Almost Perfect

Almost Perfect

by Brian Katcher

2009

368 pages

“I never dreamed Sage’s secret was about to become my secret, or how desperate we’d both be to keep it.”

Summary: It’s senior year for Logan and he’s having a difficult time getting over his ex-girlfriend Brenda. When a new girl named Sage shows up in his small high school he is instantly intrigued. She’s tall and dresses sort of strange, but she’s funny and cute and totally wacky, but in a good way. They become friends, but despite Sage’s warnings, Logan tries for more. When she finally gives in and kisses him, she also tells him the secret she’s been hiding, that she was born a boy. Logan struggles with what this means for him as he attempts to make sense of his feelings for Sage. Things aren’t easy for the pair, there are times of excruciating pain and frustration, but there are also times of excitement and unexpected happiness as they discover first love and deep friendship.

Review: Almost Perfect is a candid look at first love, identity and growing up. Logan’s voice is incredibly endearing as he navigates his feelings for Sage both before and after her revelation. I don’t often read books from a male perspective, but I enjoyed the sincere and sometimes blunt narrative. I really wish this book was a split narrative because I wanted so much more of Sage and her story. Katcher does a great job of combining humour and heartbreak and mixing the sweetness and hopefulness of love with the painful reality of the difficulties faced by transgender youth. It was at times slow and repetitious, but it was such an enveloping story that I appreciated the length to allow the characters to grow.

You might enjoy Almost Perfect if you like books with: a lot of character development rather than a fast paced plot, male perspective on love and relationships, beautiful and colourful characters.

Also by Brian Katcher: Playing with Matches

If you liked Almost Perfect you might also enjoy: Luna by Juile Anne Peters, Parrotfish by Ellen Wittlinger, Carter Finally Get’s It by Brent Crawford and Hello Groin by Beth Goobie

Additional Info:
PFLAG Canada – a website for family and friends of GLBTQ youth.

Link to Brian Katcher’s website.

Rating: W4/4 C3/4 P3/4 O3/4 PP3/4 CR3.5/4
Grade Level: S