Title: The Best Possible AnswerAuthor: E. Katherine Kottaras
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: November 1, 2016
Rating:
AP exams—check
SAT test—check
College application—check
Date the wrong guy and ruin everything you’ve spent your whole life working for—checkSuper-achiever Viviana Rabinovich-Lowe has never had room to be anything less than perfect. But her quest for perfection is derailed when her boyfriend leaks a private picture of her to the entire school—a picture only he was supposed to see. Making matters worse, her parents are getting divorced and now her perfect family is falling apart. For the first time, Vivi feels like a complete and utter failure.
Then she gets a job working at the community pool, where she meets a new group of friends who know nothing about her past. That includes Evan, a gorgeous guy who makes her want to do something she never thought she’d do again: trust. For the first time in her life, Vivi realizes she can finally be whoever she wants. But who is that? While she tries to figure it out, she learns something they never covered in her AP courses: that it’s okay to be less than perfect, because it’s our imperfections that make us who we are.
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Review: The Best Possible Answer by E. Katherine Kottaras
The Best Possible Answer by E. Katherine Kottaras is really surprising. This book is all about overcoming difficulties and contains a main character who overworks herself. The pool setting gives the book a great vibe. Also, the mix of fun and seriousness make this perfect for a fall TBR.
❀ All About Hardships
This book is all about dealing with hardship. After her ex leaks pictures of her, she overworks herself to the point of being hospitalized, and her parents announce divorce, Viviana takes the summer to calm down and work at the local pool. I loved how this book is light yet deals with serious topics and sadness. There is also a big theme of friendship and family, which is a fantastic aspect to the story. This book is perfect for curling up with on a rainy day.
❀ Interesting Main Character
Viviana is an interesting character who is easy to sympathize with. She deals with so much stress in her life and her family situation doesn’t help. AP students and academic overachievers will be able to relate to her, even if the situation is on the more extreme side. Viviana’s determination to get through her issues are admirable. Her ability to recognize that she should change her ways and not strive for perfection all the time.
❀ Wonderful Setting
The setting in The Best Possible Answer is so wonderful. The book is set at an apartment building with a pool where Viviana works. In the building and across the street are these quirky neighbours that Viviana and her friends create backstories for. The pool is one of the best places to be in a contemporary. Although it’s fall, it is still nice to read about summer and days in the sun.
❀ An Intense Book
The Best Possible Answer by E. Katherine Kottaras is a fun yet intense book with a perfectionist main character. I loved the setting of the pool and the summer vibes. I would recommend this book to those who like their contemporaries more on the serious side.
About E. Katherine Kottaras
E. Katherine Kottaras is originally from Chicago, but now she writes and teaches in the Los Angeles area. She holds an M.A. in English from the University of California, Irvine and teaches writing and literature at Pasadena City College. She is interested in the stories we tell, the stories we are given, and the ways we can redefine our worlds by discovering which stories are true.
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ Canadian YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, & professional bibliophile.
I’m so happy to hear this one was good. Nice review!
Oh I am definitely intrigued! I may have to add this to the never ending list of to buy, you’ve convinced me. Great review 🙂
I hope that you enjoy it as well!
This is the first time I am hearing about this one, and I am immediately intrigued by it. After reading your review, I am even more interested. This just sounds good!
I will never understand purposely taking pictures of yourself in a compromising postion.
However I like that Viv kind of gets a do over.
Right?! It makes no sense.
Photos, huh? If you can’t stop sending sexy, almost nude photos, at least crop out your head. lol
Seriously, a lot of young people may relate to this book. It sounds pretty good.
Hahahaha! That’s right and yes, I do think that it is a pretty relatable book. 🙂
This is interesting. Great review!
It’s not summer anymore, but I would still be up for a novel with that vibe. This sounds like an interesting book. I can somewhat relate to the main character because, although, I am not a perfectionist, I am a bit of an over achiever, especially when it comes to school. Great review!