We Are the Perfect Girl

By: Ariel Kaplan

Narrated by: Holly Linneman

This witty, warm-hearted retelling of Cyrano de Bergerac is a love letter to female friendship. Perfect for Stephanie Perkins fans, and anyone who's ever thought of trying on a new identity to impress a guy.

Aphra Brown is bold and outgoing. Her best friend, Bethany, is achingly beautiful. Individually, they could both do a little better in the self-esteem department, but together? Together, they have what it takes to win over Greg D'Agostino, a proverbial "10", who happens to be fluent in six languages - seven if you count the language of smoldering gazes....

What begins as an honest mistake turns into an elaborate deception, wherein Bethany goes on dates with Greg while Aphra coaches her on what to say, and texts him in the guise of Bethany, trying and failing, all the while, to tamp down her own hopeless crush. It's only a matter of time before things come crashing down. The question is: What will happen when Greg finds out? And can Aphra and Bethany's friendship survive the fallout?

From the author of We Regret to Inform You comes a witty, warm-hearted exploration of love in all its forms, and a cris-de-coeur for self-acceptance when the pressure to be perfect is overwhelming.

"There is much to appreciate about this book: its cleverness, its humor, that it embraces and normalizes therapy, that it places familial love and friendship on a level with romantic love. But, perhaps best of all, it offers teens, especially those struggling to accept and love themselves, a picture of a girl who makes mistakes and fights to begin again." (Booklist, starred review)

"At once painful and heartfelt . . . a smart and honest look at female beauty, with plenty of panache to boot." (Kirkus, starred review)

©2019 Ariel Kaplan (P)2019 Listening Library

Critic reviews

“This charming story about family, friendship, and battling insecurities had me laughing aloud and rooting for love. From funny to poignant to perfect ending, We Are the Perfect Girl delivers.” (Wendelin Van Draanen, author of The Running Dream)

"There is much to appreciate about this book: Its cleverness, its humor, that it embraces and normalizes therapy, that it places familial love and friendship on a level with romantic love. But, perhaps best of all, it offers teens, especially those struggling to accept and love themselves, a picture of a girl who makes mistakes and fights to begin again." (Booklist, starred review)

“The story progresses rapidly and instantly hooks readers while holding interest from beginning to end, and the novel hits on relevant themes including self-esteem, body image, and leaving your comfort zone." (School Library Journal, starred review)