Class Mothers

by Katherine Stewart

When her daughter wins a coveted scholarship to the prestigious Metropolitan preschool, Laura thinks she's struck the educational jackpot. Metropolitan is harder to get into than Harvard! She soon finds herself rubbing elbows with some of New York's top moms-wealthy socialites, sultry film stars, and driven business tycoons. These women have it all-and they want more. Now, Laura must secure Anna's future among New York's top-drawer toddlers. Even if it means jumping into the sandbox with some highly competitive mommies and daddies who do not play well with others

Genres: Fiction, Chick Lit, Contemporary

249 pages, Paperback

First published June 27, 2006

Reviews

[Kressel Housman · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading two serious, non-fiction books about finance, I was in the mood for something light, fictional, and funny. I was not looking for the inside story of a bunch of upper class, over-spending New York mothers as a follow-up to The Millionaire Next Door, but the book turned out to be exactly that. Some GR reviewers called it "unrealistic" and "exaggerated." Well, so what? That's the whole fun!

This a satire, probably best appreciated by mothers. I'd go so far as to call it Austenesque in that it's a parody of the upper class told from the point of view of the "scholarship mother." She's like Catherine Morland surrounded by a bunch of Caroline Bingleys, except instead of hubby-hunting, everyone is over-parenting her pre-schooler because the best pre-school leads to the best elementary school which ultimately leads to the Ivy League. There's even a mystery driving the plot: who killed the class hamster? While the mothers are bad-mouthing and back-stabbing each other to find the guilty party (and exonerate their own darling offspring, of course) you get some good insights into character. Not everyone turns out to be so hateful, and the real culprit is definitely a surprise. I had a great time, and I'm sure many other mothers will, too, especially if you live in New York. Enjoy!

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Laura's daughter Anna has received a scholarship to the prestigious Metropolitan preschool (this is New York City, so getting your kid into the right preschool is crucial; it could determine the outcome of the rest of his/her life!). But Laura doesn't really fit in with the other moms. Everyone else is richer, thinner, snobbier than she is and she's always left feeling vaguely less-than. She's managed to make a few friends and is volunteering to bPublish Poste one of the coordinators of the school fundraising auction, but the drama starts when one of four students kills the class hamster. Which student? No one knows, but accusations start flying and whatever the answer is, it has the potential to ruin the child's academic career.

Laura and the other mothers turn on each other, gossiping, backstabbing, breaking and entering, in order to determine which child has the most problems and is most capable of killing a small animal (remember, these are three and four year olds here), and in their searching, long-held secrets are revealed, along with diabolical plots and devious schemes. When the school auction does take place, let's just say that the Feds are involved.

I just couldn't connect with this. The characters were so one-dimensional. Laura's friends were all snobby, backstabbing bitches; Laura herself had almost no personality other than feeling inferior and self-conscious. I didn't get much of a feeling at all that she loved her daughter, more that she was just irritated by her and felt pressed to constantly keep up with all the other Metropolitan parents. I was hoping for something fun and chick-litty, but this just seemed outlandish, far-fetched, and overdone.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know this kind of snobby society is out there and it makes me glad I was never involved in it!!! The book is about a snobby preschool that people will do anything to get into - lie, cheat, bride whatever it takes. But what these oh so class consious moms don't know is they are being taken, big time.

[Fafani Weinzierl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun and easy read. I love getting lost in the lives of the rich and spoiled and being reassured that I am quite happy where I am at...somewhere in the middle class! It kind of reminded me of The Nanny Diaries as you get a "behind the scenes" peek at New York's wealthiest. It is told from the point of view of a mommy on the outside of the money and social status.

[Sydnee · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was entertaining, but a little over-the-top and unbelievable for me. I know the characters in books like these aren't supposed to be incredibly deep, but in the very best examples of this genre, they usually are believable at some level. Not here. Too nice and neat an ending, too.

[Ashley FL · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a silly little book that I read in just a couple of hours. But it is fun, and the unbelievability of it all made it a nice diversion on a day that required a little diversion! There are many others of the genre that are better written, and better plotted, but this one was a lot of fun.

[Charity · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story about the competitive nature of New York City private schools. Good overall.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was alright. all about a super snooty nyc preschool and all the lies, deceptions, and frauds going on behind the scenes.

i also read it when i was sick, which is maybe why i didn't love it.

[Debdanz · Rating 3 out of 5]

"most uncommon degree of popularity" revisited except starting at a preschool level. gack.

[Christina · Rating 2 out of 5]

A fun, easy read for those times I just want something light that requires no thought.

[Akire · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book doesnt get interesting until the near end. I can see Hollywood making a movie of this!

[Jennifer Failla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cutesy book about women with everything, judging others, keeping secrets. Quick read.

[Tracy]

Did not like this one.

[Dana Sheehan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun, quick read. A bit unrealistic, but that's ok.

[Cat Gray · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book

[Erica · Rating 1 out of 5]

I finished this only because I try to finish every book I start.

Boring

[Jodi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not like