Review of Messy Perfect by Tanya Boteju: Finding Beauty in Chaos
I never really enjoy being the first to drop a review, but here I am, excited to dive into Messy Perfect by Tanya Boteju! As someone who has thoroughly enjoyed her previous works—especially Bruised, which lingered in my mind long after turning the last page—I approached this new release with a mixture of eagerness and curiosity. It’s not often that a book with religious themes draws me in, but Boteju’s unique storytelling had me ready to explore the complexities of faith and identity through the lens of a young adult narrative.
Messy Perfect follows Cassie Perera, the quintessential overachiever at her Catholic high school. She’s got perfect grades, plays on the volleyball team, and is heavily involved in student council and library volunteering. However, when her childhood best friend Ben unexpectedly reappears, Cassie’s carefully curated life begins to unravel. Burdened by guilt from their shared past, she decides to start an underground Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) at school—an endeavor that challenges her self-imposed limits and opens her eyes to new perspectives.
From the very beginning, I felt a kinship with Cassie. Her relentless drive was both admirable and heartbreaking; reading her story was like watching a friend navigate a rollercoaster of emotions. I found myself almost wanting to shout, “Girl, don’t burn yourself out!” Boteju’s characterization shines through in Cassie’s complexities—her relentless striving is a crutch for deeper emotional struggles related to her identity and her relationship with the church. Ben, with his own intriguing storyline and a refreshing twist, complemented Cassie well and brought depth to the narrative.
What struck me most was the thoughtful way Boteju navigates differing perspectives on faith. The depiction of varied reactions to their Catholic environment—from outright rejection to the struggle of reconciling beliefs with identity feelings—felt authentic and relevant. I appreciated the grace with which these themes were explored, allowing readers to reflect on their own experiences. It’s this nuanced approach that made the book resonate with me on a deeper level.
However, I did encounter a couple of minor inconsistencies that distracted me slightly. For instance, the public nature of the GSA’s activities raised questions about the plausibility of going unnoticed in a school environment that would presumably have security cameras. It felt like a missed opportunity to ground the narrative in the realities of 2024, a detail that might fly over most readers’ heads but stuck with me nonetheless. Additionally, while Boteju does a commendable job representing diverse queer identities, I couldn’t help but notice the absence of trans feminine characters, which felt somewhat glaring in an otherwise inclusive context.
Overall, Messy Perfect is a heartfelt, engaging read that I believe will resonate especially well with young people navigating their own faith and identity challenges. Tanya Boteju’s ability to craft relatable characters and offer a canvas of emotions makes this book a rewarding experience. I walked away feeling enriched and reflective—a testament to Boteju’s talent. If you’ve ever felt the confusion of balancing expectations and identity in a deeply ingrained system, this book might just become a cherished companion on your journey. I wholeheartedly give it a 4 out of 5 stars and can’t wait to hear what others think!
Thank you to HarperCollins for providing an advance reader copy!
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