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Avery Sisters Trilogy #3
Brilliant: A Witty and Poignant YA Novel About Sisterhood, Rebellion, and Letting Go
Everything is going to be fine . . . .
Quinn Avery can handle change. It's just paint, right? Bright, blinding white paint covering her once dazzling red bedroom walls. Quinn knows she shouldn't be angry at her mom—she's doing what she must to sell the house—but still, Quinn is beyond mad, and she doesn't know what to do about it.
Until now, Quinn was doing a pretty good job at pretending to be her old self—calm and brilliant Avery daughter, responsible big sister to Allison and Phoebe, piano virtuoso, girl who makes everyone proud—but without the sanctuary of her room, a new, wild Quinn is emerging. Lying, sneaking out, partying, Quinn is practically asking to get caught. When Quinn adds kissing the wrong boys—including her sister's boyfriend and her own piano teacher—to her list of crimes, has she gone too far to save herself?
Brilliant, the final book in Rachel Vail's critically acclaimed sisterhood series, which includes Lucky and Gorgeous, follows Quinn through a summer of change as she discovers that while letting go is never easy, hanging on can be even harder. Witty and poignant, Brilliant is the perfect ending to this addictive trilogy of interconnected sister stories.
Quinn Avery can handle change. It's just paint, right? Bright, blinding white paint covering her once dazzling red bedroom walls. Quinn knows she shouldn't be angry at her mom—she's doing what she must to sell the house—but still, Quinn is beyond mad, and she doesn't know what to do about it.
Until now, Quinn was doing a pretty good job at pretending to be her old self—calm and brilliant Avery daughter, responsible big sister to Allison and Phoebe, piano virtuoso, girl who makes everyone proud—but without the sanctuary of her room, a new, wild Quinn is emerging. Lying, sneaking out, partying, Quinn is practically asking to get caught. When Quinn adds kissing the wrong boys—including her sister's boyfriend and her own piano teacher—to her list of crimes, has she gone too far to save herself?
Brilliant, the final book in Rachel Vail's critically acclaimed sisterhood series, which includes Lucky and Gorgeous, follows Quinn through a summer of change as she discovers that while letting go is never easy, hanging on can be even harder. Witty and poignant, Brilliant is the perfect ending to this addictive trilogy of interconnected sister stories.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 11, 2010
22 people are currently reading
782 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Vail
56 books457 followersBirth
I was born on July 25, 1966, in NEW YORK CITY, and grew up in New Rochelle, NY, with my mother, my father, and my younger brother Jon. (And down the street from my future husband, though of course I didn't know that until much later.)
Interests
Some details, I do know-I was very into reading and theater, so I read every book I could get my hands on (especially realistic fiction, either contemporary or historical) and took acting workshops and auditioned for every play in school, camp, or the community. I played Peter Pan, Miss Hannigan in Annie, Benny Southstreet in Guys and Dolls, the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz, and lots of extremely memorable chorus parts-for instance, I was "girl number two" in Fiddler on the Roof-the one who said "We heard about your sister, Chava". I didn't care -I just wanted to be on stage. Waiting backstage before curtain call, after giving my all in a performance, was the best feeling I knew. In seventh grade I started taking magic lessons, and by eighth grade I was making all my own spending money by performing at kids' birthday parties as a clown named Tallulah. I liked the freedom of wearing all that grease-paint-I could be as wacky and un-cool as I wanted. I tried dance but felt so clumsy. I faked a sprained ankle to get out of the recital. I took voice lessons which made me a little light-headed (and I was afraid of the voice teacher's growling, drooling Doberman) and both saxophone and piano, neither of which I ever practiced. I did well in school but started a lot of my work at the last minute, in a crazy mad dash, so that it was never late but there were usually careless errors or areas I had to fudge. I had this idea that to work hard at something was sort of a negative, an admission that I didn't have natural talent. If I wasn't going to be Mozart and have the music (or dance, or math, or social studies term paper, or whatever) channeled through me from God, then I was just embarrassing myself by all that workmanlike effort. I didn't get over that idea until after college, by the way.
Career Ambitions
I never really planned to be a writer. I planned to be a financial wizard after learning about option-spreading at age 10, then a poet after discovering Shakespeare at 11. After overhearing "the real power is held by the lobbyists" on a class trip to Albany, I planned to become a lobbyist. Secretly, of course I always imagined myself as an actress, but that didn't seem hard or important enough, and also I worried I wasn't naturally gifted enough.
Parents
My parents were always great. I liked to make them proud, and they trusted me and supported my efforts and interests, which was sometimes weirdly tough. There was so little for me to rebel against.
As a Kid
When people ask me what I was as a kid, I always feel like my answer is at best incomplete.What are you like, as a kid? I'm still trying to figure out what I'm like as an adult.
Socially
Well, things went in waves. Sometimes I felt very "in", very aware of and tied in to the whole scene, excited by who liked whom, all the gossip, some of it less than kind. Other times I felt so alone-like there was nobody like me, nobody who liked me, nobody to talk to. And much of the time it was somewhere in between. A best friend when I was lucky, and a few people in each crowd I liked and who liked me. I resisted being classified as a brain or a jock or alternative or popular-too limiting. I would have to shut down too many parts of myself to be just one type.
Adolescence
I went through a very intense stage in middle school (Junior High). I worried about being too ordinary. I also worried about being too weird. I also worried about changing states of matter, my inability to be morally certain, ignorance (my own and world-wide), and making a fool of myself.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/rachel...
I was born on July 25, 1966, in NEW YORK CITY, and grew up in New Rochelle, NY, with my mother, my father, and my younger brother Jon. (And down the street from my future husband, though of course I didn't know that until much later.)
Interests
Some details, I do know-I was very into reading and theater, so I read every book I could get my hands on (especially realistic fiction, either contemporary or historical) and took acting workshops and auditioned for every play in school, camp, or the community. I played Peter Pan, Miss Hannigan in Annie, Benny Southstreet in Guys and Dolls, the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz, and lots of extremely memorable chorus parts-for instance, I was "girl number two" in Fiddler on the Roof-the one who said "We heard about your sister, Chava". I didn't care -I just wanted to be on stage. Waiting backstage before curtain call, after giving my all in a performance, was the best feeling I knew. In seventh grade I started taking magic lessons, and by eighth grade I was making all my own spending money by performing at kids' birthday parties as a clown named Tallulah. I liked the freedom of wearing all that grease-paint-I could be as wacky and un-cool as I wanted. I tried dance but felt so clumsy. I faked a sprained ankle to get out of the recital. I took voice lessons which made me a little light-headed (and I was afraid of the voice teacher's growling, drooling Doberman) and both saxophone and piano, neither of which I ever practiced. I did well in school but started a lot of my work at the last minute, in a crazy mad dash, so that it was never late but there were usually careless errors or areas I had to fudge. I had this idea that to work hard at something was sort of a negative, an admission that I didn't have natural talent. If I wasn't going to be Mozart and have the music (or dance, or math, or social studies term paper, or whatever) channeled through me from God, then I was just embarrassing myself by all that workmanlike effort. I didn't get over that idea until after college, by the way.
Career Ambitions
I never really planned to be a writer. I planned to be a financial wizard after learning about option-spreading at age 10, then a poet after discovering Shakespeare at 11. After overhearing "the real power is held by the lobbyists" on a class trip to Albany, I planned to become a lobbyist. Secretly, of course I always imagined myself as an actress, but that didn't seem hard or important enough, and also I worried I wasn't naturally gifted enough.
Parents
My parents were always great. I liked to make them proud, and they trusted me and supported my efforts and interests, which was sometimes weirdly tough. There was so little for me to rebel against.
As a Kid
When people ask me what I was as a kid, I always feel like my answer is at best incomplete.What are you like, as a kid? I'm still trying to figure out what I'm like as an adult.
Socially
Well, things went in waves. Sometimes I felt very "in", very aware of and tied in to the whole scene, excited by who liked whom, all the gossip, some of it less than kind. Other times I felt so alone-like there was nobody like me, nobody who liked me, nobody to talk to. And much of the time it was somewhere in between. A best friend when I was lucky, and a few people in each crowd I liked and who liked me. I resisted being classified as a brain or a jock or alternative or popular-too limiting. I would have to shut down too many parts of myself to be just one type.
Adolescence
I went through a very intense stage in middle school (Junior High). I worried about being too ordinary. I also worried about being too weird. I also worried about changing states of matter, my inability to be morally certain, ignorance (my own and world-wide), and making a fool of myself.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/rachel...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
February 14, 2013
DONE! So I gave this book 2 stars and that's saying something because I RARELY give books 2 stars.
Sooo... Quinn Avery. There are no words to describe how much I dislike her. Allison managed to redeem herself in this book and Tyler somehow crawled back into my heart (just barely) but Quinn....
She frustrates me to the point where I want to climb in the book and slap her like she's a friggin Lala Loopsy Doll. So, without further ado, the complete list of why I hate Quinn Avery:
1. She's so friggin annoying. Allison is right: she's self centered and always complaining and blah blah blah. I can't stand people like that!
2. She's bipolar to the point where Allison actually seems sane. One minute she's all peace, love and shit and the next she starts drinking and making out with random dudes and taking on the "badass" persona.
3. She chooses Oliver!! Okay, I know her other choices weren't so great, but the guy pratically admitted he used you. Bcdekghdhkffbuidbufedbvfuidefhb. WHY?! Why must you crawl back to him?!
4. She loves her mom. She hates her mom. She loves her mom. She thinks her mom's a criminal. She pities her mom. She thinks her mom is insane. She looks up to her mom. She hates her. God woman! Make up your damn mind!
5. She ditches her best friend Jelly (the one character I could stand in the book) for the slut Adrianna. Cliche? I think so.
6. She changed completely. Okay, so she's not a defenseless coward anymore, but did she really have to turn into a bitch? I think not.
This book was even more cliche thank its processor and for that reason, I give it a flat two stars. The main character is unstandable, the plot is unstandable and the ending left me choking on thin air.
Sooo... Quinn Avery. There are no words to describe how much I dislike her. Allison managed to redeem herself in this book and Tyler somehow crawled back into my heart (just barely) but Quinn....
She frustrates me to the point where I want to climb in the book and slap her like she's a friggin Lala Loopsy Doll. So, without further ado, the complete list of why I hate Quinn Avery:
1. She's so friggin annoying. Allison is right: she's self centered and always complaining and blah blah blah. I can't stand people like that!
2. She's bipolar to the point where Allison actually seems sane. One minute she's all peace, love and shit and the next she starts drinking and making out with random dudes and taking on the "badass" persona.
3. She chooses Oliver!! Okay, I know her other choices weren't so great, but the guy pratically admitted he used you. Bcdekghdhkffbuidbufedbvfuidefhb. WHY?! Why must you crawl back to him?!
4. She loves her mom. She hates her mom. She loves her mom. She thinks her mom's a criminal. She pities her mom. She thinks her mom is insane. She looks up to her mom. She hates her. God woman! Make up your damn mind!
5. She ditches her best friend Jelly (the one character I could stand in the book) for the slut Adrianna. Cliche? I think so.
6. She changed completely. Okay, so she's not a defenseless coward anymore, but did she really have to turn into a bitch? I think not.
This book was even more cliche thank its processor and for that reason, I give it a flat two stars. The main character is unstandable, the plot is unstandable and the ending left me choking on thin air.
November 20, 2016
Quinn always seemed so composed in the other books, and it was interesting g to read the story from her broken point of view, this book made me laugh, smile, and cry, all at the same time, I am officially in love with this book.
October 1, 2020
I like this book because it continues the Avery sisters trilogy. I have read all three books last year and I hope to read them again.
November 24, 2019
I did not finish this book. It wasn't what I thought and wasn't enjoying it so I stopped reading it.
March 27, 2020
I loved this!! So much fun!! I read this a while ago but I know I really loved this so much. I loved these sisters.
January 1, 2023
quinn is honestly so incredibly relatable
February 25, 2016
“We are Avery Women” is what their mother always told them. Avery Women are strong, independent, and make others bow down to them. Their mother, a shark in the insurance word, married and kindergarten teacher and had three beautiful daughters. Phoebe, the lucky lovable baby sister and her popular friends. Allison the stunning middle child with a bad temper. The oldest Quinn who is brilliant and keeps a calm, Zen like status throughout her life. Lucky told us the story of Phoebe and her dress, Gorgeous told us about Allison and the devil, now Brilliant will tell us about Quinn and how she holds everything together.
Quinn was brilliant, or so everyone told her. She was used to hearing the worlds “brightest among her peers” throughout her entire life. Quinn never thought anything about it, as she spent all her time studying and being the best daughter she could be to her parents. She study for every single test that ever came her way, from math tests, chemistry quizzes, to her driving test, with her saying “It was a test so of course I studied” backing her up. Quinn and her best friend Jelly are camp leaders for underprivileged kids this summer, as they take the kids from hikes to swimming in the lake. That’s where our duo becomes a trio when Adriana joins the group as the third leader. Adriana is stunning, so beautiful it hurts her eyes, and made it her mission to get Jelly and Quinn some boy action that summer.
Home, a place where you grew up in, and where your parents live. Everyone at school cannot wait to go “home” when the final bell rings. But what is home? Surly it cannot be just the wood and nails that hold up the place you live, home must be something more. Quinn, the sensible one knows this, yet something inside her snaps when her parent’s tell her and her sisters that they are selling their house. From the day Quinn got home from her training at the camp and saw her red room, her beautify red pained bedroom, painted stark white, Quinn started to break out. Instead of going to bed at ten, getting up early, keeping her parent’s secrets, and watching out for her younger sisters; Quinn is out partying with Adriana, and kissing the wrong boys. Quinn is on the fast track down and it is up to herself to save her.
Rachel Vail wrote about rich girl problem Phoebe, beautifully tragic Allison, and now good-girl-gone-bad Quinn. Throughout the sisters stories I always like Quinn best. The smart sister, who kept a level head and knew that their mother was innocent and that losing the house wasn’t the worst thing that could happen. In Quinn story you got to see what she was feeling, and how she was Zen-like on the outside, on the inside she was breaking apart. Quinn was a lot more self-center then the other stories made her seem, as all she can think about was her red room, her love/hate of her mother, and the older boy who stole her heart. Quinn has to deal with many personal struggles that she has to deal with throughout the story. Rachel Vail writing is still common, yet because it was from Quinn point of view, you got to see what her mother did, and the reason behind it.
Quinn was brilliant, or so everyone told her. She was used to hearing the worlds “brightest among her peers” throughout her entire life. Quinn never thought anything about it, as she spent all her time studying and being the best daughter she could be to her parents. She study for every single test that ever came her way, from math tests, chemistry quizzes, to her driving test, with her saying “It was a test so of course I studied” backing her up. Quinn and her best friend Jelly are camp leaders for underprivileged kids this summer, as they take the kids from hikes to swimming in the lake. That’s where our duo becomes a trio when Adriana joins the group as the third leader. Adriana is stunning, so beautiful it hurts her eyes, and made it her mission to get Jelly and Quinn some boy action that summer.
Home, a place where you grew up in, and where your parents live. Everyone at school cannot wait to go “home” when the final bell rings. But what is home? Surly it cannot be just the wood and nails that hold up the place you live, home must be something more. Quinn, the sensible one knows this, yet something inside her snaps when her parent’s tell her and her sisters that they are selling their house. From the day Quinn got home from her training at the camp and saw her red room, her beautify red pained bedroom, painted stark white, Quinn started to break out. Instead of going to bed at ten, getting up early, keeping her parent’s secrets, and watching out for her younger sisters; Quinn is out partying with Adriana, and kissing the wrong boys. Quinn is on the fast track down and it is up to herself to save her.
Rachel Vail wrote about rich girl problem Phoebe, beautifully tragic Allison, and now good-girl-gone-bad Quinn. Throughout the sisters stories I always like Quinn best. The smart sister, who kept a level head and knew that their mother was innocent and that losing the house wasn’t the worst thing that could happen. In Quinn story you got to see what she was feeling, and how she was Zen-like on the outside, on the inside she was breaking apart. Quinn was a lot more self-center then the other stories made her seem, as all she can think about was her red room, her love/hate of her mother, and the older boy who stole her heart. Quinn has to deal with many personal struggles that she has to deal with throughout the story. Rachel Vail writing is still common, yet because it was from Quinn point of view, you got to see what her mother did, and the reason behind it.
April 17, 2011
***SPOILER ALERT***
The most interesting thing about this series (Lucky, Gorgeous, Brilliant) was watching the same stories unfold from three different points of view. Three very different points of view, in fact--major events from one story don't even appear in the others. Also each one covers a slightly different block of time, which makes everything even more complicated and compelling.
That said, the girls are going through life events that I probably don't have as much sympathy for as I should. And I don't think that's my fault. They're portrayed as poor little rich girls who are losing some of their privilege because of a family financial crisis. They are incredibly spoiled and unaware of it. And they behave badly, acting out in trite, self-endangering ways that just made me want to slap them. Really, you go get drunk at a stupid party to get back at your parents?
I don't really know that the author realizes how unsympathetic extreme privilege is, especially when it is completely unappreciated by the characters. I'm guessing 99% of the readers are not as privileged as these girls. When their problems had to do with normal life stuff, like a teacher being unfair or wanting to write a good paper or having trouble studying, it was fine, but when your major life crisis is that your Steinway grand piano got taken away, well, boo-hoo. It's so over the top that it's ludicrous and I lost any connection I had with that girl. They have *another piano.* And it's not like we ever saw her playing it, or loving it, or connecting with it in any way. No, we *hear* that she played it a lot and then we see that she's sad when it's gone. That feels like she's sad because she doesn't have her huge status symbol anymore.
A lot of YA does this and I wish it wouldn't. There are so many common experiences at that age. Why focus on privilege, which is infinitely less common? This is why I like Sarah Dessen's books--the girls work, the guys work, they have exceedingly crappy cars if at all, and those cars need gas, which costs money. People have to do homework. There are chores. There are real problems, like in Lock and Key. You don't find characters whining about losing their Steinway.
Of course losing something you consider yours and care a lot about really matters, but it can be something less blatantly a symbol of egregious wealth. The porch swing. The hammock on the tree out back. The tree itself--that's something that you can't take with you when you go. See what I mean? It can be relatable. It can be something other than a Steinway grand.
Overall the series was fascinating because of the multiple points of view, and because of the characters finding their own identities (the most common YA trope) but the overwhelming emphasis on privilege and the selfish lack of perspective or sense of humor in the characters kind of left me cold. They seem like mean, cold, selfish girls who only care about themselves and their status and how they "perform" in their designated roles.
The most interesting thing about this series (Lucky, Gorgeous, Brilliant) was watching the same stories unfold from three different points of view. Three very different points of view, in fact--major events from one story don't even appear in the others. Also each one covers a slightly different block of time, which makes everything even more complicated and compelling.
That said, the girls are going through life events that I probably don't have as much sympathy for as I should. And I don't think that's my fault. They're portrayed as poor little rich girls who are losing some of their privilege because of a family financial crisis. They are incredibly spoiled and unaware of it. And they behave badly, acting out in trite, self-endangering ways that just made me want to slap them. Really, you go get drunk at a stupid party to get back at your parents?
I don't really know that the author realizes how unsympathetic extreme privilege is, especially when it is completely unappreciated by the characters. I'm guessing 99% of the readers are not as privileged as these girls. When their problems had to do with normal life stuff, like a teacher being unfair or wanting to write a good paper or having trouble studying, it was fine, but when your major life crisis is that your Steinway grand piano got taken away, well, boo-hoo. It's so over the top that it's ludicrous and I lost any connection I had with that girl. They have *another piano.* And it's not like we ever saw her playing it, or loving it, or connecting with it in any way. No, we *hear* that she played it a lot and then we see that she's sad when it's gone. That feels like she's sad because she doesn't have her huge status symbol anymore.
A lot of YA does this and I wish it wouldn't. There are so many common experiences at that age. Why focus on privilege, which is infinitely less common? This is why I like Sarah Dessen's books--the girls work, the guys work, they have exceedingly crappy cars if at all, and those cars need gas, which costs money. People have to do homework. There are chores. There are real problems, like in Lock and Key. You don't find characters whining about losing their Steinway.
Of course losing something you consider yours and care a lot about really matters, but it can be something less blatantly a symbol of egregious wealth. The porch swing. The hammock on the tree out back. The tree itself--that's something that you can't take with you when you go. See what I mean? It can be relatable. It can be something other than a Steinway grand.
Overall the series was fascinating because of the multiple points of view, and because of the characters finding their own identities (the most common YA trope) but the overwhelming emphasis on privilege and the selfish lack of perspective or sense of humor in the characters kind of left me cold. They seem like mean, cold, selfish girls who only care about themselves and their status and how they "perform" in their designated roles.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2011
Brilliant by Rachel Vail
HarperTeen, 2010
249 pages
YA; Contemporary
2/5 stars
3rd in Trilogy
Summary: The conclusion to the Avery sisters trilogy, focusing on eldest sister Quinn and her learning to let go and accept their new life.
Thoughts: I enjoyed the first two books of this series so I was thrilled to pick this up, especially because I love the cover. I want those shoes even though I don't think I own a dress to go with them.
The first problem was that I couldn't really remember either of the first two books but I figured that was okay because they can be read as stand-alone books. The next problem was that I found Quinn to be so immature despite being the eldest of the daughters. She's so invested in being "perfect" and "brilliant" that when she realizes that doing that is impossible, she breaks down and annoyed me to no end.
Second was her crush on Oliver, her piano teacher who was apparently nineteen despite having taken a year off before his junior of college. I think that was made as well as her being a junior despite being almost 17 (about a month) so that it was less creepy. Instead I found it inaccurate and unlikely-most of my classmates were definitely 16 for the majority of their junior year of high school and twenty for their junior year of college. Their age difference, while not that big if they were 24 and 26, is a big deal for people who are still trying to find themselves.
I really wanted more information about what her mother did at her job that caused them to lose so much but I didn't feel like there was much time spent on that because I had to read Quinn be whiny and annoying. I also didn't like the descriptions of the sisters because I'm sure that I loved them when I read their respective books. To be honest, I'm not entirely sure why I bothered finishing the book because it was not good. The first two were but this was a crappy conclusion.
Overall: Disappointed.
Cover: I love this cover; the shoes are gorgeous and the colors work so well together. In fact all of the covers are absolutely beautiful.
HarperTeen, 2010
249 pages
YA; Contemporary
2/5 stars
3rd in Trilogy
Summary: The conclusion to the Avery sisters trilogy, focusing on eldest sister Quinn and her learning to let go and accept their new life.
Thoughts: I enjoyed the first two books of this series so I was thrilled to pick this up, especially because I love the cover. I want those shoes even though I don't think I own a dress to go with them.
The first problem was that I couldn't really remember either of the first two books but I figured that was okay because they can be read as stand-alone books. The next problem was that I found Quinn to be so immature despite being the eldest of the daughters. She's so invested in being "perfect" and "brilliant" that when she realizes that doing that is impossible, she breaks down and annoyed me to no end.
Second was her crush on Oliver, her piano teacher who was apparently nineteen despite having taken a year off before his junior of college. I think that was made as well as her being a junior despite being almost 17 (about a month) so that it was less creepy. Instead I found it inaccurate and unlikely-most of my classmates were definitely 16 for the majority of their junior year of high school and twenty for their junior year of college. Their age difference, while not that big if they were 24 and 26, is a big deal for people who are still trying to find themselves.
I really wanted more information about what her mother did at her job that caused them to lose so much but I didn't feel like there was much time spent on that because I had to read Quinn be whiny and annoying. I also didn't like the descriptions of the sisters because I'm sure that I loved them when I read their respective books. To be honest, I'm not entirely sure why I bothered finishing the book because it was not good. The first two were but this was a crappy conclusion.
Overall: Disappointed.
Cover: I love this cover; the shoes are gorgeous and the colors work so well together. In fact all of the covers are absolutely beautiful.
January 5, 2016
*Rubs eyes*
I had two problems with this book.
One: Quinn. Quinn was just... I did not like Quinn. I've read the other two books (and in order), and at least with Gorgeous it showed that Allison was more than just what we saw in Lucky.
But Quinn? Quinn actually got worse. She got more annoying, more arrogant, more insufferable than she appeared to be in the previous two books. And the thing is, I don't feel like she actually changed too much in the end. At least not in a "wow I've actually been a pretty condescending, know-it-all, arrogant jackass to my sisters and others" way.
But no. Her only real revelation was "Oh nobody's perfect, not even me or my mom" and it's just... No. No. How about some remorse for your attitude?
Two: The plot, and how it was carried out.
That makes it sound like so much more than it was, really. Yeah, she lied, and yeah she did go out and party- and yeah, she did become a bit unglued at certain points- but she never went straight-up wild or reckless. Not even close.
A lot of the change that happened went on internally, not externally. It was in her head that she began to question her mother's motives and ethics, and it was in her head that it became clear that her normal self was starting to change. But on the outside? No, not really all that wild or reckless or changed.
So yeah, I don't feel like the book delivered all that well in that respect.
(Oh and also I was a little freaking miffed at the fact that she was all "Oh Allison I don't think you should trust Ty" when SHE WAS THE ONE WHO KISSED HIM and was supposed to, as Allison's sister, have a much higher standard of trustworthiness).
I had two problems with this book.
One: Quinn. Quinn was just... I did not like Quinn. I've read the other two books (and in order), and at least with Gorgeous it showed that Allison was more than just what we saw in Lucky.
But Quinn? Quinn actually got worse. She got more annoying, more arrogant, more insufferable than she appeared to be in the previous two books. And the thing is, I don't feel like she actually changed too much in the end. At least not in a "wow I've actually been a pretty condescending, know-it-all, arrogant jackass to my sisters and others" way.
But no. Her only real revelation was "Oh nobody's perfect, not even me or my mom" and it's just... No. No. How about some remorse for your attitude?
Two: The plot, and how it was carried out.
[...] When the family house goes up for sale and Quinn faces the prospect of losing the home she loves, something snaps inside her, and a new, wild, reckless Quinn emerges. Soon Quinn's lying, sneaking out, and partying with a brand-new crowd.
That makes it sound like so much more than it was, really. Yeah, she lied, and yeah she did go out and party- and yeah, she did become a bit unglued at certain points- but she never went straight-up wild or reckless. Not even close.
A lot of the change that happened went on internally, not externally. It was in her head that she began to question her mother's motives and ethics, and it was in her head that it became clear that her normal self was starting to change. But on the outside? No, not really all that wild or reckless or changed.
So yeah, I don't feel like the book delivered all that well in that respect.
(Oh and also I was a little freaking miffed at the fact that she was all "Oh Allison I don't think you should trust Ty" when SHE WAS THE ONE WHO KISSED HIM and was supposed to, as Allison's sister, have a much higher standard of trustworthiness).
April 20, 2010
Quinn and her family are going through some problems that will change the way that her family has been living. And the three sisters will face challenges this summer that will test their love for each other and for their parents. Can Quinn make it through the summer with dignity, her friends, and a new outlook on life without losing herself? Will she find love? She is changing and is acting like she has never done before. She is making some wrong choices. Will she still be considered brilliant by her parents, sisters, and most importantly, herself?
I didn’t read the first two books. This may be the reason that I didn’t really care about Quinn until the end of the book when I thought she was actually acting real. Do I like the fact that the family is dealing with real issues? That the parents actually love each other, support each other, and act like a real family? YES!
It’s life. People make mistakes. What I like about Brilliant is that the parents still love the kids. That things work out even when life looks bleak. That the kids make real choices that real kids would make and deal with the consequences just like most families actually would. This all happens at the end of the book. So, yes, the end is my favorite. There is a lot that I could care less about. One is Quinn’s personality until she goes to the concert with Oliver. I didn’t like her and I don’t know if I was supposed to. Jelly and Phoebe are bright spots in the story. They make me smile.
All in all, Brilliant is okay. I think whoever has been following these sisters won’t be disappointed in Quinn’s story. It’s an easy read with an ending that is genuine.
Brilliant will be released June 10, 2010.
I give Brilliant 3.5 STACKS
I didn’t read the first two books. This may be the reason that I didn’t really care about Quinn until the end of the book when I thought she was actually acting real. Do I like the fact that the family is dealing with real issues? That the parents actually love each other, support each other, and act like a real family? YES!
It’s life. People make mistakes. What I like about Brilliant is that the parents still love the kids. That things work out even when life looks bleak. That the kids make real choices that real kids would make and deal with the consequences just like most families actually would. This all happens at the end of the book. So, yes, the end is my favorite. There is a lot that I could care less about. One is Quinn’s personality until she goes to the concert with Oliver. I didn’t like her and I don’t know if I was supposed to. Jelly and Phoebe are bright spots in the story. They make me smile.
All in all, Brilliant is okay. I think whoever has been following these sisters won’t be disappointed in Quinn’s story. It’s an easy read with an ending that is genuine.
Brilliant will be released June 10, 2010.
I give Brilliant 3.5 STACKS
August 11, 2010
Reviewed by Jennifer Rummel for TeensReadToo.com
The last book of the Avery sisters' trilogy comes from the eldest sister, Quinn's, perspective. She's always been the one in control, the good girl, the serious girl, and the nerdy girl. Her youngest sister is lucky and her middle sister is gorgeous. Quinn finds herself wanting to compete with them and become someone. Quinn wants to shed her good girl image.
A new friend she meets at camp might help her. She wants to fix up Quinn and her best friend with boys. They start going to parties and meeting new people. Quinn isn't sure she wants a boyfriend, since she's been crushing over her piano teacher for years, who is now in college. He's slowly beginning to notice her just as she has other dating options.
Besides finding herself, Quinn's family is going through a rough patch. Her mother's in hot water at work. The family must sell their home and downsize considerably. Quinn's always held her mother in high regard, but now she doesn't know how to feel. She's angry, hurt, and confused.
With boy trauma, family upheaval, and trying to change her image, will she go off the deep end?
BRILLIANT is the simultaneous companion story to LUCKY and GORGEOUS from the eldest sister's perspective. The three grow up, find themselves, and find their true strength in these books about sisters, romance, friendship, and dreams - all while dealing with family drama.
The last book of the Avery sisters' trilogy comes from the eldest sister, Quinn's, perspective. She's always been the one in control, the good girl, the serious girl, and the nerdy girl. Her youngest sister is lucky and her middle sister is gorgeous. Quinn finds herself wanting to compete with them and become someone. Quinn wants to shed her good girl image.
A new friend she meets at camp might help her. She wants to fix up Quinn and her best friend with boys. They start going to parties and meeting new people. Quinn isn't sure she wants a boyfriend, since she's been crushing over her piano teacher for years, who is now in college. He's slowly beginning to notice her just as she has other dating options.
Besides finding herself, Quinn's family is going through a rough patch. Her mother's in hot water at work. The family must sell their home and downsize considerably. Quinn's always held her mother in high regard, but now she doesn't know how to feel. She's angry, hurt, and confused.
With boy trauma, family upheaval, and trying to change her image, will she go off the deep end?
BRILLIANT is the simultaneous companion story to LUCKY and GORGEOUS from the eldest sister's perspective. The three grow up, find themselves, and find their true strength in these books about sisters, romance, friendship, and dreams - all while dealing with family drama.
March 3, 2012
Brilliant is the conclusion to the Avery Sisters Trilogy written by Rachel Vail. I didn't think it was as brilliant as I thought it would be. It seemed that with each novel in this trilogy, the novels get less and less amazing, and I think that it is because I could relate to the first novel more because of the girl's age.
In this novel, Quinn Avery, the oldest sister, is normally a good girl; she is practically perfect- with her amazing grades, her zen-like personality, and her talent at piano. Her mother lost her job and now their family is losing their home, and Quinn doesn't like it. Instead of reacting to everything calmly like she usually would, Quinn rebels. Now she is kissing boys, getting drunk, and lying. Quinn and her family seem to become closer in the end and she actually finds the love of her life!
I gave this novel a four out of five because it was slow in some parts, and I felt that it wasn't as good as I thought it would be. But I did like the romance part in it (Oliver was seriously awesome!). I would recommend this series to somebody who likes books about teens rebelling, but I also recommend reading the first two novels (Lucky and Gorgeous) before reading this one.
"I sat on the ledge, balancing there on the precipice, Juliet in high-tops." ~Brilliant, page 248
In this novel, Quinn Avery, the oldest sister, is normally a good girl; she is practically perfect- with her amazing grades, her zen-like personality, and her talent at piano. Her mother lost her job and now their family is losing their home, and Quinn doesn't like it. Instead of reacting to everything calmly like she usually would, Quinn rebels. Now she is kissing boys, getting drunk, and lying. Quinn and her family seem to become closer in the end and she actually finds the love of her life!
I gave this novel a four out of five because it was slow in some parts, and I felt that it wasn't as good as I thought it would be. But I did like the romance part in it (Oliver was seriously awesome!). I would recommend this series to somebody who likes books about teens rebelling, but I also recommend reading the first two novels (Lucky and Gorgeous) before reading this one.
"I sat on the ledge, balancing there on the precipice, Juliet in high-tops." ~Brilliant, page 248
January 10, 2015
This was my least favourite of the three novels in the Avery Sisters trilogy. From the beginning, I had a hard time relating to Quinn. In fact, she came out sounding like a very selfish, small person and I was surprised that Rachel Vail decided to paint her that way. Allison and Phoebe turned out to be better representations than the versions they were viewed as, but Quinn turned out to be much worse. She was painted as fake – “the ultimate con girl”. I wasn’t able to connect with the ultimate con girl.
In an effort to remain brilliant, zen, understanding Quinn, she goes a little overboard. Most of the choices she made were just so bad. I know teenagers make bad choices, but Quinn made them all in one night, which really felt unrealistic. I had a little sympathy for her, but honestly not much. I can understanding how heartbreaking it is to lose your sense of self and not know who you are and where you fit into the world. I can even sympathize with losing possessions that represent important moments and memories in your life. I just think Quinn didn’t handle the loss very well. Going to a party and getting drunk seem like really poor ways at showing your displeasure and your anger at your parents.
Overall, not a great book. Okay if you want to kill some time.
In an effort to remain brilliant, zen, understanding Quinn, she goes a little overboard. Most of the choices she made were just so bad. I know teenagers make bad choices, but Quinn made them all in one night, which really felt unrealistic. I had a little sympathy for her, but honestly not much. I can understanding how heartbreaking it is to lose your sense of self and not know who you are and where you fit into the world. I can even sympathize with losing possessions that represent important moments and memories in your life. I just think Quinn didn’t handle the loss very well. Going to a party and getting drunk seem like really poor ways at showing your displeasure and your anger at your parents.
Overall, not a great book. Okay if you want to kill some time.
October 6, 2011
Please let me hang my banner first which reads "FOR THE LOVE OF CHRIST, STOP SUMMARIZING THE FUCKING BOOK IN YOUR REVIEW."
In case you aren't literate enough to notice, the description is a summary, and a summary is something different from a review. This isn't a newspaper; there's a summary next to the picture of the cover, so please save yourself some arthritis and me some rage and just spit out your tiny, sheltered words that pass for opinions and move along.
Didn't know this was part of a trilogy, didn't care, especially after I met the other two spoiled, seriously psychotic sisters. If this had more warmth and humanity, it would qualify as a YA book from the 80's, definitely a nicer, less jaded and assy time for YA. As it goes, this poor cardboard cut-out of a girl does ok by herself, even if the author doesn't seem to be able to build a convincing relationship scene between the MC and the main boy. But you get the point, and it all comes off ok in the end. Too bad the title is given a fatal gunshot to the head by some poorly-delivered unbelieveable tripe of a cliche philosophy at the end. Ignore that and it's a presentable submission for the obnoxiousness of growing up while you grow up, which the book does itself a credit by fully acknowledging.
In case you aren't literate enough to notice, the description is a summary, and a summary is something different from a review. This isn't a newspaper; there's a summary next to the picture of the cover, so please save yourself some arthritis and me some rage and just spit out your tiny, sheltered words that pass for opinions and move along.
Didn't know this was part of a trilogy, didn't care, especially after I met the other two spoiled, seriously psychotic sisters. If this had more warmth and humanity, it would qualify as a YA book from the 80's, definitely a nicer, less jaded and assy time for YA. As it goes, this poor cardboard cut-out of a girl does ok by herself, even if the author doesn't seem to be able to build a convincing relationship scene between the MC and the main boy. But you get the point, and it all comes off ok in the end. Too bad the title is given a fatal gunshot to the head by some poorly-delivered unbelieveable tripe of a cliche philosophy at the end. Ignore that and it's a presentable submission for the obnoxiousness of growing up while you grow up, which the book does itself a credit by fully acknowledging.
February 1, 2012
I love how Rachel Vail did this trilogy; you get the same situation with different events in each book as it's told from each sister. There's the same family situation told over several months, I think. The timeline was a bit confusing for me as I thought it was going to be the same period of time told through each sister's perspective.
But aside from that, it's interesting to see how each sister views the other two, then to read how the outer appearance is different from the inner. In this one, Quinn is seen as the perfect oldest sister but reading from her point of view, you see that she's way more than that and wants to break out of the mold. It sounds cliche, but Vail makes it more complex and realistic. To me, it's just fantastic how she crafts each character, especially the sisters.
The book flew by for me because it was so interesting. The prose was full of humor, romance, reflective moments, and heated arguments. This trilogy is wonderful for those who love realistic fiction, which can be a bit hard to find these days.
But aside from that, it's interesting to see how each sister views the other two, then to read how the outer appearance is different from the inner. In this one, Quinn is seen as the perfect oldest sister but reading from her point of view, you see that she's way more than that and wants to break out of the mold. It sounds cliche, but Vail makes it more complex and realistic. To me, it's just fantastic how she crafts each character, especially the sisters.
The book flew by for me because it was so interesting. The prose was full of humor, romance, reflective moments, and heated arguments. This trilogy is wonderful for those who love realistic fiction, which can be a bit hard to find these days.
June 11, 2014
This is the worst book that I have ever read for the following reasons:
1. The writing was just awful, and hard to read.
2. The main character starts of as an unlikable show off, but becomes a terrible and ridiculous "bad girl".
3. The ending was just... UGH! It solves the problem with her change from a bad character to an awful one, but it doesn't explain what happens to the mom! She broke the law, I would like to know what happens to her!
4. She made the great choice of ditching her piano teacher crush, but then she goes back again? He's a stuck up jerk!
5. I had really high expectations for this book after reading the 2nd book in the series, Gorgeous. Lets just say that if Gorgeous was a swan dive, then Brilliant was a belly flop.
6. The main character becomes friends with a popular girl who wants to get her a boyfriend. So cliché.
I would not recommend this book to anyone, even the people I hate.
1. The writing was just awful, and hard to read.
2. The main character starts of as an unlikable show off, but becomes a terrible and ridiculous "bad girl".
3. The ending was just... UGH! It solves the problem with her change from a bad character to an awful one, but it doesn't explain what happens to the mom! She broke the law, I would like to know what happens to her!
4. She made the great choice of ditching her piano teacher crush, but then she goes back again? He's a stuck up jerk!
5. I had really high expectations for this book after reading the 2nd book in the series, Gorgeous. Lets just say that if Gorgeous was a swan dive, then Brilliant was a belly flop.
6. The main character becomes friends with a popular girl who wants to get her a boyfriend. So cliché.
I would not recommend this book to anyone, even the people I hate.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2012
Well, this was a rather disappointing end to the trilogy. Quinn's POV of view was messed up more than just mentally. She had mood swings that contradicted everything she said she was. (aka not very consistent writing)
First, there is no plot. The fact they're losing their house is the main thing. Even that isn't new, as it's been the same thing in the other two books. Quinn's obsession with her mother, and her mother's shoes was disturbing. She looked up to her mother--that I understand. But when there were chapters of Quinn hating her, going to the next chapter where she was Super-mom, I did NOT understand. This book lacked a lot of consistency. Quinn was not likeable or relateable. She's up there with Grace from Shiver, a total lack of connectivity.
I recommend it if you have read the other two books, but not to a new reader.
First, there is no plot. The fact they're losing their house is the main thing. Even that isn't new, as it's been the same thing in the other two books. Quinn's obsession with her mother, and her mother's shoes was disturbing. She looked up to her mother--that I understand. But when there were chapters of Quinn hating her, going to the next chapter where she was Super-mom, I did NOT understand. This book lacked a lot of consistency. Quinn was not likeable or relateable. She's up there with Grace from Shiver, a total lack of connectivity.
I recommend it if you have read the other two books, but not to a new reader.
October 26, 2011
I enjoyed reading this book. It includes the sappy love story elements that I can't resist reading. The main character, Quinn, was your typical high school smart girl. She was, according to her parents and teachers, brilliant. On the outside, Quinn was a good girl. She did her homework, didn't sneak out, and was mature about the decisions her family made. But inside her, new feelings were beginning to stir. She began to act more like her crazy, unruly sister Allison, whose story was told in the previous book. Quinn snuck out, went to parties, and stole her mothers's unworn fucshia stiletto heels. Even though she had troubles along the way, she managed to pull it all back together in the end. The twist in the plot, and the details descibing the characters made this book a must-read. I recommend(:
May 30, 2010
Innocuous but disappointing; I kept waiting for something to happen. While YA novels often fall into one of two categories: ordinary characters encounter extraordinary situation (I guess the problem novels of the 70s fall into this category but perhaps also the paranormal genre so popular today) or ordinary characters cope with the normal adolescent rites of passage. This fell primarily into the latter category (although the heroine and her siblings were coping with their mother's alleged embezzlement from her company) but as all the characters were somewhat annoying it was hard to care how their story turned out.
April 2, 2013
I like this book because I can see myself as Quinn, the main character. This book is one of my favorites because Quinn faced her fear of telling Oliver, her piano teacher that she really likes him and she wants to stay in her house that she has grown up in, because she wants to be by Oliver. This book made me realize that you shouldn’t take what you have for granted and to just be happy with what your parents can afford. I think every high school teenage girl should read this book because this book can teach everyone a good valuable lesson in life.
“True love is more than great….Its brilliant”- Rachel Vail
“True love is more than great….Its brilliant”- Rachel Vail
September 29, 2014
I loved this book because it was very entertaining, it kept me wanting to read more and more. Instead of watch TV I wanted to read this book. This book was about a witty, smart, and sort of geeky character who, after her room is painted to boring white, has a total change. From partying all night to almost getting caught by the police. She has a crush on a boy named Oliver who is in college, and is also her piano teacher. The best part about this book was the how to author wrote it, she used great description words and never left you wondering why something happened. I suggest this for middle or high school girls who like drama, comedy and a but of romance.
August 9, 2010
The final installment!
I could relate terribly well to this trilogy be Sarah vail.
It's about a wealthy family winding down with the economy because of the economy, because the mother made some fool-hardy investments into a failing business and got fired. Undergoes major changes (i.e. moving in with Grandparrents, selling house, repo'ed piano, etc.) but the three Avery girls find love and are tested to their limits.
Not as extreme as my situation, but still very relatable to many in this economy.
I could relate terribly well to this trilogy be Sarah vail.
It's about a wealthy family winding down with the economy because of the economy, because the mother made some fool-hardy investments into a failing business and got fired. Undergoes major changes (i.e. moving in with Grandparrents, selling house, repo'ed piano, etc.) but the three Avery girls find love and are tested to their limits.
Not as extreme as my situation, but still very relatable to many in this economy.
April 9, 2011
This was a great ending to the trilogy. I can relate to Quinn's character of the first born good girl who has to act like she has it all together. It's very interesting across this trilogy to see how each of the different sisters interprets their family's situation and their mom's role in all of it. All three books are about perception - the way the characters see themselves, the way they see others, and the way they think others see them, and how they find that it all doesn't necessarily reflect reality.
February 23, 2012
Eh. My enthusiasm for the series ran out about 100 pages in, but I felt compelled to finish it. A big issue for me in this one was the mother, who seemed to be almost neglectful. Quinn also seemed way too young for her age and too naive, though I did appreciate her actions at the end. My other complaint was that there was not enough resolution after a big build up to the climax. There was a lot I wanted answered that Vail seemed to just give up on. Glad I read all three, but glad to be moving on to other books.
May 18, 2012
The book brilliant by rachel vail was an awesome finale for the series of the avery sisters
this book is about a teenage girl name quinn that has to go through hard times. foe example her room painted whie, her house being sold even her piano
what i like about this book is it compare to me. i know how it feels being older than your other sibilings. this book wants you to wish their is another book.
finally the third book os the avery sisters really impacted me. i really liked the ending of the book and te whole book
this book is about a teenage girl name quinn that has to go through hard times. foe example her room painted whie, her house being sold even her piano
what i like about this book is it compare to me. i know how it feels being older than your other sibilings. this book wants you to wish their is another book.
finally the third book os the avery sisters really impacted me. i really liked the ending of the book and te whole book
November 18, 2014
This book was so interesting. I was able to connect with her because I understand what it is to be all over the place. She was braver than I would be in the situations with the boy, O liver which she liked since forever. It taught me about not driving with drunk people because it never ends well. It taught me not to kiss my sister's boyfriend but most important it taught me that family is the best. Life is funny and life never goes as plan, seriously, it NEVER goes as planned but sometimes thing don't turn out quite like you thought they would. They are even better.
August 21, 2010
I think what I really liked about this book was how I could relate. I'm pretty quiet myself, and this is a story that seems real, like it could actually happen. The romance of it made me wistful and wanting it to happen to me. I hope, someday, this could happen to me (without the drunkeness) and make me a good sister as well as a good friend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
December 13, 2012Can someone please type down the last 10 pages for me? From page 240 onwards? I have read until there and I won't be able to access the book Brilliant by Rachel Vail until the library opens... ohhh.... its just so confusing... and I want to know what happens next!!! I hate it when I don't fully finish books... so please??? From page 240 onwards
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