MESSY PERFECT

Ariana Delawari reflects the uncomfortable mix of feelings of Cassie Perera, which began with her betrayal of her best friend, Ben, in sixth grade, when the two were caught swapping outfits. She denies her friendship to avoid revealing her same-sex attractions, hiding behind being perfect at school, church, and home. Delawari carries listeners forward into Cassie's junior year, when Ben returns from years away at ballet school. Seeing him, Cassie's unresolved guilt returns, as does her desire for redemption. Cassie's decision to begin a Gender and Sexuality Alliance confronts years of secrets she's hidden from her Sri Lankan parents, her Catholic school, and her peers. Her life turns upside down until she faces and confesses truths that bring resolution. S.W. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2025]