Goodbye, Perfect by Sara Barnard

  Goodbye, Perfect by Sara Barnard, Simon & Schuster, January 2019. 9781534402447.

Format: Hardcover

Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 4.5

Genre:  Contemporary Fiction

What did you like about the book? Eden and Bonnie have been best friends since they were young children; Bonnie has always been steady and responsible, while Eden was raised in instability before being adopted. Even though they’re different, they always understand one another, always keep each other’s secrets. So when Bonnie disappears one day with her secret boyfriend, Eden is completely shocked along with everyone else to learn that Bonnie’s boyfriend is actually a teacher at their school.

Eden is the only person Bonnie has reached out to since she ran away, and Eden feels compelled to keep her secret. This is the only person who has stayed consistent in Eden’s life, and Bonnie chose to leave, so all the things they’re saying in the news can’t be as big of a deal as they seem, right?

Eden’s story is a raw and emotional take on those left behind in the wake of scandal. As she tries to understand what has happened to her best friend, Eden must also come to terms with the fact that she may not have known Bonnie as well as she thought. We see all of the complex emotions that happen to young people as Eden struggles to find her place in her family, her relationships, and the world, all the while hoping that Bonnie makes it home safely.

Anything you didn’t like about it? No

To whom would you recommend this book? Fans of light crime or contemporary fiction

Who should buy this book? High schools and public libraries

Where would you shelve it ? YA Fiction

Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? Yes

Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Emily Tricco, Goodnow Library, Sudbury MA

Date of review: 2/18/19