"This book was wildly addicting and honest, when I wasn't reading about it I was wondering about what would happen next." — Miss Remmers
From Amazon.com...
"Congratulations! You have been admitted to the most prestigious university in the world. Now what are you going to do?
Callie Andrews may not have money or connections or the right clothes, and she may have way too many complications in her love life, what with—
Gregory
the guy she loves to hate
Evan
the guy she'd love to forget
Clint
the guy she'd love to love
and Matt
the guy she really should love
—all vying for her attention.
But she has three fantastic roommates (best friends or her worst nightmare?) and a wholesome California-girl reputation (oops) and brains and beauty and big, big dreams.
Will it be enough to help her survive freshman year at Harvard?"
Why I read this: I'm not sure what made me read this book; I picked it up at BEA and liked the premise, but the cover really threw me off.
Plot: The plot was slow at first, but the tone of Alexis (page 1) was so fantastic it sparked my curiosity. For the first couple chapters, it was Alexis' "pre-chapter" advice that really kept me going. But once all of the characters were introduced (and I quit hearing about soccer and ACLs) and the premise was more thoroughly developed — I couldn't put this book down. I read it during Recreational Reading Fridays at school and in one class I actually laughed out loud! At first I struggled with the back and forth POV, but I found that at times I really did want to know what Gregory or Clint were thinking. It was also really fun reading about college experiences; it's homecoming at my alma mater and I'm feeling a little more than left out, as I'm the only one of my friends graduated and with a "real" job. It was fun reading all of Callie's college experiences and, I'll admit it, I googled Harvard's Graduate School. I can't help it! I miss being a student!
Characters: While fairly predictable and definitely stereotypical, these characters were honest. In reality, there are many freshmen students who fit the exact subscription of Callie and her friends. Many of you may not know, but before transferring to a small, South Dakota college, I attended San Diego State University my freshman year. While reading "The Ivy," I found myself thinking back on my own crazy freshman year. I did everything I was supposed to do, I joined a sorority, I participated in several campus activities, instead of spending hours in the library I watched Grey's, I spent hundreds of dollars on clothes and accessories and soon found myself broke — in retrospect, I completely changed who I was. And why not? I was half way across the country from my family. It took that year for me to realize that I don't belong in California — I'm a midwest girl all through. (Yes, there is a point to this). I feel like the same thing is happening to Callie in "The Ivy;" she's completely changed who she is in order to break onto the "scene." I can't judge her because, hey, I've been there! I can't wait to see what happens next to Callie, I hope she makes the right decision. Besides "The Duff," I haven't read such an honest novel in a very long time.
Cover: As previously stated, this cover didn't draw me to the book.
Random Thoughts: I love that Lauren is from California, went to Harvard, and is now writing creatively. She's 23 years old (same as me) and has really inspired me — hey, if she and Kody Keplinger can do it... what the heck am I waiting for! I am so excited for the next book!
Final Thoughts: While it did take a while to get into it, after the first couple chapters this book was wildly addicting and honest, when I wasn't reading about it I was wondering about what would happen next.
Originality: 10/10
Ending: 10/10
Characters: 8/10
Plot: 9/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 8/10
Theme: 10/10
Imagery: 10/10
Setting: 5/5
Voice: 5/5
Style: 5/5
Tone: 5/5
Cover: 4/10 (It doesn't really speak to me)
Overall: 89/100 B
To the FTC, with love: Review Book
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