Pretty Little Liars: Perfect - Book Review

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Perfect by Sara Shepard is the third book in the Pretty Little Liars series. The book continues the story of four teenage girls, Aria, Emily, Hanna, and Spencer, who are trying to uncover the identity of the mysterious "A" who has been threatening them with secrets from their past. The book explores themes of identity, relationships, and the consequences of our actions.

One of the significant themes in Perfect is the idea of perfection and the pressure to maintain it. The girls are constantly striving for perfection in their lives, whether it be in their appearance, their grades, or their social status. However, the book shows that the pressure to be perfect can have negative consequences. Aria is struggling with her relationship with her English teacher, Ezra, and the fact that their relationship is illegal. Emily is dealing with the fallout from coming out to her family and friends. Hanna is struggling with her bulimia and trying to maintain her popular image. Spencer is trying to live up to her sister's perfection and the pressure that comes with it.

The pressure to be perfect is also shown through the character of Alison, who is no longer alive but still plays a significant role in the girls' lives. Alison was the queen bee of their group, and her influence is still felt even after her death. The girls are constantly trying to live up to Alison's standards, and her perfection is often used as a weapon against them.

Another significant theme in Perfect is the idea of consequences. The girls' past actions come back to haunt them, and they are forced to confront the consequences of their choices. Aria's relationship with Ezra has far-reaching consequences, not just for her but for those around her. Emily's decision to come out has consequences for her family and her relationship with her friends. Hanna's bulimia has serious health consequences, and she must face the reality of what she is doing to her body. Spencer's actions have consequences for her relationship with her family and her friends.

The theme of consequences is also explored through the character of "A." "A" is still sending the girls messages and manipulating them, but the consequences of "A's" actions are becoming more severe. The girls are not just receiving threats, but their lives are being endangered, and they must take action to protect themselves.

Another significant theme in Perfect is the idea of trust. The girls are constantly questioning who they can trust and who is keeping secrets from them. The book shows that trust is essential for healthy relationships, but it can also be fragile and easily broken. The girls' relationships with each other are complicated and often fraught with tension and conflict, but the book shows that these relationships are also essential for the girls' well-being. The book also explores the girls' relationships with their families, showing the complex dynamics that exist between parents and children.

The theme of trust is also explored through the character of Ezra. Aria is struggling with her relationship with Ezra, and she is not sure if she can trust him. The book shows that trust is essential in any relationship, but it can also be difficult to achieve when there are secrets and lies involved.

One of the strengths of Perfect is its ability to create tension and suspense. The identity of "A" is still a mystery, and the reader is left wondering who "A" could be and what their motivations are. The book also adds new twists and turns to the plot, keeping the reader engaged and interested.

The book's portrayal of mental health is also a strength. Hanna's struggles with bulimia are portrayed in a realistic and sensitive way, and the book shows the harmful effects of eating disorders. The book also explores the idea that mental health is not something that can be fixed overnight and that it requires time and effort to overcome.

However, the book's portrayal of mental health is not perfect. The character of Mona, who is also struggling with mental health issues, is portrayed in a stereotypical and stigmatising way. Mona is portrayed as being "crazy" and dangerous, and her mental health struggles are not given the same sensitivity and nuance as Hanna's. This is a missed opportunity for the book to provide a more nuanced and accurate portrayal of mental health issues.

Another weakness of Perfect is the continued use of toxic and harmful tropes in the portrayal of LGBTQ& #43 ; characters. The character of Maya, who is Emily's love interest, is portrayed as promiscuous and untrustworthy. This is a harmful trope that perpetuates the idea that LGBTQ& #43 ; individuals are not capable of monogamous relationships and cannot be trusted. The book also uses Maya's bisexuality as a plot device to create tension and conflict in her relationship with Emily, further perpetuating harmful stereotypes.

Overall, Perfect is an engaging and suspenseful read that explores important themes of perfection, consequences, trust, and mental health. The book's portrayal of mental health and LGBTQ& #43 ; characters is not perfect, but it does offer a starting point for further discussion and reflection. The book's strengths lie in its ability to create tension and suspense and to keep the reader engaged and interested. The series as a whole has been popular with young adult audiences and has been adapted into a successful television show, showcasing the enduring appeal of the characters and their stories.

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