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cloverdog's review against another edition
1.0
Unfortunately, I saw every plot twist coming. While I enjoyed the evocations of campus life at Princeton and Dartmouth, that wasn't enough to make me like the main character, who was irritating as all get out. The combination of dry paragraphs on the technicalities of college admissions with an almost-but-not-quite epic story of personal growth and realization were not blended well, in my opinion. Overall, eh.
maryrobinson's review against another edition
3.0
I picked this up after seeing a trailer a while back of the new Tina Fey movie. I was intrigued to learn more about the college admissions world through the eyes of a Princeton admissions officer around whom the story is built. She’s funny and obsessive and interesting to know – and the story is a good look into this highly competitive Ivy League world.
cmrink's review against another edition
4.0
I did not find the protagonist particularly likable, but the look inside the college admissions process was fascinating. I enjoyed the writing and human observations very much, the plot revolving around Portia less so.
bookishbetsie's review against another edition
3.0
I really liked the premise of the book, but the long l o n g sections about the admissions process were tedious, boring and on the whole, unnecessary. I ended up skipping most of them. I hated that the author broke up a lot of the dialogue sections with back flashes and more tedious details. I really wish that the author had left some time for the relationships to develop more. So, my final impression is, meh.
jupiterslastdaughter's review against another edition
4.0
The storytelling in this book is impeccable. Even though the way we learn about Portia is not chronological, it feels smooth and natural. I will say there's no point in the book where I gasped from a shocking reveal or said "aww" because of a grand romantic moment, but I think that's part of the charm of this book. Even though my experiences are different than Portia, I related to the way she felt, and I wanted to see her through this tumultuous time of discovery, because I want that for myself.
I feel like I need to mention the movie adaptation, at least quickly. I can tell you I've never seen it, but I just watched the trailer after finishing the book and it looks like the movie is a loose adaptation. The book doesn't feel lighthearted in a Tina Fey/Paul Rudd kind of way. I'd highly recommend avoiding the trailer and the movie (if possible) before reading, since it does give away plot points that are not immediately revealed in the book.
I feel like I need to mention the movie adaptation, at least quickly. I can tell you I've never seen it, but I just watched the trailer after finishing the book and it looks like the movie is a loose adaptation. The book doesn't feel lighthearted in a Tina Fey/Paul Rudd kind of way. I'd highly recommend avoiding the trailer and the movie (if possible) before reading, since it does give away plot points that are not immediately revealed in the book.
kimberly_w's review against another edition
3.0
I did like the story and was interested in the characters, but I noted a few discrepancies throughout the book, some more glaring than others, which made it feel careless to me.
mitchelldavis1997's review against another edition
4.0
This book took a long time to get into, but it offered very valuable information about a process that is very unknown. But there is also a twist that makes your heart twist!
imalwayswrite's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Portia is an admissions officer at Princeton and the story follows her through the school year. Basically from receipt of applications in the fall to acceptances/denials in the spring. During this period she must confront major issues in her life.
I liked the book’s structure, especially the essay excerpts from fictitious applicants that begin each chapter. It made me realize just how different these seniors really are, which is evident in the contents of these excerpts. It also provides the reader a look at one part of the applications process.
I enjoyed reading this, though I think it was just a bit longer than it needed to be.
bougainvillea's review against another edition
2.0
2.5
I did enjoy this, but I felt like it was two different books: one about Portia's life and one about admission to Princeton. They were both interesting, but I think there was way too much of the admissions stuff.
Also, there's a weird error with a character name/gender towards the end that was really confusing.
I did enjoy this, but I felt like it was two different books: one about Portia's life and one about admission to Princeton. They were both interesting, but I think there was way too much of the admissions stuff.
Also, there's a weird error with a character name/gender towards the end that was really confusing.
mhall's review against another edition
3.0
If you've ever been curious about Ivy League schools and who exactly they choose to admit, this book will keep you reading. Portia is a college admissions officer at Princeton in her late 30s, whose life is coming apart in a variety of ways. The author clearly knows a lot about the admissions process, and the book is at its most interesting when digressions about particular applicants are allowed to run their course. Each chapter begins with an entertaining quote from a student's personal essay.