Review of Messy Perfect by Tanya Boteju
I’ve always felt a gravitational pull toward books that explore the complexities of identity, especially when interwoven with the themes of faith and acceptance. When I discovered Messy Perfect by Tanya Boteju, I was eager to delve into this story, especially since I’ve previously enjoyed her works, particularly Bruised. This latest novel promised a captivating journey through the eyes of a protagonist navigating the treacherous waters of high school, identity, and faith.
Messy Perfect introduces us to Cassie Perera, the archetypal “perfect” student at her Catholic high school. She’s the one with flawless grades, a spot on the volleyball team, and the enthusiastic volunteer at the library. Yet, her life takes a turn when her childhood best friend Ben reappears after years away, stirring up feelings of guilt related to a shared past. To make amends, Cassie embarks on the bold adventure of starting an underground Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA), which dramatically reshapes her world. I loved how this premise echoed Geography Club, yet with a fresh, nuanced perspective.
Boteju’s skill in crafting well-rounded characters really shines through in Cassie, who I found deeply relatable. She reminded me of many ambitious young individuals juggling the expectations of academics, extracurriculars, and personal growth. As I read, I kept thinking, “Girl, don’t burn yourself out!” Her struggle to balance perfectionism while grappling with her identity and her faith resonated on many levels, reflecting the real-life challenges faced by many students today. Ben added an interesting twist to the narrative, and the ensemble of GSA members brought out different facets of Cassie’s personality, painting a rich tapestry of relationships and experiences.
The handling of religion in Messy Perfect intrigued me. Boteju presents a varied spectrum of perspectives: from those wanting to abandon religious constraints to others finding ways to navigate their beliefs in harmony with their identities. This nuanced representation was refreshing and offered a lot of valuable insights—not to mention the grace with which difficult conversations surrounding faith were approached.
However, there was one aspect that slightly pulled me out of the story’s realism. The frequent public displays by the GSA within the school didn’t seem plausible without security cameras—especially in today’s tech-savvy world. The lack of consequences for these actions felt a bit far-fetched, and while it didn’t ruin my enjoyment, it did trigger some skepticism.
Another minor thing to note was the broad representation of queer identities without a nod to trans feminine characters. Given the diversity of experiences highlighted in the book, their absence stood out to me.
Overall, I found Messy Perfect to be a heartfelt and compelling read. Tanya Boteju has created a space where young readers, especially those raised in religious backgrounds, can see themselves reflected in Cassie’s story. It’s a journey of self-discovery and acceptance that I believe will resonate deeply with many. I’m glad to have experienced this emotional ride and would rate it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
If you enjoy stories that address identity, community, and the intricacies of faith, this one is definitely worth picking up. Thank you to HarperCollins for providing me with this ARC; it truly enriched my reading experience!