Less than perfect is a wonderful story about young love,
heartache and loss — coping with life’s
imperfections and the imperfections in one’s self.  The main characters are
Laura and Paul.   Laura is a beautiful girl and an A+ student who sees the
world through rose colored glasses.  She has a hard time coping with her
families’ situation.  She meets Paul, falls in love and finds out that
relationships do not always go smoothly.   

    Laura learns that the family
she thought was perfect is not when her mother is diagnosed with breast
cancer.  Laura’s relationship with Paul also brings heartache when her
affection for his parents is shattered by separation and death.  Laura’s mother
convinces Laura to go to a support group meeting with her.  Laura begins to
understand that cancer does not necessarily mean death.  Nor does it mean that
her mother’s imperfection from a mastectomy makes her less of a person.

 Laura’s younger brother the
prodigy child and Paul’s father the next Irving Berlin bring humor and warmth to
the story throughout the book.  Paul’s character is quite different from Laura’. 
Paul does not feel like he has to prove himself to anyone.  Paul is a bright
young man and loyal to his family but does not feel he has to be perfect for
them to love him.  He suffers a series of unfortunate events but handles them
with maturity. 

  The books focus is on breast
cancer victims and their families.  It is about adjustment and acceptance.  It
gives valuable information throughout the book that a young teen could relate
to about breast cancer.  It is a heart felt story that explodes with emotion
and humor.

© 2005 Patricia Ball

Patricia Ball, B.A., applies the following descriptions to
herself:

• Research Chemist for 23 years
• BA degree in Biology, Elms College
• Recent graduate of Institute of Children’s Literature
• Wife and Mother of two
• Published Poet/Writer
• Enjoy composing music, art, writing, reading
• Interested in Metaphysics, Psychology and Science
• Enjoy traveling:  USA, Canada and Europe

Categories: Children