Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

The first novel in a series.

The back of the book (or the front cover) says:
At Fairfield High School, on the outskirts of Chicago, everyone knows that South-siders and North-siders aren't exactly compatible elements. So when head cheerleader Brittany Ellis and gang member Alex Fuentes are forced to be lab partners in Chemistry class, the results are bound to be explosive.Neither teen is prepared for the most surprising chemical reaction of all-- love. Can they break through the stereotypes and misconceptions that threaten to keep them apart? Travel to both sides of the track in a passionate love story about looking beneath the surface.


My thoughts: I loved this story! Brittany is determined to keep her perfect, untouchable facade up, but it soons becomes unbearable. Her sister Shelley has cerebral palsy, and even at twenty years old can't feed or dress herself like a normal person. Brittany cares about Shelley more than her own life and would do anything to protect her. Nobody knows of her except Brittany's best friend Sierra, and her boyfriend, Colin. Brittany's mother is always critical and seems to only care if Brittany's outfit will help her have high stantards. Her dad is not even around much because of work. Colin is pressuring her. Everything is falling apart. Alex is in a gang to help his family. One member of the family is in and the rest is protected. Alex is protective of his mi 'ama (did i spell that right?) and his two little brothers. He wants to keep them away from the Blood (the gang), because he knows that its a dirty business. Alex's dad died in a drug deal when Alex was five in front of him. He remembers the shock on his dad's face as the bullet was shot but can't remember the shooter. The book is shown in the point of view of Brittany and Alex. They are the only one's who truly understand eachother. They find this out when Alex bets his "friend" Lucky from the Blood that he can get snow girl Brittany into bed before the end of year. But what if he actually starts falling for her? This is a sloppy and rushed review, I know. I'm sorry. Perfect Chemisty is my favorite book now. It's a love story with many twists and nail biting moments.
I suggest you read it. Five stars.

"This is a novel that can be imbraced by male and female readers in equal measure" - Booklist

For the trailer (It's funny and the book is too but also has a serious concept) click here because it cuts half the screen off if i put it here =( And click here to go to the authors website. Bye.