The Perfect Score : Book Review

"The Perfect Score" by Julie Kenner is an engrossing and thrilling young adult novel that revolves around four high school students who unite to ace their SATs by any means necessary. The story unfolds from the perspectives of these four diverse and relatable characters as they navigate the stress of academic excellence and the depths they are willing to plunge to attain their aspirations.

Firstly, we meet Alex, the genius of the group, relentlessly pursuing a perfect SAT score to secure his dream future. Then there's Ronnie, the standout soccer player, betting on a high SAT score to secure a sports scholarship. Next is Hacksaw, the aspiring artist whose unconventional study methods immediately captured my attention. Finally, we have Santa, a master of disguise and a hacker extraordinaire, who adds a unique twist to their master plan.

Kenner skillfully delves into each character's motivations and fears, enabling readers to wholeheartedly support them and become emotionally invested in their journey. The chemistry and camaraderie between the main characters are tangible, and their interactions are both humorous and heartwarming. I particularly appreciated how Kenner seamlessly integrates typical teenage challenges such as friendship, romance, and self-discovery into the overarching plot.

One aspect that truly impressed me was Kenner's ability to maintain a fast pace and high tension throughout the novel. The group's pursuit of the perfect score is riddled with unexpected twists and turns, rendering it nearly impossible to predict what will transpire next. Paired with Kenner's sharp writing style and clever dialogue, this creates a captivating reading experience that held me enthralled until the very last page.

In conclusion, "The Perfect Score" is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that explores themes of ambition, friendship, and the lengths one is willing to go to achieve their dreams. Julie Kenner's adept storytelling, well-developed characters, and gripping plot make this book an absolute must-read for both young adults and those who crave an enthralling narrative.

What are readers saying?

Julie Kenner’s novel "The Perfect Score" has received a diverse range of reviews, with readers expressing varying opinions on the story, characters, and overall appeal of the book.

Some reviewers highly praised the fast-paced and engaging nature of the plot, which they described as a thrilling roller coaster ride that kept them hooked from beginning to end. They found the twists and turns to be unpredictable and exciting, making for a gripping thriller. These readers commend the author for creating suspense and maintaining excellent pacing throughout the book.

On the other hand, there were readers who felt that the characters in the story lacked depth and development. They found it challenging to connect with or care about the protagonists, which ultimately affected their enjoyment of the overall story. Some reviewers also noticed that the dialogue between the characters felt forced and unrealistic, making it difficult for them to fully immerse themselves in the narrative.

The writing style of the book also received mixed feedback. Some readers appreciated Kenner's engaging and descriptive prose, which allowed them to vividly visualize the scenes and settings. They praised the author's ability to create tension and build suspense through her writing. However, other reviewers thought that the writing was overly simplistic and lacked sophistication, which diminished their overall reading experience.

The ending of the book also divided readers. While some found the resolution satisfying and thought-provoking, others found it rushed and felt that there were loose ends left unaddressed. A few reviewers expressed disappointment with the lack of closure or a clear explanation for certain plot points.

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