Why You Should Read Perfect by Ellen Hopkins in Epub Format: A Review and Analysis
Perfect by Ellen Hopkins: A Review of the Epub Version
Have you ever felt the pressure to be perfect? To look perfect, act perfect, perform perfect, and live perfect? If so, you might relate to the characters in Perfect, a young adult novel by Ellen Hopkins. In this article, I will review the epub version of Perfect, which is the fourth book in the Impulse series. I will summarize the plot, analyze the themes and style, and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of this novel. I will also explain why reading Perfect in epub format is a great choice for digital readers.
Ellen Hopkins Perfect Epub 31 skinner dauphin trad
Introduction
Perfect is a novel that follows the lives of four teenagers who are struggling with different aspects of perfectionism. They are all connected by their relationship to Conner, a character from Impulse, who attempted suicide and was sent to a psychiatric hospital. The four main characters are:
Cara, Conner's twin sister, who is a lesbian and wants to escape her controlling parents.
Kendra, Conner's ex-girlfriend, who is a model and suffers from anorexia nervosa.
Sean, Kendra's boyfriend, who is a baseball player and abuses steroids.
Andre, Cara's boyfriend, who is a dancer and dreams of becoming a professional.
The novel explores various themes and issues that are relevant to today's youth, such as body image, eating disorders, steroids, sexuality, suicide, family pressure, and mental health. It also challenges the readers to question their own definitions of perfection and happiness.
Ellen Hopkins is a bestselling author who is known for her realistic and controversial novels written in free verse poetry. She has written over twenty books for young adults and adults, including Crank, Burned, Tilt, and Traffick. She draws inspiration from her own experiences and those of her family members, many of whom have struggled with addiction and mental illness.
If you are interested in reading Perfect, you might want to consider downloading it in epub format. Epub is a popular file format for ebooks that can be read on various devices, such as smartphones, tablets, e-readers, and computers. Epub files have many advantages over other formats, such as:
They are compatible with most ebook readers and apps.
They are easy to download and transfer.
They are flexible and adaptable to different screen sizes and orientations.
They allow the readers to customize the font size, style, and color.
They support multimedia elements, such as images, audio, and video.
Summary of Perfect
The four main characters
The novel is divided into four sections, each focusing on one of the main characters. Each section is also narrated by the respective character, giving the readers an insight into their thoughts and feelings. The following is a brief overview of each character's story:
Cara
Cara is Conner's twin sister, who feels guilty for not being able to prevent his suicide attempt. She is also a lesbian, but she hides her sexuality from her parents, who are conservative and homophobic. She is dating Andre, a dancer, who is supportive of her orientation. She wants to go to Stanford with him, but her parents have other plans for her. She decides to rebel against them by cutting her hair, getting a tattoo, and running away with Andre.
Kendra
Kendra is Conner's ex-girlfriend, who broke up with him after he cheated on her. She is a model, who is obsessed with her appearance and weight. She suffers from anorexia nervosa, which causes her to starve herself and exercise excessively. She is dating Sean, a baseball player, who is also obsessed with his physique. She wants to become a famous supermodel, but she faces competition from other girls and pressure from her agents. She resorts to taking diet pills, laxatives, and cocaine to cope.
Sean
Sean is Kendra's boyfriend, who is a baseball player and a steroid user. He is insecure about his height and strength, which leads him to abuse steroids and other drugs. He is also aggressive and violent, which causes him to get into fights and trouble with the law. He wants to get a scholarship to play college baseball, but he risks losing it because of his drug use and bad behavior. He becomes addicted to steroids and suffers from side effects, such as mood swings, acne, and impotence.
Andre
Andre is Cara's boyfriend, who is a dancer and an aspiring professional. He is passionate about his art and talent, but he faces challenges from his family and society. His father is a lawyer, who wants him to follow in his footsteps. His mother is an alcoholic, who neglects him and his younger sister. He also faces discrimination and ridicule for being a male dancer. He wants to audition for a prestigious dance company, but he doubts his abilities and chances.
The themes and issues explored
The novel explores various themes and issues that are relevant to today's youth, such as:
Perfectionism
The novel shows how the characters are driven by the desire to be perfect in different aspects of their lives. They set unrealistic and unattainable standards for themselves and others, which leads them to feel inadequate and unhappy. They also compare themselves to others and feel inferior or superior based on their appearance, performance, or achievements. They fail to recognize their own worth and potential beyond their flaws and mistakes.
Body image
The novel shows how the characters are influenced by the media and society's expectations of beauty and attractiveness. They are constantly exposed to images and messages that promote thinness, muscularity, or sexiness as the ideal standards of beauty. They are dissatisfied with their own bodies and try to change them through extreme measures, such as dieting, exercising, or using drugs. They also judge others based on their physical appearance and make assumptions about their personality or character.
Eating disorders
The novel shows how Kendra suffers from anorexia nervosa, which is an eating disorder characterized by self-starvation and excessive weight loss. She has a distorted body image and believes that she is fat and ugly. She restricts her food intake and counts every calorie she consumes. She also exercises compulsively and purges after eating by taking laxatives or vomiting. She denies that she has a problem and refuses to seek help or treatment.
Steroids
The novel shows how Sean uses steroids, which are synthetic hormones that enhance muscle growth and performance. He injects himself with steroids regularly and obtains them from shady dealers or online sources. He believes that steroids will make him stronger, faster, and more attractive. He ignores the negative consequences of steroid use, such as health risks, legal issues, or ethical concerns.
Sexuality
Sexuality
The novel shows how Cara deals with her sexuality as a lesbian in a homophobic environment. She is afraid to come out to her parents, who are conservative and religious. She is also bullied and harassed by her classmates, who call her names and spread rumors about her. She finds support and acceptance from Andre, who is also gay, and from a group of LGBT friends. She learns to embrace her identity and stand up for herself and others.
Suicide
The novel shows how the characters are affected by Conner's suicide attempt, which is the catalyst for their stories. They are shocked and saddened by his action, which reveals his hidden pain and despair. They also feel guilty and responsible for not being able to help him or prevent him from harming himself. They wonder what drove him to such a drastic decision and what they could have done differently. They also contemplate their own mortality and the meaning of life.
Family pressure
The novel shows how the characters are influenced by their family's expectations and demands. They feel the pressure to please their parents and follow their plans for their future. They also feel the burden of their family's problems and secrets, such as divorce, alcoholism, abuse, or neglect. They struggle to communicate with their parents and siblings and to express their own opinions and feelings. They also seek their family's love and approval, but often feel rejected or ignored.
Mental health
The novel shows how the characters cope with various mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder. They experience symptoms such as mood swings, insomnia, panic attacks, flashbacks, or hallucinations. They also face stigma and discrimination from others who do not understand or accept their condition. They try to hide or deny their problems and avoid seeking help or treatment. They also resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as self-harm, substance abuse, or isolation.
The style and structure of Perfect
The novel is written in free verse poetry, which is a form of poetry that does not follow any fixed rules of rhyme or meter. The author uses this style to create a unique and expressive voice for each character and to convey their emotions and thoughts more effectively. The author also uses various literary devices, such as symbolism, imagery, metaphor, simile, alliteration, repetition, or personification to enhance the meaning and impact of the words.
The novel is structured into four sections, each focusing on one of the main characters. Each section is also narrated by the respective character in the first-person point of view. The author uses this structure to show the different perspectives and experiences of the characters and to create a connection between them and the readers. The author also uses parallelism and contrast to highlight the similarities and differences between the characters and their situations.
Analysis of Perfect
The strengths of Perfect
The novel has many strengths that make it a compelling and memorable read. Some of these strengths are:
Realistic and relatable characters
The author creates realistic and relatable characters that the readers can empathize with and care about. The characters are complex and multidimensional, with both strengths and weaknesses. They are not stereotypes or clichés, but rather authentic and diverse individuals who face real-life challenges and dilemmas. The author also gives each character a distinct voice and personality that reflects their background and situation.
Emotional and powerful language
The author uses emotional and powerful language that captures the readers' attention and imagination. The language is simple yet poetic, direct yet subtle, raw yet elegant. The language conveys the intensity and depth of the characters' feelings and thoughts, as well as the beauty and horror of their experiences. The language also evokes various emotions in the readers, such as sympathy, anger, sadness, joy, or hope.
Thought-provoking and challenging topics
Thought-provoking and challenging topics
The author explores thought-provoking and challenging topics that are relevant to today's youth and society, such as perfectionism, body image, eating disorders, steroids, sexuality, suicide, family pressure, and mental health. The author does not shy away from depicting the harsh realities and consequences of these issues, but also offers hope and solutions. The author also encourages the readers to question their own beliefs and values and to seek their own happiness and fulfillment.
The weaknesses of Perfect
The novel also has some weaknesses that might affect the readers' enjoyment or appreciation of it. Some of these weaknesses are:
Depressing and bleak tone
The novel has a depressing and bleak tone that might be too overwhelming or depressing for some readers. The novel does not sugarcoat or romanticize the characters' problems and struggles, but rather shows them in a realistic and graphic way. The novel also does not offer a happy or satisfying ending for the characters, but rather leaves them in a state of uncertainty or despair. The novel might trigger or upset some readers who are sensitive to the topics or themes discussed.
Graphic and disturbing scenes
The novel contains graphic and disturbing scenes that might be too shocking or disturbing for some readers. The novel depicts scenes of violence, abuse, self-harm, drug use, sex, rape, and suicide in a vivid and explicit way. The novel also uses strong and vulgar language that might offend some readers. The novel might not be suitable or appropriate for younger or more conservative readers.
Confusing and abrupt ending
The novel has a confusing and abrupt ending that might leave some readers unsatisfied or frustrated. The novel ends with a cliffhanger that does not resolve the characters' stories or situations. The novel also does not explain some of the events or mysteries that occurred throughout the story, such as Conner's fate, Cara's tattoo, Kendra's pregnancy, Sean's arrest, or Andre's audition. The novel might leave some readers with more questions than answers.
Conclusion
The main takeaways from Perfect
The main takeaways from Perfect are that perfection is an illusion and a trap that can lead to unhappiness and misery. The novel shows that no one is perfect and that everyone has flaws and mistakes. The novel also shows that perfection is subjective and relative, and that everyone has different definitions and standards of perfection. The novel suggests that instead of striving for perfection, one should strive for acceptance and growth. One should accept oneself and others as they are, and work on improving oneself and one's life.
The target audience and rating of Perfect
The target audience of Perfect is young adults who are interested in realistic and controversial fiction. The novel is suitable for readers who are mature enough to handle the topics and themes discussed in the story. The novel is also suitable for readers who enjoy free verse poetry and multiple perspectives. The novel is not suitable for readers who are looking for a light-hearted or uplifting read, or who are easily offended or disturbed by graphic or explicit content.
The target audience and rating of Perfect
The target audience of Perfect is young adults who are interested in realistic and controversial fiction. The novel is suitable for readers who are mature enough to handle the topics and themes discussed in the story. The novel is also suitable for readers who enjoy free verse poetry and multiple perspectives. The novel is not suitable for readers who are looking for a light-hearted or uplifting read, or who are easily offended or disturbed by graphic or explicit content.
The rating of Perfect is 4 out of 5 stars. The novel is well-written and engaging, with realistic and relatable characters, emotional and powerful language, and thought-provoking and challenging topics. The novel is also original and creative, with a unique style and structure that sets it apart from other novels. The novel has some flaws, such as a depressing and bleak tone, graphic and disturbing scenes, and a confusing and abrupt ending, but they do not overshadow its strengths.
The benefits of reading Perfect in epub format
If you are interested in reading Perfect, you might want to consider downloading it in epub format. Epub is a popular file format for ebooks that can be read on various devices, such as smartphones, tablets, e-readers, and computers. Epub files have many benefits over other formats, such as:
They are compatible with most ebook readers and apps.
They are easy to download and transfer.
They are flexible and adaptable to different screen sizes and orientations.
They allow the readers to customize the font size, style, and color.
They support multimedia elements, such as images, audio, and video.
Reading Perfect in epub format will enhance your reading experience and enjoyment. You will be able to read the novel on your preferred device and app, without any compatibility issues or hassles. You will also be able to adjust the settings to suit your preferences and needs, such as changing the font size or color to improve readability or comfort. You will also be able to see the images that accompany the text, such as the tattoo designs or the dance poses, which will add to the visual appeal and meaning of the story.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Perfect and their answers:
Q: Do I need to read Impulse before reading Perfect?
A: No, you do not need to read Impulse before reading Perfect. Perfect is a companion novel to Impulse, not a sequel. It features different characters and stories that are connected by their relationship to Conner, a character from Impulse. You can read Perfect as a standalone novel without missing any important information or context.
Q: Is Perfect based on a true story?
Q: Is Perfect based on a true story?
A: No, Perfect is not based on a true story. However, the author Ellen Hopkins draws inspiration from her own experiences and those of her family members, many of whom have struggled with addiction and mental illness. She also does extensive research on the topics and issues she writes about, such as eating disorders, steroids, sexuality, suicide, and family pressure. She also interviews experts and people who have gone through similar situations as her characters. Therefore, Perfect is realistic and accurate in its portrayal of these issues and their impact on the characters and their lives.
Q: How can I get a copy of Perfect in epub format?
A: You can get a copy of Perfect in epub format from various online sources, such as ebooks.com, archive.org, or readanybook.com. You can also check your local library or bookstore for availability. You will need an ebook reader or app that supports epub files to read the novel on your device. Some of the popular ebook readers and apps are Kindle, Nook, Kobo, iBooks, Google Play Books, or Adobe Digital Editions.
Q: What are some other books by Ellen Hopkins that I might enjoy?
A: If you enjoyed Perfect, you might also enjoy some of the other books by Ellen Hopkins, such as:
Impulse, which is the first book in the Impulse series and tells the story of Conner, Vanessa, and Tony, three teenagers who meet at a psychiatric hospital after attempting suicide.
Tilt, which is another companion novel to Impulse and Perfect, and tells the story of Mikayla, Shane, and Harley, three teenagers who are affected by HIV/AIDS.
Crank, which is the first book in the Crank trilogy and tells the story of Kristina, a teenage girl who becomes addicted to methamphetamine.
Burned, which tells the story of Pattyn, a teenage girl who rebels against her abusive and religious family and falls in love with a boy from a different background.
Traffick, which tells the story of five teenagers who are involved in human trafficking.
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