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Past Perfect Life
Small-town Wisconsin high school senior Allison Smith loves her life the way it is-spending quality time with her widowed father and her tight-knit circle of friends, including best friend Marian and maybe-more-than-friends Neil. Sure she is stressed out about college applications . . . who wouldn't be? In a few short months, everything's going to change, big time.
But when Ally files her applications, they send up a red flag . . . because she's not Allison Smith. And Ally's-make that Amanda's-ordinary life is suddenly blown apart. Was everything before a lie? Who will she be after? And what will she do as now comes crashing down around her?
But when Ally files her applications, they send up a red flag . . . because she's not Allison Smith. And Ally's-make that Amanda's-ordinary life is suddenly blown apart. Was everything before a lie? Who will she be after? And what will she do as now comes crashing down around her?
328 pages, Hardcover
First published July 9, 2019
About the author
Elizabeth Eulberg
26 books3,115 followersThe short and sweet version:
Elizabeth Eulberg was born and raised in Wisconsin before heading off to college at Syracuse University and making a career in the New York City book biz. Now a full-time writer, she is the international bestselling author of over a dozen novels, including The Lonely Hearts Club, Prom & Prejudice, Take a Bow, and Better Off Friends, along with the middle-grade series The Great Shelby Holmes and Scared Silly. She now lives in London where she spends her free time aimlessly wandering around historic streets and eating all the scones. ALL OF THEM.
To check out the long version, head over to my webpage: http://www.elizabetheulberg.com/bio/
Also, I'm not checking e-mails on my Goodreads, see my website for information on contacting me! http://www.elizabetheulberg.com/faq/
Happy reading!
Elizabeth Eulberg was born and raised in Wisconsin before heading off to college at Syracuse University and making a career in the New York City book biz. Now a full-time writer, she is the international bestselling author of over a dozen novels, including The Lonely Hearts Club, Prom & Prejudice, Take a Bow, and Better Off Friends, along with the middle-grade series The Great Shelby Holmes and Scared Silly. She now lives in London where she spends her free time aimlessly wandering around historic streets and eating all the scones. ALL OF THEM.
To check out the long version, head over to my webpage: http://www.elizabetheulberg.com/bio/
Also, I'm not checking e-mails on my Goodreads, see my website for information on contacting me! http://www.elizabetheulberg.com/faq/
Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 363 reviews
December 13, 2023
PAST PERFECT LIFE is a fascinating story where a kidnapping victim finds out their real identity over a decade later. Ally is applying for colleges when something goes wrong with her social security number. This one had lots of really emotional moments where you couldn’t help but sympathize with a lot of the perspectives. So many angles one could be hurt from in this scenario. I think my favorite character was the stepfather! Lots of Wisconsin tidbits that Packers fans will enjoy!
September 25, 2019
Ally Smith has a happy life in Wisconsin with her dad and her friends. Her only worry is her college applications, but that’s normal. But when Ally officially filed them, they send up a red flag due to her social security number. It seems that Ally Smith isn’t Ally Smith. Her real name is Amanda, and now her happy life is no more. Is her whole life a lie? And what’s going to happen now?
If you’re looking for a captivating and emotional read, look no further than PAST PERFECT LIFE! I won this book via a LibraryThing giveaway, and it was so enjoyable! I found this to be a totally mesmerizing book. If I could have, I would have stayed up all night and read it in one sitting (believe me, I tried. Darn responsibilities.). Ally’s voice was unique, sweet, and just so well-done. The book has a teen style, but this Mama couldn’t stop reading. I loved that it was character-driven yet there was almost a tinge of mystery. It’s emotional, funny, romantic, and completely compelling! Highly recommend! 4 stars.
Thanks to LibraryThing and Bloomsbury YA for my copy.
Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ PaperBackSwap ~ Smashbomb
If you’re looking for a captivating and emotional read, look no further than PAST PERFECT LIFE! I won this book via a LibraryThing giveaway, and it was so enjoyable! I found this to be a totally mesmerizing book. If I could have, I would have stayed up all night and read it in one sitting (believe me, I tried. Darn responsibilities.). Ally’s voice was unique, sweet, and just so well-done. The book has a teen style, but this Mama couldn’t stop reading. I loved that it was character-driven yet there was almost a tinge of mystery. It’s emotional, funny, romantic, and completely compelling! Highly recommend! 4 stars.
Thanks to LibraryThing and Bloomsbury YA for my copy.
Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ PaperBackSwap ~ Smashbomb
August 2, 2019
3.5 stars
Been awhile since I finished a book in a day :) This wasn't a new idea but it was addicting and hard to put down :) Brought me to tears a few times as well.
I thought the ending was a little rushed. It would have been more touching if it had been a little longer *shrugs*
The ending though was well done.
Would recommend, a nice escape from reality and will pull on your heartstrings.
Been awhile since I finished a book in a day :) This wasn't a new idea but it was addicting and hard to put down :) Brought me to tears a few times as well.
I thought the ending was a little rushed. It would have been more touching if it had been a little longer *shrugs*
The ending though was well done.
Would recommend, a nice escape from reality and will pull on your heartstrings.
June 25, 2019
This is one of those books that has absolutely no surprises.
Everything happens exactly as you expect it will. People behave the way you expect. It ends the way you expect.
Despite the tough subject matter, it's a feel good book. Our main character has such a community around her that even in her darkest hours, you're pretty sure that nothing ever will get to the point of dismally tragic.
I liked every one of the characters. One I thought I might not like ended up just fine.
You might tear up once or twice, but you'll ultimately feel good about reading this one.
Everything happens exactly as you expect it will. People behave the way you expect. It ends the way you expect.
Despite the tough subject matter, it's a feel good book. Our main character has such a community around her that even in her darkest hours, you're pretty sure that nothing ever will get to the point of dismally tragic.
I liked every one of the characters. One I thought I might not like ended up just fine.
You might tear up once or twice, but you'll ultimately feel good about reading this one.
June 24, 2019
I received a copy of this title via NetGalley. It does not impact my review.
I discovered Elizabeth Eulberg a couple years ago and she quickly became one of my favorite YA Contemporary authors. I really can’t believe that more people aren’t talking about her books. Past Perfect Life was another of her books that I finished in one day.
Ally lives in a small town with her father and her biggest problem is coming up with a decent topic for her college application/scholarship application essay questions. She has a tight-knit group of friends and a great relationship with her father. That is, until her college applications are kicked back for having an invalid social security number. I feel like you can probably already guess what happens based off of the clues in the synopsis, but I kind of find it impossible to review this book without disclosing what happens, so if you really don’t want to know, this is your official ***SPOILER ALERT***. Turns out, Ally Smith is not her real name and her mother didn’t really die when she was three. When her father was afraid of losing partial custody of her, he fled with her and they have been living under false identities ever since.
This isn’t the first YA book I’ve read with this topic, but I thought it was well done. A lot of time is dedicated to Ally’s mental and emotional state around the discovery and then as she tries to adjust to her new life. We also see how it effects the friends she’s forced to leave behind and the new family she never knew existed who have been mourning her loss for the past fifteen years. I really loved Ally’s friends, the extended Gleason family, especially adorable Neil. I also really liked Ally’s step-father. I thought he handled the situation better than anyone else and was overall pretty amazing. I have to say I really didn’t care for Ally’s mother. I know that she’s been through a lot, but I thought she handled everything really poorly, right up until the end, which I thought was just a tad too easy and abrupt. I really could have used an epilogue.
I definitely need to mention Eulberg’s writing. She has such an addictive writing style that compels me to keep reading, even when I had decided I was going to set the book down to do something else. I certainly didn’t mean to finish this book in one day, but that’s exactly what happened because I just had to keep reading.
Overall, I really enjoyed Past Perfect Life. Though it was a heavier read than Eulberg’s other books I’ve read, I thought it was well done. The topic was interesting and Ally’s character development was really well done. I liked the cute romance with Neil and the really addictive writing. I definitely recommend that Contemporary fans check this out, as well as some of Eulberg’s other books.
Overall Rating (out of 5): 4 Stars
I discovered Elizabeth Eulberg a couple years ago and she quickly became one of my favorite YA Contemporary authors. I really can’t believe that more people aren’t talking about her books. Past Perfect Life was another of her books that I finished in one day.
Ally lives in a small town with her father and her biggest problem is coming up with a decent topic for her college application/scholarship application essay questions. She has a tight-knit group of friends and a great relationship with her father. That is, until her college applications are kicked back for having an invalid social security number. I feel like you can probably already guess what happens based off of the clues in the synopsis, but I kind of find it impossible to review this book without disclosing what happens, so if you really don’t want to know, this is your official ***SPOILER ALERT***. Turns out, Ally Smith is not her real name and her mother didn’t really die when she was three. When her father was afraid of losing partial custody of her, he fled with her and they have been living under false identities ever since.
This isn’t the first YA book I’ve read with this topic, but I thought it was well done. A lot of time is dedicated to Ally’s mental and emotional state around the discovery and then as she tries to adjust to her new life. We also see how it effects the friends she’s forced to leave behind and the new family she never knew existed who have been mourning her loss for the past fifteen years. I really loved Ally’s friends, the extended Gleason family, especially adorable Neil. I also really liked Ally’s step-father. I thought he handled the situation better than anyone else and was overall pretty amazing. I have to say I really didn’t care for Ally’s mother. I know that she’s been through a lot, but I thought she handled everything really poorly, right up until the end, which I thought was just a tad too easy and abrupt. I really could have used an epilogue.
I definitely need to mention Eulberg’s writing. She has such an addictive writing style that compels me to keep reading, even when I had decided I was going to set the book down to do something else. I certainly didn’t mean to finish this book in one day, but that’s exactly what happened because I just had to keep reading.
Overall, I really enjoyed Past Perfect Life. Though it was a heavier read than Eulberg’s other books I’ve read, I thought it was well done. The topic was interesting and Ally’s character development was really well done. I liked the cute romance with Neil and the really addictive writing. I definitely recommend that Contemporary fans check this out, as well as some of Eulberg’s other books.
Overall Rating (out of 5): 4 Stars
March 4, 2024
This ended up being more wholesome than I expected which I’m not mad about! I always love a good YA contemp and this one was no different
September 8, 2019
What Stood Out to Me:
I adored Cooney's The Face on the Milk Carton and Whatever Happened to Janie?; read and re-read them when they came out in the 80's. This book reminded me so much of those two. Reading Past Perfect Life as an adult gave some food for thought. The biological parents in both reads demand the instant return of their "found" child. This troubled me as a teen in The Face series; I thought of the grownups as pushy and mean to exact uprooting a teenager. Reading Past Perfect as an adult and a mother I was more understanding of how a parent would want their child back at all costs.
Memorable Quotes:
(pg. 117)-"Is she waiting for me to tell her that I love her? How can you love someone you don't know?"
(pg. 20)-" Dad has always stressed how important education is, and he wants a better future for me. even though I like my present."
I adored Cooney's The Face on the Milk Carton and Whatever Happened to Janie?; read and re-read them when they came out in the 80's. This book reminded me so much of those two. Reading Past Perfect Life as an adult gave some food for thought. The biological parents in both reads demand the instant return of their "found" child. This troubled me as a teen in The Face series; I thought of the grownups as pushy and mean to exact uprooting a teenager. Reading Past Perfect as an adult and a mother I was more understanding of how a parent would want their child back at all costs.
Memorable Quotes:
(pg. 117)-"Is she waiting for me to tell her that I love her? How can you love someone you don't know?"
(pg. 20)-" Dad has always stressed how important education is, and he wants a better future for me. even though I like my present."
December 4, 2019
I went into this thinking it was a suspense novel but it is NOT. What it *is* is a hugely engrossing, emotionally high stakes YA contemporary. I loved what it was, but I do think it was marketed just a tick like it was suspense which does a disservice to suspense readers IMO. (Like... maybe by the time it was released it wasn't being marketed that way, but I swear when I requested the ARC from NetGalley I thought it was suspense?)
ANYWAY. God this was a ride. And not a "the plot twists will BLOW YOUR MIND!" kind of ride but a "the ANGST the MC goes through is ANGUISHING and I was so so angry on her behalf!!!" ride. I was right there with Ally, and so in her feelings, and so upset on her behalf. I was so proud of her for NOT just screaming expletives at people multiple times, as I would have done. The personal stakes are so so high, and all the relationships emotionally complex.
The one thing I thought was interesting: the lead up to the inciting incident (when Ally finds out she was kidnapped when she was 3) is a bit dull? Compared to the rest of the book, it's a marked change. The scenes with Ally and her dad, ie: chapter 1 were a bit twee and at first I wasn't in love with the tone of the novel. Ditto her early scenes with friends at school were almost too cute. I felt like I'd hopped into a time machine almost, especially with names like Marion and Neil for teen characters ha. So I did have to push through the first few chapters where I wasn't totally vibing with the tone. It's very sweet Americana. And Ally is... just very standard "nice teen girl who likes a boy and is nervous about college apps!"... then when everything goes sideways all of a sudden she has a HUGE personality, gets very angry, curses, has super strong feelings... I liked post-chaos Ally so much more. She felt like a real, modern teen. Though, that said, thinking back on it: I think what got me a little is other than "good at school and wants to get into college" and all the cute things she does with her dad, Ally is a bit light on specific personality traits and goals. I think that's what I had trouble grasping onto early on, but then later, that stuff didn't matter.
So I'd say to anyone giving this a try to push through the very first part/set-up because if you LIKE "character is thrown into CRAZY, life changing situation"-type stakes, the other 80% of this book is just so so satisfying. I mean can you imagine? You spend your whole life thinking you are one person and then BAM you find out your whole life is a lie and you have to go play happy family with strangers? Shit.
I will say, while ultimately it goes where it goes and I was pleased/decently impressed, when I was maybe 20 pages from the end I COULD NOT believe I was 20 pages from the end. Just when all the inter-personal conflicts are getting good, the book ends, and resolves pretty neatly. But, then again, a book like this can only be so long. I was expecting some more entanglements, but oh well. I still really loved it. Can't fault me for wanting MOAR :)
OH I will say, one thing that tripped me up initially: the main plot conceit is based on a logic hole. Everything unravels when Ally applies to 3 colleges, she gets an automatic response back that her social security number has an error. She goes to her high school guidance counselor for help. Here's the thing: you don't NEED a social security number to apply to college. They actually can't require you provide it. There's no college that would have a system that "automatically" checks your SSN against a database to prove it's a real SSN. You don't have to be an US citizen or have an SSN to apply to US colleges. Citizenship is NOT a prerequisite for acceptance. Now, you likely have to provide that information for the FAFSA--but that is a federal form whose info is provided to the college (ie: the results), and frankly Ally's dad should have STOPPED her from filling out ANY such form.
So yeah: this is perfect for contemporary YA fans who like SUPER HIGH STAKES emotional drama. It's a pretty crazy premise, and I enjoyed the ride.
ANYWAY. God this was a ride. And not a "the plot twists will BLOW YOUR MIND!" kind of ride but a "the ANGST the MC goes through is ANGUISHING and I was so so angry on her behalf!!!" ride. I was right there with Ally, and so in her feelings, and so upset on her behalf. I was so proud of her for NOT just screaming expletives at people multiple times, as I would have done. The personal stakes are so so high, and all the relationships emotionally complex.
The one thing I thought was interesting: the lead up to the inciting incident (when Ally finds out she was kidnapped when she was 3) is a bit dull? Compared to the rest of the book, it's a marked change. The scenes with Ally and her dad, ie: chapter 1 were a bit twee and at first I wasn't in love with the tone of the novel. Ditto her early scenes with friends at school were almost too cute. I felt like I'd hopped into a time machine almost, especially with names like Marion and Neil for teen characters ha. So I did have to push through the first few chapters where I wasn't totally vibing with the tone. It's very sweet Americana. And Ally is... just very standard "nice teen girl who likes a boy and is nervous about college apps!"... then when everything goes sideways all of a sudden she has a HUGE personality, gets very angry, curses, has super strong feelings... I liked post-chaos Ally so much more. She felt like a real, modern teen. Though, that said, thinking back on it: I think what got me a little is other than "good at school and wants to get into college" and all the cute things she does with her dad, Ally is a bit light on specific personality traits and goals. I think that's what I had trouble grasping onto early on, but then later, that stuff didn't matter.
So I'd say to anyone giving this a try to push through the very first part/set-up because if you LIKE "character is thrown into CRAZY, life changing situation"-type stakes, the other 80% of this book is just so so satisfying. I mean can you imagine? You spend your whole life thinking you are one person and then BAM you find out your whole life is a lie and you have to go play happy family with strangers? Shit.
I will say, while ultimately it goes where it goes and I was pleased/decently impressed, when I was maybe 20 pages from the end I COULD NOT believe I was 20 pages from the end. Just when all the inter-personal conflicts are getting good, the book ends, and resolves pretty neatly. But, then again, a book like this can only be so long. I was expecting some more entanglements, but oh well. I still really loved it. Can't fault me for wanting MOAR :)
OH I will say, one thing that tripped me up initially: the main plot conceit is based on a logic hole. Everything unravels when Ally applies to 3 colleges, she gets an automatic response back that her social security number has an error. She goes to her high school guidance counselor for help. Here's the thing: you don't NEED a social security number to apply to college. They actually can't require you provide it. There's no college that would have a system that "automatically" checks your SSN against a database to prove it's a real SSN. You don't have to be an US citizen or have an SSN to apply to US colleges. Citizenship is NOT a prerequisite for acceptance. Now, you likely have to provide that information for the FAFSA--but that is a federal form whose info is provided to the college (ie: the results), and frankly Ally's dad should have STOPPED her from filling out ANY such form.
So yeah: this is perfect for contemporary YA fans who like SUPER HIGH STAKES emotional drama. It's a pretty crazy premise, and I enjoyed the ride.
July 16, 2019
I have read and enjoyed Elizabeth’s previous books and I loved the sound of this one.
I liked Ally well enough. She’s had a huge things revealed to her and she’s handling it the best she can. I loved her friends and how supportive they were. The Florida family meant well and I did like how they strived to learn who Ally was. Her mom was sort of a struggle to read, but I could understand how she felt.
Plot wise, I was expecting a little more of a mystery type thing. Everything is revealed pretty quickly and while the aftermath is what the entire book is about, it felt like all telling. Scenes did get repetitive and characters did seem flat.
Overall, it was a quick read, with characters I liked, but wish I could have gotten to know a bit better.
**Huge thanks to Bloomsbury for providing the arc free of charge**
I liked Ally well enough. She’s had a huge things revealed to her and she’s handling it the best she can. I loved her friends and how supportive they were. The Florida family meant well and I did like how they strived to learn who Ally was. Her mom was sort of a struggle to read, but I could understand how she felt.
Plot wise, I was expecting a little more of a mystery type thing. Everything is revealed pretty quickly and while the aftermath is what the entire book is about, it felt like all telling. Scenes did get repetitive and characters did seem flat.
Overall, it was a quick read, with characters I liked, but wish I could have gotten to know a bit better.
**Huge thanks to Bloomsbury for providing the arc free of charge**
September 4, 2019
(2.5) Ally Smith and her dad moved to Valley Falls, Wisconsin eight years ago, where they were welcomed with open arms by the large Gleason clan, who basically run the place. The mayor, sheriff, and elementary school principal are Gleasons, and many of the important businesses in town are owned by family members. Ally’s best friend, Marian, is a member of this large extended family and so is Neil, the boy she has a crush on.
Now, in her senior year of high school, Ally is preparing university and scholarship applications. She is ambivalent about going away to college; her dad has always been the most important person in her life, and when she leaves home, she does not want to be far from him. Ally needs a scholarship because Mr. Smith is a construction worker and money is tight. When she struggles to come up with content for an essay on the most significant event in her life (a requirement for one of the scholarship applications), her friend Marian suggests that Ally write about her mother, who died fifteen years before. Ally approaches her dad, hoping to gain information about a woman she cannot remember, but he doesn’t want to talk.
Up until this point in the novel, Ally presents as the classic all-American girl—hardworking, conscientious, an excellent student, caring, a good listener, and so on. After several chapters I wondered if there was going to be anything more to this book than the girl’s bland niceness, her worries about an academic rival at school, and her swoony feelings for Neil Gleason. Then, at about the one-fifth mark, there is a sensational development in Ally’s life and an abrupt change of tone in the novel. The transformation of good, sweet Ally into a cynical girl (who suddenly swears and is full of sarcastic asides) is a bit clumsy and not entirely convincing.
I do not want to get too specific about plot details here, but here’s the gist of things: Ally’s applications to three colleges are rejected because of an invalid social security number. In short order, the police and the FBI show up at the Smiths’ home. A tip, likely from one of the colleges, leads to Ally’s dad being charged with social security fraud, among other (more serious) crimes. Ally’s dad is not who or what he has represented himself to be. For that matter, Ally is not the person she’s always understood herself to be either.
Written in the first person from the point of view of her teenage protagonist, Eulberg’s young adult novel explores how a young woman processes life-changing new information about herself. It also shows how she attempts to cope with her new circumstances, including national media attention, moving to a different state, and living with relatives she did not know she had. Since her father has been taken into custody and Ally is still a minor, she must abide by the decisions of her legal guardian, someone she has only recently met. Almost eighteen years old, Ally tries to adjust to the changes imposed on her, but in spite of her newly affluent life, she finds her situation increasingly intolerable. Valley Falls, Wisconsin is her true home and the Gleasons her real extended family.
There is some mildly “profane” language as Ally initially negotiates overwhelming feelings of anger, betrayal, and hurt—nothing too gritty that girls aged 13 and up couldn’t cope with. There is also some melodrama: fainting and intermittent sobbing. To some extent, this is chick lit for teens: directly told, fairly undemanding, and diverting—a feel-good story in which a girl realizes what really matters to her and is prepared to fight for it . . . oh, and gets her guy, too. All’s well that ends well, as they say. Although the characters are pretty two-dimensional, the dialogue reads like a made-for-TV movie, and the plot after the big reveal is somewhat predictable, the book is readable, and I can imagine several young girls I know enjoying it.
Thanks to Bloomsbury for providing a copy of the book for review purposes.
Now, in her senior year of high school, Ally is preparing university and scholarship applications. She is ambivalent about going away to college; her dad has always been the most important person in her life, and when she leaves home, she does not want to be far from him. Ally needs a scholarship because Mr. Smith is a construction worker and money is tight. When she struggles to come up with content for an essay on the most significant event in her life (a requirement for one of the scholarship applications), her friend Marian suggests that Ally write about her mother, who died fifteen years before. Ally approaches her dad, hoping to gain information about a woman she cannot remember, but he doesn’t want to talk.
Up until this point in the novel, Ally presents as the classic all-American girl—hardworking, conscientious, an excellent student, caring, a good listener, and so on. After several chapters I wondered if there was going to be anything more to this book than the girl’s bland niceness, her worries about an academic rival at school, and her swoony feelings for Neil Gleason. Then, at about the one-fifth mark, there is a sensational development in Ally’s life and an abrupt change of tone in the novel. The transformation of good, sweet Ally into a cynical girl (who suddenly swears and is full of sarcastic asides) is a bit clumsy and not entirely convincing.
I do not want to get too specific about plot details here, but here’s the gist of things: Ally’s applications to three colleges are rejected because of an invalid social security number. In short order, the police and the FBI show up at the Smiths’ home. A tip, likely from one of the colleges, leads to Ally’s dad being charged with social security fraud, among other (more serious) crimes. Ally’s dad is not who or what he has represented himself to be. For that matter, Ally is not the person she’s always understood herself to be either.
Written in the first person from the point of view of her teenage protagonist, Eulberg’s young adult novel explores how a young woman processes life-changing new information about herself. It also shows how she attempts to cope with her new circumstances, including national media attention, moving to a different state, and living with relatives she did not know she had. Since her father has been taken into custody and Ally is still a minor, she must abide by the decisions of her legal guardian, someone she has only recently met. Almost eighteen years old, Ally tries to adjust to the changes imposed on her, but in spite of her newly affluent life, she finds her situation increasingly intolerable. Valley Falls, Wisconsin is her true home and the Gleasons her real extended family.
There is some mildly “profane” language as Ally initially negotiates overwhelming feelings of anger, betrayal, and hurt—nothing too gritty that girls aged 13 and up couldn’t cope with. There is also some melodrama: fainting and intermittent sobbing. To some extent, this is chick lit for teens: directly told, fairly undemanding, and diverting—a feel-good story in which a girl realizes what really matters to her and is prepared to fight for it . . . oh, and gets her guy, too. All’s well that ends well, as they say. Although the characters are pretty two-dimensional, the dialogue reads like a made-for-TV movie, and the plot after the big reveal is somewhat predictable, the book is readable, and I can imagine several young girls I know enjoying it.
Thanks to Bloomsbury for providing a copy of the book for review purposes.
May 13, 2019
This may very well be my favorite Elizabeth Eulberg novel, and that says a lot! Allison Smith lives with her widowed dad and their relationship is sweet, caring, and loving. It's what most people would hope for between daughters and their fathers. But not everything is as it appears.
Loved the Wisconsin setting and all the Green Bay Packer references. The fascinating family dynamics will keep you turning the pages. Elizabeth captures small-town Wisconsin beautifully, and readers will fall in love with the tight-knit clan of Ally's best friend, Marian. Loyalty, friendship, family, love, lies, and truth make this novel hard to put down!
Loved the Wisconsin setting and all the Green Bay Packer references. The fascinating family dynamics will keep you turning the pages. Elizabeth captures small-town Wisconsin beautifully, and readers will fall in love with the tight-knit clan of Ally's best friend, Marian. Loyalty, friendship, family, love, lies, and truth make this novel hard to put down!
July 4, 2019
A secret from Ally's past had caught up with her, which drastically altered her life, and threatened to derail her future.
I am going to apologize up front for being vague, but it is too easy to give away the plot here, and I liked when my suspicions were confirmed. It was a good gasp worthy moment for me, and I want you to have that too. Therefore, I will share as much as I think I can without spoiling anything.
• My emotions! I will admit, my emotions were all over the place as I read this book. I was definitely channeling Ally at times, because I felt mad, hurt, sad, empty, frustrated, happy, and swoony. I would definitely say, that Eulberg did an amazing job conveying the emotions of the characters in this book.
• Found family - It was just Ally and her dad, but she was lucky enough to be "adopted" by her best friend Marian, who came from a HUGE family. They were her de facto family, and when push came to shove, they stood up for her and stood by her side.
• An adorable romance - Right before her life imploded, Ally finally declared her feelings for her long time crush. The two of them together were utterly precious and so, so cute. My heart broke just thinking about them having to be apart, but that boy kept surprising me (and Ally) in the best ways.
• Father-daughter bond - Ally and her dad shared something special, which I think is not too unusual when it comes to small families. I adored all their "theme nights", and their affection for each other was really beautiful.
• Setting - Hello, Wisconsin! It was nice to be out in the midwest for a little change of pace, and Eulberg treated us to lots of weather, cheese, and Packers related anecdotes. I also loved their small town, and the way all the residents circled round to protect Ally.
• Friendship - Ally was blessed with an incredible group of friends. Their lunch time follies were amusing, and I was really touched by their dedication to each other.
This was an emotional and compelling read. I really tore through it, and though, I wish there was an epilogue, I was still left really hopeful for Ally and her family.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
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I am going to apologize up front for being vague, but it is too easy to give away the plot here, and I liked when my suspicions were confirmed. It was a good gasp worthy moment for me, and I want you to have that too. Therefore, I will share as much as I think I can without spoiling anything.
"Two truths and a lie?"
"I'm angry. I'm scared. My life."
• My emotions! I will admit, my emotions were all over the place as I read this book. I was definitely channeling Ally at times, because I felt mad, hurt, sad, empty, frustrated, happy, and swoony. I would definitely say, that Eulberg did an amazing job conveying the emotions of the characters in this book.
• Found family - It was just Ally and her dad, but she was lucky enough to be "adopted" by her best friend Marian, who came from a HUGE family. They were her de facto family, and when push came to shove, they stood up for her and stood by her side.
• An adorable romance - Right before her life imploded, Ally finally declared her feelings for her long time crush. The two of them together were utterly precious and so, so cute. My heart broke just thinking about them having to be apart, but that boy kept surprising me (and Ally) in the best ways.
• Father-daughter bond - Ally and her dad shared something special, which I think is not too unusual when it comes to small families. I adored all their "theme nights", and their affection for each other was really beautiful.
• Setting - Hello, Wisconsin! It was nice to be out in the midwest for a little change of pace, and Eulberg treated us to lots of weather, cheese, and Packers related anecdotes. I also loved their small town, and the way all the residents circled round to protect Ally.
• Friendship - Ally was blessed with an incredible group of friends. Their lunch time follies were amusing, and I was really touched by their dedication to each other.
This was an emotional and compelling read. I really tore through it, and though, I wish there was an epilogue, I was still left really hopeful for Ally and her family.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
October 11, 2021
3.5 STARS
What do you do when you learn your whole life is a lie? When even your name isn’t your name and your mother didn’t die when you were three and your dad has been lying to you your whole life?
Ally discovers her real name is Amanda and that her mom didn’t really die when she was three. In fact, her mom Paula has been looking for Amanda for nearly fifteen years since the toddler’s father kidnapped her. Now jailed, her father admits to admits to his crimes, leaving Ally hurt and confused.
PAST PERFECT LIFE was one of my most anticipated books of the year, but didn’t meet my high expectations. While Elizabeth Eulberg’s word building was highly readable, Ally’s story seemed more told than experienced. I never viscerally felt her shock and pain. The main characters lacked dimension and felt like characters more than people and switched attitudes without natural progression. I adored the Gleason, Ally’s grandmother and stepfather who all felt authentic and grew to love Sarah although she didn’t feel as real. I had a harder time embracing Ally, but intellectually understood her struggles.
PAST PERFECT LIFE is a satisfying, but imperfect story.
What do you do when you learn your whole life is a lie? When even your name isn’t your name and your mother didn’t die when you were three and your dad has been lying to you your whole life?
Ally discovers her real name is Amanda and that her mom didn’t really die when she was three. In fact, her mom Paula has been looking for Amanda for nearly fifteen years since the toddler’s father kidnapped her. Now jailed, her father admits to admits to his crimes, leaving Ally hurt and confused.
PAST PERFECT LIFE was one of my most anticipated books of the year, but didn’t meet my high expectations. While Elizabeth Eulberg’s word building was highly readable, Ally’s story seemed more told than experienced. I never viscerally felt her shock and pain. The main characters lacked dimension and felt like characters more than people and switched attitudes without natural progression. I adored the Gleason, Ally’s grandmother and stepfather who all felt authentic and grew to love Sarah although she didn’t feel as real. I had a harder time embracing Ally, but intellectually understood her struggles.
PAST PERFECT LIFE is a satisfying, but imperfect story.
July 2, 2019
What would you do when you discover you’re not who you thought you were? A homage to home, friendship and family, Past Perfect Life delves into the questions of what family really means and what it takes to discover where you truly belong. With a strong female lead character who walks that balance between determined and flexible, cautious but brave, and a wonderful cast of secondary characters, Past Perfect Life is a compelling YA contemporary novel.
Ally Smith’s life is turned inside out when, while applying to college, has her social security number denied. She discovers her dad - the dad she loves spending time with, who is her best friend and rock - isn't who he said he was. Everything she thought she knew was a lie, but Ally isn’t so sure what to hang on to from her old life and what to embrace in her new one.
Here are three things I really liked about this book.
Ally. Her world is thrown into chaos, yet I thought Ally’s response to what she discovers about herself and her family was totally realistic and understandable - from the anger and the crying to the disbelief and uncertainty. She could have so easily deteriorated into simply a whiney character. Eulberg managed to walk that fine line and portray every believable emotion, without Ally becoming insufferable. Ally is brave, strong and understanding - there were seriously times I thought she did so well to bottle up her anger. I would have lost it.
Ally’s friends. Ally has the most amazing group of friends that support and love her. My only complaint is that I would have loved to see more of them in the book, but I guess that wouldn’t have been necessary for the storyline. Their connections, shared humour and they way they so lovingly joked around and picked on each other, spoke of in-jokes, shared history and true affection for each other, which seeped through all their interactions and made their friendships so believable. I didn’t need to be told they were all best friends, I could feel it. And the romance develops out of friendship, so that made it perfect and just the sweetest thing ever.
The ending. I was a little uncertain, as the story progressed and the ending neared, how the author would manage to bring everything together and give readers a satisfying conclusion. But that is exactly what she did, at the same time, driving home the messages of family, the importance of trust and love, and showing Ally to be the mature, kindhearted person she is.
Past Perfect Life provides a thoroughly gratifying YA realistic fiction look at family, alongside sweet romance and wonderful examples of friendship.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library
Ally Smith’s life is turned inside out when, while applying to college, has her social security number denied. She discovers her dad - the dad she loves spending time with, who is her best friend and rock - isn't who he said he was. Everything she thought she knew was a lie, but Ally isn’t so sure what to hang on to from her old life and what to embrace in her new one.
Here are three things I really liked about this book.
Ally. Her world is thrown into chaos, yet I thought Ally’s response to what she discovers about herself and her family was totally realistic and understandable - from the anger and the crying to the disbelief and uncertainty. She could have so easily deteriorated into simply a whiney character. Eulberg managed to walk that fine line and portray every believable emotion, without Ally becoming insufferable. Ally is brave, strong and understanding - there were seriously times I thought she did so well to bottle up her anger. I would have lost it.
Ally’s friends. Ally has the most amazing group of friends that support and love her. My only complaint is that I would have loved to see more of them in the book, but I guess that wouldn’t have been necessary for the storyline. Their connections, shared humour and they way they so lovingly joked around and picked on each other, spoke of in-jokes, shared history and true affection for each other, which seeped through all their interactions and made their friendships so believable. I didn’t need to be told they were all best friends, I could feel it. And the romance develops out of friendship, so that made it perfect and just the sweetest thing ever.
The ending. I was a little uncertain, as the story progressed and the ending neared, how the author would manage to bring everything together and give readers a satisfying conclusion. But that is exactly what she did, at the same time, driving home the messages of family, the importance of trust and love, and showing Ally to be the mature, kindhearted person she is.
Past Perfect Life provides a thoroughly gratifying YA realistic fiction look at family, alongside sweet romance and wonderful examples of friendship.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library
September 2, 2019
I enjoyed the heck out of it.
I did not go into this expecting to love it as much as I did. It is rare that I am so invested in contemporary characters, but wow. I loved Ally and the whole lot.
One of my annoyances with modern YA is that they too often write teenagers as if they're toddlers with overactive hormones. It's as if the writers have lost touch with what teens are really like. They're written as if they don't know anything, haven't had any life experience, and just wandering around aimlessly. I don't know any teens like that. I never did. It seems an incredible disservice to the youth of today.
That is why I was SO HAPPY that in Past Perfect Life Eulberg wrote a young woman who was mature, relatable, and ready for her future. She was so real!
There is an almost Gilmore Girl vibe to this novel in the beginning. You're starting with this incredible single parent/only child relationship that makes them so close. They have adorable habit like Taco Tuesday with a bad movie every single week. You can feel that cozy comfort! It's also set in a very small town where everyone knows everyone. The community is so nice to read about and really sets the tone.
I don't want to spoil anything in the read for you, but just know I really enjoyed myself and I was so invested in Ally. I wanted more by the end!
Verdict: BUY IT
I did not go into this expecting to love it as much as I did. It is rare that I am so invested in contemporary characters, but wow. I loved Ally and the whole lot.
One of my annoyances with modern YA is that they too often write teenagers as if they're toddlers with overactive hormones. It's as if the writers have lost touch with what teens are really like. They're written as if they don't know anything, haven't had any life experience, and just wandering around aimlessly. I don't know any teens like that. I never did. It seems an incredible disservice to the youth of today.
That is why I was SO HAPPY that in Past Perfect Life Eulberg wrote a young woman who was mature, relatable, and ready for her future. She was so real!
There is an almost Gilmore Girl vibe to this novel in the beginning. You're starting with this incredible single parent/only child relationship that makes them so close. They have adorable habit like Taco Tuesday with a bad movie every single week. You can feel that cozy comfort! It's also set in a very small town where everyone knows everyone. The community is so nice to read about and really sets the tone.
I don't want to spoil anything in the read for you, but just know I really enjoyed myself and I was so invested in Ally. I wanted more by the end!
Verdict: BUY IT
November 7, 2019
Past Perfect Life by Elizabeth Eulberg, 336 pages. Bloomsbury, 2019. $19
Language: R (52 swears, 3 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: G
BUYING ADVISORY: HS, MS - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Allison, high school senior, loves her life. She and her family live a quiet life in a small Wisconsin town surrounded by a town that embraced them when they arrived, especially the Gleasons, the founding fathers and largest clan in the whole town. Ally is trying to apply for colleges, and goes to her counselor for help. What happens instead, she could have never predicted – turns out that when she was 3 her father stole her from her mother and took her away. Her mother is not dead like he told her, but very much alive. And she wants her daughter, Amanda, back in her life. But if she isn’t Ally, who is she? Because she is still a minor, her mom has every right to insist she move immediately to Florida.
If you have read The Girl on the Milk Carton by Caroline Cooney, this will feel very familiar – even the arc of the story. But, very few of our students know that story, so give them this instead. They will love it.
Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2019...
Language: R (52 swears, 3 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: G
BUYING ADVISORY: HS, MS - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Allison, high school senior, loves her life. She and her family live a quiet life in a small Wisconsin town surrounded by a town that embraced them when they arrived, especially the Gleasons, the founding fathers and largest clan in the whole town. Ally is trying to apply for colleges, and goes to her counselor for help. What happens instead, she could have never predicted – turns out that when she was 3 her father stole her from her mother and took her away. Her mother is not dead like he told her, but very much alive. And she wants her daughter, Amanda, back in her life. But if she isn’t Ally, who is she? Because she is still a minor, her mom has every right to insist she move immediately to Florida.
If you have read The Girl on the Milk Carton by Caroline Cooney, this will feel very familiar – even the arc of the story. But, very few of our students know that story, so give them this instead. They will love it.
Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2019...
November 29, 2019
This had a Robin Benway feel to it and I realized I need more contemporary YA in my life. While the story was a tad predictable, I was along for the ride and not mad about it. In fact, the story screams for a sequel. Glad I picked this one up. If you enjoy “ripped from the headlines” stories, this is for you.
April 29, 2019
I’m becoming increasingly irritated with all of the average reads I’m completing lately.
Ally lives a very quiet, normal, simple life. In fact, she’s still struggling to think of anything extraordinary to write about in her scholarship applications when her whole life gets uprooted. If Ally isn’t Ally… then who is she?
This is a good, quick read. It just wasn’t great. I expected there to be more mystery and drama than there turns out to be. I feel like there was a lot of potential for it to be more riveting than it was. The story was primarily about the relationships between Ally and the people in her life and her emotions as she adjusts to everything.
The pacing was fine, but honestly, it kind of felt like there was never much of a climax point. There is, I guess, when Ally finds out the big secret that changes everything she knows about herself (which I can’t really tell you about because it will spoil the entire story), but it was an underwhelming climax. What I mean is that, even though the secret is quite big and important, the reactions in the book make it feel like a little less of a big deal. Since the story is (rightfully so) written around the big secret, it made the whole thing feel kind of average.
The writing was actually really wonderful and smooth, which made the story easy to stay connected to even when it wasn’t as interesting. I found myself liking nearly every character in the story (with the exception of the mother) and that’s admittedly rare. There wasn’t much development with a lot of the characters because there were so many of them, but Ally is the main focus and I felt like readers were able to get to know her really well. I tend to get easily annoyed with whiny teens in YA but Ally definitely had some reasons for her emotions.
It’s hard to know what to say about an average read. It was fine, honestly. I enjoyed it well enough and finished it quickly. I enjoy the writing style of this author and may check out more of her work in the future. I’d recommend this for those of you who like YA contemporaries with plot twists that are enticing but not emotionally overwhelming.
Ally lives a very quiet, normal, simple life. In fact, she’s still struggling to think of anything extraordinary to write about in her scholarship applications when her whole life gets uprooted. If Ally isn’t Ally… then who is she?
This is a good, quick read. It just wasn’t great. I expected there to be more mystery and drama than there turns out to be. I feel like there was a lot of potential for it to be more riveting than it was. The story was primarily about the relationships between Ally and the people in her life and her emotions as she adjusts to everything.
The pacing was fine, but honestly, it kind of felt like there was never much of a climax point. There is, I guess, when Ally finds out the big secret that changes everything she knows about herself (which I can’t really tell you about because it will spoil the entire story), but it was an underwhelming climax. What I mean is that, even though the secret is quite big and important, the reactions in the book make it feel like a little less of a big deal. Since the story is (rightfully so) written around the big secret, it made the whole thing feel kind of average.
The writing was actually really wonderful and smooth, which made the story easy to stay connected to even when it wasn’t as interesting. I found myself liking nearly every character in the story (with the exception of the mother) and that’s admittedly rare. There wasn’t much development with a lot of the characters because there were so many of them, but Ally is the main focus and I felt like readers were able to get to know her really well. I tend to get easily annoyed with whiny teens in YA but Ally definitely had some reasons for her emotions.
It’s hard to know what to say about an average read. It was fine, honestly. I enjoyed it well enough and finished it quickly. I enjoy the writing style of this author and may check out more of her work in the future. I’d recommend this for those of you who like YA contemporaries with plot twists that are enticing but not emotionally overwhelming.
August 1, 2024
I disliked Past Perfect Life so thoroughly that I’m shocked by the amount of negativity toward this book currently coursing through my veins. The writing was unenjoyable, and it felt like an 8th grader wrote and edited the book. The concept was not bad, and reading the synopsis, I had much higher hopes. However, the execution was where everything fell flat, and I was left with a struggle read.
The majority of the characters were unbearable people, not fleshed out, or both. Paula and Ally were only capable of thinking in one way until the immediate and convenient reconciliation at the end of the book. The most unrealistic part of this was the immediate switch for Ally from saying Paula to Mom, and for Paula who went from saying Mandy to Ally. It doesn’t make sense that it only took one conversation for everything to mend itself.
The explanation presented felt like a coverup, and I assumed more would be revealed later. Unfortunately, a girl can only dream. The only thing that didn’t frustrate me was the Gleasons.
Rating: 1.5 star
The majority of the characters were unbearable people, not fleshed out, or both. Paula and Ally were only capable of thinking in one way until the immediate and convenient reconciliation at the end of the book. The most unrealistic part of this was the immediate switch for Ally from saying Paula to Mom, and for Paula who went from saying Mandy to Ally. It doesn’t make sense that it only took one conversation for everything to mend itself.
The explanation presented felt like a coverup, and I assumed more would be revealed later. Unfortunately, a girl can only dream. The only thing that didn’t frustrate me was the Gleasons.
Rating: 1.5 star
January 6, 2021
3.5/5 stars
And emotional and raw depiction of discovering one's identity and how our parents's decisions deeply influence the choices we make as we grow up and become our own person.
What I loved most about this book was Ally not being able to just erase her past and hate her father. A person can feel betrayed and be angry at someone and still love them because human relationships are anything but easy.
Elizabeth Eulberg brings into light how this whole situation not only affects our main character and her mother but also everyone around them. The reader can easily feel empathy for them, but especially for Ally, the main victim, whose pain and feelings are not acknowledged as they should be.
The characters feel so real not only because they are able to put themselves into someone else's shoes, like Ally, but also because they can be selfish and self-centered, like Paula.
The only complain I have about it is that the ending was rushed, and the author did not leave much place to develop the topic of therapy and mental health.
And emotional and raw depiction of discovering one's identity and how our parents's decisions deeply influence the choices we make as we grow up and become our own person.
What I loved most about this book was Ally not being able to just erase her past and hate her father. A person can feel betrayed and be angry at someone and still love them because human relationships are anything but easy.
Elizabeth Eulberg brings into light how this whole situation not only affects our main character and her mother but also everyone around them. The reader can easily feel empathy for them, but especially for Ally, the main victim, whose pain and feelings are not acknowledged as they should be.
The characters feel so real not only because they are able to put themselves into someone else's shoes, like Ally, but also because they can be selfish and self-centered, like Paula.
The only complain I have about it is that the ending was rushed, and the author did not leave much place to develop the topic of therapy and mental health.
Read
July 11, 2019Graded By: Stephanie
Cover Story: Monopoly House Destruction
BFF Charm: Big Sister
Swoonworthy Scale: 3
Talky Talk: Lightweight
Bonus Factors: Wisconsin, Awesome Stepdads
Anti-Bonus Factor: Awful Grownups
Relationship Status: Onlooker
Read the full book report here.
Cover Story: Monopoly House Destruction
BFF Charm: Big Sister
Swoonworthy Scale: 3
Talky Talk: Lightweight
Bonus Factors: Wisconsin, Awesome Stepdads
Anti-Bonus Factor: Awful Grownups
Relationship Status: Onlooker
Read the full book report here.
July 24, 2019
Thank you to BOTM YA for sending me a copy of Past Perfect Life. If you want to get this book, you still can. BOTM has a YA club now and if you are interested in it, you can sign up with my link in my Instagram bio. @stay_reading.stay_gold.
Ohmygosh this book. Imagine living your life and then one day finding out that your were kidnapped. Everything you thought you knew was a lie. For Ally, that is the case. Now she has to deal and cope with what has happened.
This book was really good. I loved, I cried, I raged and repeated that over and over. There was a lot of character growth and while getting kidnapped isn’t normal for a lot of people, the relationships that were made were real. The fights, the arguments, the friendship.
Ohmygosh this book. Imagine living your life and then one day finding out that your were kidnapped. Everything you thought you knew was a lie. For Ally, that is the case. Now she has to deal and cope with what has happened.
This book was really good. I loved, I cried, I raged and repeated that over and over. There was a lot of character growth and while getting kidnapped isn’t normal for a lot of people, the relationships that were made were real. The fights, the arguments, the friendship.
June 16, 2019
4.5 stars rounded up
This story was such a powerhouse of emotions. I could not stop thinking about it and what I would do if I were in Ally's position. Highly recommend to everyone.
Frtc
*Huge thanks to Bloomsbury for sending an arc for me to read an review!*
This story was such a powerhouse of emotions. I could not stop thinking about it and what I would do if I were in Ally's position. Highly recommend to everyone.
Frtc
*Huge thanks to Bloomsbury for sending an arc for me to read an review!*
May 16, 2019
Very compelling and authentic.
Was with Ally all the way.
Was with Ally all the way.
June 13, 2019
Real rating: 3.5 stars
April 29, 2020
I expected a lot more suspense and mystery, so that was a little disappointing.
The big reveal happens about 20% in the book and the rest is just adjustment. Although a touching story, I was quite bored for a lot of the middle of the book.
It wasn’t a terrible book, it just wasn’t what I was expecting.
January 2, 2022
A YA version of "The Face on the Milk Carton" that did a much better job at dealing with consequences from a kidnapping situation.
October 26, 2019
Okay... just hard to keep track of time in this, even though the narrator kept talking about it. Plus the ending was pretty rushed. I didn't feel like the plot was resolved near the end.
June 24, 2019
Review copy courtesy of NetGalley.
This book had a very compelling premise: Allison lives in a small town in Wisconsin, has a super close relationship with her dad, and is excited to apply to college. But applying to college triggers a very unexpected life change: she discovers her dad has been lying to her since she was a toddler, and stole her from her mom.
There was enough in this book to maybe fill a few books on this story but I was a little disappointed by the characterization of the Mom, who did not seem to sympathize at all with her daughter’s shock and depression. Readers who like realistic fiction but even thrillers may enjoy this one.
This book had a very compelling premise: Allison lives in a small town in Wisconsin, has a super close relationship with her dad, and is excited to apply to college. But applying to college triggers a very unexpected life change: she discovers her dad has been lying to her since she was a toddler, and stole her from her mom.
There was enough in this book to maybe fill a few books on this story but I was a little disappointed by the characterization of the Mom, who did not seem to sympathize at all with her daughter’s shock and depression. Readers who like realistic fiction but even thrillers may enjoy this one.
July 18, 2019
Predictable.
Also the writing was very.... staged. Not very real to me. I felt like the author tried way too hard.
Also the writing was very.... staged. Not very real to me. I felt like the author tried way too hard.
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