Yesterday, I read the YA novel Private by Kate Brian. And by yesterday, I ment in an hour and a half.
It’s not a long novel, nor is it very weighty. It’s genre is the new “young-adult-chic-lit,” and it fits in very well. The story is about Reed, a girl from Pennsylvania with a horrid family home-life, who begins her Sophomore year at Easton Academy, a private boarding school in Conneticut.
It’s very predictable, to say the least. Reed is of course there on scholarships, and of course she was a straight-A student at her previous school. She’s never had any real friends, and desperately wants be be one of the “Billings Girls,” girls who live in Billings Hall, and are generally considered the clique to be in. So of course Reed makes a bad first impression, and sells her soul to try to be in with them.
Reed becomes the girlfriend of the first guy she spoke to on campus; she loses her virginity within the first semester to him. The only originality here was that when he tells her he loves her, Reed nearly laughs:
“You know I love you, right?” he whispered.
I was so shocked I almost laughed.
“You don’t have to say that,” I said.
Briefly, anger flashed through his eyes. “I’m not lying. I love you. I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t.
Yeah right.
Bryan doesn’t paint her lead character to be sentimental or naive, which is actually pretty new. Reed recognises that the Billings Girls are using her, but for the most part she doesn’t care, so long as she’s included. When they push her to do something she really doesn’t want to, she pushes right back, even though she’s afraid that they will drop her in response.
The end of the book isn’t really an end. There is no resolution. It’s not even the end of the school year. I realize that this is the first book in a series, but still, it should have ended better than this. I don’t want to give it away, in case someone gets it in their head to read it, but it’s very dissapointing.
The predictableness makes me not want to read any other books in this genre. I’ll probably finish out the series, because I liked Reed as a character well enough, but any other book set in high school will just feel like the same old story. I mean, you can only do the “down-and-out-recluse-makes-it-into-the-popular-clique” so many times before you start to wonder how original it really is.
If I didn’t have the habit of writing YA directed towards high school girls, I probably wouldn’t be reading novels like this. I figured I had better know what’s being published, what girls are reading, and make sure that I don’t fall into the same cliches that abound in Chic Lit–both YA and Adult. Especially since I’ve always wanted to write a novel about girls attending a boarding school.
I do think I’d rather stick to YA Fantasy for my reading, though. At least then the cliches are all magical.
you suck
i love kate!!
Thank you for letting me know I suck. I was really worried about it for a minute.
And I happen to like Kate Bryan as well. I just happen to not like this genre of literature very much. There’s a difference there, in case you didn’t see it. And notice how I bashed the plot, not the writing.
She is a very good writer, and I think her readers (that means you) would be better served if she wrote better plots. Not something that was thought up or pitched to her by someone else.
I have to say that on one side, I agree with you, Lisa. The plot that Kate Brian uses in the “Private” series IS used in many other young adult fiction novels, especially those directed at High School girls…But I believe that, on the other side, she takes it and makes it more original by adding the whole mystery idea, the idea that while the Billings clique is rich and smart and happy in every way, its…not quite right. There’s something going on, and we don’t know if it’ll turn out supernatural, crime-ish or not. I have to say, continue reading, not only because Reed is an interesting character, but because Kate Brian makes her evolve with the plot, as well as the secondary Billings girls characters.
Though I have to say, the ending to the third book leaves one even more confused and eager for more than the endings of the first two books.
(And by the way, “you suck” is probably one of the most trite, overused, bland, and demonstrating of a low intelligence and debating skill argument one can find. As well as it is borderline appropriate.)
(And by the way, I’m not a teacher-like adult saying this. 16 year old girl!)
Ophelia
Ophelia–good point. I haven’t read further into the series, and in this book, there isn’t quite as much “mystery,” but I’m sure it gets more into it the further into the series you get.
However, I have to disagree with “the idea that while the Billings clique is rich and smart and happy in every way, its…not quite right,” as being unique.You’ll find this often in books/stories/movies like this. There’s the movies like “The Skulls,” and books like Jane Eyre. It’s a common plot device that the rich, while seeming to have perfect lives, are teeming with problems that are only brought to light when the less fortunate person who is thrust into their circle brings them to light.
If this is supposed to work as a stand-alone book (which all books, even those is series, should do), Private falls short. I don’t want to have to read several volumes to get satisfaction from the story.
That said, I do plan on reading the rest of the series, as I too agree that Reed is an interesting character, and I would like to see how she developes.
Hi
I love the book and is currently reading the 2nd book – Invitation Only.
Kate Brian rox!
hello. i love this book. yep. its great. i finished in in like an hour.
peace.
hey dude, u guys. i dont know wut ya all are smokin but dude Kate Brian’s books are the best. yep that’s right…i read all her books & i loved them. They’re were honestly really hookable books. & mikaila, i have to say, you are right about Kate Brian’s books. i finished her books in like 2 days. so ya HER BOOKS ARE THE BEST!!!! & NO ONE WILL CHANGE MY MIND!!!!!!!!!
ps lisa & ophelia…u dont have good taste in books…..kate brian’s books are thee best in the whole entire world!!!!!!!!!!!!
So I think the haters should seriously just calm down. Seriously Scarlett, it’s a REVIEW of the book. Lisa gave a pretty good open opinion of the book, with legitimate points. Where are you’re counter-points?
Scarlett-
Thanks for letting me know my taste in books was horrible. I mean, I already thought that, what with my deep need to read classics, poetry, romance and science fiction. But to have it verified is just so much more reassuring.
And bragging about reading a book in two days (while that sounds like a worth while accomplishment), isn’t worth mentioning when I already stated that I read it in two hours. Although, perhaps the books is better if you take longer to read it–then you can forget the bad parts as you go.
okay so seriously everyone has a different opinion in books. if someone doesnt like a certain kate brian book doesnt mean they dont like any of her other books. and she does have quite alot. so stop hateing on each other. everyone has their own different opinion.
peace.
and also dont hate on scarlett. shes simple minded and its hard for her to understand shit. i love you scarlett but come on girl! you know better.
peace
okay i’m sorry, lisa & ophelia, about what i said of what kind of taste you guys have in books. i shouldn’t have said that. you guys have your own opinions & i respect that. i guess i wasn’t having a very good day. so i’m sorry lisa(don’t hate me). i just really like Kate Brian’s books & if you don’t, then i respect that, okay lisa. that goes for you to ophelia.
hey, thanks for the review and you wrote it really well but I have to disagree with you. Kate Brian’s books are amazing and have some sort of twist on the whole mean girls cliche. Yes it does remind you of other books but how are you supposed to write a book with that genre not having some sort of resemblence. I see what you are saying but you have to see it from a differebt POV. k bii
Omg!!!!! Kate Brian’s books are awesome!!!! I can’t wait unti invitation only comes out. So what if other books have similar story lines? Brian is not pretending to write anything heavy or interllectual – its just a very enjoyable and highly readable book that many girls can relate to. I’m so happy that there’s gonna be a whole series!!!!
Anyone else feel the same?
I really like Kate Brian`s “private ” novel series.I am currently rereading private and hope to get the 3rd book in the series this coming weekend.Thankyou for writing such wonderful novels Ms. Brian. You are greatly appreciated.
I love Kate Brian’s work. She is an awesome writer and I am on the edge of my seat to find out what happens next in the 5th book. I reread her books all the time just so that I can remember what they are about and how much I like them.
grrr. you suck. She is a great writer but maybe yourr not interested in it because its not for your age. And i lovee her books because they are filled with surprises, something FANTASY books arent filled with. Her series are the best and they always keep you guessing.
peacee out (:
Um. I know I suck. That’s not the issue. However, I am interested in this book, because I read books of all ages. If I wasn’t interested, I wouldn’t have read it
And, really? Fantasy books aren’t filled with surprises? So I guess you’d been expecting since book one for Snape to kill Dumbledore at the end of book six? You’ve got skills.
I can’t think of one (of the many) fantasy books I’ve read that didn’t have some sort of surprise.
And for the record? Private didn’t have any surprises either. Not big ones, at least. It was pretty predictable in the world of private schools, really. And sure, in the next books there might be surprises (although, it’s not a surprise if the cover blurb tells you about it), but I wouldn’t know. I’ve only read the first book in this series so far.
well if you keep reading then the surprises will get bigger, and the book gets more interesting. And you know what, i wouldnt even know if fantasy books have surprises because i never bothered reading them. Just like you wouldnt even bother reading the second book in the private series, because thats where all the surprises begin.
P.S. Im glad that you know you suck
your a whore who doesnt know shit about books.
Okay. I know most people would close comments at this point, because you fangirls are driving me nuts, but new rules for comments.
And for those of you who care, I do plan on reading the rest of the series. I said as much in the original post. I’ve just been reading other stuff, and have no money to buy books that I’m not terribly excited to read. Sorry.
[first half of this comment edited out because it didn't follow the above rules.]
and everybody has their opinions.thats y this website exists.
luv.
Yes. Everyone has their opinions.
NO. THIS WEBSITE EXISTS ONLY BECAUSE I FEEL LIKE IT.
I realize that I am the number one google search for Kate Bryan. But let me assure you, unless she reads this site (and I completely doubt that) she has no idea what words of praise you are heaping on her.
This is not a Kate Bryan fansite. This site is not run by Kate Bryan. This is not a gathering place for her most ardent fans, which I’m sure you all must be, if you’re all googling her and finding me. Your luv and kisses would be much better directed somewhere else, if that’s all you came for.
Hi my name is Lisa. I created this site and it is MAINLY for people who agree with me, and only me. If you have your own opinions, then im gonna delete your comment. I believe that since i dislike this book, you all must dislike it too. I am more experienced with books because i have read so many books and also because i am “FLIPPIN’ ENGLISH MAJOR.” That is why i have the right to say whatever i want, and you dont.I dont appreciate these books OR this author, so NONE of you can! blah blah blah blah blah..
I let the above comment through on principal, but can I just say? So wrong on so many levels.
Yes, I created the site. It’s mine. It’s all about me. It’s not for anyone else, and I could care less what anyone else’s opinons are.
I didn’t dislike this book. I think Kate Brian is a good author. However, this isn’t an original plot. Which is what I was talking ahout. This ONE book.
I deleted part of the previous comment because it had no relevence on the topic of this post. This post is about ONE book, not the whole series. Telling me you loved the latest book in the series, finishing it while you’re on the phone with your BFF does not contribute to this conversation in any way.
I do have the right to say whatever I want. As do you. Although, I’d encourage you to post it on your own site or myspace or what have you, if you’re not going to actually contribute to the conversation.
I appreciate this book (did everyone miss the part where I said I write stuff very similar to it? I love private-school stories), and I do appreciate Kate Brian. I think she is a very talented author, and could do some great stuff with an original plot.
And you can all go all fangirl all over how awesome Kate Brian is–after all, I go all fangirl about nearly anything by Chuck Palahniuk–but you have to add to the conversation. I don’t think it’s too much to ask that comments stay relevent. That’s all I’ve ever been asking for.
So comments about the FIRST book in the series are fine. Comments about any other book in the series? Not going to pass muster. I’ve warned you.
Oh, and thanks for the mocking. That’s exactly what I needed after a shitty real-life night like I’ve had tonight.
I just started my summer reading kick, and the first book I read was Private by Kate Brian…I happend to have loved it, I read the following 4 and I plan to read the next one that comes out this August! I also read a couple of her other novels resently too. I don’t know what some of you are complaining about…she’s a good writer.
yeah i agree with you mallory. But when i read all the previous comments, it seems like the only person complaining is Lisa, and i believe she is the ONLY complainer. No offense to you lisa. But hey, we all have our own opinions and I respect Lisa’s as much as i respect your opinions..and comments.
i think yo people who aint agree’in wit Lisa aint got nutin cuz ya’ll is pretty obvious who got da smarts round’ here cuz of what i read on dis page, man dis lisa girl sounds like some genius who can read yo! yous best listen to her, ya here?!
I think it’s great that you finally started spelling the author’s last name correctly, it was driving me nuts when I was reading through the comments…good for you, Lisa!
I really liked these books and i really dont undersand why other people would’nt unless you like have no lives or somthing.. d ont talk tarash, EVERYBODY has opinions, i know, but dont people down, its rude and thats what you are lisa, RUDE.
LUV AND PEACE AND BUH BYE
well i didnt read teh first one because my friend did and she told me what had happened and so i was like ok sick book and then when we were gonna drive over to my cousins house (a nice 9 hour drive) i was gonna get a book and so i got what i thought was the second in the series, because i figured i knew what happened in the first, and it really wasnt anything to important. well i just finished the one i bought about half an hour ago and realized it was the 4th in the series. so i suck, andi just felt like telling all of you:) hahha but liek really, it does suck i ruined the 2nd and 3rd books for myself, but oh well
oh i just read that paragraph that says you’ll delete a comment if its not relevant, and mine really isnt, since im just kinda rambling on in it about things that nobody is going to care about, but what can i say im bored. but i did really liek the 4th hahhaha or 3rd i dont even know which one it is i read, its confessions. so im sorry and dont delete my pointless comments
I LOVE THE PRIVATE BOOK SERIES BUT WHAT IS THE ORDER OF THE BOOKS? AND HOW MANY R THERE?
THE FIRST TIME I READ THE PRIVATE SERIES I THOUT IT WAS BORING BUT I READ IT AND WHAT DO YOU KNOW I READ ALL OF THEM AND YES IM GOING TO READ EVERY TEEN BOOK YOU MAKE I HOPE YOU WIL MAKE MORE TEEN BOOKS BECAUSE YOU ARE A GOOD WRITER AND KEEP WRITING THE PRIVATE SERIES
lisa, come on, her books are pure genius. you are obviously stuck up and close minded
go to hell mutter fuka, jk but still loosen up
hi,um, hi. gabriella hayes is a horrible person. bye.
love life yall!
sorry, my sister tapped in and wrote the above.
the private series rock! yay them
hi. this series is really really good and i absolutely loved it!
Hello,
OK, I am 13 years old. I am on the 4th book of the Private Series. I really enjoyed the other books and am looking foward to the 5th one coming out on August 2007. The books in this series are very addicting. They keep you on the edge of your chair!
I am someone who only enjoys reading if the book interests me. I read the first 3 books in less than a week and I am about to finish the 4th one, confessions. I think that anyone who enjoys reading girly books that have a mystery type twist would love these books! I have to say, I really give credit to Kate Brian!
Megan
To those who have asked, there are 4 books in the Private Series. The 5th book, called Inner Circle, will be coming out in August 2007
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