Title: The Perfect Escape
Author: Suzanne Park
First published April 7, 2020
336 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781728209395 (ISBN10: 1728209390)
Rating: 3.37
Overview
Nate Jae-Woo Kim is in desperate need of money. When a classmate offers him a ridiculous amount to cheat on a test, he knows it’s not worth compromising his integrity.
But luck comes in the form of Kate Anderson, his co-worker at the escape room. She proposes a plan: a tech company is hosting a survivalist competition with a massive cash prize.
It could solve all their problems, but only if they team up. Nate and Kate enter the competition, but the biggest challenge isn’t surviving the weekend – it’s avoiding the growing attraction between them.
Can Nate keep his heart intact and win the prize they so desperately need?
About the Author
Meet Suzanne Park, a talented Korean-American author hailing from Tennessee. Prior to her writing career, Park made waves in the comedy world as a finalist in the Oxygen Network’s “Girls Behaving Badly” talent search and a BET “Coming to the Stage” performer.
She even won the Seattle Sierra Mist Comedy Competition and was a semi-finalist in NBC’s “Stand Up For Diversity” showcase alongside notable comedians Ali Wong and Nico Santos. If you’re interested in learning more about her literary works, be sure to check out additional information available online.
Editoral Review
The Perfect Escape by Suzanne Park is a young adult contemporary novel that combines romance, friendship, and the world of gaming. Park, an author and former stand-up comedian, delivers a funny and relatable story that will resonate with both gamers and non-gamers alike.
The novel follows the journey of two high school students, Nate and Kate, who have very different interests and backgrounds. While Kate is focused on her extracurricular activities and preparing for college, Nate is an avid gamer who spends most of his time playing video games.
However, when Nate and Kate are partnered together for a school project, they soon discover a shared passion for gaming and decide to team up to participate in a virtual reality escape room competition. Park does an excellent job of crafting realistic and relatable characters.
Both Kate and Nate are dealing with their own personal struggles, and their friendship and romance help them navigate those challenges. The author also accurately portrays the world of gaming and how it can be both an escape and a source of opportunity.
While the romance is predictable at times, Park still manages to keep the story engaging and entertaining. The pacing is well-done, with the action gradually building up to the climax of the virtual reality competition.
The themes of friendship, self-discovery, and pursuing your passion are also woven in seamlessly. One possible criticism of the novel is that it relies heavily on gaming jargon, which may make it less accessible to readers who are not familiar with the gaming world.
Additionally, the story’s premise may feel formulaic to some readers. However, Park’s clever writing and genuine humor make up for any perceived shortcomings.
Overall, The Perfect Escape is an enjoyable and entertaining read that will appeal to young adults who are interested in gaming and virtual reality. It is a perfect summer read that combines friendship, romance, and adventure.
Suzanne Park’s novel receives a 4 out of 5-star rating, as it strikes a balance between simplification and complexity, and delivers an enjoyable and memorable experience.
