Flawless - Book Review

Title ~ Flawless
Series ~ Single Title
Author ~ Lara Chapman
Release Date ~ May 10, 2011
Age Group ~ Young Adult
Publisher ~ Bloomsbury USA Children’s Books
Source ~ Bloomsbury USA Children’s Books

GOODREADS SUMMARY

Sarah Burke is just about perfect. She's got killer blue eyes, gorgeous blond hair, and impeccable grades. There's just one tiny-all right, enormous-flaw: her nose. But even that's not so bad. Sarah's got the best best friend and big goals for print journalism fame.

On the first day of senior year, Rock Conway walks into her journalism class and, well, rocks her world. Problem is, her best friend, Kristen, falls for him too. And when Rock and Kristen stand together, it's like Barbie and Ken come to life. So when Kristen begs Sarah to help her nab Rock, Sarah does the only thing a best friend can do-she agrees. For someone so smart, what was she thinking?

REVIEW

We have all heard from adults that “It is what is on the inside that counts.” If adults really wanted to get their message across, they would have their kids pick up Flawless.  As Sarah struggles to accept her nose, she realizes that what she offers on the inside is even more important. I love stories that teach a lesson while they entertain. Win-Win.

Speaking of Sarah’s nose, I can still not totally picture what it looks like. I settled for something that reminds me of a parrot nose, curvy and very big. Even though Sarah claims that she is okay with her nose, it is obvious that she is self-conscious. For all her bravo, she seems to see herself as only her nose, not the wonderfully unique person she really is. It’s sad that Sarah even lacks the confidence to admit that she is uneasy with her nose.

If you think the story is loosely based on Cyrano de Bergerac, you are right. Remember, he's the guy with the big nose.  I read the children's version of Cyrano, and I am thrilled with the modern twist in Flawless. If you read both books, you will know exactly what I am talking about. I am shocked that the girls are able to keep their charade going as long as they are.

Sarah’s forbidden affection for Rock is classic. I learned just how special and tormenting love can be when you are being denied the ability to express your true feelings. Despite wishing that Sarah was with Rock, I could not work up any hatred for Kristen. She was oblivious to Sarah’s feelings and she seemed to honestly like Rock for most of the book. Oh, and I don’t even get me started on the dramatic romantic conclusion to this sweet story.

Lara Chapman’s debut is delightful and engaging. I fell in love with every single page.

RATING

5 Loved

COVER COMMENTS

How cool is this cover?  I like that Sarah's nose is missing so we are forced to picture it on our own.  That makeup is just gorgeous.  Look at those eyes!