Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.29 AVERAGE
3.29 AVERAGE
I felt called out since I resonated a lot with the theme of perfectionism. As an Asian American, these words constantly ring in my ears and are more familiar than anything else--"study, work hard, and get good grades". Successfully achieving what the mantra hailed were the only times my mom or anyone one else recognized my efforts. Throughout the reading I felt all the uneasiness, rage, and helplessness in the pit of my stomach because I too faced those harsh scenarios when parents or society ignored my existence. I couldn't help but empathize with the baggage that weighed on the characters. It made me want to tell them that the freedom they sought out for is something that does not go away after high school, college, or even well into your career. Ironically enough, I also quite literally competed with a Jamie during my undergraduate years. Everything I did, she was always ten steps ahead and remarkably better. Even now nearing our thirties, she continues to flaunt an alternate polished version of myself. The writing made me reflect, what even is it that I want? To continue the doctorate path with the perks of high merit and guaranteed success or to simply travel and explore the world without having a goal in sight? How could I live so freely after working so hard academically my entire life? Its mentally exhausting. Despite the reality the reading reminded me of, I am eager to know what happens next. It can't possibly be the end.
Overall I think it’s a pretty good book to be honest, however the ending and a few topics weren’t really as developed as I would have liked
‼️ SPOILERS BELOW BE WARNED ‼️
Okay so honestly i think the way people actually *died* and there weren’t any serious consequences seemed really weird. I think the book itself was a great discussion about the extreme pressure many students face from families and each other to push themselves until they break. However, the topics of mental health, suicide, etc weren’t really developed enough for my liking. I did enjoy the use of social media for the gossip girl-esque murder mystery as well as how the friend group didn’t betray e/o because I always hate that trope in stories like this.
Overall the book is a 4.5/5 for me, because it was really interesting and relatable on the school/home life level. I also think that my major complaints are excusable considering it is a book written for teenagers, not young adults.
‼️ SPOILERS BELOW BE WARNED ‼️
Okay so honestly i think the way people actually *died* and there weren’t any serious consequences seemed really weird. I think the book itself was a great discussion about the extreme pressure many students face from families and each other to push themselves until they break. However, the topics of mental health, suicide, etc weren’t really developed enough for my liking. I did enjoy the use of social media for the gossip girl-esque murder mystery as well as how the friend group didn’t betray e/o because I always hate that trope in stories like this.
Overall the book is a 4.5/5 for me, because it was really interesting and relatable on the school/home life level. I also think that my major complaints are excusable considering it is a book written for teenagers, not young adults.
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Nancy Luo's former BF, Jamie Ruan, queen of Sinclair Prep, goes missing & is then found dead. Word quickly spreads that their friend group (Nancy, Krystal, Akil, & Alexander) are considered the prime suspects in Jamie's death thanks to anonymous social media messages by someone calling themselves 'the Proctor'.
'The Proctor' somehow knows the group's darkest secrets & threatens to tell all unless the guilty party admits they killed Jamie. The four friends race to find the true killer before they lose everything they've worked for.
I will say, right off the bat, that I am older than the intended target range so bear that in mind for my review. This was OK, the storyline itself was good, & I liked the setting in amongst the rich & privileged of Sinclair Prep School, but personally I thought that the characters, apart from Nancy, weren't particularly well developed. The ending wasn't great either & there was a lot of loose ends left unanswered - possibly a sequel? Still no sign of one as far as I can tell but you never know. 3.5 stars - liked it but it was a little predictable/didn't 'wow' me.
'The Proctor' somehow knows the group's darkest secrets & threatens to tell all unless the guilty party admits they killed Jamie. The four friends race to find the true killer before they lose everything they've worked for.
I will say, right off the bat, that I am older than the intended target range so bear that in mind for my review. This was OK, the storyline itself was good, & I liked the setting in amongst the rich & privileged of Sinclair Prep School, but personally I thought that the characters, apart from Nancy, weren't particularly well developed. The ending wasn't great either & there was a lot of loose ends left unanswered - possibly a sequel? Still no sign of one as far as I can tell but you never know. 3.5 stars - liked it but it was a little predictable/didn't 'wow' me.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic friendship
Minor: Drug use, Alcohol
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
slow-paced
Honestly I had put too much expectation on this book and in the end it dissapoint me. Too much drama, less thrilled. And lastly the ending was so weak. Perhaps this book is not for me.
So torn...fascinating, well written, excellent take on the experience of first generation Americans. Great take on the lengths some will go to win. Yet the ending left a major secret still under wraps from the audience, though it was known to the characters. It's either a cliff hanger for another book, or it just feels a bit lazy, like the author didn't quite know how to get from A to Z. Hoping it's the former...I'll definitely try Katie Zhao's books again, but will need better resolutions if shes going to become a must-read author of mine.
i’m debating if this book truly is worthy of 5 stars, but honestly really enjoyed it. it was predictable to a degree. however the mystery still was entertaining and i didn’t completely figure out what the twist was. some of the content was a bit lost on me i think because i’m just not the demographic of the main characters so the struggles they talk about don’t resonate with me. that being said this book was well written and paced well too. they’re definitely setting up a second book which i plan to read ^^
dark
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Tight murder mystery set among high achieving Asian American teens in a posh New York City prep school