An Otherwise Perfect Plan: A Novel of Mystery, Love, and Chocolate that Defies Description

Join Gwen Pendergrass on an unpredictable and surprisingly funny journey that is "as amusing as it is engaging" (Booklife Prize). Whether you’re currently a teen, or can barely remember being one, this is a coming-of-age story that will make you laugh, make you care, and take you on a ride you won’t soon forget.

WINNER: BEST YA NOVEL IN THE 2024 KINDLE BOOK AWARDS

At sixteen, all Gwen knows about her dad stems from the fact that she was born, so she figures she must have had one. While her mom does confirm this (rather obvious) conclusion—and even shows Gwen a strip of photobooth pictures of the two of them from "the weekend Gwen was made" (ew...!)—she flatly refuses to elaborate further.

Still, Gwen is mostly okay with that. it’s not like anyone had asked for her buy-in on the whole birth deal anyway, so she's just as happy to let it go and move on with life. That is, until Gwen kind of, accidentally, gets her mom an all-expenses paid scholarship to Yale.

There’s only one tiny, little hitch. Her mom plans to turn it down because of what she calls "Parental Responsibilities." Or, in other words, because of Gwen.

Though her mom insists this isn't Gwen's problem to solve, Gwen knows that her birth had already derailed her mom's college dreams once, and she cannot, WILL NOT, let her own existence be the reason her mom gives them up again. But try as she might, the only solution she can come up with is to finally find her dad.

Undeterred by knowing literally nothing about the man, Gwen manages to rope her best friend Peter into this otherwise perfect plan. And while they do receive unexpected help from surprising allies, before she knows it, her white lies, scheming, and emotional roller coaster start to make a mess of everything, and it's anyone's guess as to whether she'll find her dad before her mom catches on, her head explodes, or it all spirals completely out of control.

A Charming, Inventive YA Novel About Discovering Who You Really Are

In Schafer’s YA novel, a plucky teenage girl ... Gwen narrates the story in first person, and her chatty, incisive voice quickly enthralls the reader... there’s a timeless, almost cinematic quality to the characters and story structure that many readers will happily sink right into.
KIRKUS REVIEWS Verdict: GET IT

This entertaining story [...] is as amusing as it is engaging

Schafer pairs delightful characters with an appealing storyline that will please readers, and the central protagonist’s relatability sets the novel apart.
BOOKLIFE PRIZE

Get ready to be swept away by Gwen's unique voice and her extraordinary journey.

Ken Schafer has written a must-read for anyone seeking a heartwarming and humorous tale of self-discovery.
Midwest Book Review Verdict: MUST READ

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Must Read Razor-sharp, equal-parts poignant, funny and perfect

Gwen Pendergrass, the novel’s protagonist, [..a] precocious 16-year-old girl who doesn’t have much, except her books and a vivid imagination which she uses to draw people and situations in her head — pictures that at times, don’t come close to an iota of actuality, but you have to give her props for her brilliance. When she's tasked with a life-changing assignment to pen an essay about the father she never knew, the story takes on a life of its own — a story within a story — as her inquisitive and Einstein-like sleuthing takes her on a brave quest to find him.
Lianna Albrizio, Reedsy Discovery

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ This story is funny, clever, and even poignant

...subtly hilarious, with a compelling plot. In other words, you can't put the book down.
Peggy Lang, Author, Independent Writing and Editing Professional

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ A Fiercely Intelligent, Introspective, And Laugh Out Loud Funny Coming-Of-Age Story.

This coming-of-age story about a teen negotiating her changing feelings for her best friend while tackling life-changing family issues is brilliantly written with a wry wit that perfectly captures the teen protagonist’s cynical yet hopeful view of her world.
Tara Lewis - Book Sirens Review / Former Director, Global Marketing Disney Worldwide Publishing

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Just Wow...

This is one of the best books to have ever crossed my desk; the kind of book that makes you want to read it in one sitting or read it again and again. Truly Amazing.
Sandi Hansen, Seven-Year Veteran Multi-Site Book Reviewer

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