Almost Perfect - Brian Katcher

Almost Perfect by Brian Katcher
Genre: YA Realistic Fiction

Blurb (on back of book): Eighteen-year-old Logan Witherspoon has just discovered that his girlfriend of three years cheated on him. But things start to look up when a new student enrolls in his small-town high school. Tall, unconventionally pretty, and a bit awkward, Sage Hendricks appeals to Logan at a time when he trusts no one. And as Logan learns more about Sage, he realizes that she needs a friend as much as he does, if not more. One day, he acts on his growing attraction and kisses her. Moments later, he wishes he hadn't. Sage discloses a secret: biologically; she's a boy.
Enraged, frightened, and feeling betrayed, Logan lashes out at Sage. Once his anger has cooled, however, his regrets lead him to attempt to rekindle their friendship. Impressed that Logan is even trying to understand, Sage agrees to give him a second chance. But Logan has no idea how rocky the road back to friendship will be, or how many unexpected, exciting, and painful places he and Sage will visit along the way.

MY OPINION: *****

This book dealt with topics that I honestly have never thought to read about before, or I just didn't have a chance to.

This book is about a boy named Logan who has just suffered a break-up with his three-year relationship with his girlfriend, Brenda, who cheated on him. He thinks that his luck with girls is basically nothing now...

Until he meets Sage, the new girl in his science class.

He immediately befriends her, but being a teenage boy, he obviously wants their friendship to become something more. But when he tries to kiss her, she runs away scared and Logan is left feeling hurt and confused.

After a couple more "dates" and talks, Sage finally opens up to Logan...

Biologically, Sage was born a boy.

Logan feels hurt and outraged at this "betrayal" but after he calms down (that took forever by the way) he decides that he can start a new friendship again with Sage. 

But his "romantic" feelings soon give way and now Logan feels angry and confused...

SO this book was unlike what I've read before. It dealt with different topics (such as being transgender or even gay) and how sometimes, parents really don't understand. What really got me into the book was the fact that Logan was willing to be there for Sage (most of the time) to help her, despite his feelings, etc.

The ending though...

Logan never sees Sage again? What? Where did that come from???

And I want to know more. What happened? Did Sage ever get the surgery? Who did Logan end up with? Do Logan and Sage ever get "back together?"

Anyways, here are some of my favorite quotes:

"When Sage had first told me about her past, she needed me to be understanding. I was hateful. When she needed a friend, I turned into a lover. And when she needed a lover, I wanted nothing to do with her. How many times could I apologize? I was like one of those alcoholics who keep swearing that this time, they're really going to stay sober." -Page 322

"There was something very natural and insanely frustrating about being here, quietly eating with Sage. I tried to put my finger on it. Maybe it was the silence. When was the last time I'd just sat quietly with someone? Certainly not around Jack. Or my mom. Or Brenda. Silence with her had always felt awkward; I'd always felt like she was bored." -Page 77

Also, I loved Jack. That dude was funny AND serious and I just loved him.

I would recommend this book to people who are looking for a more serious book.

Main Character: Logan
Sidekick(s): Sage, Tim, Jack, Tammi, etc
Villain(s): Sage's parents, being "different", etc
Realistic Fiction Elements: Everything in this book was all very real to life.