"Goodbye, Perfect" is a young adult novel written by Sara Barnard, published in 2018. The book explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the pressures of adolescence. The story is centered around a 15-year-old girl named Eden McKinley, whose best friend Bonnie runs away with their music teacher, only a few days before their GCSE exams.
The novel delves into the upheaval caused by Bonnie's decision and the moral complexities it introduces into Eden's life. As the media frenzy unfolds and the police investigation intensifies, Eden must grapple with her understanding of perfection, loyalty to her best friend, and her own beliefs about right and wrong. Throughout the story, Eden struggles to support Bonnie while also wrestling with societal expectations and the impact of Bonnie's choices on their friendship and future.
"Goodbye, Perfect" is praised for its nuanced portrayal of teenage relationships and the pressures young people face, blending an engaging narrative with thought-provoking issues.