cover image The Perfect Guy

The Perfect Guy

Ann Herrick. Starfire, $2.95 (0pp) ISBN 978-0-553-27927-6

This book follows the format of many a teenage romance: sophomore girl falls for handsome senior, then comes to realize that the boy next door is more her type. But even if the impending conflicts and final outcome become obvious in the first few chapters, it is delightful to trace the twists and turns of the plot. When her mother remarries, Rebecca becomes stepsister to the boy of her dreams, but soon discovers that her new living arrangement is more awkward than convenient. Pres, the new brother, has eyes for Celeste, Rebecca's best friend. In turn, Celeste's brother Josh has more than a passing interest in Rebecca. Things, of course, end happily--everyone gets a date for the upcoming graduation dance. The most refreshing aspect of this contemporary story is that all major characters are remarkably well adjusted for their age and are extremely likable as well. The teenagers are presented as respectful, considerate and sensitive; Rebecca and Pres each make a strong, continual effort to adjust to new stepparents and accept each other as brother and sister. The author maintains a fast pace and brings off natural-sounding dialogue; overall, this novel is good entertainment. Ages 10-up. (Apr.)