Piper Perish

I received an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.  :)  Let me start off by saying that I tend to love journal style prose.  I find the casual honesty refreshing and I enjoy getting inside the character's head and "hearing" their most true thoughts and feelings.  That being said, sometimes I wanted to choke Piper and call her all sorts of childish names, lol.

Piper's personality was a weeeeeeeeeee bit grating on my nerves.  Sometimes I really liked her and could understand her perspective.  Other times, she annoyed the crap out of me and I felt like she was being a pretentious little brat.  She evolved over time into a much more tolerable human.   I must say, I HATED the obsession and seemingly constant references to her idol, Andy Warhol.  I do not admire Andy's work; it just isn't my cup of tea.  Piper trying to emulate his look, attitude and life goals were a bit over the top.  That being said, she seemed to grow up quite a bit over the course of the book and actually began to find an identity of her own!  Hallelujah!

Piper's friends:  spoiled with definite 1st World problems.  There is the stereotypical gay ex-boyfriend who needs to come to terms with himself and then come out to his parents.  There is the rich and spoiled best friend with workaholic absent parents.  The kooky art teacher with all the answers and a heart of gold who believes in Piper and inspires her to push herself harder.  The generic friends, Sammy and Jen, who don't get much in the way of character development.  The ex-boyfriend's new man who Piper hates out of principle at first but then ends up bonding with.  

Piper's family:  Sister Marli is crazy, no two ways about it!!  I mean, why is everyone scared of upsetting her and tiptoeing around her like a really bad abusive relationship gone way wrong?  So many eggshells being walked on!  She is clearly unstable, aggressive, manipulative, sneaky, disrespectful, ungrateful and a total narcissist!!!!  Ugh.... absolutely could not tolerate her!  The parents put up with WAY TOO MUCH, and let Marli get away with everything.  For that reason, I think they were extra lenient with Piper.  She was drinking, hooking up, partying late and coming home at 2AM while still in high school - my parents would never be down with that!!  Piper's Mom was proud of her hickey... ewwww.  

I read the book pretty quickly and overall I did enjoy it.  I either liked the characters a lot or I loved to hate them.  Either way, Piper reminded me of a young Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City when she was leaving her small town for the big city.  Totally unique premise?  No.  Fun read?  You bet.... but be prepared to want to reach into the book and pull a few characters out for a stern talking to and an attitude adjustment!!!!  :)