Your Preview Verdict: The Worst Perfect Moment by Shivaun Plozza

Buy a copy of The Worst Perfect Moment here.

Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:

Awesome book! I’m not used to reading books like this so it took me a little bit to get in to the story but I soon became hooked! Zelda was adorable and funny and annoying all at the same time! Highly recommend! Violet, WA, 13, 5 stars

This is a funny and tender queer, YA, coming-of-age story set in sixteen year-old Teegan Masters’ depressing afterlife. According to her angel, Zelda, the Marybelle Motor Lodge is where Teegan was happiest, but that’s not how she remembers it. I utterly adored this book. It was sad, silly, emotional, and authentic and made me choke up and laugh out loud. I absolutely bawled happy tears at the end. The world building uses afterlife concepts like heaven, hell and purgatory, within a bureaucratic angel organisation. When Teegan complains about her motor lodge heaven, Zelda has to help her achieve a critical revelation about her life. We follow along as they visit painful flashbacks of Teegan’s family, friends and first loves, including relatable moments of high school heartbreak and isolation. Other memories focus on her family dynamic, and her emotionally distant Mother. These sad scenes are offset by Teegan’s sassy internal dialogue and the funny and touching interactions between her and Zelda. (The humour was a bit bonkers, but it really worked for me.) At its core, this story is about Teegan’s “weird, awkward, queer little heart” and her desire to belong and be loved. A beautiful, funny, thought provoking read. Lisa, QLD, 5 stars

“Teagan Masters is dead” is one bang up way to begin a synopsis. It drew me in even before I read the rest of the blurb of the book. The first page added more intrigue about our protagonist when she said she wasn’t certain of her feelings about being dead but had some definite ones about the place she ended up. The book continues to weave a portrayal of our young protagonist’s journey, answering questions such as how did she pass? Who was she in life? And most importantly who is she in death? The book flows quickly as we unravel her story and make a new one in her nearly deceased life. Shivaun is truly as master of the youth market, as she makes the story and characters relatable. Anyone who picks up this book will undoubtedly find themselves swept away by all of her carefully written and detailed work. Kelly, SA, 5 stars

Despite the subject matter, I didn’t expect to cry quite so much at this one but it was tear-jerker. As part of Zelda’s attempts to prove herself, she takes Tegan back to memories that show her in her awkwardness, shame or embarrassment. But above all how lonely and invisible she felt. From the councillor resembling her favourite school teacher helping her adjust to the idea that she is dead to the minute detail of the motel, the writing is very descriptive and especially colourful. I was right there watching the memories with them. It took me on an emotional journey through her (short) past, keeping hope alive, and the ultimate realisation that you should always concentrate on what you have rather than dwell on what you don’t have. I thoroughly enjoyed this read Laura, NSW, 5 stars

Tegan is dead, and she’s not happy with the Heaven that her angel Zelda has created for her. It’s supposed to be the happiest moment in her life, but Tegan is convinced that it’s one of her worst. Despite Zelda’s protests, Tegan insists on lodging a complaint with management – which turns out to have very unintended consequences. A delightful read, sad yet hopeful, dark yet funny, about happiness and love. Celia, QLD, 5 stars

Oh I really loved this book. It was a little quirky, a little bit different, all about death and what happens after you die. Tegan is a 16yo girl who has just died. This book takes us on the journey of her post this occurring. The characters in this book were cute and a little bit strange but I loved reading about them. Tegan finds herself at the Marybelle Motor Lodge where she had been with her Dad and sister Quinn recently and this is meant to be her heaven. She disagrees with this and complains to management. Zelda then takes Tegan through different stages of her life so she can make the connection as to why the motor lodge is her heaven. There was a bit of frustration at times where I was saying to Tegan, just open your eyes and see what you are missing, time is running out! I loved Zelda the angel who was funny and sweet and her interactions with Tegan. I devoured this book in a couple of days and really hope there is a sequel to continue Tegan’s story. I got a little teary at the end but won’t spoil it for you. Definitely a great read. Jodie, VIC, 5 stars

Shivaun has written a well paced, and interesting story about a dead girl named Teagan that awakes to find she is in Heaven. The premise develops from here and my favourite is that her heaven resembles the Marybelle Motor Lodge motel with an interesting female main character by the name of Zelda with angel wings. I liked to read about Mrs Chiu and how Teagan was helped with therapy from her especially with accepting her death. A few stories are revealed about her mum and dad and the dysfunction she experiences. The story is quite open hearted and I would recommend for 13+ age group, I don’t believe it would suit an audience younger than this. The romance that develops between Teagan and Zelda is quite organic and in Teagan’s words her perfect moment in the worst part of her life. Preeya, QLD, 13, 5 stars

Thank you for this unusual read. This book opens with the main character having died and what she encounters as the afterlife. It was a very different way of looking at where we go and why when we die. I loved the realness of Tegan and how her frustrations play out over and over. It reminds us of the importance of making memories and remembering all the details. Loved reading these pages, inciting wonder and nostalgia. Recommend anyone with a passion to read something different to give this one a go. Suzie, WA, 4 stars

Imagine being dead. Only 16 and yet unexpectedly dead. Tegan Masters finds herself in heaven but it’s nothing like the heaven she imagined. Australian author, Shivaun Plozza leads the Young Adult reader through a very quirky tale which takes one on an exploration of Tegan’s heaven. It’s just nothing like her expectations! We join Tegan on her journey of self-discovery as she tries to make sense of her new existence. Readers develop empathy for a teenager struggling to figure out how things are going to progress in this very strange way of being. Tegan is guided through this maze of emotions by Zelda, the angel/companion/sidekick who has replicated in dreary detail the worst weekend of Tegan’s experience. How will this life/afterlife work out for her? Plozza’s world is filled with a range of believable characters who serve as signposts and direction beacons, raising questions for the YA reader as to the nature of existence. We want Tegan to gain happiness and understand her new circumstances. The bittersweet story deals with issues of love, family and relationships, dusted lightly with queer romance and full of teenage angst and frustrations of disempowerment. This novel is recommended teenage readers including but not exclusively readers of Queer YA fiction. Chris, QLD, 15 years and over, 4 stars

Shivaun Plozza’s new release, ‘The Worst Perfect Moment’ is a poignant, sassy and life-affirming YA read that has all the hallmarks of becoming a future BookTok hit! Fans of Bea Fitzgerald’s ‘Girl, Goddess, Queen’ will be delighted with this warm and endearing ‘enemies-to-lovers’ queer romance. Plozza’s adolescent characters are well developed and their voices are reassuringly authentic, which will endear them to contemporary teen readers. With nods to ‘The Good Place’ and ‘Schitt’s Creek’, and with an intriguing premise which makes it a real page-turner, ‘The Worst Perfect Moment’ is a feisty and heartbreaking reminder to readers that the most significant moments of our lives sometimes slip past when we least expect it. Claire, TAS, 4 stars

Tegan Masters is like any other 16-year-old, she’s complicated but she’s also dead. She seems to now be stuck in the Marybelle Motor Lodge in Wildwood, New Jersey, supposedly reliving her happiest moment, but she’s not. Tegan’s time in Marybelle was one of her worst moments. Tegan’s put in a complaint that her angel Zelda hasn’t recreated her happiest moment as she should have. This story follows a complicated journey as Tegan revisits moments in her life which she believes are her happiest moments, or are they? When were / are your happiest moments in your life? What would you look back on as your single happiest moment in your life if you were in the same situation as Tegan? I enjoyed the storyline of this book, albeit a little slow at times when I wished it would move along a little bit faster (much like the impatient character of Tegan). There are some really great subtle life messages in the book, thus making it a thought-provoking YA read but also a great read for any parent or grandparent of a teen. Lyn, QLD, 4 stars

Tegan has died and when she arrives in heaven, it is not how she thought it would be. Her angel who created this worst possible place is Zelda. Zelda now must show Tegan why she chose this motel as the happiest memory that Tegan had. Tegan is very resistant and has to question the decisions she made when she was alive and discovers some things about herself along the way. Will she realise before it’s too late that it is the people that are there for you and who make you the happiest are the most important memories that you can make. Alice, NSW, 14, 4 stars

I had the opportunity to read The Worst Perfect Moment, and to be honest, I wasn’t expecting much. I haven’t had much luck with YA books before and thought that this would fall into that category. When I started reading it, I thought it would be a rehash of ‘The Good Place’, but I was pleasantly surprised. The language used between them is on the younger side, but I found the interactions between the main characters sweet, funny with enjoyable banter. There were heartbreaking moments throughout and it was confronting to watch a child feel so invisible, but it was beautiful watching Tegan confront her past, learn and grow. This isn’t just a story for the YA crowd. Adults will get a lot out of it too. It was a quick, easy read, but one that will stay with you for a while. Nada, VIC, 12-17, 4 stars

The worst perfect moment has a really intriguing premise (no spoilers!), and uses this vehicle to examine some of the big questions for teenagers: what’s really important in life? What really matters? If life deals you lemons, is a trite platitude going to help? It’s also funny and irreverent, which my own teenager boy loved. I recommend for school libraries. It’s also quietly queer, which I found a bonus. Cathryn, TAS, 13, 4 stars

This was a well written Young Adult LGBTQIA+ novel full of tenderness. It was witty but also touching, and I really enjoyed it. It reminded me a little of Elsewhere, but was not written as well as that. I can imagine my year 9 girls class would love this book and I think it is very on trend. Would recommend. Melanie, NSW, 13, 4 stars

The Worst Perfect Moment by Australian author Shivaun Plozza is a wonderful entertaining fiction novel. Every one of us has wondered at least once what happens after death and sixteen-year-old Tegan Masters is doing just that, standing in the parking lot of the Marybelle Motor Lodge in New Jersey remembering the worst weekend of her life. Enter Zelda, an angel who must convince Tegan the Marybelle was a happy time in her life, failing to do so both girls face eternal consequences too dire to consider. I am head over heels in love with this book. The moment I started reading it, I got hooked. I sat there and tried to take it all in. The story is a breath of fresh air. It is written superbly. There is not a dull moment and at every event, there is a surprise or a twist waiting. Not one event overshadows another. Everything that happens works in harmony and creates an effective story. The author is practically poetic in the way she describes the main protagonists, they are brilliantly interesting characters who are well-developed. Tegan is such a delightful, yet realistic teenager, we see her emotional ups and downs which made her much more endearing. Zelda is strong willed and never gives up. The Worst Perfect Moment is a book that would appeal to any reader who loves literary fiction, stories with strong female protagonists, those looking for a book that will make them think, or just a unique and very worthwhile read. I highly recommend. Melissa Trevelion, SA, 4 stars

This is quite a challenging YA book. The content is probably best suited for slightly older readers – perhaps 15 years upwards. This is about regrets, mistakes, choices, and truly seeing what’s in front of you. It’s complex psychologically, and not at all cheerful, which is why I’m suggesting older readers may appreciate it more. Tegan is a strong central character, entirely believable if perhaps a little more unworldly than most 16 year olds these days. It was easy to empathise with her. Most teens will find her very recognisable. The other main character is Zelda, an angel who’s supposed to be helping Tegan. Zelda is lively and appealing, and many readers will be drawn to her. This is well written, and it’s an interesting idea. But it’s also depressing. The resolution in particular is not as uplifting as it’s intended to be. I put the novel down with very mixed feelings. I found the conclusion deeply unsatisfying. Still, I could see what Plozza was aiming for, and the underlying message. But the end just didn’t sit right for me. This is worth reading, and worth passing to the young person in your life, but don’t expect a lot of joy. Lorraine, ACT, 11, 4 stars

I found this so easy to get into, good storyline to keep me engaged, I really enjoyed reading it. God engaging characters, love, laughter and loss, with heartache along the way, different and quirky, great for any age, keeps you page turning Julie, NSW, 4 stars

Shivaun Plozza is an author to watch. This book is a heart warming book that takes the reader on an emotional journey. At moments however you are shaking your head with their immature antics at times with their dialogue.The main characters are well developed and the style of writing is a unique take that allows you to get invested in the story. Prepare to go on an emotional journey till you close the last page. Kelly, NSW, 16, 4 stars

Being dead never felt so alive. Tegan is in for quite a ride and so is the reader. Mary, QLD, 4 stars

I’m reviewing this YA novel with mixed feelings. Although I enjoyed reading it I found it a bit flat and disappointing. Most people have this notion that heaven is beautiful, peaceful and where we meet up with our loved ones again. This novel was the exact opposite. It begins when 16 year old Tegan, who is dead, finds herself in the parking lot of the Marybelle Motor Lodge in New Jersey. The place she most hates and doesn’t hold very good memories. Last time she was there was with her younger sister and her Dad. Her Dad was having a break down because their mother left them. She is confused and unsettled, this is not her idea of heaven. She goes to the main office to find the angel Zelda that arranged and organised everything to be exact as the last time Tegan was there. Tegan complains to management and Zelda has 30 days to convince Tegan why this is her happy place. I found this very upsetting because there is no one else around it’s just Tegan and Zelda. What a way to spend eternity. I’m giving this 3 stars because it was an easy read. Renae, QLD, 3 stars

Tegan is dead, at 16, hit by a car. While Tegan’s guardian angel, Zelda, is adamant Tegan has arrived in her heaven, Tegan is not so sure. Her ‘heaven’ is the dirty, cheap Marybelle motor lodge that she once stayed in with her father and sister a few years ago, just before her life fell apart. The idea of a typical heaven; love, beauty and rainbows is exactly the opposite of the Marybelle, the Marybelle is grey, sadness and cheap. Determined to prove to Tegan her heaven is in fact, the Marybelle, Zelda takes Tegan on excursions, back to visit memories from the past to uncover the real reason Tegan’s heaven is the unlikely motor lodge. Tegan is not convinced and so puts in a formal complaint, which begins an investigation to decide if Tegan is ready to accept her heaven, or if she will instead need to go to purgatory. I enjoyed following Tegan and Zelda’s travels, revisiting past events and experiences, putting the pieces of Tegan’s life story together to work out what makes her tick. Uncovering the importance of that key moment, the reason the Marybelle became Tegan’s heaven was, at times, slow, but the final message was worth the wait. A lovely, modern story that takes an original outlook on life after death. Priscilla, ACT, 3 stars

This novel is fast-paced with a large cast of quirky characters. The opening sentence hooks readers immediately: our first person narrator, Tegan Masters, is at a motor-in, and is dead. The setting is heaven, literally, and 16-year old Tegan has been assigned to what was a happy, memorable place for her while she was alive. But not according to Tegan – she is furious and wants out. So begins her interactions with heaven’s bureaucracy, and in particular Zelda, the angel (yes, with wings!) that had assigned the placement. The banter and behaviours between these two characters begin tensely and accusatorially; but as they spend more and more time together, become open, fun and even flirty. The challenge to determine whether or not Tegan’s placement had been a mistake provides the main story arc, and it is through travelling in-and-out of her memories that themes of family, friendship, belonging and loyalty are presented. Finding happiness is the aim, but, as Tegan learns, this isn’t just one thing, but can be many moments, mixed in with the good and bad, over time. This engaging YA genre-crossover novel, filled with compelling ideas, will keep contemporary, romance and fantasy readers turning the pages. Alida, VIC, 3 stars

Buy a copy of The Worst Perfect Moment here.