‘A Crooked Kind of Perfect’ by Linda Urban was a welcome escape into the life of a ten-year-old girl (going on eleven!) named Zoe who is entirely bent on living out her dream of being a famous piano player. Little does she know that her first foray into the world of music comes at the hands of her father, who, despite his infinite care and love for her, buys her an organ rather than her desired piano.

Zoe’s story is one that almost anyone can identify with, as she struggles to fit in while at the same time wanting to stand out. Her devotion to learning the piano sometimes wavers, especially after she is presented with her organ, but her ability to stand strong in the face of uncertainty about other aspects of her life makes her a character for whom any reader should clearly root.

From her father who means well, to her mother who never seems to be around when Zoe truly needs or wants her, to friends lost and gained, Zoe proves that keeping up appearances is sometimes just that – the need to save face in front of others while letting one’s true self shine through in more important ways. While her best friend, Emma, decides to branch out, Zoe unknowingly does the same, finding herself crushing on a boy while at the same time hanging out with one with whom she never would have thought she’d be seen. Her relationships, from parents to friends to that which she has with herself, are sometimes tested, but she always finds a way to be courageous and keep her head held high.

A truly quick and thoroughly enjoyable read, ‘A Crooked Kind of Perfect’ will make any reader crave more of Linda Urban’s writing.

You can find ‘A Crooked Kind of Perfect’ by Linda Urban here.