What do you think?
Rate this book
No Such Thing as Perfect
College was supposed to be perfect. She was supposed to be perfect.
For Lily Drummond, life is about following the rules. To be specific, her mother’s rules. College fit into the plan – maintain perfect grades, date the perfect guy, and live the perfect life. On her own, though, Lily realizes that she doesn’t actually have a plan. Without being told what to think and do, she keeps making mistakes.
Away from home, the perfect facade is beginning to shatter. When Lily herself starts to break, it’s the support of an unlikely friend that teaches her how much of a lie perfect really is – and how to be whole on her own terms.
This is NOT a romance novel and there is no on-camera sex.
For Lily Drummond, life is about following the rules. To be specific, her mother’s rules. College fit into the plan – maintain perfect grades, date the perfect guy, and live the perfect life. On her own, though, Lily realizes that she doesn’t actually have a plan. Without being told what to think and do, she keeps making mistakes.
Away from home, the perfect facade is beginning to shatter. When Lily herself starts to break, it’s the support of an unlikely friend that teaches her how much of a lie perfect really is – and how to be whole on her own terms.
This is NOT a romance novel and there is no on-camera sex.
ebook
First published November 2, 2014
112 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 21, 2015
2.5-3
It has taken me a while to write this review I just didn't know what I wanted to say I knew how I felt but putting it in words was a struggle. When I found out the author was going to rewrite the series I thought this should be interesting but I loved the first series so much said what the hell I will read it. I found it very difficult not to think of the first book my mind just kept going back to it. Sadly I was not a big fan of this one I didn't hate it I just didn't love it. I would say that it was some (not all) the changes that were mad that just didn't sit well with me and I found myself upset that things had to go this way. Not sure if I will read the rest of the series I'm scared to see what changes are going to be made.
It has taken me a while to write this review I just didn't know what I wanted to say I knew how I felt but putting it in words was a struggle. When I found out the author was going to rewrite the series I thought this should be interesting but I loved the first series so much said what the hell I will read it. I found it very difficult not to think of the first book my mind just kept going back to it. Sadly I was not a big fan of this one I didn't hate it I just didn't love it. I would say that it was some (not all) the changes that were mad that just didn't sit well with me and I found myself upset that things had to go this way. Not sure if I will read the rest of the series I'm scared to see what changes are going to be made.
December 14, 2014
In her first semester away at college, a young woman grapples with the influence of a toxic family that has-- until now-- defined her.
And it's gripping. Never before have I read a novel that so completely evokes those freshman feelings-- that sense of being young, insecure, and lost! Minus the horrible parents, I've been Lily Drummond-- bookish, insecure, introverted, anxious to please, amazed that everyone else seemed to find their way so easily... The dorm is an atmosphere in itself, and the way that Lily's home life bleeds into it (those vivid flashbacks) feels authentic, seamless! These first chapters are so well crafted. I mean, this is really good writing!
For example-- one among many passages that I highlighted:
I could swear I've had that very conversation. (Or rather, non-conversation?)
Where this book slips a little? Where it decides to become a romance, shifting the focus away from Lily and onto a guy named Jack. In my opinion, too much emphasis is placed on Jack's (excessively) traumatic backstory and on various characters persuading Lily to "take a chance" on him. But mostly, Lily needs to "take a chance" on herself-- and Jack is at his best when influencing Lily to make peace with brokenness, both his and hers. The comfort and acceptance that she feels with Jack, with Alana (also troubled), and with other imperfect college friends is the real point here; the slightly gimmicky romantic parts feel (to me) a bit forced, less natural and organic than the exploration of Lily's psychology.
The space invested in kind-of sort-of being a romance could have been used in other ways. I would have liked to observe more of Lily's day-to-day emotional mesh with Jack, Alana, and other new friends of varied backgrounds; I would have liked to be right there as she finds her feet on the newspaper staff and (as is hinted) in the theater. I would have liked her relationship with Jack to unfold slowly as her self esteem grows. I would like to sense that all of these things supported her ultimate decisions regarding home and family.
Or maybe I just wanted a longer story-- say, a whole term rather than one semester! Perhaps a sequel to this book...?
Regardless, I highly recommend No Such Thing as Perfect to moms with daughters! Lily's narrative evokes some painful and important aspects of being a teenage girl-- things that I definitely want to keep in mind as my own little girls grow up.
[Disclosure: I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.]
And it's gripping. Never before have I read a novel that so completely evokes those freshman feelings-- that sense of being young, insecure, and lost! Minus the horrible parents, I've been Lily Drummond-- bookish, insecure, introverted, anxious to please, amazed that everyone else seemed to find their way so easily... The dorm is an atmosphere in itself, and the way that Lily's home life bleeds into it (those vivid flashbacks) feels authentic, seamless! These first chapters are so well crafted. I mean, this is really good writing!
For example-- one among many passages that I highlighted:
"I want to ask him to stay on the phone, but I know he's probably trying to set up his room. He's probably hungry, too, and I should get back to my pizza. I feel the ache of needing to speak clutching at my throat, but I swallow the words and hold them back. 'I will,' I say. 'Say hi to Jon, okay?'
"I will. Love you,' he says, but he hangs up before I can tell him that I love him, too."
I could swear I've had that very conversation. (Or rather, non-conversation?)
Where this book slips a little? Where it decides to become a romance, shifting the focus away from Lily and onto a guy named Jack. In my opinion, too much emphasis is placed on Jack's (excessively) traumatic backstory and on various characters persuading Lily to "take a chance" on him. But mostly, Lily needs to "take a chance" on herself-- and Jack is at his best when influencing Lily to make peace with brokenness, both his and hers. The comfort and acceptance that she feels with Jack, with Alana (also troubled), and with other imperfect college friends is the real point here; the slightly gimmicky romantic parts feel (to me) a bit forced, less natural and organic than the exploration of Lily's psychology.
The space invested in kind-of sort-of being a romance could have been used in other ways. I would have liked to observe more of Lily's day-to-day emotional mesh with Jack, Alana, and other new friends of varied backgrounds; I would have liked to be right there as she finds her feet on the newspaper staff and (as is hinted) in the theater. I would have liked her relationship with Jack to unfold slowly as her self esteem grows. I would like to sense that all of these things supported her ultimate decisions regarding home and family.
Or maybe I just wanted a longer story-- say, a whole term rather than one semester! Perhaps a sequel to this book...?
Regardless, I highly recommend No Such Thing as Perfect to moms with daughters! Lily's narrative evokes some painful and important aspects of being a teenage girl-- things that I definitely want to keep in mind as my own little girls grow up.
[Disclosure: I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.]
February 6, 2015
You can find this review and more at The A P Book Club
I've been a huge fan of Sarah Daltry's books since I stumbled across Backward Compatible, and when I heard she was writing a new book inspired by her Flowering series, I knew I had to read it. And while I really liked the Flowering series, I'm so glad that No Such Thing as Perfect came out of it, because I think this is the story that was aching to get out and be heard.
Although Lily's experiences were not entirely my own, there were parts of her life that I could completely understand. I was lucky in that I had friends and family supporting my decisions and not holding me to ridiculous standards, but I know what it's like to be afraid of failing. I've known people who are terrified of disappointing their parents or who refuse to let go of the past and can't see the present for what it is. I felt for Lily throughout this whole book, and most of the time I just wanted to give her a huge hug and be there for her.
I'm not huge on contemporary realistic YA. I mean, I know there's a place for it and I know a lot of people enjoy it, but I'd rather lose myself in a fantasy world than have to read about the problems that run rampant in this world. But Sarah's writing is captivating and drew me in from the first sentence, and I found that I couldn't put this book down. I stayed up well past my bed time, wanting to know what was going to happen next in Lily's life. I had to know if she could break through her chains and be her own person.
This is a very character driven book, and it was nice to read something that wasn't so heavily focused on plot. I very much enjoyed getting to know Lily, Jack, and Alana, and I'm really hoping that we get to learn the rest of their stories soon. I did not enjoy getting to know Derrick, and I'm glad that things happened the way they did. I know he was important in Lily's story and her growing up, but I hope we never have to see him again. He's basically the worst. Ugh. Just thinking about him makes me angry.
If you enjoy contemporary YA, I think you'll really enjoy this book. Sarah's writing is just so fluid and beautiful, and the words become reality as they draw you into the page. I am so glad that No Such Thing as Perfect is out there in the world, because I think it can help give voice to some of the problems that many young girls face and help them to know that they are not alone. Go grab your copy ASAP! You won't regret it. 5/5.
I've been a huge fan of Sarah Daltry's books since I stumbled across Backward Compatible, and when I heard she was writing a new book inspired by her Flowering series, I knew I had to read it. And while I really liked the Flowering series, I'm so glad that No Such Thing as Perfect came out of it, because I think this is the story that was aching to get out and be heard.
Although Lily's experiences were not entirely my own, there were parts of her life that I could completely understand. I was lucky in that I had friends and family supporting my decisions and not holding me to ridiculous standards, but I know what it's like to be afraid of failing. I've known people who are terrified of disappointing their parents or who refuse to let go of the past and can't see the present for what it is. I felt for Lily throughout this whole book, and most of the time I just wanted to give her a huge hug and be there for her.
I'm not huge on contemporary realistic YA. I mean, I know there's a place for it and I know a lot of people enjoy it, but I'd rather lose myself in a fantasy world than have to read about the problems that run rampant in this world. But Sarah's writing is captivating and drew me in from the first sentence, and I found that I couldn't put this book down. I stayed up well past my bed time, wanting to know what was going to happen next in Lily's life. I had to know if she could break through her chains and be her own person.
This is a very character driven book, and it was nice to read something that wasn't so heavily focused on plot. I very much enjoyed getting to know Lily, Jack, and Alana, and I'm really hoping that we get to learn the rest of their stories soon. I did not enjoy getting to know Derrick, and I'm glad that things happened the way they did. I know he was important in Lily's story and her growing up, but I hope we never have to see him again. He's basically the worst. Ugh. Just thinking about him makes me angry.
If you enjoy contemporary YA, I think you'll really enjoy this book. Sarah's writing is just so fluid and beautiful, and the words become reality as they draw you into the page. I am so glad that No Such Thing as Perfect is out there in the world, because I think it can help give voice to some of the problems that many young girls face and help them to know that they are not alone. Go grab your copy ASAP! You won't regret it. 5/5.
Read
April 8, 2025 Review
This story is about a girl who is constantly trying to reach this level of perfect that is pretty much unattainable.
I completely feel for Lily. She has always been told she's not good enough. She has such a hard time finding out who she is separate from the other people in her life. When she goes to college she figures she'll be able to follow a plan. It's not very easy for her to fit in. She is awkward and has a hard time making friends. Lily comes to a breaking point when she begins remembering moments in her life with a different perspective, and some distance from those in the memories.
No Such Thing as Perfect takes you to the dark places of trying to please everyone but yourself. There are definitely some cringe-worthy moments when we see how those who are supposed to be there for Lily treat her. It was awful at times. But she does make some friends that make her realize that she is her own person. If she wants to do things a different way, that is completely okay.
Sometimes you find an amazing friendship in other people who are as broken as you, and this book illustrates that well.
This story is about a girl who is constantly trying to reach this level of perfect that is pretty much unattainable.
I completely feel for Lily. She has always been told she's not good enough. She has such a hard time finding out who she is separate from the other people in her life. When she goes to college she figures she'll be able to follow a plan. It's not very easy for her to fit in. She is awkward and has a hard time making friends. Lily comes to a breaking point when she begins remembering moments in her life with a different perspective, and some distance from those in the memories.
No Such Thing as Perfect takes you to the dark places of trying to please everyone but yourself. There are definitely some cringe-worthy moments when we see how those who are supposed to be there for Lily treat her. It was awful at times. But she does make some friends that make her realize that she is her own person. If she wants to do things a different way, that is completely okay.
Sometimes you find an amazing friendship in other people who are as broken as you, and this book illustrates that well.
January 20, 2015
My thoughts before reading:
I received an ebook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The synopsis immediately captivated me. The main character Lily appealed to me because she tried so hard to be perfect but once she goes away to college she feels the illusion of perfection that she has created for herself begin to crumble.
My thoughts after reading:
I really enjoyed it because this character could easily be anyone of us, even a close friend. The story revolves around Lily; the thing about her is that she likes to please others. Among those include her mother and her boyfriend, Derek. she never does anything because it is something she wants to do. Lily is a freshman at college and for the first time she is away from all the people she is used to pleasing. Lily still tries to please her mom by focusing on her grades and she tries not to be a needy girlfriend but she still feels like something is off. I think one of my favorite part is reading about this character and how she makes friends. Lily reminded me so much of me in this aspect I have such difficulty making new friends I am extremely shy. However Lily manages to overcome this small blimp and becomes friends with her roommate, Kristen and by extension her circle of friends. Getting good yet? Well it is the friend she makes all on her own that is the most captivating. His name is Jack and for some strange reason she keeps bumping into him and for the first time in a long time she doesn't have to try to be something she’s not.
With time she sees that her perfect life is not so perfect, her boyfriend Derek hardly knows her and she hardly knows him, her mother is so concerned about her image that she will never be pleased no matter what, her brother on the other hand does everything she isn't allowed to do and is commended for it. She wants to break away from this façade of a perfect life but doesn't know how.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The character is easy to relate to she tries so hard but always comes up short. Lily is a freshman at college. She is not fond of change so she has to adjust herself. Lily does however find friends and her life begins to change but she has trouble breaking away from her old life. Watching her struggle and eventually breaking away was worth the read. I suggest this to anyone and everyone.
I received an ebook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The synopsis immediately captivated me. The main character Lily appealed to me because she tried so hard to be perfect but once she goes away to college she feels the illusion of perfection that she has created for herself begin to crumble.
My thoughts after reading:
I really enjoyed it because this character could easily be anyone of us, even a close friend. The story revolves around Lily; the thing about her is that she likes to please others. Among those include her mother and her boyfriend, Derek. she never does anything because it is something she wants to do. Lily is a freshman at college and for the first time she is away from all the people she is used to pleasing. Lily still tries to please her mom by focusing on her grades and she tries not to be a needy girlfriend but she still feels like something is off. I think one of my favorite part is reading about this character and how she makes friends. Lily reminded me so much of me in this aspect I have such difficulty making new friends I am extremely shy. However Lily manages to overcome this small blimp and becomes friends with her roommate, Kristen and by extension her circle of friends. Getting good yet? Well it is the friend she makes all on her own that is the most captivating. His name is Jack and for some strange reason she keeps bumping into him and for the first time in a long time she doesn't have to try to be something she’s not.
With time she sees that her perfect life is not so perfect, her boyfriend Derek hardly knows her and she hardly knows him, her mother is so concerned about her image that she will never be pleased no matter what, her brother on the other hand does everything she isn't allowed to do and is commended for it. She wants to break away from this façade of a perfect life but doesn't know how.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The character is easy to relate to she tries so hard but always comes up short. Lily is a freshman at college. She is not fond of change so she has to adjust herself. Lily does however find friends and her life begins to change but she has trouble breaking away from her old life. Watching her struggle and eventually breaking away was worth the read. I suggest this to anyone and everyone.
December 22, 2014
When I began reading No Such Thing As Perfect, I was worried that it would end up feeling superficial and only scratch the surface, but this book became fairly deep. It nails all those emotions and moments that come with being a Freshman in a new place, surrounded by new people, and with no-one around to tell you what to do. Starting at College opens up the chance for Lily to think for herself and challenges her to be completely responsible for her own life – and we soon realise just how scary that is. Lily makes mistakes and second guesses herself at every turn.
She is also trying her best to maintain a long distance relationship with a boyfriend who doesn’t really get her and what her life is like. Good old Derek. I wanted to take Lily around the collar and yell at her to get rid of this douchebag every single time she thought about him. But it’s all part of the journey. For example, when speaking to a friend about Derek’s shenanigans, Lily utters the words “But he loves me.” And I was like “Oh, babe.” That’s one of my favourite things about No Such Thing As Perfect – it evoked genuine emotion to what these characters were going through.
One of the only negatives would be that I felt that Jack – for all his great work at helping Lily figure out that being broken’s not so bad – seemed like jumping from Derek’s situation to another extreme. Jack’s back story at times felt too extreme for the kind of tale that was unfolding, so that at times it took away from Lily’s personal journey to define herself.
No Such Thing As Perfect also raises some interesting questions about the definition of the New Adult genre by portraying an intriguing coming of age story of a college aged student without the seemingly obligatory on screen sex scenes.
A good read that I’d readily recommend for high school girls (and boys) heading off to college and those already there.
Thank you to the author for providing a copy to review, although this didn’t impact on my review.
4/5
This review was originally posted on IndieYAYA, a review site for self-pubbed and Indie YA novels at: http://indieyaya.blogspot.co.uk/2014/...
She is also trying her best to maintain a long distance relationship with a boyfriend who doesn’t really get her and what her life is like. Good old Derek. I wanted to take Lily around the collar and yell at her to get rid of this douchebag every single time she thought about him. But it’s all part of the journey. For example, when speaking to a friend about Derek’s shenanigans, Lily utters the words “But he loves me.” And I was like “Oh, babe.” That’s one of my favourite things about No Such Thing As Perfect – it evoked genuine emotion to what these characters were going through.
One of the only negatives would be that I felt that Jack – for all his great work at helping Lily figure out that being broken’s not so bad – seemed like jumping from Derek’s situation to another extreme. Jack’s back story at times felt too extreme for the kind of tale that was unfolding, so that at times it took away from Lily’s personal journey to define herself.
No Such Thing As Perfect also raises some interesting questions about the definition of the New Adult genre by portraying an intriguing coming of age story of a college aged student without the seemingly obligatory on screen sex scenes.
A good read that I’d readily recommend for high school girls (and boys) heading off to college and those already there.
Thank you to the author for providing a copy to review, although this didn’t impact on my review.
4/5
This review was originally posted on IndieYAYA, a review site for self-pubbed and Indie YA novels at: http://indieyaya.blogspot.co.uk/2014/...
December 30, 2014
No Such Thing as Perfect by Sarah Daltry was a very inspirational read that taught me to look for the future and not have the past hold you down. Lily who just was let out to be on her own without her mother’s rules does not exactly know how to live without her mother’s rules. With friends that are way out of her comfort zone and the new boy, Jack, she does not know what to do with herself and the only one she wants to cling to? Derek, her older and used-to-be (?) playboy boyfriend.
I never liked love triangles because I thought they were really complicated, but in No Such Thing as Perfect it was not like an unequal amount of love on one side of the triangle, but each guy had their own certain pros and cons.
I also loved the character development. It was very realistic. Ms.Daltry did not change characters’ attitudes for no reason. If Ms.Daltry changed how Lily’s mom acted, then I would not have really believed it too much because you can not really change a grown woman’s attitude after x number of years. However, Ms.Daltry changed Lily’s perspective of the world so much that it really seemed like she was an actual person going through different scene changes.
I also really liked the fact that Lily was not some very innocent, very sweet girl or a very dangerous, very seductive woman. She was both in her own little way and it came out just right.
The cover of the novel was beautifully done also, but the novel itself moved a little too fast. All in all, however, the novel was a very inspirational read and is something I would be able to read over and over again whenever I feel like I need to find myself all over again.
I never liked love triangles because I thought they were really complicated, but in No Such Thing as Perfect it was not like an unequal amount of love on one side of the triangle, but each guy had their own certain pros and cons.
I also loved the character development. It was very realistic. Ms.Daltry did not change characters’ attitudes for no reason. If Ms.Daltry changed how Lily’s mom acted, then I would not have really believed it too much because you can not really change a grown woman’s attitude after x number of years. However, Ms.Daltry changed Lily’s perspective of the world so much that it really seemed like she was an actual person going through different scene changes.
I also really liked the fact that Lily was not some very innocent, very sweet girl or a very dangerous, very seductive woman. She was both in her own little way and it came out just right.
The cover of the novel was beautifully done also, but the novel itself moved a little too fast. All in all, however, the novel was a very inspirational read and is something I would be able to read over and over again whenever I feel like I need to find myself all over again.
December 11, 2014
I have said it before and I will say it again...Sarah Daltry your writing is amazing, and the themes through out your books really hit home. This story while inspired by the Flowering series is a whole new ball game and Daltry's BEST work to date.
The story is realistic and the characters are relatable. I am past the age of going off to college but I remember what it was like, I remember the trials, and struggles of trying to be what everyone thought I should be, and wanting to get it right for everyone else. I remember the battles with the boyfriend who was not there with me, and the endless hours feeling out of place.
Combined all of that with a story that teaches young women that they deserve to respect themselves and be respected by others and you have a powerful book about being the person you want to be on your own terms.
I honestly can't say enough wonderful things about this book, and I think it is one that every woman should read.
The story is realistic and the characters are relatable. I am past the age of going off to college but I remember what it was like, I remember the trials, and struggles of trying to be what everyone thought I should be, and wanting to get it right for everyone else. I remember the battles with the boyfriend who was not there with me, and the endless hours feeling out of place.
Combined all of that with a story that teaches young women that they deserve to respect themselves and be respected by others and you have a powerful book about being the person you want to be on your own terms.
I honestly can't say enough wonderful things about this book, and I think it is one that every woman should read.
March 10, 2015
This is a coming of age story that really struck a chord with me. There was a period of time in my life where I wanted to be perfect: the perfect daughter, the perfect student, the perfect wife, the perfect mother. So as I read this book, I could feel Lily's pain at never being enough, and I was constantly rooting for her to find herself.
The story is very well written, and goes deeper into the feelings of the characters, especially Lily and Jack, then I originally expected. And I was also thankful that the author didn't give Lily a "happily ever after" ending, but showed that sometimes "happy for now" is good enough.
**I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**
The story is very well written, and goes deeper into the feelings of the characters, especially Lily and Jack, then I originally expected. And I was also thankful that the author didn't give Lily a "happily ever after" ending, but showed that sometimes "happy for now" is good enough.
**I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**
May 8, 2015
I can't find words on why I liked this book so much. The main character is a walking contradiction, but she's broken so it's to be expected. And so many of the side characters were broken. So in truth I read about broken things and came out slightly sad but happy since Somme were fixedish. But I think really it's the way the author writes, I've read a few of her books now, and it's sad she's not writing anymore...but I love her stories and I get hooked every time I get one of her books. I wish more authors would take a few pointers from her and create lyrical characters. Because even the most broken ones can be strong.
March 16, 2015
Not good!!
I hate to give bad reviews but!!! Has anyone that reviewed this book ever read any of her other books The Flowering series!!! This book is almost to a T like the other books!!! All the characters are the same name almost same plot!! For example Jack in this book/ bad boy, has best friends Alana and Dave, dad kills his mom!! Guess what same thing in the other book!!! There is a few differences but not many!!! It's like she changed the plot some put a few different things in and charged people 4.99$ She should have changed there names at least!! Come on!
I hate to give bad reviews but!!! Has anyone that reviewed this book ever read any of her other books The Flowering series!!! This book is almost to a T like the other books!!! All the characters are the same name almost same plot!! For example Jack in this book/ bad boy, has best friends Alana and Dave, dad kills his mom!! Guess what same thing in the other book!!! There is a few differences but not many!!! It's like she changed the plot some put a few different things in and charged people 4.99$ She should have changed there names at least!! Come on!
March 25, 2015
Free copy from author in exchange for honest review.
Sarah Daltry has done it again! ‘No Such Thing as Perfect’ is a beautifully written contemporary novel that falls somewhere between YA (young-adult) and NA (new-adult). Fans of Rainbow Rowell’s ‘Fangirl’ will love this book.
The seductive words of this exceptional book dance across the page, drawing me in from the very first line.
Full review: http://crushingcinders.com/no-such-th...
Sarah Daltry has done it again! ‘No Such Thing as Perfect’ is a beautifully written contemporary novel that falls somewhere between YA (young-adult) and NA (new-adult). Fans of Rainbow Rowell’s ‘Fangirl’ will love this book.
The seductive words of this exceptional book dance across the page, drawing me in from the very first line.
Full review: http://crushingcinders.com/no-such-th...
February 11, 2015
I was as pleased with this book as I have been with all of the Sarah Daltry books that I have read. It was a different take on part of her Flowering series. I found it easy to relate to, and very well written! Love the characters and the story!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews