These Perfectly Careless Things - eBook: is this $11.95 stack worth it for Fiction Books?
These Perfectly Careless Things: A 263-page London coming-of-age story for fans of Euphoria and Sally Rooney
If your reading list has been stuck on a loop of corporate self-help or dry business non-fiction, you might be starving for a narrative that actually feels like it was written by a human who understands the chaos of growing up. We are talking about the specific, electric anxiety of being fifteen, trying to find your voice, and realizing that the person you are falling for is changing you faster than you can keep up. That is the exact space These Perfectly Careless Things occupies. It is a debut novel that trades in the high-stakes emotional territory of private school gossip and artistic ambition, but it does so with a voice that feels immediate and unpolished in the best way.
The book is a 263-page dive into the life of Abbie Chesterton, a student navigating the social minefield of London in 2010. It is not a subtle read; it is a direct, sometimes confrontational look at how ambition can blind us to the people we leave behind. If you have ever felt like you were running a race you didn’t even know you signed up for, the premise of These Perfectly Careless Things will feel uncomfortably familiar. It is a story about the cost of wanting to be “something,” and whether the person you become is worth the price of the friends you lost getting there.
Quick answer
| Best for | Readers who want a fast-paced, emotionally intense coming-of-age story with a modern, “spicy” edge and a strong London setting. |
| Skip if | You are looking for a slow-burn literary mystery, a romance with no angst, or a book that avoids explicit scenes. |
| Price | $11.95 |
| Format | 263-page eBook (3.17 MB) |
| One-line take | A sharp, funny, and intense debut novel that captures the panic of teenage ambition with a voice that feels like a late-night text. |
What you’re actually buying
At $11.95, you are getting a full-length novel that does not hold back. The listing is clear about the tone: there are four spicy scenes, which signals that this is not a safe, sanitized YA read. It is a book for readers who want the emotional heat of a relationship to match the intellectual heat of the protagonist’s ambitions. The file is a 3.17 MB eBook, a size that suggests a clean, text-focused experience without heavy graphics, letting the prose do the heavy lifting. (These Perfectly Careless Things - eBook)
The story itself is a study in contrasts. Abbie is stuck in the “antics of private school gossip,” a world that feels small and suffocating until Jonah Wood enters the picture. Jonah is American, strange, and intellectually charming, and he becomes the catalyst for Abbie’s transformation. The narrative follows her journey from a confused teenager to someone who is actively pursuing her art and her most intimate fantasies. The “perfectly careless” title hints at the recklessness of her choices, particularly as she tries to build a portfolio to get into St. Peter’s Collegiate, a school that represents a higher academic tier than her current reality. (These Perfectly Careless Things - eBook)
The real hook, however, is the emotional cost. As Abbie gets closer to her goals, she starts to leave people behind, including her best friend, Julie. The book explores the moment when you realize that your ambition has changed you so much that you are no longer the person your friends know. It is a 263-page exploration of that specific heartbreak, wrapped in a setting that feels both timeless and distinctly 2010 London. The writing is described as funny and relatable, suggesting a tone that balances the intensity of the plot with a sense of humor that keeps it from becoming too heavy. (These Perfectly Careless Things - eBook)
Why it’s on our radar
This novel stands out because it targets a very specific reader: the one who loves the emotional complexity of Euphoria but wants a more literary, character-driven narrative. The comparison to Sally Rooney is not just a marketing tag; it reflects the book’s focus on the internal monologues of young people who are trying to articulate their feelings in a world that feels like it is moving too fast. The 2010 London setting adds a layer of nostalgia and specificity that grounds the story in a real place and time, making the characters’ struggles feel more tangible. (These Perfectly Careless Things - eBook)
The “spicy” element is also a differentiator. Many coming-of-age stories shy away from the physical and sexual aspects of teenage life, treating them as something to be whispered about. These Perfectly Careless Things brings those elements to the forefront, acknowledging that they are a significant part of the experience. This makes the book feel more honest and less sanitized, which is a refreshing change for readers who are tired of YA that treats its characters like children. The combination of high-stakes ambition, emotional complexity, and explicit content makes it a compelling read for anyone who wants a story that feels like it is actually living in the moment.
What actually matters
Before you hit the buy button, consider what you are looking for in a coming-of-age story. If you want a plot that is driven by external events—like a mystery or a thriller—this book might not be the right fit. The tension here is internal and relational. It is about the shift in Abbie’s identity and the impact that has on her relationships. The pacing is likely to be character-driven, with the “spicy” scenes serving as markers of her growing confidence and desire. (These Perfectly Careless Things - eBook)
The length is also worth noting. At 263 pages, it is a substantial read that requires a commitment of time. It is not a quick weekend read, but it is not a 500-page epic either. It is a focused, intense narrative that gets to the point and stays there. The 3.17 MB file size means it will download quickly and be easy to read on any device, whether you are on a phone, tablet, or e-reader. The format is standard, so you can expect a clean reading experience without any technical hiccups. (These Perfectly Careless Things - eBook)
Finally, the tone is important. The book is described as funny, which suggests that it will not be a constant downer. There will be moments of levity and humor that balance out the heavier themes of ambition and loss. This balance is what makes the story feel relatable and engaging, rather than preachy or overly dramatic. It is a book that understands that growing up is both terrifying and funny, and it captures that duality with a voice that feels fresh and authentic. (These Perfectly Careless Things - eBook)
Mid-check
If you are on the fence about whether this is the right book for your current reading mood, take a look at the specific details on the product page. The clarity about the “spicy” content and the length will help you decide if it fits your preferences. (These Perfectly Careless Things - eBook)
FAQ
Is this book suitable for all ages?
Given the four spicy scenes and the themes of sexual exploration, this is not a book for younger readers. It is aimed at an older teen and adult audience who are comfortable with more mature content. If you are looking for a clean, all-ages coming-of-age story, you might want to look elsewhere. (These Perfectly Careless Things - eBook)
What is the writing style like?
The style is described as funny and relatable, with a voice that feels immediate and conversational. It is not overly literary or dense, but it is thoughtful and well-crafted. The prose is designed to pull you into Abbie’s head and make you feel her emotions as they unfold. (These Perfectly Careless Things - eBook)
How long is the book?
The novel is 263 pages long. This is a standard length for a young adult or adult novel, and it should take a few days to read at a normal pace. The file size is 3.17 MB, which is manageable for most devices. (These Perfectly Careless Things - eBook)
Bottom line
These Perfectly Careless Things is a sharp, intense, and emotionally resonant debut novel that captures the chaos of growing up with a voice that feels both modern and timeless. It is a book for readers who want a story that does not shy away from the messy, complicated, and sometimes explicit realities of teenage life. The 2010 London setting and the focus on ambition and identity make it a compelling read for anyone who has ever felt like they were losing themselves in the pursuit of their goals. If you are looking for a book that will challenge you emotionally and keep you engaged from the first page to the last, this is a strong choice.