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Far From Perfect Reader Reviews

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Far From Perfect

Faith Valentine seems to have a perfect life, but what she wants a life away from her intimidating family expectations. Join Faith on an adventure to show her real self.

I liked Holly Smale’s series 'Geek Girl', but this book is exceeds my expectations. The topic of the book was about Faith fighting to become her real self. This book was captivating - it hooked me from start to end and I could not put it down. This brilliant book is must-read for children aged 11-15. This book covered a collection of different matters affecting many young people in today’s world, not just children of celebrities or rich people. There are many important messages in this book including “There is more to perfection than meets the eye” which is relevant as many people see unrealistic lifestyles on social media platforms.

While some work hard for fame, others are born into it, whether they like it or not, like the Valentine children. The first book’s focuses on the youngest Valentine sibling - Hope and the second book’s centre of attention is the second youngest Valentine sibling - Faith. Strong, reliable Faith, keeping the family together. But there is more inside Faith than fame and acting. Does Faith want to be constantly scrutinised? All her family expect perfection from her, but Faith wants to be normal. Instead, paparazzi follows her everywhere. She must rehearse everything she says and does. She must always be herself - but someone else all the time as her family’s expectations are excruciatingly high. Follow Faith on a page-gripping adventure about how she breaks out of endless expectations forced upon her.

Elleanore Phillips

Absolutely loved this book!

Faith Valentine is a sixteen year old girl whose whole family are actors. They are very rich and very powerful. Her grandmother has won lots of Oscars and gives her lessons every Wednesday morning on how to behave like a Valentine. She has social media pages that she is told what to put on. She is told what to wear, how to speak, how to sit, how to do everything really. Her parents are in the middle of a divorce, but the world doesn’t know yet. Her mum has had a nervous breakdown and just hides in her room. Faith has to look after everyone, making sure things run smoothly.

I really really loved this book. It is broken into short chapters so it’s really easy to read. It has text messages, newspaper clippings and social media posts, so it breaks up the page and makes it more interesting and it has LOADS of silly jokes in it. Everyone wants to be famous these days and live the life of the rich and famous, but this book made me see what it can really be like. It’s not all sunshine and roses (yellow ones of course).

This book is great and I think everyone will just love it.

Lily O’Dwyer

‘Far From Perfect’ is a wonderful book about Faith who has a seemingly perfect life. “She is a Valentine, life is handed to her on a plate and all she has to do is not screw it up” is what her grandma says. Is this really the case? Will Faith, a successful and famous actor, find her true self?

‘Far From Perfect’ is a wonderful book about Faith who has a seemingly perfect life. “She is a Valentine, life is handed to her on a plate and all she has to do is not screw it up” is what her grandma says. The Valentines are a famous show business family and Faith has started young in the family trade. Even with a famous musical boyfriend, a large house and a brilliant life Faith is still not happy. She is trying to find her true self. Faith meets Scarlett, a fellow actor who took her part in a movie. Scarlett gives her sister-like advice that is transformational. When Faith takes part in an acting group she finds out everything people know about her is a lie. With the pressure her family gives her Faith just has to explode. Will things ever work out for Faith?
This book I think is good for age 9 – 13. You never know what will happen next, it is so hard to put down. I found this book a wonderful take of the perspective of the celebrity but not from the perspective of onlookers. This made it more interesting because it was from a perspective you wouldn’t normally think about. It is a book which helps you escape your own reality.
Will Faith find her voice and speak up? What would you do if you were Faith?

Gianna Smith

Sometimes, life makes us forget. Time passes by, and we are lost for a bit. Until a book comes in our hands – to remind us what really matters. This is that book. A beautiful continuation of the series. I recommend it to the teenagers – to find your purpose; and also to everyone else – to remember what that purpose is!

Far From Perfect manages to portray an unwanted life in the spotlight of a girl that simply wants to be normal. I was very satisfied to see how the media was presented in this book. They push famous people’s boundaries, twist stories and stir waters, causing dramas. And while I understand this is their job, I am grateful to see someone write about the negative impact they have on famous people.

I loved Faith as a character and I was so proud to see her stand up and fight. It was so easy to put myself in her shoes and experience her anger and frustration of not being listened to. I loved the friendship Faith has with Scarlett. It is real and funny and strong. But most of all, I loved the sister bond that Faith has with Mercy. It is so pure and emotional, and it made me think of my own little sister and how much she truly means to me.

The story Faith tells us is a story that will touch every teenager. The struggles of love, family, friendships and finding purpose in the world. We have all been there, we have all fought the same battles and we understand. Even though some problems may seem trivial as a grown up, I remember how important those moments were to me when I was young, and how they shaped me today, and I was glad this was not underestimated in this book.

And sometimes, life makes us forget. Time passes by, and we are lost for a bit. Until a book comes in our hands – to remind us what really matters. This is that book. A beautiful continuation of the series. I recommend it to the teenagers – to find your purpose; and also to everyone else – to remember what that purpose is!

Ivana - Diary of Difference

www.diaryofdifference.com

It is a really relatable and moving book. I loved it.

Far From Perfect is a really good book because it is very relatable and covers issues like body issues and mental health in an open and plain way without trying to sugar coat it. It made me laugh, it made me cry but most importantly it made me aware of everything that celebrities deal with every day and I found it very interesting. I love this book and can't wait to read the rest of the series.

Ellen Cox