Release Date: May 3, 2011 (UK)
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Recommended? Yes!
Source: Publisher
Buy the Book: Amazon US
Sarah Burke is just about perfect. She's got killer blue eyes, gorgeous blond hair, and impeccable grades. There's just one tiny-all right, enormous-flaw: her nose. But even that's not so bad. Sarah's got the best best friend and big goals for print journalism fame.
On the first day of senior year, Rock Conway walks into her journalism class and, well, rocks her world. Problem is, her best friend, Kristen, falls for him too. And when Rock and Kristen stand together, it's like Barbie and Ken come to life. So when Kristen begs Sarah to help her nab Rock, Sarah does the only thing a best friend can do-she agrees. For someone so smart, what was she thinking?
This hip retelling of Cyrano de Bergerac is filled with hilariously misguided matchmaking, sweet romance, and a gentle reminder that we should all embrace our flaws. - Goodreads Page
I admit, at first this book does sound like a cheesy read. I thought so anyway. But after reading it – in just one evening, might I add – I am slightly shocked and rather blown away!On the first day of senior year, Rock Conway walks into her journalism class and, well, rocks her world. Problem is, her best friend, Kristen, falls for him too. And when Rock and Kristen stand together, it's like Barbie and Ken come to life. So when Kristen begs Sarah to help her nab Rock, Sarah does the only thing a best friend can do-she agrees. For someone so smart, what was she thinking?
This hip retelling of Cyrano de Bergerac is filled with hilariously misguided matchmaking, sweet romance, and a gentle reminder that we should all embrace our flaws. - Goodreads Page
Flawless begins by introducing the reader to Sarah, the main protagonist in the novel, and her best friend Kristen. The fact that she has an enormous nose is made apparent very early on, as we see Sarah make her way to class while what seems like the rest of the school stare and whisper. And that’s when she meets Rock Conway. The story then takes off, with Sarah and Kristen lying in order to win Rock over. Kristen wants him for herself, but the problem is so does Sarah.
I loved Sarah so so much. I loved her insecurities, and I loved it when she was sticking up for herself. There’s a certain scene in the book involving one of her mum’s work colleagues which had be grinning from ear to ear.
I cannot believe that Flawless is Lara Chapman’s debut! She has such a strong voice, and that’s what made this novel stand out to me. It’s a touching read, with themes such as the importance of loyalty – to yourself first, and then to others – running throughout. I highly recommend this book. It may seem like a light read, but believe me when I tell you it will blow you away.
Great review!! I've been wanting to get my hands on this... because I love the story of Cyrano de Bergerac, which is what this book is based on. I'm glad to here that Chapman did a great job at it!! :)
ReplyDelete- Alyssa of Redhead Heroines
I always thought that noseless cover was a little creepy, but now that you've explained it's a Cyrano de Bergerac re-telling, I guess it makes a little more sense.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that much about this novel before reading your review but now you've convinced me that its one I'll have to read!
ReplyDeleteAlyssa - Thank you! I hadn't heard of the story of Cyrano de Bergerac before receiving this book, can you believe that?
ReplyDeleteMadigan - Aw, really? I thought it was a pretty cover xD Haha.
Shannon - I'm glad you're convinced by my review! I can't wait to see your thoughts on it when you eventually get it :)
Flawless was an adorable read that would be perfect for the beach, with the warm weather that is approaching! It was absolutely entertaining and had a very light feel to it, the book was over far too soon - all at once I felt like I have flipped the last page, and it was done.
ReplyDeleteI loved how Lara Chapman made the retelling of Cyrano de Bergerac completely her own! The plot was so fun to read - I just wanted to see how things would pan out for one character or another. The sort of sign posts along the way were obvious, but I never would have guessed a lot of the events that happened more towards the end.