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A review by shanella
The Magnolia League by Katie Crouch
3.0
Take a few debutantes, some magic and add a bit of mystery and you’ve got yourself The Magnolia League.
Katie Crouch pens the story of three girls - Alex, Hayes and Madison - who are the newest debutantes and who seem to have all the luck in their corner. Alex grew up with her mother in a communal farm in California, where she helped her take care of the herb gardens. After a car accident left her parent-less (she doesn’t know who or where her father is) she is forced to live with her Grandmother - a young-looking and powerful woman - in Savannah. Upon arriving, she discovers that things are a bit different in Savannah and the Magnolia Leaguers seem to be harboring strange secrets and her mother’s death seems to be more than just an accident.
The idea itself has a lot of potential. Alex grows up in a completely different environment than Hayes and Madison and she is different than them in many ways - she’s doesn’t want to be a part of the Magnolia League, she’s chubby and has dreadlocks while they are slender with glamorous hair, she cares about the environment and the economy, while they live in a bubble of wealth. When she arrives to Savannah, she’s headstrong and has a mind of her own.
The way it fell short of its potential was Alex’s ultimate behavioral transformation. In the beginning, she’s different, and she loved her difference and always tried to stay true to herself. However, the moment being pretty and rich was dangled in front of her, Alex’s character changed. Hayes and Madison were more consistent characters, and it disappointed me the way Alex turned out to be shallow.
Then there is strange and sudden romance between her and Haye’s brother - Thaddeus. He claims that he liked Alex because she’s different, but only makes the confession when she starts confirming to the Magnolia League and looking pretty. He didn’t care much about the chubby girl with dreads; there was a point in the book (no spoilers) where he was talking to her but checking out skinny women. There wasn’t much of a development in their relationship, it just sorta happened and felt very shallow.
I don’t think the book sends a good message; Alex only becomes the true heroine and only gets the guy when she slims down and becomes a beauty. It was a pity that she decided to confirm instead of being different. I think that might have made the story a bit more interesting!
Overall, while somewhat shallow (characters and plot) The Magnolia League is a relatively quick and fluffy read with a bit of mystery on the side and I’m sure it will make a good light and entertaining summer read.
Katie Crouch pens the story of three girls - Alex, Hayes and Madison - who are the newest debutantes and who seem to have all the luck in their corner. Alex grew up with her mother in a communal farm in California, where she helped her take care of the herb gardens. After a car accident left her parent-less (she doesn’t know who or where her father is) she is forced to live with her Grandmother - a young-looking and powerful woman - in Savannah. Upon arriving, she discovers that things are a bit different in Savannah and the Magnolia Leaguers seem to be harboring strange secrets and her mother’s death seems to be more than just an accident.
The idea itself has a lot of potential. Alex grows up in a completely different environment than Hayes and Madison and she is different than them in many ways - she’s doesn’t want to be a part of the Magnolia League, she’s chubby and has dreadlocks while they are slender with glamorous hair, she cares about the environment and the economy, while they live in a bubble of wealth. When she arrives to Savannah, she’s headstrong and has a mind of her own.
The way it fell short of its potential was Alex’s ultimate behavioral transformation. In the beginning, she’s different, and she loved her difference and always tried to stay true to herself. However, the moment being pretty and rich was dangled in front of her, Alex’s character changed. Hayes and Madison were more consistent characters, and it disappointed me the way Alex turned out to be shallow.
Then there is strange and sudden romance between her and Haye’s brother - Thaddeus. He claims that he liked Alex because she’s different, but only makes the confession when she starts confirming to the Magnolia League and looking pretty. He didn’t care much about the chubby girl with dreads; there was a point in the book (no spoilers) where he was talking to her but checking out skinny women. There wasn’t much of a development in their relationship, it just sorta happened and felt very shallow.
I don’t think the book sends a good message; Alex only becomes the true heroine and only gets the guy when she slims down and becomes a beauty. It was a pity that she decided to confirm instead of being different. I think that might have made the story a bit more interesting!
Overall, while somewhat shallow (characters and plot) The Magnolia League is a relatively quick and fluffy read with a bit of mystery on the side and I’m sure it will make a good light and entertaining summer read.