What do you think?
Rate this book
Girls with Bright Futures
Three women. Three daughters. And a promise that they'll each get what they deserve.
College admissions season at Seattle's Elliott Bay Academy is marked by glowing acceptances from top-tier institutions and students as impressive as their parents are ambitious. But when Stanford alerts the school it's allotting only one spot to EBA for their incoming class, three mothers discover the competition is more cut-throat than they could have imagined.
Tech giant Alicia turns to her fortune and status to fight for her reluctant daughter's place at the top. Kelly, a Stanford alum, leverages her PTA influence and insider knowledge to bulldoze the path for her high-strung daughter. And Maren makes three: single, broke, and ill-equipped to battle the elite school community aligning to bring her superstar daughter down.
That's when, days before applications are due, one of the girls suffers a near-fatal accident, one that doesn't appear to be an accident at all.
As the community spirals out of control, three women will have to decide what lines they're willing to cross to secure their daughters' futures...and keep buried the secrets that threaten to destroy far more than just college dreams.
College admissions season at Seattle's Elliott Bay Academy is marked by glowing acceptances from top-tier institutions and students as impressive as their parents are ambitious. But when Stanford alerts the school it's allotting only one spot to EBA for their incoming class, three mothers discover the competition is more cut-throat than they could have imagined.
Tech giant Alicia turns to her fortune and status to fight for her reluctant daughter's place at the top. Kelly, a Stanford alum, leverages her PTA influence and insider knowledge to bulldoze the path for her high-strung daughter. And Maren makes three: single, broke, and ill-equipped to battle the elite school community aligning to bring her superstar daughter down.
That's when, days before applications are due, one of the girls suffers a near-fatal accident, one that doesn't appear to be an accident at all.
As the community spirals out of control, three women will have to decide what lines they're willing to cross to secure their daughters' futures...and keep buried the secrets that threaten to destroy far more than just college dreams.
387 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 2, 2021
635 people are currently reading
21653 people want to read
About the author
Tracy Dobmeier
2 books148 followersTracy Dobmeier and Wendy Katzman have been great friends for over 25 years. Their debut novel, GIRLS WITH BRIGHT FUTURES, was a suspenseful journey into the cutthroat world of college admissions, which earned starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly and Library Journal, and was named a “Book Club Winner” by REAL SIMPLE and an Apple Best Book. Tracy holds an undergraduate degree from Princeton University and a J.D from UC Berkeley and worked in biotechnology law and non-profit leadership. Wendy was a nationally ranked youth tennis player, and went on to play at the University of Michigan, where she earned her undergraduate degree, followed by a career in medical marketing. Tracy and Wendy both live in Seattle with their husbands. They enjoy sports, reading (obviously), civic engagement, and spending time with their amazing families and friends. You can often find them together brainstorming and walking their dogs, Shadow and Josie. Connect with Tracy and Wendy on Instagram at @katzndobs.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,673 reviews
September 8, 2022
Every mother dreams of a bright future of their children but what if they go too far, expecting their children succeed their unresolved dreams by putting extra pressure, playing dirty, being power thirsty, crossing the lines, getting definitely out of control!
When three moms turn into mom-azillas to do whatever it takes for their children’s filling the last empty space at Stanford, the cutthroat competition between them raises the stakes, increasing the tension!
Their actions remind us of great definition of insanity! We can call this “tiger parenting”, these mothers definitely love putting pressure for their daughters to attain high levels of academic achievements. Things get too far and one of their’s daughter injures herself at the accident just a few days before application deadline.
Wow! This is jaw dropping, thrilling but also so much entertaining, fast, gripping, riveting reading! We already saw the real life examples during the 2019 college admissions bribery scandal. Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman became the faces of those mothers who want brilliant future of their children, violating the rules, playing dirty and facing the consequences !
This book is a great mashup of Desperate Housewives meets Big Little Lies ( by the way the real college scandal series are in the works)! I thought some parts include some cliches and exaggeration but now I think maybe it’s not. After seeing real life examples and reading so many stories about tiger parenting stories I started to think, the things I’ve read in this book can be definitely real!
So I enjoyed the gripping writing style keep me in my toes and I never get bored or lost my interest during my read.
I’m giving my shiny four, scandalous, momazilla stars!
So many thanks to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
When three moms turn into mom-azillas to do whatever it takes for their children’s filling the last empty space at Stanford, the cutthroat competition between them raises the stakes, increasing the tension!
Their actions remind us of great definition of insanity! We can call this “tiger parenting”, these mothers definitely love putting pressure for their daughters to attain high levels of academic achievements. Things get too far and one of their’s daughter injures herself at the accident just a few days before application deadline.
Wow! This is jaw dropping, thrilling but also so much entertaining, fast, gripping, riveting reading! We already saw the real life examples during the 2019 college admissions bribery scandal. Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman became the faces of those mothers who want brilliant future of their children, violating the rules, playing dirty and facing the consequences !
This book is a great mashup of Desperate Housewives meets Big Little Lies ( by the way the real college scandal series are in the works)! I thought some parts include some cliches and exaggeration but now I think maybe it’s not. After seeing real life examples and reading so many stories about tiger parenting stories I started to think, the things I’ve read in this book can be definitely real!
So I enjoyed the gripping writing style keep me in my toes and I never get bored or lost my interest during my read.
I’m giving my shiny four, scandalous, momazilla stars!
So many thanks to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
February 1, 2021
Three dreams to get into Stanford. Three Daughters. Three Mothers. Three Motivations.
It is college admissions time at EBA (Elliot Bay Academy) in Seattle. Applications have been submitted, fingers have been crossed and lines have been crossed. Everyone is upset when Stanford announces that they are only allotting one slot to the school to non-athletes, students and parents alike are scrambling.
Alicia is a tech giant who is determined that her daughter, Brooke is going to attend Stanford. Alicia went there and wants her daughter to get in so bad she can taste it. It consumes her. Her daughter, on the other hand is ambivalent and at best, an average student. Alicia is willing and ready to do what it takes for her daughter to attend Stanford.
Maren is Alicia's assistant and her daughter; Winnie is the top of her class. She is intelligent, articulate and wants to go to Stanford so bad that she can taste it. Things get sticky as Alicia is Maren's boss and has been paying Winnie's tuition to EBA and has promised to also pay her college tuition as well. Maren cannot afford the tuition and hopes Alicia keeps her promise of paying for Winnie's college education.
Kelly, a Stanford alum, has three children attending EBA and uses her influence with the PTA and insider knowledge to try to get her fragile daughter, Krissie, into Stanford. She wants her daughter to go to Stanford so bad that she can taste it. She is willing to do whatever it takes to make sure her daughter in the student from EBA who attends Stanford.
But with only one spot left, who will get in? Who will Stanford select? Will big buck donations help a student get admitted? Will underhanded actions be what it takes to get your child an acceptance letter? Will brains and hard work win Stanford over?
With just one slot available, who will come out on top?
Days before final applications are due, a student has a near fatal accident. But is it an accident? It does not appear to be. But who would do such a thing? Is it a coincidence? Is it related to the admission process?
Talk about a timely read with the college admissions bribery scandal in 2019 which involved celebrities and wealthy parents getting caught cheating, bribing and scheming to get their children into top universities. Jeepers, just what will parents do to see their children get ahead. Plus, what message are you sending your children? In this book, the antics of some parents are quite dastardly, produce eye rolls and are comical at times.
Who knew college admissions were so cutthroat! Every parent wants the best for their child, but what if your dreams for your child do not coincide with their wants and dreams? What if you wanted something so badly for them that you lose all sense of right and wrong? What if you do not care? What if you are willing to do ANYTHING to make things happen for your child?
This was a fun and gripping look at power, greed, privilege, losing sight of the important things, college admissions, and being supportive of your child. It was fun to watch as the story unraveled, and we get a glimpse into the mothers’ thoughts and motivations through their POV chapters. The book is also told in parts and each one shines.
Thought provoking, captivating and entertaining!
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
It is college admissions time at EBA (Elliot Bay Academy) in Seattle. Applications have been submitted, fingers have been crossed and lines have been crossed. Everyone is upset when Stanford announces that they are only allotting one slot to the school to non-athletes, students and parents alike are scrambling.
Alicia is a tech giant who is determined that her daughter, Brooke is going to attend Stanford. Alicia went there and wants her daughter to get in so bad she can taste it. It consumes her. Her daughter, on the other hand is ambivalent and at best, an average student. Alicia is willing and ready to do what it takes for her daughter to attend Stanford.
Maren is Alicia's assistant and her daughter; Winnie is the top of her class. She is intelligent, articulate and wants to go to Stanford so bad that she can taste it. Things get sticky as Alicia is Maren's boss and has been paying Winnie's tuition to EBA and has promised to also pay her college tuition as well. Maren cannot afford the tuition and hopes Alicia keeps her promise of paying for Winnie's college education.
Kelly, a Stanford alum, has three children attending EBA and uses her influence with the PTA and insider knowledge to try to get her fragile daughter, Krissie, into Stanford. She wants her daughter to go to Stanford so bad that she can taste it. She is willing to do whatever it takes to make sure her daughter in the student from EBA who attends Stanford.
But with only one spot left, who will get in? Who will Stanford select? Will big buck donations help a student get admitted? Will underhanded actions be what it takes to get your child an acceptance letter? Will brains and hard work win Stanford over?
With just one slot available, who will come out on top?
Days before final applications are due, a student has a near fatal accident. But is it an accident? It does not appear to be. But who would do such a thing? Is it a coincidence? Is it related to the admission process?
Talk about a timely read with the college admissions bribery scandal in 2019 which involved celebrities and wealthy parents getting caught cheating, bribing and scheming to get their children into top universities. Jeepers, just what will parents do to see their children get ahead. Plus, what message are you sending your children? In this book, the antics of some parents are quite dastardly, produce eye rolls and are comical at times.
Who knew college admissions were so cutthroat! Every parent wants the best for their child, but what if your dreams for your child do not coincide with their wants and dreams? What if you wanted something so badly for them that you lose all sense of right and wrong? What if you do not care? What if you are willing to do ANYTHING to make things happen for your child?
This was a fun and gripping look at power, greed, privilege, losing sight of the important things, college admissions, and being supportive of your child. It was fun to watch as the story unraveled, and we get a glimpse into the mothers’ thoughts and motivations through their POV chapters. The book is also told in parts and each one shines.
Thought provoking, captivating and entertaining!
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 31, 2021
Wickedly paced and devilishly clever, Girls with Bright Futures is a serious case of moms behaving badly, perfectly showcasing the dark side of ambition in the cut-throat world of elite college admissions.
With a ripped-from-the-headlines feel a la Felicity Huffman, we get a deep look at the frantic lives of three moms, each willing to do just about anything to secure the future they want for their children. But when one of their daughters suffers a near-fatal accident just days before the application deadline, they have to decide what lines they are willing to cross.
Like Real Housewives meets Big Little Lies, you won't want to miss this wildly entertaining read. For those who enjoy mischief and mayhem in an urban, ultra-competitive private school setting, this smart and riveting debut is for you.
With a ripped-from-the-headlines feel a la Felicity Huffman, we get a deep look at the frantic lives of three moms, each willing to do just about anything to secure the future they want for their children. But when one of their daughters suffers a near-fatal accident just days before the application deadline, they have to decide what lines they are willing to cross.
Like Real Housewives meets Big Little Lies, you won't want to miss this wildly entertaining read. For those who enjoy mischief and mayhem in an urban, ultra-competitive private school setting, this smart and riveting debut is for you.
August 23, 2022
I’m drawn to books about the competitive academic world which sometimes includes cutthroat parents vying for their child’s future (and their own social circle bragging rights) — Girls With Bright Futures fits this bill.
Alicia, Kelly, and Marin have daughters, Brooke, Chrissy, and Winnie, who are seniors and each interested in applying for early admission at Stanford. Their elite school, Elliott Bay Academy, received word that Stanford will only accept one EBA student for early admission this year. How far will these three moms go to secure a spot for their daughter?
Most but not all of the characters in this book were easy to dislike given their lack of morals and the desperate, shameless lengths they’d go to in an effort to get what they want. Despite their bad behavior, this book had me hooked on the drama and I enjoyed listening to it on audio, narrated by Mia Barron.
If you read and liked The Gifted School or Admission, you’ll probably enjoy Girls With Bright Futures too, which I definitely preferred most out of these three academic fiction stories.
Alicia, Kelly, and Marin have daughters, Brooke, Chrissy, and Winnie, who are seniors and each interested in applying for early admission at Stanford. Their elite school, Elliott Bay Academy, received word that Stanford will only accept one EBA student for early admission this year. How far will these three moms go to secure a spot for their daughter?
Most but not all of the characters in this book were easy to dislike given their lack of morals and the desperate, shameless lengths they’d go to in an effort to get what they want. Despite their bad behavior, this book had me hooked on the drama and I enjoyed listening to it on audio, narrated by Mia Barron.
If you read and liked The Gifted School or Admission, you’ll probably enjoy Girls With Bright Futures too, which I definitely preferred most out of these three academic fiction stories.
October 12, 2021
Perfect read if your idea of a good time is constantly switching back and forth between which character you find most awful. I'm a fan of unlikeable characters when they are purposely written to be that way, and Tracy Dobmeier and Wendy Katzman have crafted some doozies here! The worst part is, I don't doubt there are parents out there like this. To think I was apoplectic after finding out my mother had called a potential job on my behalf as a teenager. These helicopter-mom extraordinaires would have scolded her for not having done enough.
Girls with Bright Futures follows three mothers who all are trying to secure the last admission spot to Stanford afforded to their prep school for their daughters. And they will do nearly anything to get it. We have one (Alicia) who is uber wealthy, one (Maren) who is the exact opposite and in fact works as personal assistant to Alicia, and one (Kelly) in the middle whose daughter cannot "take advantage of" either the wealth and connections or first generation college status of the other two. Through the eyes of Alicia and Maren, we also get a decent look at their daughters, who had very distinct and realistic personalities, despite them not being the focus. And I love that little bit of irony. They should be the focus. After all, this is all about their future, right? These women are supposedly doing everything they possibly can for their daughters, but how much of it actually is for their children, and how much is for the women themselves?
In addition to great characterization, one of the book's strong suits is the look at wealth and class disparities, mostly when shifting between the mothers' perspectives but also in smaller moments such as during one's visit to a police station and another's to a much less privileged area's school.
Less strong were some of the almost soap opera-level plot developments. I'm also really unsure how I feel about a section of the book that in my opinion requires a pretty heavy CW. . It's not that I don't think that is a very important topic to explore. I guess for me the usage just felt a little "off" here. And call me petty, but one of the updates in the epilogue infuriated me.
Also, did anyone else get really strong Gordon from Big Little Lies (HBO series, not book) vibes from Alicia's husband Bryan? Just me? That wasn't the only similarity, in fact there were many. It feels like this book was the byproduct of the authors binging Big Little Lies while the 2019 college scandal came out. Truly, if those two things had a (college-bound) baby, it would be this book.
I went back and forth quite a bit on my rating of this, particularly because I enjoyed the first half so much. In fact, I recommended it to a friend based on that, and then had to go back and give an update with content warnings and less effusive praise. I still did enjoy it and found the characters to be masterfully created so I'm keeping it at a 4, but really it's a 3.5 rounded up. I look forward to seeing what else these authors put out in the future!
Girls with Bright Futures follows three mothers who all are trying to secure the last admission spot to Stanford afforded to their prep school for their daughters. And they will do nearly anything to get it. We have one (Alicia) who is uber wealthy, one (Maren) who is the exact opposite and in fact works as personal assistant to Alicia, and one (Kelly) in the middle whose daughter cannot "take advantage of" either the wealth and connections or first generation college status of the other two. Through the eyes of Alicia and Maren, we also get a decent look at their daughters, who had very distinct and realistic personalities, despite them not being the focus. And I love that little bit of irony. They should be the focus. After all, this is all about their future, right? These women are supposedly doing everything they possibly can for their daughters, but how much of it actually is for their children, and how much is for the women themselves?
In addition to great characterization, one of the book's strong suits is the look at wealth and class disparities, mostly when shifting between the mothers' perspectives but also in smaller moments such as during one's visit to a police station and another's to a much less privileged area's school.
Less strong were some of the almost soap opera-level plot developments. I'm also really unsure how I feel about a section of the book that in my opinion requires a pretty heavy CW. . It's not that I don't think that is a very important topic to explore. I guess for me the usage just felt a little "off" here. And call me petty, but one of the updates in the epilogue infuriated me.
Also, did anyone else get really strong Gordon from Big Little Lies (HBO series, not book) vibes from Alicia's husband Bryan? Just me? That wasn't the only similarity, in fact there were many. It feels like this book was the byproduct of the authors binging Big Little Lies while the 2019 college scandal came out. Truly, if those two things had a (college-bound) baby, it would be this book.
I went back and forth quite a bit on my rating of this, particularly because I enjoyed the first half so much. In fact, I recommended it to a friend based on that, and then had to go back and give an update with content warnings and less effusive praise. I still did enjoy it and found the characters to be masterfully created so I'm keeping it at a 4, but really it's a 3.5 rounded up. I look forward to seeing what else these authors put out in the future!
February 24, 2021
4.5 stars.
Ah, Girls with Bright Futures is full of such delicious drama and deceit!
As a parent, you want what’s best for your child, and you certainly want to give them every advantage to help them succeed. But three mothers of students at the prestigious Elliott Bay Academy (EBA) take that idea to the extreme.
The Academy has always been able to help its most valuable students (read: wealthiest and those whose parents are the most powerful) get into the prestigious schools of their choice. Sometimes it's just influence, sometimes it's a little financial contribution here or there, but success is almost always achieved. But this year, when Stanford announces that it only has one more slot for an EBA student after the athletes it will accept, three mothers will have to fight for their daughters' futures.
For cutthroat tech CEO Alicia, there hasn’t been a problem her money and power haven’t solved for her, and she’s certainly not going to stop now. Who cares if her daughter doesn’t really want to go to Stanford? Kelly, who always believed the fact that she and her husband are both Stanford alums would be a hook for her daughter, tries to wield the insider information and power she’s gained as a school leader. Meanwhile Maren, Alicia's personal assistant, doesn’t have the money or the influence to compete in this battle, although she probably has the daughter most deserving of the slot.
When one of the girls gets seriously injured in an accident (or was it?), the stakes get exponentially higher. Secrets will be exposed and lies will be brought to light. Will anyone win?
Girls with Bright Futures was such a great and soapy read. I do love the whole adults behaving badly theme of this book. It’s frightening to think that some of this behavior actually does happen!
Tracy Dobmeier and Wendy Katzman have written a book you just might not be able to put down!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2020 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2020.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the last decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
Ah, Girls with Bright Futures is full of such delicious drama and deceit!
As a parent, you want what’s best for your child, and you certainly want to give them every advantage to help them succeed. But three mothers of students at the prestigious Elliott Bay Academy (EBA) take that idea to the extreme.
The Academy has always been able to help its most valuable students (read: wealthiest and those whose parents are the most powerful) get into the prestigious schools of their choice. Sometimes it's just influence, sometimes it's a little financial contribution here or there, but success is almost always achieved. But this year, when Stanford announces that it only has one more slot for an EBA student after the athletes it will accept, three mothers will have to fight for their daughters' futures.
For cutthroat tech CEO Alicia, there hasn’t been a problem her money and power haven’t solved for her, and she’s certainly not going to stop now. Who cares if her daughter doesn’t really want to go to Stanford? Kelly, who always believed the fact that she and her husband are both Stanford alums would be a hook for her daughter, tries to wield the insider information and power she’s gained as a school leader. Meanwhile Maren, Alicia's personal assistant, doesn’t have the money or the influence to compete in this battle, although she probably has the daughter most deserving of the slot.
When one of the girls gets seriously injured in an accident (or was it?), the stakes get exponentially higher. Secrets will be exposed and lies will be brought to light. Will anyone win?
Girls with Bright Futures was such a great and soapy read. I do love the whole adults behaving badly theme of this book. It’s frightening to think that some of this behavior actually does happen!
Tracy Dobmeier and Wendy Katzman have written a book you just might not be able to put down!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2020 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2020.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the last decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
February 9, 2021
It's college admissions season at Seattle's Elliot Bay Academy and things are about to get a "bit" extra...
Woah! The lengths some of these parents went to in order to get their children accepted into top-tier institutions was unreal. All the money being thrown around, the lies and deception. There wasn't a line they wouldn't cross.
I LOVED this book!! The storyline was just SO GOOD! 👏 Every mother dreams of a bright future for their children. This is the story of what happens when parents go too far. When they overlook their child's needs/desires and focus on their own. But it's also so much more than that ...
Did anyone else picture the parents on Dance Moms while reading this? Hahaha!!
Huge thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for my review copy! Grab your copy today!
Woah! The lengths some of these parents went to in order to get their children accepted into top-tier institutions was unreal. All the money being thrown around, the lies and deception. There wasn't a line they wouldn't cross.
I LOVED this book!! The storyline was just SO GOOD! 👏 Every mother dreams of a bright future for their children. This is the story of what happens when parents go too far. When they overlook their child's needs/desires and focus on their own. But it's also so much more than that ...
Did anyone else picture the parents on Dance Moms while reading this? Hahaha!!
Huge thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for my review copy! Grab your copy today!
September 9, 2021
If you are a parent with a school-going child, you would certainly have encountered "Mom-zillas", mothers who are overinvested in every aspect of their child's life. Girls With Bright Futures has some such interesting monster moms, that can entertain you and open your eyes to how obsessed people become over trivial matters.
We get to meet Maren (a single mother working multiple jobs) and her daughter Winnie (a class topper who dreams of going to Stanford), Alicia (ultra-wealthy president of a tech company, Stanford alumna, dreams of her daughter following her path to Stanford) and her daughter Brooke (doesn't want to go to Stanford and rebels against her mom's pressure), & Kelly (middle class stay at home mom, active in PTA and school activities, Stanford alumna) and her daughter Chrissie (pressures herself to such an extent to go to Stanford that she is suffering from depression.)
A couple of days before the Standard early admissions are supposed to close, one of the girls suffers a near-fatal accident, leading to a nightmarish game of finger-pointing and blackmail. In the process, many more secrets come tumbling out and the mothers soon need to decide to what extent they are willing to go to fulfill their or their children's dreams.
The book is narrated from the point of view of the three mothers. Alicia, Kelly and Maren depict three different types of moms, all of whom are very realistically shown. There are many other characters in the book who make a great impact even if they don't have as many pages dedicated to them.
The obsessiveness over getting into Ivy League colleges is shown to an extreme degree in the book, but from what I've read in the news, there are parents who are willing to do anything to get their children into the elite universities. The book makes a pointed social comment against this kind of craziness.
The audiobook is narrated by Mia Barron, and she does a fantastic job. Her reading is crystal clear, and she uses distinct voices for characters, which help you focus on the narration very easily. I'd love to hear more books narrated by her.
Overall, this was an entertaining and enlightening read. Recommended for those book lovers who look for a light yet thrilling break from intense books.
Thank you, NetGalley and RB Media, for the Advanced Audio Review Copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
Follow me on Instagram: RoshReviews
We get to meet Maren (a single mother working multiple jobs) and her daughter Winnie (a class topper who dreams of going to Stanford), Alicia (ultra-wealthy president of a tech company, Stanford alumna, dreams of her daughter following her path to Stanford) and her daughter Brooke (doesn't want to go to Stanford and rebels against her mom's pressure), & Kelly (middle class stay at home mom, active in PTA and school activities, Stanford alumna) and her daughter Chrissie (pressures herself to such an extent to go to Stanford that she is suffering from depression.)
A couple of days before the Standard early admissions are supposed to close, one of the girls suffers a near-fatal accident, leading to a nightmarish game of finger-pointing and blackmail. In the process, many more secrets come tumbling out and the mothers soon need to decide to what extent they are willing to go to fulfill their or their children's dreams.
The book is narrated from the point of view of the three mothers. Alicia, Kelly and Maren depict three different types of moms, all of whom are very realistically shown. There are many other characters in the book who make a great impact even if they don't have as many pages dedicated to them.
The obsessiveness over getting into Ivy League colleges is shown to an extreme degree in the book, but from what I've read in the news, there are parents who are willing to do anything to get their children into the elite universities. The book makes a pointed social comment against this kind of craziness.
The audiobook is narrated by Mia Barron, and she does a fantastic job. Her reading is crystal clear, and she uses distinct voices for characters, which help you focus on the narration very easily. I'd love to hear more books narrated by her.
Overall, this was an entertaining and enlightening read. Recommended for those book lovers who look for a light yet thrilling break from intense books.
Thank you, NetGalley and RB Media, for the Advanced Audio Review Copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
Follow me on Instagram: RoshReviews
February 23, 2021
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Girls with Bright Futures was an addicting book to dive into. Since I've read so many books and watched a ton of movies and shows with backstabbing parents/people - well, it's safe to say that I was all over the place with vibes. It wasn't hard to start thinking of other things once you get sucked into the story. Especially when you have three tiger moms (in a way) that will do whatever it takes to get their kids to follow their dreams.
The competition, twists, and all the turns kept me on the edge of my seat. Also, I wasn't expecting so many deep dark secrets to come out. Or to meet so many assholes and twatwaffles in this book either. There's one scene that really pisses me off too. I don't want to go into great detail because it would be a huge spoiler.. but just know that I was pissed .
Other than that, this book was pretty damn easy to devour. A lot is happening throughout the book and it might be a bit hard to keep track of it all. Just know that it will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. I do wish that I got more of something though - justice, karma, bloodshed. You name it - I wanted it.
Girls with Bright Futures was an addicting book to dive into. Since I've read so many books and watched a ton of movies and shows with backstabbing parents/people - well, it's safe to say that I was all over the place with vibes. It wasn't hard to start thinking of other things once you get sucked into the story. Especially when you have three tiger moms (in a way) that will do whatever it takes to get their kids to follow their dreams.
The competition, twists, and all the turns kept me on the edge of my seat. Also, I wasn't expecting so many deep dark secrets to come out. Or to meet so many assholes and twatwaffles in this book either. There's one scene that really pisses me off too. I don't want to go into great detail because it would be a huge spoiler.. but just know that I was pissed .
Other than that, this book was pretty damn easy to devour. A lot is happening throughout the book and it might be a bit hard to keep track of it all. Just know that it will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. I do wish that I got more of something though - justice, karma, bloodshed. You name it - I wanted it.
April 20, 2023
Think of "Big Little Lies" blended with "Desperate Housewives"... but make it about college admission scandals set in a top private high school in Seattle. All the characters have secrets and are self-centered. What you get is a highly entertaining and hilarious book, in an over the top kind of way. I love the fact that the authors are mothers who have "survived" college admissions process themselves.
When I finished reading though, I wondered if this borderline-psychotic obsession with getting to top-tier colleges is only prevalent in the US. Of course I've heard of the highly competitive college entrance exams in Japan, China, and other Asian countries that cause stress among the students, but not the "I'd do and give anything if my kid can go to my alma mater (or whatever top university)" parental attitudes. I just thought the whole thing is interesting.
When I finished reading though, I wondered if this borderline-psychotic obsession with getting to top-tier colleges is only prevalent in the US. Of course I've heard of the highly competitive college entrance exams in Japan, China, and other Asian countries that cause stress among the students, but not the "I'd do and give anything if my kid can go to my alma mater (or whatever top university)" parental attitudes. I just thought the whole thing is interesting.
February 5, 2021
"Girls with Bright Futures" is an "OMG!" impossible-to-put-down book about the college admissions process that earned top scores with this reader.
How far will mothers go to secure a coveted spot at a prestigious Ivy League university for their daughters? The answer will surprise you!
This compelling college admissions saga focuses on three families with daughters attending Elliot Bay Academy, an elite private college-preparatory school. All daughters are in the process of applying to college and qualify for an early-decision admission spot at Stanford. THE PROBLEM: There is only one Stanford spot available for Elliot Bay Acadamy students. THE SOLUTION: Since Rick Singer is not an option, what can a family do???
TRUE CONFESSION: I was hesitant to give this book a try. The authors were unknown and I had already "overdosed" on our country's most recent college admissions scandal. Also, how good can a book about three teens applying to college be??? After listening to a short audio clip of the book, however, I decided to give it a try and I am glad that I did because this book truly surpassed my wildest expectations.
This book was very fast-paced with strong character development and a great flow. I listened to the book's audio version (11 hours) and I was unable to stop listening and finished the book in two days. The narrator was superb. The book's beginning/middle was much stronger than the book's ending, but this book still easily earned its 5-stars.
It's difficult to believe that this is the first novel penned by this "author team", and I will definitely be looking forward to reading future titles by these talented authors.
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
How far will mothers go to secure a coveted spot at a prestigious Ivy League university for their daughters? The answer will surprise you!
This compelling college admissions saga focuses on three families with daughters attending Elliot Bay Academy, an elite private college-preparatory school. All daughters are in the process of applying to college and qualify for an early-decision admission spot at Stanford. THE PROBLEM: There is only one Stanford spot available for Elliot Bay Acadamy students. THE SOLUTION: Since Rick Singer is not an option, what can a family do???
TRUE CONFESSION: I was hesitant to give this book a try. The authors were unknown and I had already "overdosed" on our country's most recent college admissions scandal. Also, how good can a book about three teens applying to college be??? After listening to a short audio clip of the book, however, I decided to give it a try and I am glad that I did because this book truly surpassed my wildest expectations.
This book was very fast-paced with strong character development and a great flow. I listened to the book's audio version (11 hours) and I was unable to stop listening and finished the book in two days. The narrator was superb. The book's beginning/middle was much stronger than the book's ending, but this book still easily earned its 5-stars.
It's difficult to believe that this is the first novel penned by this "author team", and I will definitely be looking forward to reading future titles by these talented authors.
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 5, 2021
This book is like a Lifetime movie, with such cartoonish characters, poorly written dialogue and ridiculous plot lines that you keep plodding on with it, horrified and yet curious as to how much more stupid it can get.
April 5, 2021
Big Little Lies meets the College Admission Scandal in this timely, split-perspective thriller.
This book followed, primarily, three different mothers whose daughters attended the same school and were hopeful of also attending the same college, afterwards. The problem in their way was Stanford's limited acceptance. The solution was that doors could be opened with the contents of one's wallet.
Due to the multitude of perspectives, I found this a very intriguing insight to how differing individuals reacted to the barriers in their paths and also the wider implications these may have. College acceptance was portrayed here as heavily skewed towards the affluent members of societies, who had money to pave the way of their beloved offspring's success, despite their actual academic downfalls. Others had legacy to do the work for them, and each generation waltzed where they pleased with only the resource of a good last name to aid them. For those not so lucky as to be born with these privileges, hard-work and one's own merit had to be good enough. And, often, it was not.
This made for an absolutely infuriating read and I can only imagine how heart-wrenching it must feel for any individual who has faced these closed doors only to witness them open for another clearly less deserving. I thought the subject was broached with honesty but also sensitivity and included a cover of all angles.
Alongside this focus was another even more emotional in nature and it intertwined with the primary plot to deliver a raw and honest insight to modern America, with the struggles many families face when wealth and academic acumen have such a high importance placed upon them.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the authors, Tracy Dobmeier and Wendy Katzman, the narrator, Mia Barron, and the publisher, Recorded Books, for this opportunity.
This book followed, primarily, three different mothers whose daughters attended the same school and were hopeful of also attending the same college, afterwards. The problem in their way was Stanford's limited acceptance. The solution was that doors could be opened with the contents of one's wallet.
Due to the multitude of perspectives, I found this a very intriguing insight to how differing individuals reacted to the barriers in their paths and also the wider implications these may have. College acceptance was portrayed here as heavily skewed towards the affluent members of societies, who had money to pave the way of their beloved offspring's success, despite their actual academic downfalls. Others had legacy to do the work for them, and each generation waltzed where they pleased with only the resource of a good last name to aid them. For those not so lucky as to be born with these privileges, hard-work and one's own merit had to be good enough. And, often, it was not.
This made for an absolutely infuriating read and I can only imagine how heart-wrenching it must feel for any individual who has faced these closed doors only to witness them open for another clearly less deserving. I thought the subject was broached with honesty but also sensitivity and included a cover of all angles.
Alongside this focus was another even more emotional in nature and it intertwined with the primary plot to deliver a raw and honest insight to modern America, with the struggles many families face when wealth and academic acumen have such a high importance placed upon them.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the authors, Tracy Dobmeier and Wendy Katzman, the narrator, Mia Barron, and the publisher, Recorded Books, for this opportunity.
February 7, 2021
4.5 / 5 stars
Girls with Bright Futures is an intriguing and captivating book. It is part Women's Fiction and part mystery/suspense/thriller.
This book takes place in Seattle and is divided into 3 parts.
There is a prologue that takes place on October 29th, a few weeks before Part 1. The story goes back and forth between the time in the prologue and the present. Part 2 starts after October 29th and just moves forward in regular time.
There are 3 female POVs (3 mothers): Maren, Alicia and Kelly (3rd person POVs). Maren's daughter is Winnie. Alicia's daughter is Brooke. And Kelly's daughter is Krissie. All three of their daughters go to Elliot Bay Academy (a competitive private school in Seattle).
Alicia is one of the most powerful women in tech. She will do anything to get what she wants. Maren is her longtime personal assistant. Kelly does a ton of volunteer work at her kids' school.
All three girls want to go to Stanford. This book is basically about the lengths that they and especially their moms go to in pursuit of this dream.
The beginning was very strong and had me hooked right from the start. There is a very interesting mystery added to this story. And I enjoyed that aspect of the book. Besides the mystery there was another super intriguing part of the story (to do with DNA).
It was so interesting to see what some people were willing to do to get into the college of their choice. It definitely reminded me of the college admissions scandal with Lori Loughlin.
Overall, this was such a good read. The story was riveting and the epilogue was really great.
Thanks to SOURCEBOOKS Landmark, netgalley and edelweiss for allowing me to read this book.
Girls with Bright Futures is an intriguing and captivating book. It is part Women's Fiction and part mystery/suspense/thriller.
This book takes place in Seattle and is divided into 3 parts.
There is a prologue that takes place on October 29th, a few weeks before Part 1. The story goes back and forth between the time in the prologue and the present. Part 2 starts after October 29th and just moves forward in regular time.
There are 3 female POVs (3 mothers): Maren, Alicia and Kelly (3rd person POVs). Maren's daughter is Winnie. Alicia's daughter is Brooke. And Kelly's daughter is Krissie. All three of their daughters go to Elliot Bay Academy (a competitive private school in Seattle).
Alicia is one of the most powerful women in tech. She will do anything to get what she wants. Maren is her longtime personal assistant. Kelly does a ton of volunteer work at her kids' school.
All three girls want to go to Stanford. This book is basically about the lengths that they and especially their moms go to in pursuit of this dream.
The beginning was very strong and had me hooked right from the start. There is a very interesting mystery added to this story. And I enjoyed that aspect of the book. Besides the mystery there was another super intriguing part of the story (to do with DNA).
It was so interesting to see what some people were willing to do to get into the college of their choice. It definitely reminded me of the college admissions scandal with Lori Loughlin.
Overall, this was such a good read. The story was riveting and the epilogue was really great.
Thanks to SOURCEBOOKS Landmark, netgalley and edelweiss for allowing me to read this book.
May 4, 2021
4 Reality Or Fiction Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free-Quick, Only $1.99!!!
I know I will be dating myself AGAIN, but as a child and then mom, there was this song we sang:
There were the mothers that went all out to make sure their darling daughters were The Cheerleading Queens, one in 1991 even hiring a hitman in an effort to land her daughter a spot on the cheerleading squad. There even has been a recent event of a mom making deep fake videos to harass her daughter's cheerleading rivals.
But the shenanigans became more sophisticated, with goals for colleges and parents who were mistakenly thought above reproach or accountability due to their status and public popularity. Yes, I am talking about the real-life scandal of the College Admissions Fraud discovered with Lori Loughlin and her husband, Felicity Huffman, and a cast of highly influential and wealthy people arranging for bogus athletic scholarships or entry to top-notch institutions for their kids.
So as a preamble to reading this book, the idea of every parent wishing for the best for their child and the possibility of things getting out of control and into the cray-cray zone was an easy one to accept.
Tracy Dobmeir and Wendy Katzman took all the ways to frame the drive parents have and can go right or wrong and ran with it right into an engaging read.
Girls with Bright Futures
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * Spoiler Free-Quick, Only $1.99!!!
I know I will be dating myself AGAIN, but as a child and then mom, there was this song we sang:
Good morning to you...When I saw this title, that was one of the first things that came to mind. The other was how reality has given fiction so much to play with. I mean come on...
Good morning to you...
We are all in our places...
With bright shiny faces...
There were the mothers that went all out to make sure their darling daughters were The Cheerleading Queens, one in 1991 even hiring a hitman in an effort to land her daughter a spot on the cheerleading squad. There even has been a recent event of a mom making deep fake videos to harass her daughter's cheerleading rivals.
But the shenanigans became more sophisticated, with goals for colleges and parents who were mistakenly thought above reproach or accountability due to their status and public popularity. Yes, I am talking about the real-life scandal of the College Admissions Fraud discovered with Lori Loughlin and her husband, Felicity Huffman, and a cast of highly influential and wealthy people arranging for bogus athletic scholarships or entry to top-notch institutions for their kids.
So as a preamble to reading this book, the idea of every parent wishing for the best for their child and the possibility of things getting out of control and into the cray-cray zone was an easy one to accept.
Tracy Dobmeir and Wendy Katzman took all the ways to frame the drive parents have and can go right or wrong and ran with it right into an engaging read.
Girls with Bright Futures https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
April 22, 2021
This book was unbelievably stupid. Just really bad. The writing was also pretty terrible, I wonder if it was even touched by an editor.
December 23, 2020
***Thanks to NetGalley for providing me a complimentary copy of GIRLS WITH BRIGHT FUTURES by Tracy Dobmeier and Wendy Katzman in exchange for my honest review.***
Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.
If the moms in Big Little Lies had high school seniors, they would be GIRLS WITH BRIGHT FUTURES.
Stanford, the first choice university for three ambitious high school seniors, well, actually their mothers, is only offering one place to a student at the exclusive private school EBA. Although the least qualified, wealthy business mogul Alicia Stone believes her daughter Brooke deserves that spot and Alicia is willing to buy her way in. Scholarship student Winnie, first in her class has earned the spot, but her mom Maren discourages Winnie from applying for fear of upsetting her boss, Alicia. Kelly’s daughter Krissie doesn’t want Stanford as much as her mom withers with anxiety under the pressure. Then Winnie is almost killed in a hit and run, threatened to withdraw her Stanford application.
GIRLS WITH BRIGHT FUTURES needs to be an HBO miniseries. Though primarily a story from the moms’ points of view, I fell in love with Winnie and her fierce moral compass. Initially I didn’t like Maren, but her character was steeped in nuance by the end I was cheering out loud for her.
I don’t want to give too much away, except to say that GIRLD WITH BRIGHT FUTURES is a deeply satisfying story that I also hope to listen to on audiobook once it’s released.
Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.
If the moms in Big Little Lies had high school seniors, they would be GIRLS WITH BRIGHT FUTURES.
Stanford, the first choice university for three ambitious high school seniors, well, actually their mothers, is only offering one place to a student at the exclusive private school EBA. Although the least qualified, wealthy business mogul Alicia Stone believes her daughter Brooke deserves that spot and Alicia is willing to buy her way in. Scholarship student Winnie, first in her class has earned the spot, but her mom Maren discourages Winnie from applying for fear of upsetting her boss, Alicia. Kelly’s daughter Krissie doesn’t want Stanford as much as her mom withers with anxiety under the pressure. Then Winnie is almost killed in a hit and run, threatened to withdraw her Stanford application.
GIRLS WITH BRIGHT FUTURES needs to be an HBO miniseries. Though primarily a story from the moms’ points of view, I fell in love with Winnie and her fierce moral compass. Initially I didn’t like Maren, but her character was steeped in nuance by the end I was cheering out loud for her.
I don’t want to give too much away, except to say that GIRLD WITH BRIGHT FUTURES is a deeply satisfying story that I also hope to listen to on audiobook once it’s released.
March 4, 2021
Girls With Bright Futures by Tracy Dobmeier & Wendy Katzman is an adult mystery thriller novel set in Seattle. Three women. Three daughters. And a promise that they'll each get what they deserve.
Tech giant Alicia turns to her fortune and status to fight for her reluctant daughter's place at the top. Kelly, a Stanford alum, leverages her PTA influence and insider knowledge to bulldoze the path for her high-strung daughter.
Maren, Alicia and Winnie, three slots but only one can get to the top. Just when the admissions are due, a student has a fatal accident. well, was is just a coincidence or a conspiracy? The parents are at cutthroats with each other and will do anything to make their child reach the top.
I enjoyed reading this book. This was a fast paced book with a lot of thought provoking scenes and statements that makes the book more fun. The book has power, greed, privilege, and many more things. I liked the mother's point of view as well. The book was gripping and unputdownable once the story picks up.
_______
Thank You NetGalley and Publisher for sending me eARC in exchange for a honest opinion.
Tech giant Alicia turns to her fortune and status to fight for her reluctant daughter's place at the top. Kelly, a Stanford alum, leverages her PTA influence and insider knowledge to bulldoze the path for her high-strung daughter.
Maren, Alicia and Winnie, three slots but only one can get to the top. Just when the admissions are due, a student has a fatal accident. well, was is just a coincidence or a conspiracy? The parents are at cutthroats with each other and will do anything to make their child reach the top.
I enjoyed reading this book. This was a fast paced book with a lot of thought provoking scenes and statements that makes the book more fun. The book has power, greed, privilege, and many more things. I liked the mother's point of view as well. The book was gripping and unputdownable once the story picks up.
_______
Thank You NetGalley and Publisher for sending me eARC in exchange for a honest opinion.
June 10, 2023
I loved this so much!! Fast paced + twisty, and thought provoking with vivid characters. Probably my favorite book I’ve read so far this year. Parts of it reminded me a bit of Little Fires Everywhere. Definitely recommend!!
June 10, 2021
A timely novel in the wake of the current college admissions scandal that explores the extremes parents will take to ensure their child qualifies for a top tier university.
When informed by the school administrator there is only one spot available for early admission to Standford, the claws come out as to who's child will be awarded the coveted spot. Alicia, a rare female in the world of tech, will do almost anything to ensure her daughter's spot. Kelly, PTA queen and Standford alumni, uses her keen ability to garner gossip and inside information to push her daughter to the top. For Maren, a single mom who is overwhelmed by the other parents at the elite academy her daughter attends by the generosity of her employer paying her way, is uncertain if she can support her daughter's dream of attending Standford. Also there is a price for her daughter's benefactor's generosity. As tensions escalate, Maren's daughter is run over by a hit-and-run driver, that may or may not have been accidental. Who would go so far as to attempt to eliminate a top contender?
Suspenseful, funny and a great commentary on privilege and the growing trend of helicopter parenting.
When informed by the school administrator there is only one spot available for early admission to Standford, the claws come out as to who's child will be awarded the coveted spot. Alicia, a rare female in the world of tech, will do almost anything to ensure her daughter's spot. Kelly, PTA queen and Standford alumni, uses her keen ability to garner gossip and inside information to push her daughter to the top. For Maren, a single mom who is overwhelmed by the other parents at the elite academy her daughter attends by the generosity of her employer paying her way, is uncertain if she can support her daughter's dream of attending Standford. Also there is a price for her daughter's benefactor's generosity. As tensions escalate, Maren's daughter is run over by a hit-and-run driver, that may or may not have been accidental. Who would go so far as to attempt to eliminate a top contender?
Suspenseful, funny and a great commentary on privilege and the growing trend of helicopter parenting.
November 22, 2020
Girls with Bright Futures by Tracy Dobmeier and Wendy Katzman. Thanks to @netgalley and @sourcebooks for the e-Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It’s senior year at the elite school, Elliot Bay Academy in Seattle. While students prepare to submit their college applications, the parents begin schemes and scandals that rock the community.
I could not put this book down. Since I binge read all day, I usually alternate reading two books at once. I could not do that with this one, so I read it straight through. This is the exact type of drama I love to read about: wealthy, helicopter moms, with both their priorities and boundaries completely out of wack. It reminded me a bit of the Gifted School, but even more drama! It had hints of the recent college admission scandals that have been in the news. I found myself wondering if that was what inspired the authors! A main take away as a parent from this book.... if you care more about the college admission process than your child, you may want to rethink the plan!
Girls with Bright Futures comes out 2/2/21.
It’s senior year at the elite school, Elliot Bay Academy in Seattle. While students prepare to submit their college applications, the parents begin schemes and scandals that rock the community.
I could not put this book down. Since I binge read all day, I usually alternate reading two books at once. I could not do that with this one, so I read it straight through. This is the exact type of drama I love to read about: wealthy, helicopter moms, with both their priorities and boundaries completely out of wack. It reminded me a bit of the Gifted School, but even more drama! It had hints of the recent college admission scandals that have been in the news. I found myself wondering if that was what inspired the authors! A main take away as a parent from this book.... if you care more about the college admission process than your child, you may want to rethink the plan!
Girls with Bright Futures comes out 2/2/21.
February 5, 2021
This book resonated with me as a parent of teens whose college admission consumed us with GPAs, entrance exams, community hours, and of course dealing with the competition as admission decisions were being made. I found this book compulsively readable as within the story is a thriller where the competition becomes super high stakes when Stanford announced that only one student will be accepted. Written in the voice of three very different women where class and privilege divide is evident and visceral.
Starting from the thrilling epilogue, this book was addictive as the differing point of views deliver tight plotting in three parts, and perfectly paced story lines. I really loved this book!
Starting from the thrilling epilogue, this book was addictive as the differing point of views deliver tight plotting in three parts, and perfectly paced story lines. I really loved this book!
March 19, 2021
Hard to put down, but a heck of a downer. My tolerance for unlikable protagonists is pretty high, but this book pushed me to my limits. I don't regret reading it, especially because I believe it sheds light on a real problem that needs more awareness, but be prepared to get seriously sick of everyone by the time you reach the end. Dealing with that much over-the-top nastiness in one small package, well, it's a lot.
January 5, 2022
Well that was pretty crazy! Thank goodness things are not like this in Australian for college places.
February 8, 2021
Elliott Bay Academy is one of the top private schools in the Seattle area and the school prides itself on the fact that it's students get into top-tier colleges. When Stanford University lets the school leadership know that since they've already accepted several student athletes from EBA for the next year, that only one more student from EBA will be accepted at Standford. This sets off a fierce competitions between 3 senior girls and their moms. The narrative shifts between the 3 moms: Maren, Alicia and Kelly. Alicia is the CEO of a large tech company and is definitely cut throat. Her daughter is not so cut throat. Maren is a younger, single mom who works as Alicia's personal assistant. Her daughter is the top of her class and has dreamed of going to Stanford since she was young. Kelly is a Stanford alum, head of the PTA and a bit of a gossip. Her daughter is super anxioys about the whole deal.
The book starts out with Maren rushing to the ER after she learns that her daughter was injured in a hit & run accident. The story then flashes back to earlier in the school year when all this intense competition started. There's lots of backstabbing, sneaky maneuvers, rumor mills, people digging up secrets etc. The book reminded me of both Big Little Lies and The Gifted School. It also, for me, brought to mind the college admissions scandal that has been on the news that past couple of years. Oh, what lengths some parents will go to in order to get their kids into college!! It was one of those books that I had to work hard to put down. I split my time between the eBook and the audiobook and enjoyed it in both formats.
Thank you to the publisher for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review!
The book starts out with Maren rushing to the ER after she learns that her daughter was injured in a hit & run accident. The story then flashes back to earlier in the school year when all this intense competition started. There's lots of backstabbing, sneaky maneuvers, rumor mills, people digging up secrets etc. The book reminded me of both Big Little Lies and The Gifted School. It also, for me, brought to mind the college admissions scandal that has been on the news that past couple of years. Oh, what lengths some parents will go to in order to get their kids into college!! It was one of those books that I had to work hard to put down. I split my time between the eBook and the audiobook and enjoyed it in both formats.
Thank you to the publisher for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review!
March 4, 2021
Girls With Bright Futures by Tracy Dobmeier & Wendy Katzman is an adult mystery thriller novel set in Seattle. Three women. Three daughters. And a promise that they'll each get what they deserve.
Tech giant Alicia turns to her fortune and status to fight for her reluctant daughter's place at the top. Kelly, a Stanford alum, leverages her PTA influence and insider knowledge to bulldoze the path for her high-strung daughter.
Maren, Alicia and Winnie, three slots but only one can get to the top. Just when the admissions are due, a student has a fatal accident. well, was is just a coincidence or a conspiracy? The parents are at cutthroats with each other and will do anything to make their child reach the top.
I enjoyed reading this book. This was a fast paced book with a lot of thought provoking scenes and statements that makes the book more fun. The book has power, greed, privilege, and many more things. I liked the mother's point of view as well. The book was gripping and unputdownable once the story picks up.
_______
Thank You NetGalley and Publisher for sending me eARC in exchange for a honest opinion.
Tech giant Alicia turns to her fortune and status to fight for her reluctant daughter's place at the top. Kelly, a Stanford alum, leverages her PTA influence and insider knowledge to bulldoze the path for her high-strung daughter.
Maren, Alicia and Winnie, three slots but only one can get to the top. Just when the admissions are due, a student has a fatal accident. well, was is just a coincidence or a conspiracy? The parents are at cutthroats with each other and will do anything to make their child reach the top.
I enjoyed reading this book. This was a fast paced book with a lot of thought provoking scenes and statements that makes the book more fun. The book has power, greed, privilege, and many more things. I liked the mother's point of view as well. The book was gripping and unputdownable once the story picks up.
_______
Thank You NetGalley and Publisher for sending me eARC in exchange for a honest opinion.
March 30, 2023
Мне понравилось! Но возможно чуть переборщили с действиями, поменьше бы и было более правдоподобно.
September 22, 2024
hey, so this was actually insane! remind me never to join the PTA.
February 18, 2021
What happens when a highly coveted spot to Stanford is only accepting 1 more student from an extremely competitive private Seattle high school? Shenanigans and drama, of course!
Girls with Bright Futures takes place at the, fictitious, Elliott Bay Academy in Seattle, WA. The mom's at the school turn into something akin to The Real Housewives like The Real Tiger Moms of College Admissions, as each is trying their best to secure the best college spot for their daughter.
For our cast of tiger moms we have mega-famous tech CEO Alicia Stone who cannot be embarrassed by her daughter not getting into her school of choice despite her poor scores, not perfect grades and a serious case of apathy about the whole thing. Next up is Maren, Alicia's right hand woman who has worked for her for years and is not willing to do anything to jeopardize her job, including allowing her daughter to pursue her dreams. The third main player is Kelly, a stay at home mom who gave up her career to raise her children. Kelly and her husband are both alumni of Stanford so her daughters spot should have been a lock but with only one spot Kelly becomes obsessive about being a shining star and doing what it takes to get her daughter in.
I enjoyed the ride and the drama in this fast-paced read. It truly felt like I was reading some crazy storyline from a reality TV show highlighting powerful, rich families and the lengths they will go to for their kids. There was some mystery, suspense and intrigue to keep you flipping the pages to find out what would come around the next corner. I kept being amazed by the lengths some of the moms would go to, but I feel like this probably isn't too far from real life especially with the real life college admission scandal of recent memory.
CW: rape, childhood illness
Thank you to NetGalley and RB Media for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Girls with Bright Futures takes place at the, fictitious, Elliott Bay Academy in Seattle, WA. The mom's at the school turn into something akin to The Real Housewives like The Real Tiger Moms of College Admissions, as each is trying their best to secure the best college spot for their daughter.
For our cast of tiger moms we have mega-famous tech CEO Alicia Stone who cannot be embarrassed by her daughter not getting into her school of choice despite her poor scores, not perfect grades and a serious case of apathy about the whole thing. Next up is Maren, Alicia's right hand woman who has worked for her for years and is not willing to do anything to jeopardize her job, including allowing her daughter to pursue her dreams. The third main player is Kelly, a stay at home mom who gave up her career to raise her children. Kelly and her husband are both alumni of Stanford so her daughters spot should have been a lock but with only one spot Kelly becomes obsessive about being a shining star and doing what it takes to get her daughter in.
I enjoyed the ride and the drama in this fast-paced read. It truly felt like I was reading some crazy storyline from a reality TV show highlighting powerful, rich families and the lengths they will go to for their kids. There was some mystery, suspense and intrigue to keep you flipping the pages to find out what would come around the next corner. I kept being amazed by the lengths some of the moms would go to, but I feel like this probably isn't too far from real life especially with the real life college admission scandal of recent memory.
CW: rape, childhood illness
Thank you to NetGalley and RB Media for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
February 14, 2022
2.75 stars
Girls with Bright Futures was an okay book that just wasn't for me. I read it for my book club and it made for a good discussion (I was the only one who didn't really care for it). The behaviors of the entitled rich parents leaned too far into the appalling side for me to be entertained by it.
While there were bits of the story that kept me interested, I thought the plotting was all over the place and the characters were under-developed. It felt like the authors tried to bite off a little more than they could chew, and I didn't get much out of it. But again, I had the least favorable opinion in my club, so I think it just wasn't the right book for me.
Girls with Bright Futures was an okay book that just wasn't for me. I read it for my book club and it made for a good discussion (I was the only one who didn't really care for it). The behaviors of the entitled rich parents leaned too far into the appalling side for me to be entertained by it.
While there were bits of the story that kept me interested, I thought the plotting was all over the place and the characters were under-developed. It felt like the authors tried to bite off a little more than they could chew, and I didn't get much out of it. But again, I had the least favorable opinion in my club, so I think it just wasn't the right book for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,673 reviews