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annagwritesandreads 's review for:
Briarcliff Prep
by Brianna Peppins
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I would check the content warnings before delving in, specifically related to dating violence.
General Description: 14-year-old Bri is heading off to fulfill her family legacy of attending Briarcliff Prep, a historically black boarding school. Her sister Belle has already been at the boarding school for years. However, Belle's boyfriend Logan is a new addition to the scene. Bri has to juggle what she witnesses between Belle and Logan, her own love life, and determining what kind of person she wants to be. This is a coming of age novel that tackles heavy issue head on. Bri must decide who she wants to be and it may not be everyone's favorite person.
The good:
- The way dating violence is handled in this book is complex and addresses all facets of an issue that is important for teens to learn about yet hard to talk about.
- Bri and Belle's relationship is a rollercoaster that I appreciated being on.
- Bri's own look into relationships felt extremely real, with not everything being the happiest ending.
- The social scene laid out in this book was intriguing and immersed you into the world completely, making the book feel extremely real.
The loss of a half star:
- The book was pretty slow at the beginning, but since I've learned this is turning into a series, the world building make a bit more sense, which is why it is only losing a half star.
Overall: If you're looking for a contemporary YA book that handles the topic of dating violence with grace, this is your next read. I would even recommend it as a book to discuss with any teen in your life.
General Description: 14-year-old Bri is heading off to fulfill her family legacy of attending Briarcliff Prep, a historically black boarding school. Her sister Belle has already been at the boarding school for years. However, Belle's boyfriend Logan is a new addition to the scene. Bri has to juggle what she witnesses between Belle and Logan, her own love life, and determining what kind of person she wants to be. This is a coming of age novel that tackles heavy issue head on. Bri must decide who she wants to be and it may not be everyone's favorite person.
The good:
- The way dating violence is handled in this book is complex and addresses all facets of an issue that is important for teens to learn about yet hard to talk about.
- Bri and Belle's relationship is a rollercoaster that I appreciated being on.
- Bri's own look into relationships felt extremely real, with not everything being the happiest ending.
- The social scene laid out in this book was intriguing and immersed you into the world completely, making the book feel extremely real.
The loss of a half star:
- The book was pretty slow at the beginning, but since I've learned this is turning into a series, the world building make a bit more sense, which is why it is only losing a half star.
Overall: If you're looking for a contemporary YA book that handles the topic of dating violence with grace, this is your next read. I would even recommend it as a book to discuss with any teen in your life.