Almost Perfect

By: Brian Katcher

Narrated by: Kirby Heyborne

Length: 10 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

This winner of the first Stonewall Award for Children’s & Young Adult Literature will make you marvel at the beauty of human connection and the irrepressible nature of love.

Everyone has that one line they swear they’ll never cross, the one thing they say they’ll never do. We draw the line. Maybe we even believe it.

Sage Hendricks was my line.

Logan Witherspoon befriends Sage Hendricks at a time when he no longer trusts or believes in people. He's drawn to Sage, with her constant smile and sexy voice, and his feelings for her grow so strong that he can’t resist kissing her. Sage finally discloses a big secret: She was born a boy. Enraged, frightened, and feeling betrayed, Logan lashes out at her - a reaction he soon desperately wishes he could take back. Once his anger cools, Logan is filled with incredible regret, and all he wants is to repair his friendship with Sage. But it’s hard to replace something that’s been broken - and it’s even harder to find your way back to friendship when you began with love.

“Tackles issues of homophobia, hate crimes and stereotyping with humor and grace in an accessible tone that will resonate with teens.” (Kirkus Reviews)

“It is Sage's story that is truly important.” (SLJ)

“Teens - both those familiar with transgender issues and those who are not - will welcome the honest take on a rarely explored subject.” (Booklist)

“A sensitive examination of the seldom treated subject of transgender teens.” (VOYA)

©2011 Brian Katcher (P)2011 Listening Library

Takes teen angst to a new level

What did you love best about Almost Perfect?

The character of Sage was so lovable I dreaded the inevitable moment of revelation. For the first time I understood how transgendered people might feel, and I learned something from living through Logan's doubt and rollercoaster emotions about my own prejudices.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Sage was my favorite even though we experienced everything through Logan's eyes. Vulnerable yet strong and always lovable. could she be realistic? I don't know.

Which character – as performed by Kirby Heyborne – was your favorite?

Logan was the best performance. I think every girl wants a boyfriend like Logan.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I think it was when he was driving her to the hospital and realized he was overcome with emotion.

best coming to age book

I read this a decade ago and many times since then she it still gives me so many feels. Its timeless enjoyable for teens and adults alike. the character of Logan and Sage are one in a million very well thought out u experience this story with them because of the authors fabulous writing. it's a minor epic, coming of age, love story also about friendship and finding your way. This book will stick with you

an almost perfect book

Captured the dilemma and struggles of young transgender women in a vivid and amazing way. As an older transwoman, I was quite impressed. Loved it!

Great Read

This book could be true today. Strikes an cord within me; I feel every word and . I'm Transgender Worman.

Hard story to hear, but good

I haven't yelled out loud at a character in a book in a long time, but whew...
I'd like to think the book being a decade old means things have improved, but I'm not sure.

Wonderful and Intriguing

This book was one of the best books I’ve ever listened to it kept me wanting more. It truly depicts the struggles the transgender community faces everyday. I was hoping that Sage and Logan would live happily ever after.

Stonewall Award? Really! Very Disappointing

You have to get to chapter10 before you get to anything that clues you in that this story is related to trans issues. But that is not the problem I have with it.

When the teenage trans girl came out to her wannabe boyfriend she told him she was a boy. What! That is the same thing as saying a trans man is nothing more than a guy in a dress. That is so hateful and transphobic. She had a female heart and soul which makes her female.

That is how the secular world looks at people. Our exterior appearance can be nice or old and worn out but our heart is what matters.

Good

I enjoyed the book and I was rooting for Sage and Logan, pity it didn't work out.

worth the read

great story that highlights some of the ups and downs of living as Trans, but from an outside perspective.

I loved it!

This book really explains the troubles of being transgender through another person's perspective. At first it's difficult but later on it gets easier.