John Egbert's Reviews > Almost Perfect

Almost Perfect by Brian Katcher

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5223517
's review
Oct 28, 11

bookshelves: annoyed-after-reading, could-have-been-so-much-better, no-just-no, oh-mah-god, why-did-i-read-this, wtf-is-this, wtf-dude, finally-a-good-book
Recommended to John by: Cory
Recommended for: Jesus. I'm serious, he'd get a kick out of this one.
Read in June, 2011, read count: Once, and it was all Logan's fault

** spoiler alert ** So a few months ago I wrote an Almost Perfect review. It was really long, really confusing and the worst part: really, really fucking boring. So after careful consideration I've decided to re-write it. So let's get this party started!

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First -- Logan.

Logan is our narrator. Logan is a jock.

Logan is also a fucking prick.

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In fact, if it wasn't for Logan I may have given this book four stars. If you had been watching my Goodreads ratings a few months ago you would see that I did, at least for a little while. But then I remembered Logan.

For god's sake the entire premise of the fucking story is Logan acting like a prick. And I know this. But yet I am still surprised with how much of a prick he really was. His prickness went sort of in a cycle, like this:

1. Logan pursues Sage.

2. Sage tries to tell Logan that he probably doesn't want her.

3. Logan pursues Sage anyway...

4. Sage gives in and Logan finds out (or remembers) that she's really a boy and freaks out. (Logan's thought process: "OMG IF SAGE IZ A BOY THAT MAKES ME A FAAAAGGGGG!! NOOOO!" -- I told you he's a prick.)

5. Sage's heart gets broken.

6. Sage and Logan make up and decide to just be friends.

AAAAAND REPEAT.

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He just keeps doing that. Treating Sage that way. And it fucking bothers me.

Sure, one could say I'm being judgmental. One could say that Logan was just lost, just confused, just hurt like Sage was. One could say that if it was me in Logan's position I would act the same way.

And I could say that the person saying those things is wrong. I don't give a fuck how "confused" or "lost" you are. If you are a fucking prick you are a fucking prick and you should not get away with it. And no, unlike Logan, my momma raised me so I actually don't make a habit of treating people like crap.

And it isn't like Logan's just shocked. He gets outright angry at Sage. From what I remember, he even punches her in the face. He throws her Christmas present back at her feet. He makes her fucking miserable. I can not sympathize with someone like that.

I could not stand being in Logan's head. I wanted to rip my hair out every time he made cries of "IT WAS A TRAAAAPPPPPP! SAGE'S REALLY A NASTY HAIRY MAN AND HE MADE ME A FAAAGGGG! I'M A HOMO! A GAY! OH NO! MY LIFE IS OVER, MY LIFE IS OVER HELP ME MOMMY!" If you had been there while I was reading the book you would have seen me gripping a pen tightly between my fingers. I wasn't quite sure what I would do with this pen at the time, scribble over the pages to black out Logan's stupidity or stab my own fucking eyeballs out.

Don't even get me started on how he treats his other male friends. Seriously, is this guy a fucking sociopath? DOES HE HAVE ANY REMOTE FEELINGS FOR OTHER HUMAN BEINGS WHAT SO EVER?

(I'm sorry, sociopaths reading this. That was wrong. I shouldn't have compared you to Logan.)

...*deep breath*

As you can see, I don't like Logan. *chuckles*

Well, let's move on before I go into another rant.

So. Sage.

Hm. I like her. In fact, she's the only reason I read the book to end (well it sure as fuck wasn't Logan). You see...she's actually a character you can sympathize with. Well, mostly.

The only thing I found fault with was how easily she was willing to kill herself because she couldn't get her way. Well, that was a terrible way of wording it, wasn't it? It's not like she's just a spoiled child. I mean, this is her gender we're talking about here. But that's not what I mean.

Sage's sister, Tamara. Right? I can't exactly remember her name right now. Regardless, her sister. Her sister loves her, has stuck up for her when her parents were being dicks and has supported her for her entire life. And Sage is so willing to take her own life without a single thought of Tamara. I...can't. Because it isn't like her train of thought is "She'll be much better without me" like other people who commit suicide despite their loved ones. She just...forgets about Tamara. And that's not very cool.

(Of course, we could say that Logan fucked Sage up so badly that she just didn't even give a fuck anymore.)

(What? Imagine if you move to a town. Your closet friend who you have a crush on does what Logan did. Tell me, go on, tell me that wouldn't mess with your psyche, even a little bit.)

(My Jesus. I fucking hate Logan.)

Let's move on again...

I think this novel would have been better from Sage's perspective. Despite her slight selfishness, like every human has, she surely is the one we sympathize with. And she's the one we side with. And she's the one we actually care about. I don't give a fuck about Logan. I want to know about Sage.

But before this goes into another rant about Logan...

Katcher's writing is good, really. It kept me intrigued, it was easy to read, I liked it. The one thing that ruined this book for me was...wait, you guess.

That's right.

LOGAN.

Hell, if Logan wasn't the narrator I may have even given this book five stars just because he wasn't the narrator. That's how much I hate him. *seethes*

Well, anyway, the copy I got was a library hardback, thank goodness. If I had bought it I don't know how angry I'd be. I'd probably throw a little fit, a tantrum like a baby. But that's not to say I would not recommend the book. That's not the point of this review. However, I would recommend you find a way to read it for free before you buy it. Honestly, paying twenty dollars for this would have made me very angry. Twenty dollars can buy like six boxes of that healthy Panda brand licorice. And I'd get much more enjoyment out of eating that than reading about Logan.

But hey, that's just me. Maybe you'll like it, maybe you won't. And if you don't you can always come back to this review in the comments section to rant about Logan with me!

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Comments (showing 1-36 of 36) (36 new)

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message 1: by Brian (new) - added it

Brian BEST. REVIEW. EVER.


John Egbert Brian wrote: "BEST. REVIEW. EVER."

Best comment ever ^-^


John Egbert Brian wrote: "BEST. REVIEW. EVER."

And, I hope you don't mind this quiet, slightly insipid comment, but -- holy shit, are you the author?


John Egbert Wow.


message 5: by Brian (new) - added it

Brian Yes, I am. And yes, I obsessively follow every comment on every review site, and I stand by my previous comment.

The ALA honored me with the Stonewall Book Award. People in my hometown called me a fag lover. I've been called a literary giant and I've been called a hack. I've been called a true trans-ally, and I've been accused of exploiting the issue for a buck. And I have to say this is the most passionate review of one of my works that I've ever read.

Okay, you hated my main character, but maybe he deserved that hatred (though in his defense, he never actually punched Sage). But you didn't just say 'hated it, one star.' You went to the trouble to use flash animation. Maybe your reaction was negative, but at least you reacted strongly. And that's what writing is all about. That and Oprah.

I kind of feel like Emperor Palpatine, getting Luke to feel hatred and drag him over to the dark side.

Thank you.

PS WHY DON'T YOU LIKE MY BOOK? WAAAAAAH!


John Egbert (I do like the book! I just hate Logan XD)

Really? Okay, wow. Just wow. You're not the first author I've seen who's obsessively followed comments on a review site, but you're the first author who's told me that my review is the best of their books, ever. Considering that this review swears and is like, two stars, and, you know, is half of a rant about the main character.

(I did say "from what I remember"...I should probably change that. I read the book, like, six months ago, so...)

(Dude. People in your hometown suck.)

(...)

Thank you. Thank you, dearly. When I write a review, usually, I try my best to go into why I liked/disliked it, and usually a lot of emotion is involved. I'm probably one of the most emotional people I know, really.

(Ah, Oprah. That was a good show. Or at least, from the half of one episode I saw it was good.)

And may I just add how criminally awesome you are? Seriously.


message 7: by Lucy (new) - added it

Lucy Totally added the authors books to my to-read list because of his response to the review.


John Egbert Cillian wrote: "Well, you and James Dashner are examples to follow on how to interact with your readers and how to take criticism with grace and dignity.
Trust me, this doesn't happen every day, nor every week, no..."


I feel like I'm in the Twilight Zone, Cillian. And I don't want to go back home.


Cory Wow, Brian. You're like my favorite author of the year right now.


Jillian -always aspiring- Brian wrote: "Yes, I am. And yes, I obsessively follow every comment on every review site, and I stand by my previous comment.

The ALA honored me with the Stonewall Book Award. People in my hometown called me a..."


I thought I had respect for you, sir, after reading your book...but now you've really impressed me.

Please continue to write books that inspire such passionate (whether positive or negative) thoughts and opinions. :)


message 11: by Cory (new) - rated it 3 stars

Cory Cillian wrote: "I know, Keehl, how bad is it that we are all crying tears of joy because, for once, the author didn't act like an arrogant asshat?"

You're crying tears of joy, Cillian? I thought you were too badass for that.


message 12: by John (new) - rated it 2 stars

John Egbert Cillian wrote: "I know, Keehl, how bad is it that we are all crying tears of joy because, for once, the author didn't act like an arrogant asshat?"

WHAT IS THIS MADNESS?! It's like, like how people are supposed to treat people! LE GASPE!


message 13: by John (new) - rated it 2 stars

John Egbert Cillian wrote: "What if he's a robot?
That would explain his graceful response!

You think he's a robot?"


I'm 90% sure...there's just no way this shit is real.


message 14: by Jillian -always aspiring- (last edited Nov 04, 2011 06:59pm) (new) - rated it 5 stars

Jillian -always aspiring- Mello wrote: "I'm 90% sure...there's just no way this shit is real.

Goodness, the recent backlash against negative reviews (especially from authors themselves) has made us reviewers so cynical that we have trouble believing in true author decency now. It's a shame, isn't it?


message 15: by John (new) - rated it 2 stars

John Egbert Jillian -always aspiring- wrote: "Mello wrote: "I'm 90% sure...there's just no way this shit is real.

Goodness, the recent backlash against negative reviews (especially from authors themselves) has made us reviewers so cynical tha..."


It's not just a shame, Jillian, this is what I like to refer to as a damn shame.


message 16: by Brian (new) - added it

Brian I have to mention at this point, when an author responds to a goodreads review of less than three stars, an automatic message pops up that basically says 'Don't do it, man. You'll just make yourself look stupid.'

To avoid the Bladerunner argument, I asked my wife if I was a robot. She says no. She also had a thing or two to say about my politeness. Apparently some women don't like to be serenaded with 'Happiest Girl in the Whole USA' at 6:30 AM.


message 17: by John (new) - rated it 2 stars

John Egbert Cillian wrote: "We're not doubting his decency at all, Jillian, this is us being smartasses about-as you said-the recent backlashes against negative reviews.

I added his books to my TBR pile because of his respon..."


Well, I was doubting. All of the authors I've seen commenting on negative reviews, well, let's just say they aren't impressed by the flash animation.

But yes, I am still much of a smartass.


message 18: by John (new) - rated it 2 stars

John Egbert Brian wrote: "I have to mention at this point, when an author responds to a goodreads review of less than three stars, an automatic message pops up that basically says 'Don't do it, man. You'll just make yoursel..."

I don't know if I haven't made this clear enough yet, I feel like a broken record, but...even if you had come to my review angry I wouldn't have minded too much. Just don't troll me about it, that's all I ask.

Hear that Cillian? Robot's out. Maybe he's an elf, then. Hm.


message 19: by Jillian -always aspiring- (last edited Nov 04, 2011 07:22pm) (new) - rated it 5 stars

Jillian -always aspiring- Brian wrote: "I have to mention at this point, when an author responds to a goodreads review of less than three stars, an automatic message pops up that basically says 'Don't do it, man. You'll just make yoursel..."

Well, rest assured that you did not make yourself seem or sound stupid (obviously, given that we're all astounded, and pleasantly surprised, by your reaction to a fairly negative review), so obviously the automatic message is not always correct in its assumption.

I'm with Cillian on this matter: personally, I wouldn't mind having more author-reader discussions through the comments sections of reviews here on Goodreads, but most authors simply use these sections as a platform to "get their point across" (usually about how a negative review was *not* correct) or to promote their books. It's gotten to the point that I think many reviewers feel uncomfortable when Goodreads authors join conversations since it feels a bit out of the norm to have pleasant, normal discussions between authors and readers on this site.

That's just my take on it, though, of course.


message 20: by John (new) - rated it 2 stars

John Egbert Cillian wrote: "Jillian, you might remember Vinaya's review of this steampunk YA novel, where the author stepped in to tell Vinaya that she missed the point. Translation: Vinaya can't read.
Off-putting and unneces..."


That was a true fail in the very sense of the word.


Jillian -always aspiring- Cillian wrote: "Jillian, you might remember Vinaya's review of this steampunk YA novel, where the author stepped in to tell Vinaya that she missed the point. Translation: Vinaya can't read.
Off-putting and unneces..."


Yep, I remember that one. I was shocked that the author kept coming back for more, when no matter the reason it's NEVER a good idea for an author to imply that a reader "just didn't get it." It implies that the author is smarter than the reader when, really, the rule goes that every writer should assume that his/her audience is smarter than him/her.


message 22: by John (new) - rated it 2 stars

John Egbert Cillian wrote: "I have a good friend on my list (Ramona Wray), she's an author too. One day she PMed me about her novel, and she said "my..."

I will go and put all of her books on my to-reads list, now.


message 23: by Anila (new) - added it

Anila HOLY CRAP this thread is so wonderful. Gives me hope. Brian Katcher, you are a fantastic human being.


message 24: by John (new) - rated it 2 stars

John Egbert Anila wrote: "HOLY CRAP this thread is so wonderful. Gives me hope. Brian Katcher, you are a fantastic human being."

Yes, yes it is. *tears*


message 25: by Cait (last edited Nov 05, 2011 12:58pm) (new)

Cait Oh my God I think my heart just thawed out a little bit for authors everywhere that they aren't all pricks (albeit there are maybe two others in your echelon, as well). Brian, you are amazing!
*cries with Mello*


message 26: by John (new) - rated it 2 stars

John Egbert Cillian wrote: "Now now, Mello, we agreed we won't cry in public, yes?

*Hides her tissue box*"


B-but I can't help it! It's just so beautiful! *sobs*


message 27: by Steph (new) - added it

Steph Sinclair Omg, Brian. I'm adding all your books to my shelf. We need more authors like you!


message 28: by John (new) - rated it 2 stars

John Egbert Cillian wrote: "Mello, if you want to renew the joy of living on this planet Katcher is not alone"

...I think I've lost all words.

*cries from happiness*


message 29: by Cait (new)

Cait Cillian wrote: "Mello, if you want to renew the joy of living on this planet Katcher is not alone"

Another one!?
THIS TRULY IS A SPECIAL DAY!
*bawls*


message 30: by Steph (new) - added it

Steph Sinclair Cillian wrote: "Right?
I was shocked when I saw his response.
SHOCKED I TELL YOU!"


*blown*


ilike merey "Why didn't you like my book, WAAAAAAAH!"
::laughs her ass off::
I will read your book now, because I love that you obsessively follow your reviews and I feel like I would love it anyway.


Rachel I will agree with you that Logan is an asshat, and I'll point out that suicide rates amongst LGBTQ teens is insanely high, and I'll express my adoration over the fact that your comment thread contains both Homestuck and Death Note. MiRaClEs, My BrOtHeR.


message 33: by Christina (new) - added it

Christina Wilder Okay, so I am so reading this book.

One point for the premise, one point for the author being so awesome it's beyond awesomeness, and one point for it being a GLBT book.




message 34: by Dee (new)

Dee saw Brian's post on AW and linking to this review - on my way to see if the library has a copy


message 35: by Coaxial Creature (new)

Coaxial Creature I know this is late to the game - but the fact that the author had this response to this review, combined with subject matter, makes me want to read this book. Thank you, for being reasonable about negative reviews, not arguing with the reviewer, trying to show them how they were wrong, or being a dick.

I was moved to comment because I literally feel sick when reading after being harassed by an author. I haven't been able to pick up a book and seriously read for a while now. (It's been fanfiction all the time since then. Good fanfiction, but it's a pain to wade through all the crap.)

You give me hope. I needed something this extreme. I have to admit I was hopin someone would link to this on AW because I perked up at the subject matter and wanted to read the book. The positive reaction from the author was icing in the cake. After reading all the comments to this review, I'm insanely happy someone linked :D


message 36: by Rain (new) - rated it 5 stars

Rain I actually really liked Logan. He acted the same way as a guy in a "sheltered" town would act.


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