An Otherwise Perfect Plan

by Kendall Schafer

FBT review:

Embark on a heartwarming and hilarious journey with Gwen in "An Otherwise Perfect Plan" by Kendall Schafer, winner of the Best YA Novel in the Kindle Book Awards. When sixteen-year-old Gwen sets out to secure her mother's dream scholarship to Yale, she must confront the mystery of her absent father. With unwavering determination and the help of her loyal friend Peter, Gwen navigates a whirlwind of secrets, emotions, and unexpected twists. Will her plan to reunite her family lead to success, or will it all come crashing down? This coming-of-age tale is a must-read for fans of indie books, offering a captivating blend of humor, emotion, and unforgettable moments.

Publisher Description:

Join Gwen Pendergrass on an unpredictable and surprisingly funny journey that is "as amusing as it is engaging" (Booklife Prize). Whether you’re currently a teen, or can barely remember being one, this is a coming-of-age story that will make you laugh, make you care, and take you on a ride you won’t soon forget.

WINNER OF THE 2024 BEST YA NOVEL IN THE KINDLE BOOK AWARDS

At sixteen, Gwen knows exactly one thing about her dad: he must have existed. Though her mom confirms this rather obvious conclusion, she refuses to add anything else about him. Annoying certainly, but honestly, Gwen is fine with it. Really, what would be the point of digging up a past that’s never been part of her present?<br>

The universe, however, has other plans. When Gwen kind of, unexpectedly gets her mom a full-ride scholarship to Yale, it comes with one tiny, little hitch. Her mom plans to turn it down because of her "Parental Responsibilities." Translation: because of Gwen. Heartsick at being the one thing standing between her mom and her dreams, Gwen is fiercely determined to make it work, one way or another. But try as she might, all she can come up with is one crazy, desperate solution: find her dad.<br>

Armed with nothing but determination, Gwen ropes her ever-loyal, best friend Peter into a whirlwind of white lies, unexpected allies, and laughably disastrous moments. As her quest grows more chaotic by the day, Gwen must navigate family secrets, her own wildly changing emotions, and the mounting pressure to succeed before everything unravels.<br>

Will Gwen get her mom her “happily ever after”, or will her otherwise perfect plan spectacularly crash and burn, taking Gwen’s friendship with Peter and her hopes of love along with it?