand and accept her.

All in all, Katcher's characters were loveable and engaging. Logan's voice is engrossing. Not only was Logan the lone character who stood out for me, but Sage did, too.

Generally, this is a story of a young boy who is trying to be friends with a girl, but her condition brings many obstacles for them to maintain friendship. There were times they conquer all the barriers, but many times, Logan failed her. It was sad to see what a good friend they were but can't really be friends because, well, she's different.

Almost Perfect is very engaging and hard to predict even though you've your assumptions. (And, in my opinion, a book is more interesting when the author proves wrong about your expectations.) I had high hopes for Logan and Sage to be together, but I liked how Katcher took a twist turn and made a new history. The plot is raw and engaging. Likewise, one undeniable thing about Katcher is he knows how to crack up a good joke, and make you laugh.

This wasn't just a book that deals with transgender people, but also their day to day life complications, as well. It coaxes readers to listen and understand, but never to judge. In the core of all the humor, ups and downs, this book still managed to deliver an insightful message. Great story, loveable characters, and startling premises. I recommend it.

Logan is a depressed high school senior in a western Missouri small town. His long-time girlfriend Brenda has recently dumped him. When a new girl at school - Sage - joins Logan and his buddy Tim's "team" in biology class, Logan quickly is attracted to her. Similarly, Sage is attracted to him. As they get to know one another and spend time together, Logan's typical male instincts lead him toward making out with Sage - but she resists. Logan is frustrated and angry, but still wants to be with Sage and Sage still wants to be friends with him.
As Logan tries to understand why this beautiful girl is unwilling to make out, with even light petting, Sage finally tells him her secret - she is transgender. Logan freaks out - if this gets out, his buddies will think he is gay!!
This really complicates the customary ups and downs of a teen-age romance. She is still beautiful, she still wants to be friends, and Logan realizes he still likes her. The story follows Logan as Sage tells him about her feelings and needs as well as the realities of transitioning. Their eventual sexual encounter is handled gently, with feeling, but it leads to further complications and confusion in Logan's mind.
This is a very well done young adult book that brings out the realities of a transgender student's life and problems and the effect they can have on those who know them. Homophobia/transphobia is well documented through the story, but so is love and understanding. I recommend it highly.

It's pretty hard to talk about this book without saying too much about it, but this had a special impact on me out of all the books I've ever read. Sage Hendricks is a vivid, accurate, sensitive, and relevant depiction of a transgender woman like myself, and this book made me feel like there was hope in the world that someday people like her, like me, will be able to love in peace.

I would recommend giving this book to high school age straight boys, lesbians, and bisexual folks, who will most likely be able to connect with Logan's feelings on Sage. I would be wary about how quickly I would hand this book to somebody struggling with transsexuality in themselves as Sage does endure quite a bit of incredible emotional and physical pain throughout the novel. This left me feeling pretty sad for the character for about a day or so before I realized that this was what was best for her. If they can handle a day of sadness, it is worth the happy realization that comes later.

"Everyone has one line they swear they'll never cross, the one thing they say they'll never do. Not something serious like I'll never kill anyone or I'll never invade Russia in the winter. Usually, it's something less earth-shattering.

I'll never cheat on her.

I'll never work at a job I hate.

I'll never give up my dreams.

We draw the line. Maybe we even believe it. That's why it's so hard when we break that promise we make to ourselves.

Sage Hendricks was my line."

So begins Almost Perfect. I was hooked from this brief opening, which was not a chapter but not quite a prologue. It was, essentially, a hook. And it worked. The tone is effective established as serious, humorous and witty. The book definitely lives up to this opening. I will warn you that to not have a surprise spoiled, you shouldn't read this review, but you also shouldn't read the back of the book, so I'm going to go ahead and talk pretty openly about it, because it's not about what's going on so much as about how Logan, our main character, will deal with it.

Logan Witherspoon is in a bit of a rut when the story begins, having been dumped by his girlfriend Lauren, a few months before the story opened. He and Lauren dated for three whole years and he only got to first base. He still wants her back, even though she cheated on him; she had sex with some guy she just met (in a car outside a drug store - or was it a fast food restaurant - either way, classy) and he still dreams up reconciliations in his mind. So yeah, he's a little pathetic, but it's not like he has many good option in his tiny home town.

Then, one fateful day, a new student comes to his biology class. That's right, you guessed it: Sage Hendricks. Sage is six feet tall, with riotous curly red hair, freckles, braces and wearing a ridiculous, brightly colored dress. Logan is immediately captivated. He wants her so badly from pretty much the first moment, even though she is not at all the typical girl. Boy, doesn't he know.

Logan keeps trying to get with Sage, but she keeps pushing him away, citing overprotective parents, who let her younger sister do anything. Still, she flirts with him and he is completely frustrated. She has some secret and he wants to know it and he wants her. Finally, they make out. Then she tells him the secret. She's a boy. But only biologically.

I loved Logan of the opening chapters, even with the whiny pining. He was funny and nice. The Logan of this part was not so much my favorite. It was really hard not to judge him for his reaction to the news, but, honestly, how is one supposed to react to that? No matter how open-minded you are, this is liable to come as a bit of a shock and require some readjustment.

Logan is not always a good guy. Sage is not always as fun or smart or confident as she seems. People are flawed and situations are unfortunate. This book definitely isn't sunshine and puppies, but it is good and it deals with an issue I have rarely seen dealt with in literature (Middlesex, Annabel), and not at all in YA literature. To write this book, Katcher talked to real transgender folk about their experiences growing up, so he knew what he was talking about. Almost Perfect really does live up to its name in its own right, but would be worth reading for novelty's sake anyway. This is a great addition to lgbt lit and teen fiction.