"Perfect Chemistry" merely started out as a cliche love story, in which the simple cover caught my eye. As I started and continued to read, I realized I was all wrong about this book, and had ironically, "judged this book by its cover," as well as its name. This story has taken twists and turns down avenues no other book I've read before has gone. Brittany Ellis and Alex Fuentes, two high school students much like myself, are drawn to each other, despite all of their cultural differences. Alex, a Hispanic gang member, hides his soft heart behind his harsh exterior while Brittany, the wealthy cheerleader, keeps her family's secrets locked away behind her "perfect" look. Although "Perfect Chemistry" follows the complicated love story of Alex and Brittany, there's more to the book than just that. Brittany is from the North side of town where all the richest people with the most extravegant houses reside. Alex, is the exact opposite. His side of town, the South side, is run down, dirty, and plays home to the poorer residence in the city. The North side consists of people who flaunt their money, to make themselves feel better about their lives. The people are stuck up, rude, and react harshly to anyone who is not of their status. One day, Alex arrives at Brittany's house to work on their chemistry project (if you didn't get it already, Brittany and Alex are chemistry partners, hence the name "Perfect Chemistry") where Brittany's mother opens the door and assumes Alex to be a solicitor. Once he asks for Brittany, Brittany's mother swiftly dismisses Alex, lying saying Brittany was out. Later, Brittany's mother angrily confronts Brittany saying she should not converse with people of Alex's status. On the other hand, Alex's South side of town is a little more in tune with reality. Although these people do not own the materialistic items the North side does, they are incredibly more accepting to all different kinds of people. Alex and Brittany will come to many barriers during their relationship, but, the biggest complication is working around the barricades set up by their two sides of town. This book considers the theme of how two totally opposite people can so easily fall in love. But, like all great love stories, there are complications. Alex and Brittany must relinquish from their hierarchy to be able to come together.

This book has become a basic necessity to me, something I could never say about another book. Although it is not a hard read, or filled with difficult vocabulary, the insight of these two totally different types of people, keeps me wanting more. Every page holds a descriptive paragraph or pharse about something extra, just to set the scene and the mood, creating even more vivid images through my mind as I read. At the same time, Simone Elkeles has filled the book with obviously not only the English language, but there is also a little bit of Spanish throughout the book (good thing I took Spanish classes, or else I'd have no idea what was going on) to enhance Alex's character. It makes the book different, helps it stand out and keep the flow of the conversations between characters going. The author keeps the pace changing at times as well. Arising action will occur in one scene and then a chill setting will come right back the next, and everything in between. It seems as if there is never a dull moment. Every moment I'm reading, I seem to find myself caught up in the characters, the depiction of the scenes, or the drama that fills the pages.

As a high school student, this books theme is eminent in the halls of school. One is able to see the girls like Brittany, who keep the perfect exterior, but are really trying to hide their realities. Then there are the tough on the outside, soft on the inside boys, just like Alex, and everyone in between. These people, of complete opposite statuses always seem the ones to actually have that "chemical reaction." Everyday in the hall at school, we can find that couple who resembles Alex and Brittany. These are the people who are able to put aside their differences, for the ability to have a chance at love. Their hierarchy of either popularity or social class, has been broken down in order to experience the rush of a great love story.