Past Perfect Review

Author: Leila Sales
Release Date: October 4, 2011
Pages: 322 (egalley)
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Most Appropriate For Ages: 12+
Where I Got It: For review from Galley Grab

All Chelsea wants to do this summer is hang out with her best friend, hone her talents as an ice cream connoisseur, and finally get over Ezra, the boy who broke her heart. But when Chelsea shows up for her summer job at Essex Historical Colonial Village (yes, really), it turns out Ezra’s working there too. Which makes moving on and forgetting Ezra a lot more complicated…even when Chelsea starts falling for someone new.

Maybe Chelsea should have known better than to think that a historical reenactment village could help her escape her past. But with Ezra all too present, and her new crush seeming all too off limits, all Chelsea knows is that she’s got a lot to figure out about love. Because those who don’t learn from the past are doomed to repeat it….

When I picked up Past Perfect, I hadn't heard much about it. I had heard good things about Sales' debut novel, Mostly Good Girls, and if it is anything like this book than I'll have to pick it up sooner than later, 'cause I had a blast reading Past Perfect.

I know I say books are funny a lot, but guys believe me when I say that this book is FUNNY in every way a book can be. From Chelsea's inner-thoughts, to the way she interacts with her best friend Fiona and her dad (her dad!), to the whole concept behind a Revolutionary War VS. Civil War war, Past Perfect had me smiling and laughing non-stop.

But there is more to Past Perfect than just being a funny book. It also talked a lot about how to get over the past and to remember it correctly and...well, without getting too personal, it was exactly what I needed right now. I definitely learned something from this book that I'll be remembering for a long time, and I can't thank Sales enough for that.

Watching Chelsea stumble through her last summer as a high-schooler and figuring out right and wrong proved to be entertaining and insightful. I can't wait to read more from Leila Sales, because I have a feeling that there's nowhere to go but up from here.

Plot: Different and fun and interesting.

Characters: Chelsea (realistically) screwed up a lot, but I loved her anyways. And Dan. And Fiona. And Tawny. And her dad. And...yeah, everyone.

Writing: Very good!

Ending: Saw it coming, but whatever. It was still great.

Kind Friendly? There was mild swearing, mentions of teen drinking, and some making out.
Should I read it? Yes. Definitely. I think everyone will need to learn Leila's lessons as much as she did. (And even if you don't, you should still definitely read it. Especially if you like history. Or if you don't. JUST READ IT.)

Overall: