Monday, January 25, 2021

1.25.2021 - Girls With Bright Futures

Girls with Bright Futures by Tracy Dobmeier

Many thanks to NetGalley and especially to Sourcebooks Landmark for granting my wish to receive a digital ARC of this fabulous debut novel by the writing team of Tracy Dobmeier and Wendy Katzman - 5 stars!  

It's early decision college application time for seniors at Seattle's exclusive Elliott Bay Academy.  Stanford University is the only school at the top of three girls' lists, well, really the only school acceptable to their moms.  When EBA notifies the parents that Stanford can only accept one more student, the fight is on.  Tech giant Alicia is a graduate of Stanford and has put her considerable wealth into ensuring that spot belongs to her daughter Brooke.  Brooke, however, is more of an average student.  Kelly and her family don't quite have the money that many of the EBA families have but her and her husband are both alums.  Kelly has devoted her life into being a super volunteer at EBA and spends what money the family does have on tutoring and prepping daughter Krissie.  Krissie is only made more anxious by her mom's pressure.  Then there is Maren, who works as the personal assistant to Alicia and owes her entire livelihood to her.  She lives in a house that Alicia owns and Alicia pays for the very expensive EBA tuition.  Her daughter, Winnie, is an outstanding scholar who has dreamed of following in Alicia's footsteps and attending Stanford.  Let the battles begin!

This is such a fabulous book - I couldn't put it down.  And it's the perfect example of life imitating art - the authors' note says that the book was in editing when the real world college admission scandal broke out.  The book is told in alternating chapters from the moms' point of view.  While we all want what's best for our children, this book takes it to that next level and it's a sad commentary but written in a dark comedy/suspense style that will keep you glued to the pages. 

Pre-order this book now so that you have it when it goes on sale next week!  I can't wait to read more from this talented duo!

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