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indiffferente's review against another edition
3.0
although some parts of this book are a bit “wordy”, it’s a fun read. nothing overly spectacular, but a very light and joyful book.
caitpoytress's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed the second half of the book much more than the first.
julierichards07's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
sshenkin's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
mxjunebug's review against another edition
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
lynnedf's review against another edition
2.0
This is more of a 2.5 star review since I was torn with how I felt about this book.
The premise of this story - helicopter parents who would do anything to get their smart child (who does poorly on exams) into the best school. Including writing the entrance exam on her behalf (while dressed as a spotty 11 year old).
Pros - some of the incidents or comments are hilarious - the Tony Blair child scenario - fabulous. The discussion over turning in a child's WWII project in which Germany won the war - laugh out loud funny.
Cons - Alice. The main character. It was difficult to like her. Or even sympathize with her reasons for acting the way she did. It was awkward enough to find her in a scenario where she would write the entrance exam for her daughter -- but to cheat as well? And then forge a relationship with the child she cheated on? Add to that - a upper-middle class white woman cheated using a lower-middle class black girl's exam - cheating said girl out of a scholarship - it left me feeling very uncomfortable. Maybe that was the point?
The addition of the 1/2 star was because of the last chapter. Things ended as they should. This might have been funnier as a collection of essays rather than an entire story.
Also - Alice was a hyped up version of Bridget Jones.
The premise of this story - helicopter parents who would do anything to get their smart child (who does poorly on exams) into the best school. Including writing the entrance exam on her behalf (while dressed as a spotty 11 year old).
Pros - some of the incidents or comments are hilarious - the Tony Blair child scenario - fabulous. The discussion over turning in a child's WWII project in which Germany won the war - laugh out loud funny.
Cons - Alice. The main character. It was difficult to like her. Or even sympathize with her reasons for acting the way she did. It was awkward enough to find her in a scenario where she would write the entrance exam for her daughter -- but to cheat as well? And then forge a relationship with the child she cheated on? Add to that - a upper-middle class white woman cheated using a lower-middle class black girl's exam - cheating said girl out of a scholarship - it left me feeling very uncomfortable. Maybe that was the point?
The addition of the 1/2 star was because of the last chapter. Things ended as they should. This might have been funnier as a collection of essays rather than an entire story.
Also - Alice was a hyped up version of Bridget Jones.
goldiefan's review against another edition
4.0
Very funny, made me giggle lots and actually an uplifting ending. I'm impressed!
hevbell's review against another edition
4.0
really enjoyed this & couldn't put it down. It is written from the point of view of a London mother of three stressing about getting her eldest into the desired school, and the lengths she, and her friends, will go to. Laugh out loud funny, good quick read :)