Review: Small Admissions by Amy Poeppel

Small Admissions by Amy Poeppel

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Received: NetGalley
Publication Date: December 27th, 2016
Publisher: Atria
Point of View: 3rd Person & Alternative
Recommended Age: 14+
Pacing: Normal
Genres & Themes: Adult, Realistic Fiction, Humor, Contemporary, Coming of Age

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BLURB:

Despite her innate ambition and Summa Cum Laude smarts, Kate Pearson has turned into a major slacker. After being unceremoniously dumped by her handsome, French “almost fiancé,” she abandons her grad school plans and instead spends her days lolling on the couch, watching reruns of Sex and the City, and leaving her apartment only when a dog-walking gig demands it. Her friends don’t know what to do other than pass tissues and hope for a comeback, while her practical sister, Angela, pushes every remedy she can think of, from trapeze class to therapy to job interviews.

Miraculously, and for reasons no one (least of all Kate) understands, she manages to land a job in the admissions department at the prestigious Hudson Day School. In her new position, Kate learns there’s no time for self-pity or nonsense during the height of the admissions season, or what her colleagues refer to as “the dark time.” As the process revs up, Kate meets smart kids who are unlikable, likeable kids who aren’t very smart, and Park Avenue parents who refuse to take no for an answer.

I would not be surprised if this became a best seller. Maybe not #1 of its genre, but it’s interesting and insightful, since it explores multiple subjects.

With the use of humour.

This is a book particularly for those who are amused/entertained by drama, somewhat ridiculous situations or/and women who like meddling in each other’s lives.

There is Kate, who was dumped by Robert, who is Chloe’s cousin, who is Kate’s best friend who keeps her love life a secret from everyone. Kate is going through a rough time right now.

There is Angela, who is Kate’s sister, who obsesses over her sister’s splintered life. Her plan to fix Kate? Get her a job! Will it work, will it make things better? And does Kate have what it takes to work in admissions?

There is Victoria, who is Kate’s former best friend and still kind of friend, who has a secret she is not eager to tell anyone.

Oh, this is just so much fun, especially Kate’s interviews with potential candidates for Hudson and their parents. God, some parents are crazy! And some kids are really clueless.

There is one couple in particular that is scary-insistent about their kid going to Hudson. It’s pathetic but also pretty darn entertaining to read about.

In the end, even with all the humour and (some) unrealistic drama, there are things to be learned from this book. Don’t let a guy dictate who you are! Don’t give up everything for a guy! There is always hope! Things will always get better! Some times you lose, some times you win! There is love where you least expect it!

I actually don’t read many books genred as ‘‘women’s fiction,’’ because I’m much more interested by YA novels, but this was better than a comedy movie. Almost.

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