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The Chaperone
Listening Length: 11 hours and 15 minutes
Like every young woman in New America, Stella knows the rules:
Deflect attention.
Abstain from sin.
Navigate the world with care.
Give obedience.
Embrace purity.
Respect your chaperone.
Stella can't go out by herself, or spend time with boys except at Visitations. Girls in New America must have chaperones at all times until they marry, so Stella's lucky that Sister Helen is like a friend to her. When Sister Helen dies suddenly, she's devastated, especially when the Constables assign Stella a new chaperone just days later.
Sister Laura is... different. She leaves Stella alone at the library (isn't that illegal?) and knows how to get into the "Hush Hush" parties where all kinds of forbidden things happen. As Stella spends more time with Sister Laura, she begins to question everything she's been taught. What if the Constables' rules don't actually protect girls? What if they were never meant to keep them safe?
Once Stella glimpses both real freedom and the dark truths behind New America, she has no choice but to fight back against the world she knows. She sets out on a dangerous journey across what was once the United States, risking everything.
11 pages, Audible Audio
First published June 6, 2023
187 people are currently reading
11882 people want to read
About the author
M. Hendrix
1 book22 followersM Hendrix (she/her) is the author of The Chaperone (Sourcebooks Fire). M earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism at Indiana University before studying creative writing in graduate school, receiving her MA from Miami University and her PhD from the University of Cincinnati, where she was a Taft Fellow. She has been nominated five times for the Pushcart Prize and was a finalist for the Aesthetica creative writing award and the SCBWI Crystal Kite Award. Her work has appeared in Newsweek, Aesthetica, The Independent, and more. She is also the author of two books for adults. Born in Baltimore and raised in New Jersey, she has lived in twelve states and now makes her home in Bowling Green, Kentucky, with her spouse, New York Times bestseller, David Bell. Learn more at mhendrixwrites.com.
Please note: M gives five stars to every book she reads since getting a book published is a five-star accomplishment in its own right.
Please note: M gives five stars to every book she reads since getting a book published is a five-star accomplishment in its own right.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 540 reviews
June 7, 2023
TW: Rape, Abuse, Extreme Narcissism/Misogyny
Stella is a proud member of New America, a place that strictly controls women and their environments for their own safety. Part of this is utilizing the chaperone system. Stella’s chaperone suddenly dies and she’s given a new one, but Sister Laura is different. She seems to be pushing Stella to question things that she’s always taken for granted. As Stella begins to glimpse freedom and the biases of the system she lives in, she wonders if maybe she’s been misguided all along.
The premise of this dystopian YA was intriguing, but it didn’t work for me. Part of the issue I had with this one is that the antagonists all felt like caricatures of “super evil dudes.” All men in the book with serious page time were this way except for one guy. This made it feel over the top and difficult to take the antagonists seriously. Similarly, while the women were written well enough, there was plenty that could have been added to their development to make them feel more like real people and less like plot devices. One example is that the protagonist has a sister, but throughout her whole journey she barely thinks about her or considers the consequences her actions might have on her sister or if she should try and reach out to her sister in any way. Each character felt one-dimensional in this way.
The character growth of the protagonist didn’t work for me. Near the early/middle part of the book, it felt like a flip switched and suddenly she was questioning everything when she never had before. Then, when something big happens in the last half, the book skips five months of time during which the protagonist supposedly becomes a completely different person. I know the author had to do the time jump to keep the book from becoming too long, but it just made the growth of the protagonist feel unrealistic and like more of a plot device than actual organic growth. And this wasn’t just the case in relation to character growth – the author tried to fit much too much into this book, leaving it difficult to connect with any of it and leaving it all feeling underdeveloped and choppy.
The writing style was also a bit of an issue for me. For one thing, there were 115 chapters in this 448-page book (if you do the math, you’ll realize just how absurdly short these chapters were). The author utilized chapters like section breaks and it kept the work feeling choppy and broke my immersion constantly. This book was another instance where everything was spelled out in excruciating detail rather than incorporated neatly into the writing (telling vs. showing). This unfortunately took away from what could have been some wonderful instances of meaningful analyses of the topics covered in this book or encouraging critical thinking.
I honestly couldn’t even enjoy this read when I tried not to think about it too much. I like the premise of this book, but it read more like a draft than a finished work. If you like dystopian YA reads, you might enjoy this one. My thanks to NetGalley and RB Media for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Stella is a proud member of New America, a place that strictly controls women and their environments for their own safety. Part of this is utilizing the chaperone system. Stella’s chaperone suddenly dies and she’s given a new one, but Sister Laura is different. She seems to be pushing Stella to question things that she’s always taken for granted. As Stella begins to glimpse freedom and the biases of the system she lives in, she wonders if maybe she’s been misguided all along.
The premise of this dystopian YA was intriguing, but it didn’t work for me. Part of the issue I had with this one is that the antagonists all felt like caricatures of “super evil dudes.” All men in the book with serious page time were this way except for one guy. This made it feel over the top and difficult to take the antagonists seriously. Similarly, while the women were written well enough, there was plenty that could have been added to their development to make them feel more like real people and less like plot devices. One example is that the protagonist has a sister, but throughout her whole journey she barely thinks about her or considers the consequences her actions might have on her sister or if she should try and reach out to her sister in any way. Each character felt one-dimensional in this way.
The character growth of the protagonist didn’t work for me. Near the early/middle part of the book, it felt like a flip switched and suddenly she was questioning everything when she never had before. Then, when something big happens in the last half, the book skips five months of time during which the protagonist supposedly becomes a completely different person. I know the author had to do the time jump to keep the book from becoming too long, but it just made the growth of the protagonist feel unrealistic and like more of a plot device than actual organic growth. And this wasn’t just the case in relation to character growth – the author tried to fit much too much into this book, leaving it difficult to connect with any of it and leaving it all feeling underdeveloped and choppy.
The writing style was also a bit of an issue for me. For one thing, there were 115 chapters in this 448-page book (if you do the math, you’ll realize just how absurdly short these chapters were). The author utilized chapters like section breaks and it kept the work feeling choppy and broke my immersion constantly. This book was another instance where everything was spelled out in excruciating detail rather than incorporated neatly into the writing (telling vs. showing). This unfortunately took away from what could have been some wonderful instances of meaningful analyses of the topics covered in this book or encouraging critical thinking.
I honestly couldn’t even enjoy this read when I tried not to think about it too much. I like the premise of this book, but it read more like a draft than a finished work. If you like dystopian YA reads, you might enjoy this one. My thanks to NetGalley and RB Media for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
May 27, 2023
This was a gripping YA dystopian book that gives strong "The Handmaid’s Tale vibes. If you are a teen living in New America, you know the rules. The rules are strict and strictly enforced. You will also have a chaperone to make sure you embrace purity, are not alone, abstain from sin, don't draw attention to yourself, and not have unauthorized visits with boys.
Stella's chaperone, Sister Helen died suddenly, and Stella was assigned a new chaperone a few days later. Her new chaperone, Sister Laura, is a little freer with the rules. She gets Stella into secret parties and Stella begins to question everything that she has been taught. Are the rules in place to keep her safe or to control her?
I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed it. This book moved at a very nice pace, and I was fully invested in learning what would happen as Stella began to question things in her life. This is a dystopian coming of age tale that was both gripping and tense. The book begins with the Murder of Sister Helen and an investigation into how and why the chaperone died and turns into a journey toward the truth, freedom, and courage.
I enjoyed Stella and her quiet determination. She wants to be her own person and have her own voice. She was raised to be subservient, and do as she is told, yet she questions and has her own ideas. This book is set in a dystopian world but also mirrors how women have been treated in the past- be seen not heard, know your place, do as you are told, you don't have rights, it's a man's world, etc. It also shows the courage, the fortitude, and the resilience of women. There is a lot of food for thought here.
Gripping, thought provoking, and tense.
Thank you to RB Media, Recorded Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Stella's chaperone, Sister Helen died suddenly, and Stella was assigned a new chaperone a few days later. Her new chaperone, Sister Laura, is a little freer with the rules. She gets Stella into secret parties and Stella begins to question everything that she has been taught. Are the rules in place to keep her safe or to control her?
I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed it. This book moved at a very nice pace, and I was fully invested in learning what would happen as Stella began to question things in her life. This is a dystopian coming of age tale that was both gripping and tense. The book begins with the Murder of Sister Helen and an investigation into how and why the chaperone died and turns into a journey toward the truth, freedom, and courage.
I enjoyed Stella and her quiet determination. She wants to be her own person and have her own voice. She was raised to be subservient, and do as she is told, yet she questions and has her own ideas. This book is set in a dystopian world but also mirrors how women have been treated in the past- be seen not heard, know your place, do as you are told, you don't have rights, it's a man's world, etc. It also shows the courage, the fortitude, and the resilience of women. There is a lot of food for thought here.
Gripping, thought provoking, and tense.
Thank you to RB Media, Recorded Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
March 29, 2023
“Embrace Purity. Navigate the World with Care. Respect Your Chaperone.”
Welcome to New America where women are "protected" from constant disappearances and married as early as possible. To keep her safe and moral, Stella's every move is closely guarded by a Chaperone. When Stella’s chaperone dies mysteriously (was it murder?) she is assigned a new chaperone.
It slowly becomes apparent that this new Chaperone is a member of a secret cadre that seek to subvert the patriarchal society of New America by influencing their young charges.
Stella newfound freedom is threatened when her father orders her to marry a man she finds revolting.
This book starts as a murder mystery that quickly fades into the background becoming a social commentary. Think the Teen version of the Handmaiden’s Tale.
This reads a bit like a first novel with an obligatory budding teen romance that feels out of place. However, the world building is worth the read. -Wendy M.
Welcome to New America where women are "protected" from constant disappearances and married as early as possible. To keep her safe and moral, Stella's every move is closely guarded by a Chaperone. When Stella’s chaperone dies mysteriously (was it murder?) she is assigned a new chaperone.
It slowly becomes apparent that this new Chaperone is a member of a secret cadre that seek to subvert the patriarchal society of New America by influencing their young charges.
Stella newfound freedom is threatened when her father orders her to marry a man she finds revolting.
This book starts as a murder mystery that quickly fades into the background becoming a social commentary. Think the Teen version of the Handmaiden’s Tale.
This reads a bit like a first novel with an obligatory budding teen romance that feels out of place. However, the world building is worth the read. -Wendy M.
Want to read
June 4, 2023drinking game: every time this book's goodreads review says "handmaid's tale"
May 26, 2023
Near-future dystopia that taps into a lot of what's happening in the United States today with politico-religious extremism, body autonomy, gender, sexuality, consent, rape culture, and climate change. Not to mention how those things intersect with things like race and class. (though I have mixed feelings on how well this handles the racial component when it tries to) This reads like it's by an author who is intimately familiar with evangelical purity culture and the harm it does. The Chaperone is a page-turner with very short chapters that kept me riveted.
Objectively, I think it does make some weird choices in terms of plot structure. This reads like the first two books of a trilogy put into one and I don't love that decision. Especially because what feels like a climax and resolution is then somewhat reversed in the remainder of the book for spoilery reasons. And I have some questions about character choices and motivations that weren't adequately addressed in the latter portion because it's trying to do too much. This should have been two shorter novels. That said, it's such a propulsive read I was sort of carried along for the ride and still had a pretty good time.
In New America, girls are never left alone and have chaperones until they marry. They must remain pure, give obedience, and should be seen rather than heard. When Stella's long-time chaperone dies suddenly, Sister Laura becomes her new chaperone and things begin to change. She starts questioning why things are structured the way they are...
There is a lot that I liked about this and it's a very strong debut. Having grown up in purity culture myself, this did a fantastic job of pulling into the light and examining some of the more insidious elements of it. I look forward to seeing more from this author in the future. The audio narration is also great. I received an audio review copy of this book via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
Objectively, I think it does make some weird choices in terms of plot structure. This reads like the first two books of a trilogy put into one and I don't love that decision. Especially because what feels like a climax and resolution is then somewhat reversed in the remainder of the book for spoilery reasons. And I have some questions about character choices and motivations that weren't adequately addressed in the latter portion because it's trying to do too much. This should have been two shorter novels. That said, it's such a propulsive read I was sort of carried along for the ride and still had a pretty good time.
In New America, girls are never left alone and have chaperones until they marry. They must remain pure, give obedience, and should be seen rather than heard. When Stella's long-time chaperone dies suddenly, Sister Laura becomes her new chaperone and things begin to change. She starts questioning why things are structured the way they are...
There is a lot that I liked about this and it's a very strong debut. Having grown up in purity culture myself, this did a fantastic job of pulling into the light and examining some of the more insidious elements of it. I look forward to seeing more from this author in the future. The audio narration is also great. I received an audio review copy of this book via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
December 3, 2022
Outstanding!!
July 20, 2023
Potentially the most underbaked book I've ever read. It's almost like the author watched AN episode of the Handmaid's tale and then tried to write a YA book about it.
Characters - Their motivations made no sense. She's a normal teenager, but it's so inconvenient that she has to have a chaperone everywhere she goes. But she can still go to parties and kiss boys and drink alcohol, because her chaperone is "a rebel". No reasoning other than that. The chaperone has even less development. Not sure how letting a teenager get raped at a party is doing the right thing for her...
World Building - we just jumped right to "girls can't be touched by men, even their fathers, have to have a chaperone everywhere and are looked upon as a lesser citizen" without giving a reason. Girls can still go to college, somehow have thousands of dollars saved up hiding in their jewelry box, but yeah, can't go to the store on their own. And there is no reason behind this. One of the things that makes dystopians like the Handmaid's Tale so powerful is the religious aspect of it. "the Bible says X, Y and Z" etc. But there wasn't really a deep dive on this. It just was what it was. Also I was very confused about the timeline. "New America" was created post her parents going to college, but yet, they were so rooted in this tradition it felt like it had been going on for generations.
The plot and story of this moved at a break neck speed. The chapters were ridiculously short (and that's coming from someone who likes short chapters. This was too short). The stakes were so low, it was like a hiccup happened and was immediately resolved. There was no time to learn and grow with the character, and no time to worry about them because things were so quickly wrapped up.
The ending made ZERO sense... it felt like the author got bored of writing the book, haphazardly wrapped everything up and moved on.
Characters - Their motivations made no sense. She's a normal teenager, but it's so inconvenient that she has to have a chaperone everywhere she goes. But she can still go to parties and kiss boys and drink alcohol, because her chaperone is "a rebel". No reasoning other than that. The chaperone has even less development. Not sure how letting a teenager get raped at a party is doing the right thing for her...
World Building - we just jumped right to "girls can't be touched by men, even their fathers, have to have a chaperone everywhere and are looked upon as a lesser citizen" without giving a reason. Girls can still go to college, somehow have thousands of dollars saved up hiding in their jewelry box, but yeah, can't go to the store on their own. And there is no reason behind this. One of the things that makes dystopians like the Handmaid's Tale so powerful is the religious aspect of it. "the Bible says X, Y and Z" etc. But there wasn't really a deep dive on this. It just was what it was. Also I was very confused about the timeline. "New America" was created post her parents going to college, but yet, they were so rooted in this tradition it felt like it had been going on for generations.
The plot and story of this moved at a break neck speed. The chapters were ridiculously short (and that's coming from someone who likes short chapters. This was too short). The stakes were so low, it was like a hiccup happened and was immediately resolved. There was no time to learn and grow with the character, and no time to worry about them because things were so quickly wrapped up.
The ending made ZERO sense... it felt like the author got bored of writing the book, haphazardly wrapped everything up and moved on.
March 15, 2025
spring break reading lol>>>
sooo this book was ok…the plot wasn’t super unique but that’s ok. I liked the idea of feminism and being your own person but it came across as kinda…woke🫣 idk it didn’t focus on freedom and equality it focused more on being whoeverrrr you wanted and it was kinda a mixed message bc at some points women couldn’t even leave the house?? idk it just wasn’t my favorite vibe in a book! ofc that’s my personal opinion. I also think this is definitely a used storyline and the author didn’t really put a new spin on it, so this was mid at best…
sooo this book was ok…the plot wasn’t super unique but that’s ok. I liked the idea of feminism and being your own person but it came across as kinda…woke🫣 idk it didn’t focus on freedom and equality it focused more on being whoeverrrr you wanted and it was kinda a mixed message bc at some points women couldn’t even leave the house?? idk it just wasn’t my favorite vibe in a book! ofc that’s my personal opinion. I also think this is definitely a used storyline and the author didn’t really put a new spin on it, so this was mid at best…
June 30, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
Enjoyed first half of this book but got bored read the second half of it
Enjoyed first half of this book but got bored read the second half of it
October 12, 2023
I felt like I got dropped into the middle of a badly written YA fanfic version of The Handmaid's Tale and never caught up. The author talks about the rules and "New America" like we're there and understand everything already. I am happy to believe whatever world you come up with, but you have to explain it to me first. And as an adult reading a YA book, I can just imagine how the target audience felt.
It wasn't just the beginning either, I felt like I kept missing big chunks of the story. There were a lot of missteps (writing, story, and editing wise) in this 450 page book. Too much time and too many words were wasted on random things that did nothing to further the story (i.e. the secret parties) but big parts of the relevant story were skipped. The MC was obnoxious, who turned her entire outlook on a dime and forged this super strong relationship with a relative stranger who, despite the secrecy of her life and mission, trusted this girl with no hesitation. Very glad I got this as a giveaway instead of spending money.
It wasn't just the beginning either, I felt like I kept missing big chunks of the story. There were a lot of missteps (writing, story, and editing wise) in this 450 page book. Too much time and too many words were wasted on random things that did nothing to further the story (i.e. the secret parties) but big parts of the relevant story were skipped. The MC was obnoxious, who turned her entire outlook on a dime and forged this super strong relationship with a relative stranger who, despite the secrecy of her life and mission, trusted this girl with no hesitation. Very glad I got this as a giveaway instead of spending money.
June 19, 2023
When Stella’ beloved chaperone sister Helen is found dead in her room Stella is beside herself and after her week of mourning she gets a new chaperoned. Sister Laura however is nothing like sister Helen and at first Stella doesn’t like her and is unhappy just being around her when she takes Stella to a self-defense class that is not only illegal but causes Stella to have to keep secrets she really doesn’t know how she feels about that but at the library when sister Laura goes where Stella cannot see her the girl gets frightened. She has never been on her own anywhere and it’s dangerous but is that feer she is feeling? This will not be the last time sister Laura has Stella questioning her confidence but when Stella starts going with the flow and listening to sister Laura’s stories on freedom and independence it’s all fun and games until it isn’t. Sister Laura changes a lot in the house and almost changes the way Stella‘s dad looks at her. Is sister Laura good for Stella? What sister Helen murdered? But the biggest and best question is is there really a place where Stella can truly have freedom? There is so much to this book it is a girls adventure and I loved it from the narrator to the story both or definitely five star ratings I love teen stories I think this one is one of the best and absolutely great story it totally reminded me of the way women and girls were treated in the 1800s and before just way better. I would never want to live in new America… OMG that sounds so scary. I received this book from RB media and Net Galley but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
May 9, 2024
This was sooooo hard to put down. But unfortunately didn’t pay off in the end for me. I needed so much more to this!
April 10, 2024
A world where women/girls are completely controlled for their "safety" is definitely a fucked up world. This one was interesting. I liked how not everywhere was considered "new America". Stella was a good, smart main character. The whole chaperone aspect was ridiculous but made the plot better.
Would recommend.
Would recommend.
March 27, 2023
Dystopian fiction is always hit or miss for me, but this was definitely a hit! Seventeen-year-old Stella and younger sister, Shea live with their parents and the girls' "chaperone" in New America where girls are not allowed to be on their own or even be alone with boys. Of course when they graduate from high school they are expected to marry quickly and have children; it's a dream world, right? Fortunately Stella is unhappy when her chaperone dies unexpectedly and a boy she doesn't even like proposes marriage. What's a girl to do when her parents are so encouraging? If you are already incensed, this book is for you! It builds slowly but its intensity is smoldering and I raced through it!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
June 7, 2023
At the start, I thought that this was going to be a sort of run-of-the-mill dystopian, similar to some of the early 2010s fare I used to adore. But wow, I got so much more! The Chaperone was incredibly thought provoking, very engaging, and provided a ton of important social commentary, and I simply could not put it down. And I read it in Europe, so the fact that I was itching to get back to this book says a lot!
Stella lives in New America. New America is The Worst™. And frankly, it is very plausible. It is actually what I figure will eventually happen to the country- it will kind of have to split off, because the oppressors and the people who enjoy basic freedoms won't be able to sustain this tension much longer. And, I prefer separation to war, especially since we are the side who doesn't feel the need to arm ourselves to the teeth. I digress. Stella has only known life in New America. She is told that her being a woman makes her "less than", that her dad is in control of her life, and since she began menstruating, must be watched by, you guessed it, a chaperone. Her whole trajectory in life will either be wife/mother, or chaperone. They don't even teach girls real subjects in school. It's all very gross.
Here's the (happy) catch: Not everyone in New America, not even the seemingly "devout" chaperones, is cool with this garbage. But Stella, whose family has been not only part of the New America cause, but leaders of the cause, cannot even wrap her head around it. Until her chaperone dies under mysterious circumstances, and a new chaperone begins to open her eyes to the world around her.
I don't want to give too much away, since it really is the heart of the story, but Stella's transformation and growth is beautiful. And frankly, it gave me hope. That maybe even the most brainwashed folks can claw their way out, you know? Stella has to learn so much, not just about the real world around her, but her own beliefs and values, as well as the true nature of the members of her family. I could not put this book down, I was so engaged in the story of both Stella, and this world. The book ends well, but it also certainly lends itself to a sequel, which I would be clamoring for. May I clamor now? Thanks. I need to read more about this world, it is so fascinating, and while the author does a great job building it, I also think there is so much more that we could discover. Someone, green light this stat.
Bottom Line: I had a feeling this would be my kind of book, but it blew my already high expectations out of the water.
You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight
Stella lives in New America. New America is The Worst™. And frankly, it is very plausible. It is actually what I figure will eventually happen to the country- it will kind of have to split off, because the oppressors and the people who enjoy basic freedoms won't be able to sustain this tension much longer. And, I prefer separation to war, especially since we are the side who doesn't feel the need to arm ourselves to the teeth. I digress. Stella has only known life in New America. She is told that her being a woman makes her "less than", that her dad is in control of her life, and since she began menstruating, must be watched by, you guessed it, a chaperone. Her whole trajectory in life will either be wife/mother, or chaperone. They don't even teach girls real subjects in school. It's all very gross.
Here's the (happy) catch: Not everyone in New America, not even the seemingly "devout" chaperones, is cool with this garbage. But Stella, whose family has been not only part of the New America cause, but leaders of the cause, cannot even wrap her head around it. Until her chaperone dies under mysterious circumstances, and a new chaperone begins to open her eyes to the world around her.
I don't want to give too much away, since it really is the heart of the story, but Stella's transformation and growth is beautiful. And frankly, it gave me hope. That maybe even the most brainwashed folks can claw their way out, you know? Stella has to learn so much, not just about the real world around her, but her own beliefs and values, as well as the true nature of the members of her family. I could not put this book down, I was so engaged in the story of both Stella, and this world. The book ends well, but it also certainly lends itself to a sequel, which I would be clamoring for. May I clamor now? Thanks. I need to read more about this world, it is so fascinating, and while the author does a great job building it, I also think there is so much more that we could discover. Someone, green light this stat.
Bottom Line: I had a feeling this would be my kind of book, but it blew my already high expectations out of the water.
You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight
January 26, 2023
WOW. Just wow. My first five star review of 2023. I absolutely LOVED this book. I sincerely hope there will be a sequel, because I cannot get enough of our heroine.
So many parts of this book gave me chills because it is far too realistic in what “could be,” particularly in how it grapples with many social issues of our current America. It is by far the most realistic, and not at all Sci Fi, dystopian type book I have ever read. Yet, Stella still reminds me of so many many female main characters I loved in books like The Hunger Games and Divergent.
I cannot recommend this book enough - for young women, especially, but also for anyone who holds women in their hearts.
#thechaperone #goodreads #arc #minireview #fivestars #dystopian #readwithme #whatimreading #socialissues #socialawareness #readsforwomen #teenlit #yalit #yabooks
DISCLAIMER: I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for my review via @goodreads giveaway. I was not compensated in any way for this review.
Cross posted to Goodreads, StoryGraph, and Instagram (@brittmariereads_)
So many parts of this book gave me chills because it is far too realistic in what “could be,” particularly in how it grapples with many social issues of our current America. It is by far the most realistic, and not at all Sci Fi, dystopian type book I have ever read. Yet, Stella still reminds me of so many many female main characters I loved in books like The Hunger Games and Divergent.
I cannot recommend this book enough - for young women, especially, but also for anyone who holds women in their hearts.
#thechaperone #goodreads #arc #minireview #fivestars #dystopian #readwithme #whatimreading #socialissues #socialawareness #readsforwomen #teenlit #yalit #yabooks
DISCLAIMER: I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for my review via @goodreads giveaway. I was not compensated in any way for this review.
Cross posted to Goodreads, StoryGraph, and Instagram (@brittmariereads_)
March 18, 2023
I picked up an advanced copy at NCTE and my students ripped it from my hands before I could read it. I couldn't keep this on the shelf with 3 students reading the entire book in a day. So, I had to get a copy for me from NetGalley to see what it was all about. I get it. I get why they are enthralled with it.
Students love the struggle for power and control in society and the action of the story.
It's a little bit like The Handmaid's Tale and The Grace Year.
Students love the struggle for power and control in society and the action of the story.
It's a little bit like The Handmaid's Tale and The Grace Year.
February 13, 2023
This is a very handmaid's tale inspired coming-of-age story that is perfect for any YA distopian lover!
July 31, 2023
The first part of the book had so many spelling mistakes. That really annoyed me. Everyone's characters were not written well at all. They started off with a set character but changed midway through. There were also numerous plotholes. Why were there always constables visiting her? They were trying to find out about Sister Helen, but if women aren't important why did they care? Also where was this set? New America is different from Old America, so which states belong to which country? How did the country get like this?
It seemed more like I was reading a proof instead of an actual book. Some scenes didn't fit in with the story. The language seemed juvenile and not befitting of a YA book. As I said before, numerous spelling, grammar and wording mistakes. The book could have benefited from more history told through the book. What was the whole background of how this all happened?
I think the author mostly writes kids books so perhaps stick with those for now or get a better editor. It honestly just seemed like 2023 American propaganda. All the stuff about this is what happens if women aren't allowed to do anything. It felt like it was making all men out to be monsters except for Mateo. All men are not monsters. There may be a good bit of disgusting men in the world but people shouldn't generalize them in favor of feminism. And then all the talk about how it's normal for teenagers to have sex and babies aren't actually babies, but fetuses. It's ok to kill them in Old America because they're called fetuses but not ok in New America because it's called infanticide.
Overall, it was a good plot, it just really needed some work. I rated it one star because it really could have been better. Spelling mistakes and not enough world building made it not an enjoyable experience for me.
It seemed more like I was reading a proof instead of an actual book. Some scenes didn't fit in with the story. The language seemed juvenile and not befitting of a YA book. As I said before, numerous spelling, grammar and wording mistakes. The book could have benefited from more history told through the book. What was the whole background of how this all happened?
I think the author mostly writes kids books so perhaps stick with those for now or get a better editor. It honestly just seemed like 2023 American propaganda. All the stuff about this is what happens if women aren't allowed to do anything. It felt like it was making all men out to be monsters except for Mateo. All men are not monsters. There may be a good bit of disgusting men in the world but people shouldn't generalize them in favor of feminism. And then all the talk about how it's normal for teenagers to have sex and babies aren't actually babies, but fetuses. It's ok to kill them in Old America because they're called fetuses but not ok in New America because it's called infanticide.
Overall, it was a good plot, it just really needed some work. I rated it one star because it really could have been better. Spelling mistakes and not enough world building made it not an enjoyable experience for me.
June 9, 2023
I definitely would not like New America. This book shows what can happen if men suppress women and hold too much power.
This book is a dystopia fiction, but the chaperone role reminds me of young women needing a chaperone when out with young men in the 17th and 18th centuries. The part about this world that made me the most sad was that education didn't really mean much for girls in that society.
I was rooting for Stella the whole time to understanding how oppressive the rules were. Her chaperones breaking the rules added some entertainment in how ridiculous things really were.
I don't read a lot of dystopia fiction, but I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Change can come one woman at a time!
Thank you to Sourcebooks and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
This book is a dystopia fiction, but the chaperone role reminds me of young women needing a chaperone when out with young men in the 17th and 18th centuries. The part about this world that made me the most sad was that education didn't really mean much for girls in that society.
I was rooting for Stella the whole time to understanding how oppressive the rules were. Her chaperones breaking the rules added some entertainment in how ridiculous things really were.
I don't read a lot of dystopia fiction, but I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Change can come one woman at a time!
Thank you to Sourcebooks and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
June 12, 2023
I liked the premise of the book and the short chapters. There were parts that seemed too much like Handmaid's Tale and the ending happened so abruptly, so that is why I have ended up with a 3 star rating. I'd still recommend others to read it though!
Thanks to NetGally and the publisher for the ARC, in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thanks to NetGally and the publisher for the ARC, in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 5, 2023
The first half of this book was okay. I liked some of the world building. However I did not enjoy how short the chapters were and the second half of the book reads like the second book in a trilogy and I didn't really like that because everything felt a bit rushed. As a result, the ending was very abrupt.
Another reason I took some stars off was Stella's character growth. She grew up in New America her whole life and it felt like a switch flipped and she just immediately started questioning everything when she never had second guessed these things before. Then later on in the book there is a huge time jump and I know it had to be done to avoid the book from being too long but it made Stella's growth feel unrealistic.
Overall, I would read the second book in this series because I am curious to see how it's all going to be wrapped up.
Another reason I took some stars off was Stella's character growth. She grew up in New America her whole life and it felt like a switch flipped and she just immediately started questioning everything when she never had second guessed these things before. Then later on in the book there is a huge time jump and I know it had to be done to avoid the book from being too long but it made Stella's growth feel unrealistic.
Overall, I would read the second book in this series because I am curious to see how it's all going to be wrapped up.
October 15, 2023
This was such a great book! There has to be a second book coming!
January 18, 2023
*I received a free ARC for this title in exchange for an honest review.*
PUBLICATION DATE: JUNE 2023
In this unsettling vision of the future, the alt right has gotten everything it wants: social values have returned to the 1950s; high schools are protected by armed guards with machine guns; and any rights women have are all but illusory. For high school senior, Stella Graham, she has only three acceptable options after graduation: she can get married and have babies; she can achieve higher education before getting married and having babies; or she can become a chaperone, who shepherds and protects unmarried girls of menstruating age, before said charges achieve the patriarchal dream for them to get married and…well, you get the idea. When Stella’s own chaperone, Sister Helen, is found dead under mysterious circumstances, she finds her entire world shaken…but that’s just the beginning. Her new chaperone, Sister Laura, has a lot of strange ideas of what Stella should be allowed to do. She takes takes her to wild, unapproved parties, lets her spend time alone in the library, and even takes her to a secret self-defense class. She tells Stella about what life was like in “Old” America, which leads Stella to question the way things are now. With her father planning her marriage to one of his government cronies, Stella must soon decide between living a comfortable life in a cage, or claiming her autonomy by leaving behind everything she’s ever known.
Dystopian fans who read for pure enjoyment will be pleased to see their favorite genre has received an updated treatment, so points to the author for the concept! If this and other titles like Kim Liggett’s 2019 novel, The Grace Year, are any indication, YA dystopia now focuses on alarmingly immediate issues, like bodily autonomy, rather than JUST fighting a vague authoritarian power. However, readers who approach YA fiction with a more critical eye might be slightly disappointed, as the novel’s generic heroine, predictable character arc, and rushed third act make this for an average read at best. Recommended for Gr 9 Up for language and some brief sexual content.
PUBLICATION DATE: JUNE 2023
In this unsettling vision of the future, the alt right has gotten everything it wants: social values have returned to the 1950s; high schools are protected by armed guards with machine guns; and any rights women have are all but illusory. For high school senior, Stella Graham, she has only three acceptable options after graduation: she can get married and have babies; she can achieve higher education before getting married and having babies; or she can become a chaperone, who shepherds and protects unmarried girls of menstruating age, before said charges achieve the patriarchal dream for them to get married and…well, you get the idea. When Stella’s own chaperone, Sister Helen, is found dead under mysterious circumstances, she finds her entire world shaken…but that’s just the beginning. Her new chaperone, Sister Laura, has a lot of strange ideas of what Stella should be allowed to do. She takes takes her to wild, unapproved parties, lets her spend time alone in the library, and even takes her to a secret self-defense class. She tells Stella about what life was like in “Old” America, which leads Stella to question the way things are now. With her father planning her marriage to one of his government cronies, Stella must soon decide between living a comfortable life in a cage, or claiming her autonomy by leaving behind everything she’s ever known.
Dystopian fans who read for pure enjoyment will be pleased to see their favorite genre has received an updated treatment, so points to the author for the concept! If this and other titles like Kim Liggett’s 2019 novel, The Grace Year, are any indication, YA dystopia now focuses on alarmingly immediate issues, like bodily autonomy, rather than JUST fighting a vague authoritarian power. However, readers who approach YA fiction with a more critical eye might be slightly disappointed, as the novel’s generic heroine, predictable character arc, and rushed third act make this for an average read at best. Recommended for Gr 9 Up for language and some brief sexual content.
August 31, 2023
3.5
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you so so much Netgalley for this opportunity
This one caught my attention with the cover and synposis of having a 'New America'. I'm always drawn into dystopia stories and find I can fly through them with the time. The main concept for this New America is pretty much for women to just float through life without any opinions or thoughts of their own. Girls are taught from a young age to not attract attention, dress a type of way, and obey all authoritative figures. Stella follows these rules without any explanations or arguments, until her chaperone dies... leaving her to have a new one that turns out different than the rest. Girls are provided a chaperone around a certain age until they marry, with mothers not being as present in their lives. Could you imagine living with your mother, but not being able to speak with them about any concerns... Only one POV the entire book from a teenage girl (Stella).
Pacing of this book was fairly good, started off with a death in the first chapter leading up to the background of this world. I did find myself wanting it to speed up around the middle/ beginning of end. It dragged on and I wanted more action, more suspense....
Overall, if you're looking for a young adult dystopian book this should be up your alley! A young adult version of The Handmaid's Tale in a way. Would I recommend this? ehhh only if you like dystopia type of books and a teenage main character. It was a good book, but not the most unique of concepts.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you so so much Netgalley for this opportunity
This one caught my attention with the cover and synposis of having a 'New America'. I'm always drawn into dystopia stories and find I can fly through them with the time. The main concept for this New America is pretty much for women to just float through life without any opinions or thoughts of their own. Girls are taught from a young age to not attract attention, dress a type of way, and obey all authoritative figures. Stella follows these rules without any explanations or arguments, until her chaperone dies... leaving her to have a new one that turns out different than the rest. Girls are provided a chaperone around a certain age until they marry, with mothers not being as present in their lives. Could you imagine living with your mother, but not being able to speak with them about any concerns... Only one POV the entire book from a teenage girl (Stella).
Pacing of this book was fairly good, started off with a death in the first chapter leading up to the background of this world. I did find myself wanting it to speed up around the middle/ beginning of end. It dragged on and I wanted more action, more suspense....
Overall, if you're looking for a young adult dystopian book this should be up your alley! A young adult version of The Handmaid's Tale in a way. Would I recommend this? ehhh only if you like dystopia type of books and a teenage main character. It was a good book, but not the most unique of concepts.
March 7, 2023
I won an advance copy of this book in a Facebook giveaway and am so glad for it. This is a coming-of-age story about a girl who works toward liberation in a systemic patriarchal capitalist society that does not value girls. M. Hendrix does an amazing job at encapsulating the fears of women everywhere in America following the overturning of Roe v. Wade not even a year ago. This through experiment with heavy themes of dystopia is cleverly written in such a way that it's digestible for readers everywhere and at various skill levels. Not only that, but I couldn't put it down once I started it. I packed it in a bag to read on airplane flights and layovers, and it didn't even last for half the time I thought it would, and I just want more. I want a sequel, a movie, a Netflix TV adaptation, something.
July 5, 2023
Things a Christian Nationalist government would never allow young women to do:
1. Do yoga
2. Own books
3. Go to the library
4. Go to college
5. Be alone with a boy for an hour
6. Go to school dances in sequinned dresses
Things this book has happening in New America
1. It's the same list.
The incongruity took me out of the story too much. I loved the premise and I did finish it, but I couldn't suspend my disbelief.
1. Do yoga
2. Own books
3. Go to the library
4. Go to college
5. Be alone with a boy for an hour
6. Go to school dances in sequinned dresses
Things this book has happening in New America
1. It's the same list.
The incongruity took me out of the story too much. I loved the premise and I did finish it, but I couldn't suspend my disbelief.
November 28, 2022
A must read for every young adult and the young adults at heart. Eye opening, thoughtful, and all-inclusive. I will recommend this book to everyone!!
September 3, 2023
First of all let me say that I overall enjoyed this book.
The entire setting is compelling and interesting, and overall pretty well written.
There was just one major problem for me:
I really didn't like the main character.
Stella was continually selfish and naive and I understand to a certain degree she was supposed to be that way.
It's just that her bratty teenage attidude made her sudden decision to be a fighter for the resistance so unbelievable.
Especially given that Stella was able to just brush off the gang rape of a sophmore girl she knew, and continue making out with some dude straight after without ever thinking or worrying about it ever again.
This in particular was the scene that really ruined the heroine and her morals and supposed motives for me.
Hence, why her quick turnaround from completely brainwashed to defiant, especially in the last third of the book, felt rushed. I kept waiting for some introspection or real character growth, but for me it didnt happen in any kind of meaningful way..
The entire setting is compelling and interesting, and overall pretty well written.
There was just one major problem for me:
I really didn't like the main character.
Stella was continually selfish and naive and I understand to a certain degree she was supposed to be that way.
It's just that her bratty teenage attidude made her sudden decision to be a fighter for the resistance so unbelievable.
Especially given that Stella was able to just brush off the gang rape of a sophmore girl she knew, and continue making out with some dude straight after without ever thinking or worrying about it ever again.
This in particular was the scene that really ruined the heroine and her morals and supposed motives for me.
Hence, why her quick turnaround from completely brainwashed to defiant, especially in the last third of the book, felt rushed. I kept waiting for some introspection or real character growth, but for me it didnt happen in any kind of meaningful way..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2023
I received an ALC (Advanced Listener Copy) of this audiobook from NetGalley & RB Media, Recorded Books.
4 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐🎧
I couldn't stop listening! It was compelling I had to know about this world and Stella.
Seems girls get Chaperones from the time they get their periods, the Chaperone must be with them always. Only Stella's Chaperone dies suddenly.
Stella starts to see things a little differently when she gets a new Chaperone who gives Stella opportunities she didn't have before it opens her eyes to the truth.
Women really only have 1 purpose to marry and have children. Men have a lot more freedom in New America.
The book really is a journey, and then it's also a choice are you going to stand by and watch it happen? Or are you going to make a stand?
I loved it, I hope there is a sequel.
Also, the narration is fabulous, Laura Knight Keating does an amazing job.
4 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐🎧
I couldn't stop listening! It was compelling I had to know about this world and Stella.
Seems girls get Chaperones from the time they get their periods, the Chaperone must be with them always. Only Stella's Chaperone dies suddenly.
Stella starts to see things a little differently when she gets a new Chaperone who gives Stella opportunities she didn't have before it opens her eyes to the truth.
Women really only have 1 purpose to marry and have children. Men have a lot more freedom in New America.
The book really is a journey, and then it's also a choice are you going to stand by and watch it happen? Or are you going to make a stand?
I loved it, I hope there is a sequel.
Also, the narration is fabulous, Laura Knight Keating does an amazing job.
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