An Otherwise Perfect Plan is a contemporary coming-of-age story narrated by Gwen, a quirky teenage girl who infuses it with sarcasm, hyperbole, and wild flights of fancy, all as she tries to make sense of her life with a single mom working two soul-crushing jobs, dysfunctional high school teachers, and her unruly emotions with a mind of their own.
Gwen knew her mom had dropped out of college to have her, so when her mom is offered a life-changing opportunity that she has to refuse solely because of her parental responsibilities, Gwen cannot, will not, let herself once more be the obstacle to her mom's happiness.
Instead, she ropes her best friend Peter into a Hail Mary of a plan to find the father she literally knows nothing about, only to have her white lies, scheming, and emotional roller-coaster make a mess of everything, and it quickly becomes a race to find her dad before her mom catches on, her head explodes, or it all completely spirals out of control.
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: This entertaining story, which follows 16-year-old Gwen as she tries to uncover her father’s identity, is as amusing as it is engaging. It gets derailed at times by Gwen’s hit-or-miss sleuthing, but ultimately Schafer brings it all together in an emotional, memorable ending.
Prose: The story is enjoyable to read and packed with natural, effortless dialogue. Schafer infuses his prose with humor that will land well with young adult readers.
Originality: Schafer pairs delightful characters with an appealing storyline that will please readers, and the central protagonist’s relatability sets the novel apart.
Character/Execution: Gwen is a likable character with plenty of spark, and her best friend, Peter, is a charming sidekick. Secondary characters hold their own, adding depth to the story while supporting Gwen’s journey.
Date Submitted: August 29, 2023
RATED: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This coming of age story ... is brilliantly written with a wry wit that perfectly emotes the teen protagonist’s cynical yet hopeful view of her world. Schafer’s clever language and mastery of teen emotions will make for a wonderful cross-market read for young adults and new adults.
A charming, inventive YA novel about discovering who you really are.In Schafer’s YA novel, a plucky teenage girl... Gwen narrates the story in first person, and her chatty, incisive voice quickly enthralls the reader. [...] There’s a timeless, almost cinematic quality to the characters and story structure that many readers will happily sink right into.
Join Gwen Pendergrass on her journey as she navigates the challenges of her life - from being a free-lunch student living in a cramped apartment with a kitchen that seems out to get her, to dealing with dysfunctional high school teachers and her own unruly emotions. Through it all, Gwen finds solace in her friendship with Peter, a fellow loner who shares her love for books, banter, and contemplating the absurdities of the universe.
But when Gwen's mom is presented with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reclaim the life she gave up, their world is turned upside down. Will Gwen understand the changes and find her path amid it all?
An Otherwise Perfect Plan is a contemporary coming-of-age story that will captivate readers with its unique narrative style and relatable characters. In this book, a quirky teenage girl takes center stage, infusing the tale with sarcasm, hyperbole, and wild flights of fancy.
Ken Schafer has written a must-read for anyone seeking a heartwarming and humorous tale of self-discovery. Get ready to be swept away by Gwen's unique voice and her extraordinary journey.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ MUST READ 🏆
Razor-sharp, equal-parts poignant, funny and perfect young adult novel
If you're in the San Diego Area, join the author, Ken Schafer, at his book signing at
Warwick's Bookstore
7812 Girard Avenue
San Diego, 92037
from 2:30-4:30pm
