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Bard Academy #1
Wuthering High
Welcome to Bard Academy, where a group of supposedly troubled teens are about to get scared straight.
When Miranda, a slightly spoiled but spirited 15-year-old from Chicago, smashes up her father's car and goes to town with her stepmother's credit cards, she's shipped off to Bard Academy, a boarding school where she's supposed to learn to behave. Gothic and boring and strict, it's everything you'd expect of a reform school. But all is not what it seems at Bard...
For starters, Miranda's having horrific nightmares and the nearby woods are eerily impossible to navigate. The students' lives also start to mirror the classics they're reading-tragic novels like Dracula, Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre. So Miranda begins to suspect that Bard is haunted-by famous writers who took their own lives-and she senses that not all of them are happy. Complicating things even more is the fact that Ryan Kent-a cute, smart, funny basketball player who went to Miranda's old high school-landed himself in Bard, too. And the attention he's showing Miranda is making some of the other girls white as ghosts. Something ghoulish is definitely brewing at Bard, and Miranda seems to be at the center of ominous events, but whether it's typical high school b.s. or otherworldly danger remains to be seen.
When Miranda, a slightly spoiled but spirited 15-year-old from Chicago, smashes up her father's car and goes to town with her stepmother's credit cards, she's shipped off to Bard Academy, a boarding school where she's supposed to learn to behave. Gothic and boring and strict, it's everything you'd expect of a reform school. But all is not what it seems at Bard...
For starters, Miranda's having horrific nightmares and the nearby woods are eerily impossible to navigate. The students' lives also start to mirror the classics they're reading-tragic novels like Dracula, Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre. So Miranda begins to suspect that Bard is haunted-by famous writers who took their own lives-and she senses that not all of them are happy. Complicating things even more is the fact that Ryan Kent-a cute, smart, funny basketball player who went to Miranda's old high school-landed himself in Bard, too. And the attention he's showing Miranda is making some of the other girls white as ghosts. Something ghoulish is definitely brewing at Bard, and Miranda seems to be at the center of ominous events, but whether it's typical high school b.s. or otherworldly danger remains to be seen.
262 pages, Paperback
First published July 4, 2006
14 people are currently reading
3266 people want to read
About the author
Cara Lockwood
103 books372 followersI've written more than 30 books in a number of genres: chick lit, romance, suspense, paranormal and young adult. My debut novel, I Do (But I Don't) was made into a Lifetime Original movie.
I grew up in Mesquite, Texas, which for those of you who like livestock shows, is the home of the Mesquite Rodeo. Ironically, Mesquite was named after Mesquite trees, only none of them now exist in the city, which is about fifteen minutes east of Dallas. No, I don't own a pair of cowboy boots, although I do own quite an impressive collection of black shoes. My Dad is a third-generation Japanese-American, and my mom is a second-generation Texan who's mostly English.
I went to school at the University of Pennsylvania, only I'm not sure how I got in. I think these days they only accept students who can solve String Theory. Anyway, I majored in English, and because my dad said "and just what are you going to do with an English degree?" I went to work for the school newspaper. After college, I spent four years as a newspaper reporter, working for an overly excitable editor who sent me running anytime the police scanner went off. I was working insane hours for next to no pay. I was actually sent to cover a grass fire on my 25th Birthday. Let me tell you, it smelled bad. I think some mice may have lost their lives. But that was about it in terms of excitement. Happy Birthday to Me.
So, I decided after I had taken to hiding from my editor in the bathroom at the office anytime the police scanner went off, that journalism probably wasn't for me. I went to work for a marketing firm and discovered that most everyone else didn't stay until ten o'clock every night writing up their riveting story about grass fires. I also decided that I would take advantage of that free time to write some fiction. That's when I started writing "I Do (But I Don't)." A year later, I finished it, thanks to the help of my friend, Shannon, who wouldn't let me slack off and kept asking me for chapters.
And that's how I became a writer. Except that it still feels weird to say, "I'm a writer." I keep expecting to wake up tomorrow and have to go cover another grass fire.
I'm married and live with a blended broad of seven near Chicago, where I'm hard at work on my next book!
I grew up in Mesquite, Texas, which for those of you who like livestock shows, is the home of the Mesquite Rodeo. Ironically, Mesquite was named after Mesquite trees, only none of them now exist in the city, which is about fifteen minutes east of Dallas. No, I don't own a pair of cowboy boots, although I do own quite an impressive collection of black shoes. My Dad is a third-generation Japanese-American, and my mom is a second-generation Texan who's mostly English.
I went to school at the University of Pennsylvania, only I'm not sure how I got in. I think these days they only accept students who can solve String Theory. Anyway, I majored in English, and because my dad said "and just what are you going to do with an English degree?" I went to work for the school newspaper. After college, I spent four years as a newspaper reporter, working for an overly excitable editor who sent me running anytime the police scanner went off. I was working insane hours for next to no pay. I was actually sent to cover a grass fire on my 25th Birthday. Let me tell you, it smelled bad. I think some mice may have lost their lives. But that was about it in terms of excitement. Happy Birthday to Me.
So, I decided after I had taken to hiding from my editor in the bathroom at the office anytime the police scanner went off, that journalism probably wasn't for me. I went to work for a marketing firm and discovered that most everyone else didn't stay until ten o'clock every night writing up their riveting story about grass fires. I also decided that I would take advantage of that free time to write some fiction. That's when I started writing "I Do (But I Don't)." A year later, I finished it, thanks to the help of my friend, Shannon, who wouldn't let me slack off and kept asking me for chapters.
And that's how I became a writer. Except that it still feels weird to say, "I'm a writer." I keep expecting to wake up tomorrow and have to go cover another grass fire.
I'm married and live with a blended broad of seven near Chicago, where I'm hard at work on my next book!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
August 24, 2015
This book hovers somewhere between three and four stars; three stars because it's not a terribly strong story, four stars because I enjoyed it anyway.
What I liked: Lockwood knows her English literature, and (with one small exception) deftly blends historical/literary fact with what's basically a boarding-school story. Since I also like boarding-school stories, that was two points in the book's favor. I enjoy it when authors leave little clues about what's really going on without making readers feel stupid if they don't get it. For example, all the teachers go by initials instead of names--Ms. W, Mr. H--but eventually we learn who they really are. (They are ghosts. This is not a spoiler. It's even in the official Goodreads synopsis.) But if you know a little bit about English literature, the descriptions give their identities away well before this happens. Like Ms. W, whose clothes become dripping wet at times of emotional crisis, as if she'd maybe walked into a river wearing a coat with pockets full of stones...something like that. I was amused by this, but I also didn't think Lockwood was sitting around somewhere mocking the readers who'd never heard of Virginia Woolf.
I also liked that Mia's defining trait was that she could get along with any social group. She wasn't super-popular, or super-smart, or super-geeky; she's just a nice person who sees good things in others. The clever bit is that her defining talent is "giving makeovers," her phrase for knowing just what clothes and accessories will make people look great. This is exactly the sort of ability someone who can get along with everyone might have, because getting along with people means being able to see who they really are.
What I disliked: There's a lot of good material here, but it isn't always put together in the best way. After spending two-thirds of the book hinting at the identities of the teachers, Lockwood reveals everything in a disappointingly prosaic way, and almost as an afterthought. She also piles this practically on top of the other big reveal, which is the truth about the supposed ghosts haunting Bard Academy. It's as if Lockwood suddenly gave up on the well-structured gradual exposition she'd been doing up until then, possibly so she could get to the dramatic ending more quickly. Pity, because I think the ending would have been far more dramatic if she'd stuck to her initial style.
Another problem is that the secondary plot, the one with Mia's rocky relationship with her family, particularly her father, feels a little light. Again, all the elements are there: Mia's dad left his family for his secretary, then dumped her for another bimbo, and he's so completely absent in Mia's life that we don't know if he's deliberately ignoring her or is just too self-centered to bother. Lockwood's description implies something more serious than your basic neglectful parent, so even though Mia completes her emotional journey by realizing she doesn't have to define herself by him, it doesn't entirely feel like closure.
I'd have liked a little more development in the secondary characters, who are enough fleshed out to not be stock characters, but only just enough. The self-named Blade, devotee of the dark arts and obsessed with death, is too close to caricature for my comfort. Also, anyone who is as obsessed with Dracula as she is would know that it is garlic flowers that are a vampire repellent, not bulbs. But in general I'm willing to give Lockwood the opportunity to develop them more thoroughly as the series progresses.
In the end, I enjoyed this book enough that I'll be reading the rest of the series, but given the plot and structural problems, I'm prepared for the following books to be less enjoyable. I hope I'm wrong about that.
What I liked: Lockwood knows her English literature, and (with one small exception) deftly blends historical/literary fact with what's basically a boarding-school story. Since I also like boarding-school stories, that was two points in the book's favor. I enjoy it when authors leave little clues about what's really going on without making readers feel stupid if they don't get it. For example, all the teachers go by initials instead of names--Ms. W, Mr. H--but eventually we learn who they really are. (They are ghosts. This is not a spoiler. It's even in the official Goodreads synopsis.) But if you know a little bit about English literature, the descriptions give their identities away well before this happens. Like Ms. W, whose clothes become dripping wet at times of emotional crisis, as if she'd maybe walked into a river wearing a coat with pockets full of stones...something like that. I was amused by this, but I also didn't think Lockwood was sitting around somewhere mocking the readers who'd never heard of Virginia Woolf.
I also liked that Mia's defining trait was that she could get along with any social group. She wasn't super-popular, or super-smart, or super-geeky; she's just a nice person who sees good things in others. The clever bit is that her defining talent is "giving makeovers," her phrase for knowing just what clothes and accessories will make people look great. This is exactly the sort of ability someone who can get along with everyone might have, because getting along with people means being able to see who they really are.
What I disliked: There's a lot of good material here, but it isn't always put together in the best way. After spending two-thirds of the book hinting at the identities of the teachers, Lockwood reveals everything in a disappointingly prosaic way, and almost as an afterthought. She also piles this practically on top of the other big reveal, which is the truth about the supposed ghosts haunting Bard Academy. It's as if Lockwood suddenly gave up on the well-structured gradual exposition she'd been doing up until then, possibly so she could get to the dramatic ending more quickly. Pity, because I think the ending would have been far more dramatic if she'd stuck to her initial style.
Another problem is that the secondary plot, the one with Mia's rocky relationship with her family, particularly her father, feels a little light. Again, all the elements are there: Mia's dad left his family for his secretary, then dumped her for another bimbo, and he's so completely absent in Mia's life that we don't know if he's deliberately ignoring her or is just too self-centered to bother. Lockwood's description implies something more serious than your basic neglectful parent, so even though Mia completes her emotional journey by realizing she doesn't have to define herself by him, it doesn't entirely feel like closure.
I'd have liked a little more development in the secondary characters, who are enough fleshed out to not be stock characters, but only just enough. The self-named Blade, devotee of the dark arts and obsessed with death, is too close to caricature for my comfort. Also, anyone who is as obsessed with Dracula as she is would know that it is garlic flowers that are a vampire repellent, not bulbs. But in general I'm willing to give Lockwood the opportunity to develop them more thoroughly as the series progresses.
In the end, I enjoyed this book enough that I'll be reading the rest of the series, but given the plot and structural problems, I'm prepared for the following books to be less enjoyable. I hope I'm wrong about that.
March 8, 2012
Cute, light and fun. Sadly, yes, a little bit dated already, but the story still holds up and the references are not integral to the plot. You don't have to be deeply invested in the plot of Veronica Mars to understand when one character is teasing another.
Despite the name, the plot takes elements from a few classics to form the backbone of the plot, which kept the story from becoming utterly predictable. Also despite the name and the cover, there's plenty of horror and supernatural flares to interest those who might dismiss the literary references or turn their nose up at an MTV publication insignia.
The main character, Miranda, is just the right mix of good and bad to be relatable. She definitely fashion fixated and a stereotypically girly type, but her struggles are legitimate and her growth is steady. She doesn't turn the non-shopaholic reader off. There's a sentence or two of description -- basically calling her the nicest girl in her former school who everyone at the very least likes -- that were a bit hard to swallow and smelled of Mary Sue, but they were also minimal and easy to dismiss. Additionally, I found the romance remarkably tame, tamer than what I thought an MTV spin on Wuthering Heights would be.
All in all, this is the type of book that proves the saying "Don't judge a book by its cover."
Despite the name, the plot takes elements from a few classics to form the backbone of the plot, which kept the story from becoming utterly predictable. Also despite the name and the cover, there's plenty of horror and supernatural flares to interest those who might dismiss the literary references or turn their nose up at an MTV publication insignia.
The main character, Miranda, is just the right mix of good and bad to be relatable. She definitely fashion fixated and a stereotypically girly type, but her struggles are legitimate and her growth is steady. She doesn't turn the non-shopaholic reader off. There's a sentence or two of description -- basically calling her the nicest girl in her former school who everyone at the very least likes -- that were a bit hard to swallow and smelled of Mary Sue, but they were also minimal and easy to dismiss. Additionally, I found the romance remarkably tame, tamer than what I thought an MTV spin on Wuthering Heights would be.
All in all, this is the type of book that proves the saying "Don't judge a book by its cover."
October 26, 2011
Well, the first thing I liked about this book is that it's dedicated to me. OK, so it doesn't mention me personally, but the dedication page says "...and to all English teachers everywhere." I'm an English teacher somewhere - I'll take it.
I picked this book up expecting it to be nothing but cute fluff and it fits that description. Miranda's narrative voice is written in that Meg Cabot-style of teen-speak: lots of observational humour and pop-culture references. Some of these references are already dated in 2011 (Ashton Kutcher and Punk'd, Heath Ledger as a teen heartthrob instead of a Hollywood tragedy), but the book does succeed in being funny and made me laugh quite a bit. Most of the characters are pretty fun and I have to give Cara Lockwood credit for including some non-white characters, which unfortunately is not as common in YA as it should be.
The premise is what attracted me to Wuthering High and I did get a kick out of all the literary references. For an adult reader with a decent knowledge of literature, working out who the teachers are is like completing a child's crossword puzzle - too easy, but sort of satisfying to get it right all the same. And it's great that this book might make a teen reader seek out some of the classics. However, while the idea of having teachers be dead authors and fictional characters come to life makes for some nice in-jokes and a few thrills, it falls apart when an explanation is given for it (it's just silly) and I felt it was a misstep for the book to suggest a dire, end-of-the-world scenario because of the real world/fictional world colliding (it's a light-hearted book; no need to tack on serious consequences).
I know some may feel that life's too short and there are too many important novels out there to bother reading a book like Wuthering High. It's also true that it you want a fun, light read, there are 'fluff' books with stronger positive messages, like Elizabeth Eulberg's The Lonely Hearts Club, or with cleverer world-building and plotlines, like Ally Carter's Gallagher Girls series. But I'm not gonna deny enjoying this one and the next time my brain feels over-worked and fried, I might just pick up another in the series.
I picked this book up expecting it to be nothing but cute fluff and it fits that description. Miranda's narrative voice is written in that Meg Cabot-style of teen-speak: lots of observational humour and pop-culture references. Some of these references are already dated in 2011 (Ashton Kutcher and Punk'd, Heath Ledger as a teen heartthrob instead of a Hollywood tragedy), but the book does succeed in being funny and made me laugh quite a bit. Most of the characters are pretty fun and I have to give Cara Lockwood credit for including some non-white characters, which unfortunately is not as common in YA as it should be.
The premise is what attracted me to Wuthering High and I did get a kick out of all the literary references. For an adult reader with a decent knowledge of literature, working out who the teachers are is like completing a child's crossword puzzle - too easy, but sort of satisfying to get it right all the same. And it's great that this book might make a teen reader seek out some of the classics. However, while the idea of having teachers be dead authors and fictional characters come to life makes for some nice in-jokes and a few thrills, it falls apart when an explanation is given for it (it's just silly) and I felt it was a misstep for the book to suggest a dire, end-of-the-world scenario because of the real world/fictional world colliding (it's a light-hearted book; no need to tack on serious consequences).
I know some may feel that life's too short and there are too many important novels out there to bother reading a book like Wuthering High. It's also true that it you want a fun, light read, there are 'fluff' books with stronger positive messages, like Elizabeth Eulberg's The Lonely Hearts Club, or with cleverer world-building and plotlines, like Ally Carter's Gallagher Girls series. But I'm not gonna deny enjoying this one and the next time my brain feels over-worked and fried, I might just pick up another in the series.
August 25, 2013
A lot of people seem to dislike this book, I don't understand why though. It was surprisingly a well written book. I frankly, L O V E D it!! Our main character, Miranda, started off as a spoiled little brat and I will admit that bugged me a little. But lets face it, they're 4 books in this series and I knew that Cara Lockwod would make her "change" into a young heroine that all main characters end up changing into. I still felt bad for her though. I felt strong hatred towards her family because they were so blind and unfair. You see, Miranda's little sister, Lindsey is your stereotypical bratty little annoying nuisance. She blames EVERYTHING on Miranda! You would think a little sister would be sad to see her big sister shipped off to a school far away, but Lindsey? Nope. All she can think of is stealing Miranda's shoes from her closet. Thats just the sister though, the mother, yes she cares, but not enough give her the #1 Mother of the Year award. Lockwood makes the mother come out as some Botox addict. Now for the father, at first I hated him more than anything. He was so unfair and no words could express how badly I felt for Miranda. He is the 100% reason she is being shipped off to Bard Academy. Not her sister, not her mother, her FATHER and Miranda thinks it's just to get rid of her.
Now, IN Bard Academy, all the teachers go by the first initial of their last name, to keep some privacy. In this book we have the three teachers that will be important, Headmaster B, Ms. W and Coach H. Just like the summary says, the teachers are dead writers who committed suicide or at least died before they were supposed to. If you know books like Dracula, Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre then you will most likely understand the book better than most. If you don't, Lockwood takes time to explain the book and its connection to the story so don't worry. One thing in this book that I loved was the loyalty. Miranda and her friends are so loyal to each other and stick together no matter what. I will be honest with you guys, there were some parts were I found it a little boring and slow but then the action picks up again, so if you could handle one slow part then you're good :)
This book was fantastic!!! I loved it so much! Definitely a must read!
Now, IN Bard Academy, all the teachers go by the first initial of their last name, to keep some privacy. In this book we have the three teachers that will be important, Headmaster B, Ms. W and Coach H. Just like the summary says, the teachers are dead writers who committed suicide or at least died before they were supposed to. If you know books like Dracula, Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre then you will most likely understand the book better than most. If you don't, Lockwood takes time to explain the book and its connection to the story so don't worry. One thing in this book that I loved was the loyalty. Miranda and her friends are so loyal to each other and stick together no matter what. I will be honest with you guys, there were some parts were I found it a little boring and slow but then the action picks up again, so if you could handle one slow part then you're good :)
This book was fantastic!!! I loved it so much! Definitely a must read!
June 4, 2009
When her parents send her to a boarding school for juvenile delinquents after she crashes their car and maxes out their credit cards, 15-year-old fashionista Miranda Tate thinks it’s the end of her world. Miranda was born for strolling down the artificially lighted wings of the local mall and NOT for living in a backwards world with no modern devices allowed. Her roommate calls herself Blade and is a worshipper of Satan, and she thinks a ghost is haunting her closet.
Things begin to look ever so slightly better when she befriends Hana and Samir. It also turns out that Ryan Kent, an extremely good-looking boy from her old school, is here as well…and paying her attention, to boot! Life might almost be bearable, if it were not for the strange boy named Heathcliff who always seems to show up right when Miranda needs saving. What is up with that boy?
After nearly losing their lives several times, Miranda, Hana, Samir, and Blade finally stumble upon the truth: Bard Academy is haunted by famously suicidal writers—writers like Virginia Woolf and Ernest Hemingway are actually teaching classes! The students further learn that at Bard, fictional characters can come to life—but only at the risk of ending both worlds.
Emily Bronte seems determined to bring all her characters to life, and only Miranda and her friends have the ability to stop the crazy writer. However, saving the world may involve Heathcliff’s “death.” Is Miranda willing to sacrifice the life of the boy who has saved her so many times?
I didn’t find WUTHERING HIGH particularly exciting. All of the conflicts and characters seem half-developed, and I felt unsatisfied upon the ending. However, what this book lacked in style and flair, it made up in its originality.
Things begin to look ever so slightly better when she befriends Hana and Samir. It also turns out that Ryan Kent, an extremely good-looking boy from her old school, is here as well…and paying her attention, to boot! Life might almost be bearable, if it were not for the strange boy named Heathcliff who always seems to show up right when Miranda needs saving. What is up with that boy?
After nearly losing their lives several times, Miranda, Hana, Samir, and Blade finally stumble upon the truth: Bard Academy is haunted by famously suicidal writers—writers like Virginia Woolf and Ernest Hemingway are actually teaching classes! The students further learn that at Bard, fictional characters can come to life—but only at the risk of ending both worlds.
Emily Bronte seems determined to bring all her characters to life, and only Miranda and her friends have the ability to stop the crazy writer. However, saving the world may involve Heathcliff’s “death.” Is Miranda willing to sacrifice the life of the boy who has saved her so many times?
I didn’t find WUTHERING HIGH particularly exciting. All of the conflicts and characters seem half-developed, and I felt unsatisfied upon the ending. However, what this book lacked in style and flair, it made up in its originality.
February 25, 2013
Shipped off to Bard Academy for being a troublesome kid is Miranda Tate's punishment , after her dad remarried and she not only wracked up her stepmonster's credit card but also totalled her dad's car , she has been shipped off to the netherworld - the ends of the earth at Bard Academy - school for Juvenille Delinquents. From first impressions, the school looks ancient and a place where Miranda is sure she doesn't belong. However things are about to get a whole lot weirder when a kid who calls himself Heathcliff and says he is from Wuthering Heights starts to call her Cathy as we all know the heroine in Wuthering Heights is Catherine Earnshaw. When strange things start occuring, Miranda and her friends aim to get to the bottom of it but when they discover the truth of the school - will it be so far-fetched that they too may doubt themselves ?
Read on as we see Miranda and her friends discover the truth of the school and the true identities of her teachers. Even more we find out a startling fact to why Miranda looks a lot like Catherine Earnshaw.
Wuthering High is a fun book and for those who love either Wuthering Heights or pouring over renditions of the classical novels will througholy love and enjoy as they turn from page to page.
Read on as we see Miranda and her friends discover the truth of the school and the true identities of her teachers. Even more we find out a startling fact to why Miranda looks a lot like Catherine Earnshaw.
Wuthering High is a fun book and for those who love either Wuthering Heights or pouring over renditions of the classical novels will througholy love and enjoy as they turn from page to page.
September 4, 2012
This book wasn't terrible. It wasn't even badly written. The story line was just very unbeliveble, and I think you should leave characters like Heathcliff and Mrs.Rochester to Charlotte and Emily Bronte.
The book is about Miranda, who gets shipped off to Bard academy (basically a juvenille prison.) She is fasinated by the fact that at Bard, classic litriture is making a comeback... literally. People like Heathcliff, Dracula and crazy Mrs.Rochester are coming to life.
The start of this book was ok. Just your average teenage novel (a crush, a mean girl, a group of friends.) Then it got weird. REALLY weird. Like people jumping in and out of books weird! I found it really hard to engage in the novel when I found it so stupid and unbeliveable. I know when you read a book you have to expand your disbelief.. but my disbelief was very expanded and the crazyness of this book made me dislike it. I did like the character of Miranda but the comments of her roomate Blade were barely tolerable. "cool" "wicked" "sweet" ughhh
The book is about Miranda, who gets shipped off to Bard academy (basically a juvenille prison.) She is fasinated by the fact that at Bard, classic litriture is making a comeback... literally. People like Heathcliff, Dracula and crazy Mrs.Rochester are coming to life.
The start of this book was ok. Just your average teenage novel (a crush, a mean girl, a group of friends.) Then it got weird. REALLY weird. Like people jumping in and out of books weird! I found it really hard to engage in the novel when I found it so stupid and unbeliveable. I know when you read a book you have to expand your disbelief.. but my disbelief was very expanded and the crazyness of this book made me dislike it. I did like the character of Miranda but the comments of her roomate Blade were barely tolerable. "cool" "wicked" "sweet" ughhh
July 8, 2022
4,25 stars - English Ebook
Review follows later.
Review follows later.
September 24, 2012
Miranda Tate has no idea that her acting out will lead her to be send to a boarding school in a private island and that Bard Academy is not your ordinary school for delinquents. The are creepy stories about the ghost of a girl haunted the place and Miranda is convinced that her room is her haunting place. Even more weird are the teachers with the odd names and attitudes and a student that seems to think he is Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights.
I loved this book. I have no idea why I waited so long to read it. It has everything I adore: a haunted boarding school, a funny and relatable heroine and a creepy storyline. I loved the way Cara Lockwood brought all the classics to life in this book. Let me tell you now that I am not a big classic reader and I was a bit worried that I wouldn't be able to follow some things in the book but the way Miranda describes everything I found it really eaasy to keep up. I even learned a few things I didn't know.
Miranda was, as I mentioned before, a great MC. She originally seemed a bit spoiled but I soon realised that she wasn't, at least not more spoiled than any normal 16-year-old. She is funny and tries to give everyone a chance, without pre-judging them. She is sweet, curious and brave. I really enjoyed being in her head and watching everything through her eyes. The rest of the crew consists of the friends: Hana, Samir and Blade, my favourite beign Samir, he is hilarious and a big chicken which makes him even more real. Then there are the love interests, yes there's two of them, Ryan Kent and Heathcliff. Let me say that just the fact the Miranda refers to Ryan by his full name only proves that she has idolized him. I am Team Heathcliff all the way. He is incredible, even with all his flaws.
The setting of the school was another thing I loved. The creepy, ghothic buildings and the even creepier woods. Everything was like a horror movie. And then there were the hauntings and the fires and all the mystery behind them. I really enjoyed the way everything seemed to connect and eventually played out.
I loved this book. I have no idea why I waited so long to read it. It has everything I adore: a haunted boarding school, a funny and relatable heroine and a creepy storyline. I loved the way Cara Lockwood brought all the classics to life in this book. Let me tell you now that I am not a big classic reader and I was a bit worried that I wouldn't be able to follow some things in the book but the way Miranda describes everything I found it really eaasy to keep up. I even learned a few things I didn't know.
Miranda was, as I mentioned before, a great MC. She originally seemed a bit spoiled but I soon realised that she wasn't, at least not more spoiled than any normal 16-year-old. She is funny and tries to give everyone a chance, without pre-judging them. She is sweet, curious and brave. I really enjoyed being in her head and watching everything through her eyes. The rest of the crew consists of the friends: Hana, Samir and Blade, my favourite beign Samir, he is hilarious and a big chicken which makes him even more real. Then there are the love interests, yes there's two of them, Ryan Kent and Heathcliff. Let me say that just the fact the Miranda refers to Ryan by his full name only proves that she has idolized him. I am Team Heathcliff all the way. He is incredible, even with all his flaws.
The setting of the school was another thing I loved. The creepy, ghothic buildings and the even creepier woods. Everything was like a horror movie. And then there were the hauntings and the fires and all the mystery behind them. I really enjoyed the way everything seemed to connect and eventually played out.
November 25, 2008
So, I was a tad bit nervous about this book. I wasn't sure what to expect. Was it just going to be another one of those snobby, preppy, bad writing chick-lits? Not that ALL chick-lits are bad. I actually like quite a few of them. Anyway, so I was a little be apprehensive in reading this book. Well, turns out, I liked it. Like, I really, really did. The plot was pretty good and unexpected. It was different and refreshing. Miranda was hilarious and so were her friends. *SAMIR* And they were all really like-able.
I loved how books were the basis of the plot. Anything to do with books will basically drag me in. Heh, Inkheart..
Anyway, it was just all very...unique, but in a good way. It was interesting and kept me reading. I don't think there was ever really a boring part of the story. This book was just plain fun to read.
One thing I will complain about though is it got sort of cheesy. Especially at the end..and with the plants..and Dracula...Oh, you'll just have to read it to figure out what I'm talking about.
Anyway, besides that, I still really enjoyed this novel and will read the rest of the series. I can't wait to figure out about what happens with Miranda and her love triangle...:) I recommend this book to anyone look for a fun, light read.
I loved how books were the basis of the plot. Anything to do with books will basically drag me in. Heh, Inkheart..
Anyway, it was just all very...unique, but in a good way. It was interesting and kept me reading. I don't think there was ever really a boring part of the story. This book was just plain fun to read.
One thing I will complain about though is it got sort of cheesy. Especially at the end..and with the plants..and Dracula...Oh, you'll just have to read it to figure out what I'm talking about.
Anyway, besides that, I still really enjoyed this novel and will read the rest of the series. I can't wait to figure out about what happens with Miranda and her love triangle...:) I recommend this book to anyone look for a fun, light read.
November 13, 2010
I bought this book about 3 years ago and never got into it. The other day I was sick and I decided I'd go ahead &try again.
It all starts when her parents ship her off to a boarding school on an island. She starts having horrifying dreams & one day she wanders off into the woods & finds herself in the exact same spot she came in. She begins to think the school is haunted, and something gives her reason to believe it's haunted by deceased authors.
When I started reading this book I thought it unraveled slowly, and then suddenly it started getting good. I couldn't put it down. I honestly thought this book was going to be about a bratty girl who talks about how much she hates her life, even though everything gets handed to her on a silver platter, but that's not what it's about. This book is not predictable at all. You never know what's going to happen next, and it's always a surprise.
It all starts when her parents ship her off to a boarding school on an island. She starts having horrifying dreams & one day she wanders off into the woods & finds herself in the exact same spot she came in. She begins to think the school is haunted, and something gives her reason to believe it's haunted by deceased authors.
When I started reading this book I thought it unraveled slowly, and then suddenly it started getting good. I couldn't put it down. I honestly thought this book was going to be about a bratty girl who talks about how much she hates her life, even though everything gets handed to her on a silver platter, but that's not what it's about. This book is not predictable at all. You never know what's going to happen next, and it's always a surprise.
Read
August 9, 2016Very juvenile
DNF
DNF
January 11, 2025
surprisingly good.
this is a reread. i first read this in the late 2000's when i was just starting my reading journey. this got me to read Wuthering Heights which i ended up liking at the time (but upon reread dropped down from my fave list).
ngl, once you get past the pop culture and brand name dropping, it's actually kinda nice. story-wise, it's nicely written. the world is kinda partly not fully good.. there might be holes, i think.. but all in all, it was enjoyable. the characters, not very deep as you'd like but it's good for what it is. some aspects are obviously not my thing especially since i havent really been into YA for quite a while.
but yeah, i still think this is enjoyable for what it is. i'm reading books 2 and 3 on Everand 🙂
this is a reread. i first read this in the late 2000's when i was just starting my reading journey. this got me to read Wuthering Heights which i ended up liking at the time (but upon reread dropped down from my fave list).
ngl, once you get past the pop culture and brand name dropping, it's actually kinda nice. story-wise, it's nicely written. the world is kinda partly not fully good.. there might be holes, i think.. but all in all, it was enjoyable. the characters, not very deep as you'd like but it's good for what it is. some aspects are obviously not my thing especially since i havent really been into YA for quite a while.
but yeah, i still think this is enjoyable for what it is. i'm reading books 2 and 3 on Everand 🙂
July 27, 2019
I've been wanting to read this book for a long tiem, but for different reasons I didn't find it or just didn't read it. Now that I'm in I understand I would have loved it growing up. It has all the ingredients I used to love: magical school, literary refferences, tongue in cheek main character... but I feel like it could have been a lot more.
.
Anyway, a fun and quick read... at lost as to what to read next though.
.
Anyway, a fun and quick read... at lost as to what to read next though.
December 5, 2021
A nice quirky blend of horror, historical and mystery. While Miranda feels like she's the aggrieved party in her family, it's her wrecking her dad's car and maxing out his credit card that everyone focuses on. Those actions land her at Bard Academy, a creepy private school on an island off the Maine coast. She tries escaping to no avail, but after making friends with two other students and getting embroiled in a ghostly mystery, she's determined to figure out what's going on. Following that tale is a fun experience.
May 8, 2017
Actually really enjoyed the twist to this book. It was pretty imaginative and even though there are hints to what is going on you don't get the hints until its pretty much too late which is OK.
The book is too young for me but I am glad to have read this eventually!!
The book is too young for me but I am glad to have read this eventually!!
August 22, 2017
Not so great
A book meant for tweens . It's really boring and uneventful. It bored me couldn't finish reading it. Easy to put the book down and forget
A book meant for tweens . It's really boring and uneventful. It bored me couldn't finish reading it. Easy to put the book down and forget
December 1, 2017
maybe maybe not
there was ... a lot going on in this book, as an early 2000’s era YA I give it some wiggle room but there was just so much bad to help out weigh the decent
there was ... a lot going on in this book, as an early 2000’s era YA I give it some wiggle room but there was just so much bad to help out weigh the decent
October 17, 2018
A cute, strange little book, which starts out strong but looses wind a bit in the middle. There is potential there, so I would definitely try to read something the writer has written later than this.
November 5, 2019
It was entertaining.
January 30, 2020
I found the plot line of the book to be fun. I was a bit annoyed with the repetitive writing style.
Read
November 27, 2024I fear this book was already dated when I read it for the first time in middle school
July 7, 2011
I like knowing the motives of why an author does what he or she does and this book puzzled me a bit because I thought the assignments of the famous writers turned teachers was random. It could have at least been explained a bit better for those of us not familiar with all the authors. Coach H (Hemingway) as a gym teacher makes sense, I didn't understand why Charlotte Bronte was Headmistress B, perhaps because she was a governess? However, I didn't know Charlotte Bronte was a governess until I looked it up. And why was Virginia Woolf a dorm mother? I'm just curious as to how the author figured out who should do what at Bard academy. I was also disappointed in the misleading of the back cover which claimed "the students' lives also start to mirror the classics they're reading-tragic novels like Dracula, Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre" but Miranda and her friends are RARELY in class. Bard Academy has a tough curriculum but Miranda only mentions classes to complain a bit but she doesn't mention studying/analyzing the classics. I wish there had been more discussion of the classics. I don't like Ryan either, I know he's supposed to be dreamy and actually really sweet but I just don't like him. Heathcliff all the way!
I decided to review this book because of Samir. I love Samir, the new friend of Miranda. He was sent to Bard because his traditional Indian parents had arranged a marriage for him when he turned nineteen but he refused to comply. Samir is not exactly a ladies' man but as is usually the case, he's quite funny and determined to find a girl for him. One of my favorite bits of dialogue
"'Will you marry me?' he asks me
'Uh....' I glance at Hana
'He asks every girl he meets,' Hanna explains. 'Don't worry about it.'" (pg. 58) Blade, Miranda's roommate remains a caricature and Hana doesn't have much of a personality yet but at least one secondary character (Samir) does. I really like Miranda too. I started out not liking her because she was (still is actually) spoiled and a bit whiny but I probably whine too so I can relate. Plus she's funny because she has this realistic/self-deprecating sense of humor such as "Heathcliff contains my squirming easily, carrying me as if I weigh nothing, which I know is not true at all despite the Bard Academy cafeteria diet" (pg. 208). Miranda is a strong main character but I really like her because she's not too extreme. Not extremely trendy, shy, pretty, mean, etc. She's average, like many other high school girls (including myself) that I know. Sometimes she feels beautiful, other times she thinks she's 'hideous'. How refreshing and realistic.
Wuthering High's strengths lie in its premise being quite novel and having some dominant, interesting characters in Miranda, Samir and Heathcliff. The ending left me with more questions than answers which normally bothers me to no end but I would have been sad to just leave these characters behind, I want to know more about Bard Academy, its students and faculty. One mystery is neatly closed but there are several others left open. At least I know that there are currently two other books out in this series and the author is working on a fourth (final) book. Since the book places such emphasis on the literary classics I want more time to be spent discussing the classics and the people who wrote them. I would also like to see Hana be more than just a sidekick and Blade be more than the creepy roommate. I MUST know more about Heathcliff. And I need Samir to date someone and find happiness :)
I decided to review this book because of Samir. I love Samir, the new friend of Miranda. He was sent to Bard because his traditional Indian parents had arranged a marriage for him when he turned nineteen but he refused to comply. Samir is not exactly a ladies' man but as is usually the case, he's quite funny and determined to find a girl for him. One of my favorite bits of dialogue
"'Will you marry me?' he asks me
'Uh....' I glance at Hana
'He asks every girl he meets,' Hanna explains. 'Don't worry about it.'" (pg. 58) Blade, Miranda's roommate remains a caricature and Hana doesn't have much of a personality yet but at least one secondary character (Samir) does. I really like Miranda too. I started out not liking her because she was (still is actually) spoiled and a bit whiny but I probably whine too so I can relate. Plus she's funny because she has this realistic/self-deprecating sense of humor such as "Heathcliff contains my squirming easily, carrying me as if I weigh nothing, which I know is not true at all despite the Bard Academy cafeteria diet" (pg. 208). Miranda is a strong main character but I really like her because she's not too extreme. Not extremely trendy, shy, pretty, mean, etc. She's average, like many other high school girls (including myself) that I know. Sometimes she feels beautiful, other times she thinks she's 'hideous'. How refreshing and realistic.
Wuthering High's strengths lie in its premise being quite novel and having some dominant, interesting characters in Miranda, Samir and Heathcliff. The ending left me with more questions than answers which normally bothers me to no end but I would have been sad to just leave these characters behind, I want to know more about Bard Academy, its students and faculty. One mystery is neatly closed but there are several others left open. At least I know that there are currently two other books out in this series and the author is working on a fourth (final) book. Since the book places such emphasis on the literary classics I want more time to be spent discussing the classics and the people who wrote them. I would also like to see Hana be more than just a sidekick and Blade be more than the creepy roommate. I MUST know more about Heathcliff. And I need Samir to date someone and find happiness :)
March 14, 2014
I bought this from Better World Books because it combines two things I love: Cara Lockwood's writing and what's probably my all-time favorite book, Wuthering Heights. I've previously enjoyed Lockwood's Every Demon Has His Day and Can't Teach an Old Demon New Tricks, both of which were silly, fun chick lit and fairly quick, easy reads. This was similar, except the protagonist is 15 years old, placing it more in the young adult than chick lit categories (not that the two are mutually exclusive).
Teenage Miranda has made some bad choices, including one that resulted in her father's BMW colliding with a tree. As a result, Miranda's dad sends her off to a mysterious island. No, the plot doesn't exactly mirror Shakespeare's The Tempest, nor is it a modern retelling of 'Wuthering Heights' like The Heights.
Instead, what this book has is some startling appearances of long-dead novelists, Heathcliff emerging from the pages of the novel from whence he came, a missing girl who may or may not be a modern incarnation of Catherine Earnshaw, a serial arsonist who seems strangely like Bertha Mason from Jane Eyre, a Satan-worshiping roommate, and possibly a vampire.
This book reminded me a little of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, a little of Eileen Favorite's The Heroines (another book in which Heathcliff comes out of the novel and into reality), and a little of Marlene Perez's "Dead Is" series. I like all those things. When I read the first few pages, I wasn't sure I was going to like Miranda (she seems a little spoiled at first, but she's really misunderstood), but she quickly grew on me. I wasn't sure I would like a young adult book that had the MTV logo on the front cover, but it was better than expected. In fact, I think I liked this even better than Lockwood's chick lit series.
Teenage Miranda has made some bad choices, including one that resulted in her father's BMW colliding with a tree. As a result, Miranda's dad sends her off to a mysterious island. No, the plot doesn't exactly mirror Shakespeare's The Tempest, nor is it a modern retelling of 'Wuthering Heights' like The Heights.
Instead, what this book has is some startling appearances of long-dead novelists, Heathcliff emerging from the pages of the novel from whence he came, a missing girl who may or may not be a modern incarnation of Catherine Earnshaw, a serial arsonist who seems strangely like Bertha Mason from Jane Eyre, a Satan-worshiping roommate, and possibly a vampire.
This book reminded me a little of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, a little of Eileen Favorite's The Heroines (another book in which Heathcliff comes out of the novel and into reality), and a little of Marlene Perez's "Dead Is" series. I like all those things. When I read the first few pages, I wasn't sure I was going to like Miranda (she seems a little spoiled at first, but she's really misunderstood), but she quickly grew on me. I wasn't sure I would like a young adult book that had the MTV logo on the front cover, but it was better than expected. In fact, I think I liked this even better than Lockwood's chick lit series.
November 4, 2007
Getting through high school can be hell, especially when you’re forced to study a bunch of obsolete literature by dead authors nobody cares about. But what if you were stranded at a remote, creepy boarding school where fictional characters roamed the halls? What if your teachers were the ghosts of those forgotten about authors, who are there to do penance for killing themselves by teaching to a bunch of bratty teenagers whose only knowledge of classic literature comes from the film versions of their books?
That is the premise of Cara Lockwood’s Wuthering High, a new young adult novel published by MTV books. You didn’t know that MTV has their own line of books? Well, they do, and this one is everything you would expect from a book put out by music television. It’s hip, light, and likely to engage young readers with even the shortest of attention spans. However, it also has oodles of references to classic literature and it’s clever and well written to boot. Teen readers are likely to enjoy the main character, Miranda, who has been banished to Bard Academy as punishment for totaling her father’s car and running up his credit card bill. Miranda is like any teenager; she has struggles with her family while she confronts issues like peer pressure and the search for her own identity. Yet somehow she manages to handle any conflict that comes her way with strength and a touch of heroism.
Wuthering High is likely to appeal to adults as well. Anyone who considers themselves a writer or a book lover will appreciate Lockwood’s tribute to literature and the people who create it. It should come as no surprise that Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights and Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre receive special attention in this book. When the characters of Heathcliff and Mrs. Rochester come to life they create havoc for everyone at Bard academy, but the funniest part is not so much their actions, but the reaction of modern teenagers to the spurned lovers from these famous 19th century novels.
Lockwood has created a novel that is at once entertaining and educational, and I strongly recommend that parents buy it for their teens to read and enjoy. However, before you give it to them, sit down and read it yourself. Not only will you have a quick, enjoyable read, you will also get a brush-up lesson on famous authors. Read it first – then look up the answers to anything you realize you don’t know about literature. That way, when your kids come to you questions after reading Wuthering High, you can impress them with your knowledge!
Wuthering High is a perfect summertime read, and it just might get your teen excited for English class in the fall!
October 13, 2008
At First Sight: Miranda Tate didn't deserve being sent to Bard Academy, at least, she didn't think so. Sure, she had taken her stepmom's credit card for a shopping spree, and she did destroy her father's new car. But still, being shipped off to Shipwreck Island, off the coast of Maine, seems like a bit much - not that she has a choice in the matter.
Once at Bard Academy, Miranda quickly realizes that there is something off at the Academy: the teachers are a bit strange, and never seem to sleep; Miranda's roomate is a Wiccan who claims there is a vampire lose on campus, she has made an enemy out of the school's Queen Bee; there is this guy called Heathcliff who's always showing up when Miranda needs him and who claims comes from a place called "Wuthering Heights"; and she keeps dreaming about a girl who might be Kate Shaw, a former Bard student who disappeared 15 years ago.
On the other hand, there are a few nice things about Bard, like her new friends Hana and Samir and even her roommate Blade, sometimes. And Ryan Kent, the hottest guy on campus whom used to go to Miranda's old school and is now noticing her. And she has to admit that Heathcliff is nice too - at least to her, even if he insist on calling her Cathy from time to time.
Yes, there is something odd about Bard, and when the life of her friends and fellow classmates starts to resemble famous literary works of fiction, Miranda starts to find the clues to uncover one of Bard's best kept secrets.
Second Glance: I'm always saying how much I love Wuthering High, and I'm so glad I picked it for a re-read. It's such a smart, funny paranormal book with a fresh take on the 'haunted boarding school' setting. Cara Lockwood's writing flows in such a way that I was amazed at how quickly I was going through the pages - the story has such great rhythm and pace and the 'mystery' plot of the book is well crafted.
Plus, I really do like Miranda, she's fun and a bit cynic but sweet and smart too. She's not exactly an angel but she's not a bad kid either, even if she is at 'reform school'.
This is one of those books I vividly remember reading for the first time, I couldn't put it down and I was ordering the next two books in the series minutes after I finished this one, it's just that good. And just this week Cara Lockwood announced the BEST News Ever!!!, and said that there will be a Bard Academy 4, for which I SO can't wait.
Bottom Line: Without a doubt Wuthering High (and the Bard Academy in general) is one of my favorite reads ever. I get instantly sucked in each time I read it and I definitely think that more people should read this awesome book.
Once at Bard Academy, Miranda quickly realizes that there is something off at the Academy: the teachers are a bit strange, and never seem to sleep; Miranda's roomate is a Wiccan who claims there is a vampire lose on campus, she has made an enemy out of the school's Queen Bee; there is this guy called Heathcliff who's always showing up when Miranda needs him and who claims comes from a place called "Wuthering Heights"; and she keeps dreaming about a girl who might be Kate Shaw, a former Bard student who disappeared 15 years ago.
On the other hand, there are a few nice things about Bard, like her new friends Hana and Samir and even her roommate Blade, sometimes. And Ryan Kent, the hottest guy on campus whom used to go to Miranda's old school and is now noticing her. And she has to admit that Heathcliff is nice too - at least to her, even if he insist on calling her Cathy from time to time.
Yes, there is something odd about Bard, and when the life of her friends and fellow classmates starts to resemble famous literary works of fiction, Miranda starts to find the clues to uncover one of Bard's best kept secrets.
Second Glance: I'm always saying how much I love Wuthering High, and I'm so glad I picked it for a re-read. It's such a smart, funny paranormal book with a fresh take on the 'haunted boarding school' setting. Cara Lockwood's writing flows in such a way that I was amazed at how quickly I was going through the pages - the story has such great rhythm and pace and the 'mystery' plot of the book is well crafted.
Plus, I really do like Miranda, she's fun and a bit cynic but sweet and smart too. She's not exactly an angel but she's not a bad kid either, even if she is at 'reform school'.
This is one of those books I vividly remember reading for the first time, I couldn't put it down and I was ordering the next two books in the series minutes after I finished this one, it's just that good. And just this week Cara Lockwood announced the BEST News Ever!!!, and said that there will be a Bard Academy 4, for which I SO can't wait.
Bottom Line: Without a doubt Wuthering High (and the Bard Academy in general) is one of my favorite reads ever. I get instantly sucked in each time I read it and I definitely think that more people should read this awesome book.
July 27, 2012
Miranda gets sent off to boarding school after she totals her dad's car and maxes out her stepmom's credit card. She thinks it's totally unfair to be sent off to a boarding school for delinquent kids off the coast of Maine on an island called, seriously, Shipwreck Island. But the place is even weirder than she imagines.
I am torn about this book. I loved Miranda's voice. She's spunky and down-to-earth and funny. I liked that she was willing to be resourceful and go on adventures and do what needed doing. I also liked that she didn't seem to have the hostile attitude toward other girls I sometimes see in books for actual girls. (What's up with that?) In many ways, tis book read a bit like Harry Poter for teenaged girls. It wasn't as good as HP, but I could see it appealing to readers who are looking for something similar. I found this book engaging and fun, even if it did include the "adults are useless" trope, which bothers me, as, you know, an adult.
That said, there is one thing that brings this book from a respectable B grade to the C it gets. It involves spoilers. Don't read further if you don't want to know.
See, the thing about Bard Academy is that it's inhabited by dead authors of classic works. And one of the dead authors has brought forth characters from those books into the real world, one of whom is Heathclyffe, from Wuthering Heights. Who, of course, is fascinated by Miranda.
I find this a problem for two reasons. First of all, it means there's setup for the inevitable love triangle, and the author and I are clearly on different teams. I am team Anybody that's Not a Fictional Character and Ms. Lockwood is on Team Heathclyffe. I realize Heathclyffe is the ultimate in bad boys, but I can't take it seriously that Miranda is the modern Cathy Earnshaw, especially without all the high drama of Wuthering Heights. Plus, I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to bring Heathclyffe home for Thanksgiving dinner. "Mom, this is my boyfriend, a fictional character who is pretty unstable, but hey, he loves me."
I really wish Heathclyffe had not been set up as a romantic interest. Of course, I also wish the other love interest potential had been less bland, but… he's got to compete with Heathclyffe. I would have loved more adventure and more boarding school hijinks. Since the second book looks more romancey, I think I will pack it in with this first book in the series.
I am torn about this book. I loved Miranda's voice. She's spunky and down-to-earth and funny. I liked that she was willing to be resourceful and go on adventures and do what needed doing. I also liked that she didn't seem to have the hostile attitude toward other girls I sometimes see in books for actual girls. (What's up with that?) In many ways, tis book read a bit like Harry Poter for teenaged girls. It wasn't as good as HP, but I could see it appealing to readers who are looking for something similar. I found this book engaging and fun, even if it did include the "adults are useless" trope, which bothers me, as, you know, an adult.
That said, there is one thing that brings this book from a respectable B grade to the C it gets. It involves spoilers. Don't read further if you don't want to know.
See, the thing about Bard Academy is that it's inhabited by dead authors of classic works. And one of the dead authors has brought forth characters from those books into the real world, one of whom is Heathclyffe, from Wuthering Heights. Who, of course, is fascinated by Miranda.
I find this a problem for two reasons. First of all, it means there's setup for the inevitable love triangle, and the author and I are clearly on different teams. I am team Anybody that's Not a Fictional Character and Ms. Lockwood is on Team Heathclyffe. I realize Heathclyffe is the ultimate in bad boys, but I can't take it seriously that Miranda is the modern Cathy Earnshaw, especially without all the high drama of Wuthering Heights. Plus, I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to bring Heathclyffe home for Thanksgiving dinner. "Mom, this is my boyfriend, a fictional character who is pretty unstable, but hey, he loves me."
I really wish Heathclyffe had not been set up as a romantic interest. Of course, I also wish the other love interest potential had been less bland, but… he's got to compete with Heathclyffe. I would have loved more adventure and more boarding school hijinks. Since the second book looks more romancey, I think I will pack it in with this first book in the series.
November 16, 2012
Reviewed by Jocelyn Pearce for TeensReadToo.com
WUTHERING HIGH is a novel by Cara Lockwood published by MTV Books, and I must say, the MTV Books are certainly much better than readers might expect from a name known mostly for reality television. In fact, these books are fabulous, no matter what you're expecting, and Cara Lockwood's story is no exception. In WUTHERING HIGH, Miranda Tate is a spoiled but still likeable character who, after a few mistakes involving her Dad's car and stepmother's credit card, is sent off to Bard Academy, a boarding school for misbehaving teenagers.
At Bard Academy, a few things happen that Miranda didn't exactly expect from what she thinks she knows about reform schools. She's having terrifying nightmares involving Kate Shaw, a girl who went missing from the school fifteen years earlier. When she tries to escape through the woods, she finds herself going in circles. One of her teachers, Ms. W., always leaves wet footprints. As if those little oddities aren't odd enough, there are some eerie coincidences concerning classics such as DRACULA, JANE EYRE, and WUTHERING HEIGHTS. For instance, there's Heathcliff, remarkably similar to the character in WUTHERING HEIGHTS, who seems to think that Miranda is really Cathy, another character from the novel. Something weird is most certainly going on, and Miranda and her new friends Hana, Samir, and Blade have to find out what it is--fast.
This is a book that is definitely worth reading! Ms. Lockwood's characters are interesting, well done, and realistic, and readers will be able to relate to Miranda's situations with her parents and friends (although perhaps not teachers). The character of Miranda also shows realistic character development instead of being the same slightly bratty fifteen-year-old throughout the book. Aside from her great characters, the story in WUTHERING HIGH is entertaining and original. It's better than just another overused idea with a few differences in details and characters. This novel is one that will keep readers hooked from the very first page to the end, and eagerly awaiting the next novel from Cara Lockwood about Bard Academy.
WUTHERING HIGH is a novel by Cara Lockwood published by MTV Books, and I must say, the MTV Books are certainly much better than readers might expect from a name known mostly for reality television. In fact, these books are fabulous, no matter what you're expecting, and Cara Lockwood's story is no exception. In WUTHERING HIGH, Miranda Tate is a spoiled but still likeable character who, after a few mistakes involving her Dad's car and stepmother's credit card, is sent off to Bard Academy, a boarding school for misbehaving teenagers.
At Bard Academy, a few things happen that Miranda didn't exactly expect from what she thinks she knows about reform schools. She's having terrifying nightmares involving Kate Shaw, a girl who went missing from the school fifteen years earlier. When she tries to escape through the woods, she finds herself going in circles. One of her teachers, Ms. W., always leaves wet footprints. As if those little oddities aren't odd enough, there are some eerie coincidences concerning classics such as DRACULA, JANE EYRE, and WUTHERING HEIGHTS. For instance, there's Heathcliff, remarkably similar to the character in WUTHERING HEIGHTS, who seems to think that Miranda is really Cathy, another character from the novel. Something weird is most certainly going on, and Miranda and her new friends Hana, Samir, and Blade have to find out what it is--fast.
This is a book that is definitely worth reading! Ms. Lockwood's characters are interesting, well done, and realistic, and readers will be able to relate to Miranda's situations with her parents and friends (although perhaps not teachers). The character of Miranda also shows realistic character development instead of being the same slightly bratty fifteen-year-old throughout the book. Aside from her great characters, the story in WUTHERING HIGH is entertaining and original. It's better than just another overused idea with a few differences in details and characters. This novel is one that will keep readers hooked from the very first page to the end, and eagerly awaiting the next novel from Cara Lockwood about Bard Academy.
September 11, 2011
Wuthering High is a novel by Cara Lockwood published by MTV Books, and I must say, the MTV Books are certainly much better than readers might expect from a name known mostly for reality television. In fact, these books are fabulous, no matter what you're expecting, and Cara Lockwood's story is no exception. In Wuthering High, Miranda Tate is a spoiled but still likeable character who, after a few mistakes involving her Dad's car and stepmother's credit card, is sent off to Bard Academy, a boarding school for misbehaving teenagers.
At Bard Academy, a few things happen that Miranda didn't exactly expect from what she thinks about reform schools. She's having terrifying nightmares involving Kate Shaw, a girl who went missing from the school fifteen years earlier. When she tries to escape through the woods, she finds herself going in circles. One of her teachers, Ms. W, always leaves wet footprints. If those little oddities aren't odd enough, there are some eerie coincidences concerning classics such as Dracula, Jane Eyre, and Wuthering Heights. For instance, there's Heathcliff, remarkably similar to the character in Wuthering Heights, who seems to think that Miranda is really Cathy, another character from the novel. Something weird is most certainly going on, and Miranda and her new friends Hana, Samir, and Blade have to find out what it is--fast.
This is a book that is definitely worth reading! Cara Lockwood's characters are interesting, well done, and realistic, and readers will be able to relate to Miranda's situations with her parents and friends (although perhaps not teachers). The character of Miranda also shows realistic character development instead of being the same slightly bratty fifteen-year-old throughout the book. Aside from her great characters, Cara Lockwood's story in Wuthering High is entertaining and original. It's better than just another overused idea with a few differences in details and characters. This novel is one that will keep readers hooked from the very first page to the end, and eagerly awaiting the next novel from Cara Lockwood about Bard Academy.
At Bard Academy, a few things happen that Miranda didn't exactly expect from what she thinks about reform schools. She's having terrifying nightmares involving Kate Shaw, a girl who went missing from the school fifteen years earlier. When she tries to escape through the woods, she finds herself going in circles. One of her teachers, Ms. W, always leaves wet footprints. If those little oddities aren't odd enough, there are some eerie coincidences concerning classics such as Dracula, Jane Eyre, and Wuthering Heights. For instance, there's Heathcliff, remarkably similar to the character in Wuthering Heights, who seems to think that Miranda is really Cathy, another character from the novel. Something weird is most certainly going on, and Miranda and her new friends Hana, Samir, and Blade have to find out what it is--fast.
This is a book that is definitely worth reading! Cara Lockwood's characters are interesting, well done, and realistic, and readers will be able to relate to Miranda's situations with her parents and friends (although perhaps not teachers). The character of Miranda also shows realistic character development instead of being the same slightly bratty fifteen-year-old throughout the book. Aside from her great characters, Cara Lockwood's story in Wuthering High is entertaining and original. It's better than just another overused idea with a few differences in details and characters. This novel is one that will keep readers hooked from the very first page to the end, and eagerly awaiting the next novel from Cara Lockwood about Bard Academy.
May 14, 2012
I enjoyed reading this book, particularly the first half. Miranda is an engaging character and I enjoyed seeing her adapt to her new school, Bard Academy. Miranda has an eye for fashion and enjoys helping people find their individual look. She's very open-handed with this talent and you can see that she is used to getting along with everybody as a result. She's a fundamentally kind person and I enjoyed spending time with her. Indeed, I'd almost have rather read the story of her staying at her current school and see how things play out there.
Not that Bard Academy isn't a fun premise. A school run by ghosts and where literature has a profound effect on more than the classes is ripe for exploration. Lockwood clearly loves literature and peppers the scenery with hints and allusions that were fun to pick up on and not tragic when I didn't.
My biggest beef with the novel is the inclusion of a character named Heathcliff who seems determined to fill the role of the character of the same name from Wuthering Heights. I don't know who started the notion that Wuthering Heights is a romantic story but I'd like to have a few words with them. It's been near 20 years since I read the book but my distaste for Heathcliff hasn't diminished at all. To link Heathcliff and Catherine with "love" is to sully the concept.
Heathcliff's involvement in this book is mostly tangential, though, so I'll resist the urge to dock Wuthering High for his inclusion. Reading descriptions ahead, though, I can see that Lockwood is apparently a team Heathcliff player so I won't be picking up the sequels. Sad, really, but I can't stomach the whole "he's just misunderstood" thing with a man that wholly selfish.
Not that Bard Academy isn't a fun premise. A school run by ghosts and where literature has a profound effect on more than the classes is ripe for exploration. Lockwood clearly loves literature and peppers the scenery with hints and allusions that were fun to pick up on and not tragic when I didn't.
My biggest beef with the novel is the inclusion of a character named Heathcliff who seems determined to fill the role of the character of the same name from Wuthering Heights. I don't know who started the notion that Wuthering Heights is a romantic story but I'd like to have a few words with them. It's been near 20 years since I read the book but my distaste for Heathcliff hasn't diminished at all. To link Heathcliff and Catherine with "love" is to sully the concept.
Heathcliff's involvement in this book is mostly tangential, though, so I'll resist the urge to dock Wuthering High for his inclusion. Reading descriptions ahead, though, I can see that Lockwood is apparently a team Heathcliff player so I won't be picking up the sequels. Sad, really, but I can't stomach the whole "he's just misunderstood" thing with a man that wholly selfish.
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