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Langdon Prep #1
My Own Worst Frenemy
The Langdon Prep series for young adults features edgy characters with a multicultural twist, as 16-year-old Chanti Evans tries to balance prep school, boys, and solving mysteries.
With barely a foot in the door, fifteen-year-old Chanti gets on the bad side of school queen bee Lissa and snobbish Headmistress Smythe. They've made it their mission to take Chanti down and she needs to find out why, especially when stuff begins disappearing around campus, making her the most wanted girl in school, and not in a good way. But the last straw comes when she and her Langdon crush, the seriously hot Marco Ruiz, are set up to take the heat for a series of home burglaries--and worse. . . .
With barely a foot in the door, fifteen-year-old Chanti gets on the bad side of school queen bee Lissa and snobbish Headmistress Smythe. They've made it their mission to take Chanti down and she needs to find out why, especially when stuff begins disappearing around campus, making her the most wanted girl in school, and not in a good way. But the last straw comes when she and her Langdon crush, the seriously hot Marco Ruiz, are set up to take the heat for a series of home burglaries--and worse. . . .
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
December 11, 2012
First of all, let me rave about THE COVER!
Dear Out of Touch New York Publishing,
I know you guys are probably living in some Mad Men-esque type universe (and you probably voted for Romney), but this country and the entire world has grown increasingly multicultural. There is a huge demographic of young readers who tired of seeing white kids on the covers of books and as the heroes/heroines of stories. They want to see themselves and their diverse lives reflected in a positive way and if you're too stupid (or too racist) to feed that need, there are a lot of other publishers willing to do it and take their money.
This cover is eye-catching, right on and will grab that demographic you're going to need in order to stay competitive. Not to mention, it is a reminder that even prep schools are integrated. Look, there's even a full-figured teen (who I think is really cute) and an Asian girl and the world didn't self-destruct. Oh there's even an interracial romance element since young people don't have those same hangups you guys in New York seem to. It's time for you guys to join the rest of the 21st century.
I wouldn't sully this book by likening it to the Pretty Little Liars series. Whereas I can't see anything like PLL ever happening in real life (especially how lily-white it is), the issues Chanti and her friends deal with in school and out if it are relatable though the author isn't (thankfully) preachy. I would say this is more like a prep school version of Nancy Drew and while some of the conflicts are solely in the teen-drama catagory, it's also engaging and positive. Add to that an interracial romance aspect and it worked. Of course this is only the first book of a series so some of the characters weren't fully fleshed out. I loved the relationship between spunky heroine Chanti Evans and her mom Lana (who's an undercover vice cop). Normally I shy away from most black teen books because they're so formulaic and don't take into account the diversity amonsgst black teens. Granted Chanti comes from working-class origins and doesn't live the glamorous life, but she's still the kind of heroine that I enjoy reading about.
From day one the bookish and self-aware Chanti finds herself at Langdon, a snobby prep school and instantly on the wrong side of Headmistress Smythe and head mean girl Lissa. Along with Chanti, two other scholarship students--Bethanie (a girl with secrets of her own) and Marco (Chanti's crush), are being blamed for a rash of thefts around the school. Chanti uses all her skills, a gift from her cop mom (and lots of Law and Order) to find out who's setting them up only to find out that she and Marco are being set up for something even worse.
This was a quick but enjoyable read and I look forward to the next book in the series. Unless author Kimberly Reid (another reason for me to like this book. Is it just me or are my two favorite YA books written by authors who share either my first or last names just different spellings) commits some kind of fail, I will be keeping her on my insta-buy list.
Dear Out of Touch New York Publishing,
I know you guys are probably living in some Mad Men-esque type universe (and you probably voted for Romney), but this country and the entire world has grown increasingly multicultural. There is a huge demographic of young readers who tired of seeing white kids on the covers of books and as the heroes/heroines of stories. They want to see themselves and their diverse lives reflected in a positive way and if you're too stupid (or too racist) to feed that need, there are a lot of other publishers willing to do it and take their money.
This cover is eye-catching, right on and will grab that demographic you're going to need in order to stay competitive. Not to mention, it is a reminder that even prep schools are integrated. Look, there's even a full-figured teen (who I think is really cute) and an Asian girl and the world didn't self-destruct. Oh there's even an interracial romance element since young people don't have those same hangups you guys in New York seem to. It's time for you guys to join the rest of the 21st century.
I wouldn't sully this book by likening it to the Pretty Little Liars series. Whereas I can't see anything like PLL ever happening in real life (especially how lily-white it is), the issues Chanti and her friends deal with in school and out if it are relatable though the author isn't (thankfully) preachy. I would say this is more like a prep school version of Nancy Drew and while some of the conflicts are solely in the teen-drama catagory, it's also engaging and positive. Add to that an interracial romance aspect and it worked. Of course this is only the first book of a series so some of the characters weren't fully fleshed out. I loved the relationship between spunky heroine Chanti Evans and her mom Lana (who's an undercover vice cop). Normally I shy away from most black teen books because they're so formulaic and don't take into account the diversity amonsgst black teens. Granted Chanti comes from working-class origins and doesn't live the glamorous life, but she's still the kind of heroine that I enjoy reading about.
From day one the bookish and self-aware Chanti finds herself at Langdon, a snobby prep school and instantly on the wrong side of Headmistress Smythe and head mean girl Lissa. Along with Chanti, two other scholarship students--Bethanie (a girl with secrets of her own) and Marco (Chanti's crush), are being blamed for a rash of thefts around the school. Chanti uses all her skills, a gift from her cop mom (and lots of Law and Order) to find out who's setting them up only to find out that she and Marco are being set up for something even worse.
This was a quick but enjoyable read and I look forward to the next book in the series. Unless author Kimberly Reid (another reason for me to like this book. Is it just me or are my two favorite YA books written by authors who share either my first or last names just different spellings) commits some kind of fail, I will be keeping her on my insta-buy list.
January 12, 2023
Chanti is from the hood, so when she is forced to transfer to Langdon Prep, a school for rich people, she doesn't know why. As Chanti starts her first few weeks at Langdon, things start to disappear. The students at Langdon Prep believe Chanti is the one taking all of these items. She has to prove her innocence and figure out the real thief before things get out of hand.
I liked this book. I recently found out how much I like mysteries after reading One of Us is Lying. I started reading this, not expecting it to be good at all. It exceeded my expectations. My favorite character was Tasha. Even though she wasn't featured a lot, I still liked how she was portrayed as a great friend who helped Chanti even when she was being a bi-atch. My least favorite character was Bethany. She was a backstabbing little *beep*. She was so annoying and all like, I wanna hang out with these evil people so I can get somewhere good in life. I love the irony. I am getting the next book.
I liked this book. I recently found out how much I like mysteries after reading One of Us is Lying. I started reading this, not expecting it to be good at all. It exceeded my expectations. My favorite character was Tasha. Even though she wasn't featured a lot, I still liked how she was portrayed as a great friend who helped Chanti even when she was being a bi-atch. My least favorite character was Bethany. She was a backstabbing little *beep*. She was so annoying and all like, I wanna hang out with these evil people so I can get somewhere good in life. I love the irony. I am getting the next book.
September 28, 2011
Own Worst Frenemy
My Own Worst Frenemy by Kimberly Reid (Chanti on the Case #1) ARC
Dafina KTeen/Kensington Publishing Corp
Release Date: Today!
Rating: 4/5
IQ "But as soon as I see him sitting on the library steps waiting for me, I turn to lava, hot for him but without form. I have no resolve; everything in me turns soft." Chanti pg. 265
I chose the above sentence for the Incredible Quote because I thought it was a good example of the author taking tired old lines to describe feelings and creating new similes. The lava comparison made me pause for a second whereas if it been something like "weak at the knees" or "turned into jello" I wouldn't have given it a second glance.
Fifteen-year old Chanti (short for Chantal) has already managed to gain the disdain of her new principal, Headmistress Smythe and the 'queen bee' Lissa at her new school, Langdon Prep. Langdon is filled with mostly rich students, except for Chanti and the super-cute Marco Ruiz. Chanti and Marco attend Langdon on scholarship and everyone knows it and looks down on them because of that fact. They are also easy targets and as things begin disappearing around the school, it becomes clear that someone is setting up Chanti and Marco. The final straw is pulled when Chanti and Marco are blamed for home burglaries. Chanti's mother is an undercover cop so she can help her daughter clear her name a little but she also can't risk blowing her cover. Marco is willing to help Chanti figure out who the burglar is and possibly even to catch him/her.
Chanti is funny but it's not all silly humor, early on in the book she is talking about how to pronounce her name, "And please pronounce my name right-Shawnty, not Shanty like the towns where poor people live in a Steinbeck book" (pg. 2). At first I thought this line was an obvious trick to show how uniquely smart Chanti was for her neighborhood (where most of the kids didn't give two hoots about school) but she doesn't utter many of those lines and when she does, it doesn't seem obnoxious. In fact, it seems like a plausible line for someone with enough confidence to say. Chanti also reminded me of my younger sister in a good way. My sister utters ridiculous statements all the time and Chanti inadvertently does too such as when she's trying to silently tell other girls to back off Marco, "I'm at the back of the line working up the nerve to give her the evil eye that says 'he's mine, and you'd be wise to back up.' Some women can do that. Lana could. MJ could. But they're both scary and scary won't work for me. I could probably do crazy. Just as I'm about to get my crazy look going, Lissa looks down at the notes she's about to bore us with. Smythe looks up at me then, and I'm pretty sure she thinks I'm crazy.
'Is there anything wrong Chantal?'
'No, um..it's just that I don't have a pen.'" (pg. 24). Chanti describing herself trying to get her crazy look going made me laugh out loud for some reason. Probably because it's something I or one of my friends or my sister would say. I also really appreciated the fact that Chanti didn't over-use random slang nor did she talk completely proper. Like many Black students I know, she knew when to speak properly and when she could relax a bit and that transition is something not all authors grasp but it's an important distinction I think.
The mystery was excellent. I admit I was skeptical since Chanti was fifteen (and I do wish she was older because that might make it a little more realistic) and so she had to work her way around the driving issue and that didn't always work out plausibly. And I didn't like the fact that the book is mostly about Chanti, her mother and Marco. More character development is needed, I especially found it hard to believe that EVERYONE at Langdon refused to befriend Chanti. The mystery element kept me guessing and there were enough twists thrown in to keep me guessing but not enough to completely confuse me. I do wish Chanti's mother hadn't been a police detective because while I don't read many mysteries I feel as though that's a classic cliche (a la Nancy Drew), detective-whose-parents-are-cops-or-lawyers. That being said I really liked the fact that Chanti used authentic cop tips, she didn't go off and do crazy things. Since her mother was a cop, she makes a point of distinguishing between how cops act on TV and how they can act in real life. Sometimes I need a reminder that cops on TV are not 99% authentic! There's a good number of suspects and it's easy to follow along with Chanti as she eliminates them. The romance is light, in fact, there isn't really any romance which I liked because the way the book ended concerning Chanti's relationship with Marco made a lot of sense (bonus: bicultural romance!) for high school underclassmen.
My Own Worst Frenemy is a fine example of books we need more of in books for youth. An intelligent main character who doesn't take herself too seriously who happens to be Black and who uses common sense to solve a mystery that isn't completely random and unrealistic (i.e. a teenager solving a murder). Chanti is a fun protagonist and she could easily have been one of my best friends. I was pleasantly surprised at issues of class that were more in depth than I thought they would be concerning not just the students at Langdon but also the faculty and janitorial staff. There are some definite holes; the conclusion was rushed, more character development is needed, at times the author seemed to be stretching to make characters appear as suspects/remove them from the suspect list and personally I wish Chanti was older but overall it was a strong debut and I certainly intend on reading further about Chanti's escapades (particularly to find out the backstory of Bethanie. I'm dying to know more about her!).
Disclosure: Received from author. Thank you so very much!
My Own Worst Frenemy by Kimberly Reid (Chanti on the Case #1) ARC
Dafina KTeen/Kensington Publishing Corp
Release Date: Today!
Rating: 4/5
IQ "But as soon as I see him sitting on the library steps waiting for me, I turn to lava, hot for him but without form. I have no resolve; everything in me turns soft." Chanti pg. 265
I chose the above sentence for the Incredible Quote because I thought it was a good example of the author taking tired old lines to describe feelings and creating new similes. The lava comparison made me pause for a second whereas if it been something like "weak at the knees" or "turned into jello" I wouldn't have given it a second glance.
Fifteen-year old Chanti (short for Chantal) has already managed to gain the disdain of her new principal, Headmistress Smythe and the 'queen bee' Lissa at her new school, Langdon Prep. Langdon is filled with mostly rich students, except for Chanti and the super-cute Marco Ruiz. Chanti and Marco attend Langdon on scholarship and everyone knows it and looks down on them because of that fact. They are also easy targets and as things begin disappearing around the school, it becomes clear that someone is setting up Chanti and Marco. The final straw is pulled when Chanti and Marco are blamed for home burglaries. Chanti's mother is an undercover cop so she can help her daughter clear her name a little but she also can't risk blowing her cover. Marco is willing to help Chanti figure out who the burglar is and possibly even to catch him/her.
Chanti is funny but it's not all silly humor, early on in the book she is talking about how to pronounce her name, "And please pronounce my name right-Shawnty, not Shanty like the towns where poor people live in a Steinbeck book" (pg. 2). At first I thought this line was an obvious trick to show how uniquely smart Chanti was for her neighborhood (where most of the kids didn't give two hoots about school) but she doesn't utter many of those lines and when she does, it doesn't seem obnoxious. In fact, it seems like a plausible line for someone with enough confidence to say. Chanti also reminded me of my younger sister in a good way. My sister utters ridiculous statements all the time and Chanti inadvertently does too such as when she's trying to silently tell other girls to back off Marco, "I'm at the back of the line working up the nerve to give her the evil eye that says 'he's mine, and you'd be wise to back up.' Some women can do that. Lana could. MJ could. But they're both scary and scary won't work for me. I could probably do crazy. Just as I'm about to get my crazy look going, Lissa looks down at the notes she's about to bore us with. Smythe looks up at me then, and I'm pretty sure she thinks I'm crazy.
'Is there anything wrong Chantal?'
'No, um..it's just that I don't have a pen.'" (pg. 24). Chanti describing herself trying to get her crazy look going made me laugh out loud for some reason. Probably because it's something I or one of my friends or my sister would say. I also really appreciated the fact that Chanti didn't over-use random slang nor did she talk completely proper. Like many Black students I know, she knew when to speak properly and when she could relax a bit and that transition is something not all authors grasp but it's an important distinction I think.
The mystery was excellent. I admit I was skeptical since Chanti was fifteen (and I do wish she was older because that might make it a little more realistic) and so she had to work her way around the driving issue and that didn't always work out plausibly. And I didn't like the fact that the book is mostly about Chanti, her mother and Marco. More character development is needed, I especially found it hard to believe that EVERYONE at Langdon refused to befriend Chanti. The mystery element kept me guessing and there were enough twists thrown in to keep me guessing but not enough to completely confuse me. I do wish Chanti's mother hadn't been a police detective because while I don't read many mysteries I feel as though that's a classic cliche (a la Nancy Drew), detective-whose-parents-are-cops-or-lawyers. That being said I really liked the fact that Chanti used authentic cop tips, she didn't go off and do crazy things. Since her mother was a cop, she makes a point of distinguishing between how cops act on TV and how they can act in real life. Sometimes I need a reminder that cops on TV are not 99% authentic! There's a good number of suspects and it's easy to follow along with Chanti as she eliminates them. The romance is light, in fact, there isn't really any romance which I liked because the way the book ended concerning Chanti's relationship with Marco made a lot of sense (bonus: bicultural romance!) for high school underclassmen.
My Own Worst Frenemy is a fine example of books we need more of in books for youth. An intelligent main character who doesn't take herself too seriously who happens to be Black and who uses common sense to solve a mystery that isn't completely random and unrealistic (i.e. a teenager solving a murder). Chanti is a fun protagonist and she could easily have been one of my best friends. I was pleasantly surprised at issues of class that were more in depth than I thought they would be concerning not just the students at Langdon but also the faculty and janitorial staff. There are some definite holes; the conclusion was rushed, more character development is needed, at times the author seemed to be stretching to make characters appear as suspects/remove them from the suspect list and personally I wish Chanti was older but overall it was a strong debut and I certainly intend on reading further about Chanti's escapades (particularly to find out the backstory of Bethanie. I'm dying to know more about her!).
Disclosure: Received from author. Thank you so very much!
February 9, 2012
Reviewed By~Molly
Review Copy Provided By~Publisher
Review: If you have a mystery loving, puzzle solving, friend-loving book-a-holic teen in your life, then this is the book for them. This is the first book in a new series from a highly talented lady. Kimberly Reid's character, Chanti Evans, is compared to that of Nancy Drew's character. Well, I would agree, but I think that Chanti's character is so much more complex than that of Nancy's character. Reid created Chanti's character with believable issues and a plot line that will blow the mind of the readers, young and old, alike.
Chanti is the new girl in school....one that isn't welcomed warmly. Things happen, the adventure begins, and she and the hot guy on campus get blamed for something they didn't do. But, will Marco and Chanti be able to put their heads together, search for the clues to prove their innocence and pin the fingers on the true culprit? Or is Chanti doomed to forever have the frenemies out to get her?
I totally loved reading this book, believe it or not. It's filled with lots of mystery twists and turns, lots of humor, and lots of great new characters that will warm your heart and make themselves at home. This being the first in a series, I'm happy to say that I am hooked on Ms. Reid's work and will be adding this Langdon Prep series to my most wanted wish list. A definite 5 in my book and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Quote: There's a loud bang and Michelle jumps out of her chair and ducks behind the glider swing, ripping the newly glued track right off her head because Tasha is still holding it.
“What is your problem?” Tasha asks.
“I thought I heard a gunshot.”
“I know this isn't the farm, but it's not that bad,Michelle,” I say. “Mr. Harrison is trying to get his lawnmower started. It always sounds like that.”
Review Copy Provided By~Publisher
Review: If you have a mystery loving, puzzle solving, friend-loving book-a-holic teen in your life, then this is the book for them. This is the first book in a new series from a highly talented lady. Kimberly Reid's character, Chanti Evans, is compared to that of Nancy Drew's character. Well, I would agree, but I think that Chanti's character is so much more complex than that of Nancy's character. Reid created Chanti's character with believable issues and a plot line that will blow the mind of the readers, young and old, alike.
Chanti is the new girl in school....one that isn't welcomed warmly. Things happen, the adventure begins, and she and the hot guy on campus get blamed for something they didn't do. But, will Marco and Chanti be able to put their heads together, search for the clues to prove their innocence and pin the fingers on the true culprit? Or is Chanti doomed to forever have the frenemies out to get her?
I totally loved reading this book, believe it or not. It's filled with lots of mystery twists and turns, lots of humor, and lots of great new characters that will warm your heart and make themselves at home. This being the first in a series, I'm happy to say that I am hooked on Ms. Reid's work and will be adding this Langdon Prep series to my most wanted wish list. A definite 5 in my book and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Quote: There's a loud bang and Michelle jumps out of her chair and ducks behind the glider swing, ripping the newly glued track right off her head because Tasha is still holding it.
“What is your problem?” Tasha asks.
“I thought I heard a gunshot.”
“I know this isn't the farm, but it's not that bad,Michelle,” I say. “Mr. Harrison is trying to get his lawnmower started. It always sounds like that.”
December 27, 2011
I like these types of books. A good book of keeping your friends close and your enemies closer. What can I say that made me love this book? The plot. I love me a good book with a great plot. The plot in this book really took off from page one. A trouble teen getting shipped off to a new school? A teen with a mom who identity we must keep secret? And the frenemy we love to hate but we can't get enough of.
I loved the flow of the book. The feeling that the reader gets when immersed of a world of money than what our main character Chanti is used too. Chanti grew up on the lower side of town and it is good to see Chanti point of view. I like that Chanti had to team up with her frenemy to clear her name. I snickered with the sarcastic comments and risking things.
The plot line of the book is simply yet it works. Prejudice against the new girl, thinking she is the one stealing things. I loved the tension in the book between the characters. And the love interest, woohoo! Marco is an amazing guy. I loved how he flirted with Chanti and even helped her. He put himself out there to prove himself to her and he didn't do such a bad job.
This is great book of mystery, change and cat fights. Mean girls galore! But it made the book much more fun to read. This is a great series with loads of potential for some major drama I am craving.
I loved the flow of the book. The feeling that the reader gets when immersed of a world of money than what our main character Chanti is used too. Chanti grew up on the lower side of town and it is good to see Chanti point of view. I like that Chanti had to team up with her frenemy to clear her name. I snickered with the sarcastic comments and risking things.
The plot line of the book is simply yet it works. Prejudice against the new girl, thinking she is the one stealing things. I loved the tension in the book between the characters. And the love interest, woohoo! Marco is an amazing guy. I loved how he flirted with Chanti and even helped her. He put himself out there to prove himself to her and he didn't do such a bad job.
This is great book of mystery, change and cat fights. Mean girls galore! But it made the book much more fun to read. This is a great series with loads of potential for some major drama I am craving.
Want to read
September 27, 2012I added this because prep schools seem to have forgotten that many of them are integrated too. And it's a mystery. What's not to like?
July 20, 2023
Fun to read mystery with diverse characters. Engaging, fun, but predictable.
This young African-American author shows promise.
This young African-American author shows promise.
December 14, 2011
I liked this book. Chanti has quite a chip on her shoulder, but it's what I would expect. Her mom's a vice cop and she can't tell anyone. She lives on a street that is almost the bad part of town but not quite. She seems to have lost her best friend and a new friend over the summer. Her mom watches her like a hawk because of her job and cares who Chanti hangs out with and that is the reason that Chanti has ended up at Langdon Prep. And at Langdon Prep it seems that the Headmistress has it out for her as well. The only good thing in Chanti's life is fellow scholarship student Marco.
Chanti was smart but still the typical teenager. She seems to have learned a lot from her mom. I like that her mom is involved in her life even if they have to keep what her mom does secret because of the nature of being a vice cop. I was intrigued by the mystery elements of the book and even though they really didn't pick up until half way through the book, the first half was still great with setting up the characters and learning the background. I never felt bogged down like you sometimes do in first books in a series. Ms. Reid was able to keep the book flowing from the information and getting-to-know the character stage to the trying to solve the mystery stage very well.
As I mentioned before Chanti still manages to be a typical teenager, she is caught up in liking Marco and it clouds her judgement. Also picking friends clouds her judgment. She doesn't always make the right decisions and sometimes there are consequences. I also like that the pieces didn't fall into perfect place for her. It did take some work and some effort and some help from others. She drew from what she learned from her mom and help from others. I'm not saying the mystery element was perfect, but it was a lot of fun for me. There aren't a lot of contemporary non-paranormal mystery young adult books out there so I think this definitely fills a niche. I look forward to future installments as well to get to know Chanti and the others from Langdon Prep more.
If you like character-driven mysteries then this is a great book for you. I'm a sucker for private school novels, especially where someone less fortunate (poor) gets to go there. I always pull for them. My first exposure to this was Kate Brian's Private series. While My Own Worst Frenemy is very different from that series, I see myself sticking with the Langdon Prep series as long as it goes on because it has a story I am interested in along with characters that intrigue me. I enjoyed Ms. Reid's writing and look forward to the second installment, Creeping With the Enemy in May of 2012.
Chanti was smart but still the typical teenager. She seems to have learned a lot from her mom. I like that her mom is involved in her life even if they have to keep what her mom does secret because of the nature of being a vice cop. I was intrigued by the mystery elements of the book and even though they really didn't pick up until half way through the book, the first half was still great with setting up the characters and learning the background. I never felt bogged down like you sometimes do in first books in a series. Ms. Reid was able to keep the book flowing from the information and getting-to-know the character stage to the trying to solve the mystery stage very well.
As I mentioned before Chanti still manages to be a typical teenager, she is caught up in liking Marco and it clouds her judgement. Also picking friends clouds her judgment. She doesn't always make the right decisions and sometimes there are consequences. I also like that the pieces didn't fall into perfect place for her. It did take some work and some effort and some help from others. She drew from what she learned from her mom and help from others. I'm not saying the mystery element was perfect, but it was a lot of fun for me. There aren't a lot of contemporary non-paranormal mystery young adult books out there so I think this definitely fills a niche. I look forward to future installments as well to get to know Chanti and the others from Langdon Prep more.
If you like character-driven mysteries then this is a great book for you. I'm a sucker for private school novels, especially where someone less fortunate (poor) gets to go there. I always pull for them. My first exposure to this was Kate Brian's Private series. While My Own Worst Frenemy is very different from that series, I see myself sticking with the Langdon Prep series as long as it goes on because it has a story I am interested in along with characters that intrigue me. I enjoyed Ms. Reid's writing and look forward to the second installment, Creeping With the Enemy in May of 2012.
December 22, 2011
It wasn't Chanti's idea to become a scholarship student at Langdon, an exclusive private school. In fact, Chanti would have much rather gone to North with all of her friends, but after a bit of trouble over the summer her mother is insistent that she attend Langdon. It doesn't even take a full day for Chanti's dire predictions about Langdon to come true. Before the end of the day she has already made enemies of the headmistress and the most popular girl at Langdon. Just when she thinks things can't get worse, she is accused of stealing from students, and if that isn't bad enough she and fellow scholarship student Marco are both arrested for a series of home burglaries. Chanti knows she and Marco didn't do it, now she just has to prove it before she is sent to jail or worse.
Chanti is a likable and compelling character. It takes you a while before you get her whole story, but that doesn't stop you from liking her from the very beginning. She is smart, sassy, and extremely observant. You can't help but like her.
Bethanie, who is supposed to be a scholarship student too, but unexplainably has an enormous stash of cash. Bethanie was probably the most interesting of the supporting character, and you really want to know what is up with this girl and her family.
Marco is a sweet guy, who Chanti is obviously crushing on. While he is our leading man, there is a lot we don't know about his family.
The other characters are less well developed, and some of them are downright stereotypical. The rich mean girl, the mean head mistress, even the drugged up rich kid all make an appearance in the novel. Not that this is a bad thing, the familiar stereotypes will help readers fall in to this novel.
The mystery is well done, and definitely keeps you on your toes, and Reid does a superb job describing her characters and their environments. You could see Chanti's neighborhood and believe that it was a real place. The writing is wonderful.
Overall this is a great work of urban fiction that will undoubtedly appeal to mystery fans. I definitely have some teens I can't wait to recommend this book to.
Cautions for sensitive readers: Violence and reference to drug use.
August 2, 2012
Chanti Evans is not looking forward to starting school in the fall. While all of her friends will be together at North High, she’ll be stuck at Langdon Prep—a private school for the insanely rich—as one of three scholarship students. Chanti’s used to flying under the radar and keeping secrets. Her mother, Lana, is a vice cop, and in a neighborhood where cops are considered only one step above cockroaches, it’s safer to keep her mother’s real occupation under wraps. When a rash of thefts hit Langdon Prep, the new kids catch the blame. Chanti didn’t do it, and she knows the other two scholarship students didn’t either. Then the thefts get bigger and Chanti figures the only way to prove her innocence is to find the real thief herself.
Chanti is a likable and compelling character. Like Nancy Drew for the next generation, she is smart, smooth, and sassy, a sleuth with style and snap. She has a great sense of humor and enough flaws and doubts to keep her relatable. I couldn’t help but like her.
The other characters aren’t quite as well developed. Some of them are even a bit stereotypical, from the rich mean girl and snobby headmistress to the drug-addled jock. Also, the frequent flashbacks threw me off.
Still, this was a fun little mystery, well paced and full of surprises. Reid does a superb job describing the environment, and Chanti’s smart and sassy voice will keep me coming back for more.
Favorite Line/Image: I keep it to myself because that’s one of the things I do well, hold on to other people’s business. You never know when you might need it.
Information is negotiable, like currency.
Bottom Line: This clever mystery with a biting look at class and privilege is a breath of fresh air and a great work of urban fiction that will undoubtedly appeal to mystery fans.
Chanti is a likable and compelling character. Like Nancy Drew for the next generation, she is smart, smooth, and sassy, a sleuth with style and snap. She has a great sense of humor and enough flaws and doubts to keep her relatable. I couldn’t help but like her.
The other characters aren’t quite as well developed. Some of them are even a bit stereotypical, from the rich mean girl and snobby headmistress to the drug-addled jock. Also, the frequent flashbacks threw me off.
Still, this was a fun little mystery, well paced and full of surprises. Reid does a superb job describing the environment, and Chanti’s smart and sassy voice will keep me coming back for more.
Favorite Line/Image: I keep it to myself because that’s one of the things I do well, hold on to other people’s business. You never know when you might need it.
Information is negotiable, like currency.
Bottom Line: This clever mystery with a biting look at class and privilege is a breath of fresh air and a great work of urban fiction that will undoubtedly appeal to mystery fans.
May 4, 2017
Chanti is your average teenage girl from the hood who has gotten herself in to trouble because of the people she chooses to surround herself with. While her friends would rather be at parties, she would much rather be at home reading a book. Chanti’s mom is an undercover cop who moves Chanti to a new private school hoping things will change for the better. From the moment Chanti arrives at school, she is seen as an outsider due to the fact that she is a scholarship student and not wealthy. She quickly bonds with the two other scholarship students; a cute boy named Marco and Bethanie, a girl who’s past seems to be a huge mystery. After things start disappearing around campus and around town, Chanti quickly dives into teenage detective mode in order to catch the thief before she’s arrested.
In order for me to thoroughly enjoy a book, it needs to bring some sort of emotion to the surface. Unfortunately, this book did not bring any type of feelings out other than curiosity. It does hold the attention of the reader because while Chanti is being framed for crimes she did not commit, she spends a majority of her time trying to find out who the culprit is while bringing the reader along for the ride. When this book finally hits the climax, it is resolved quickly and unemotionally. There is also some gang activity and I felt that it wasn’t built up enough feel threatening to the characters involved. There was very little character development so I was never really able to get a feel for who they were, physically or emotionally. That being said, I do believe the overall plot was a good idea, I just would have liked to see a little more depth and development to the story.
via http://thereadiacs.com
In order for me to thoroughly enjoy a book, it needs to bring some sort of emotion to the surface. Unfortunately, this book did not bring any type of feelings out other than curiosity. It does hold the attention of the reader because while Chanti is being framed for crimes she did not commit, she spends a majority of her time trying to find out who the culprit is while bringing the reader along for the ride. When this book finally hits the climax, it is resolved quickly and unemotionally. There is also some gang activity and I felt that it wasn’t built up enough feel threatening to the characters involved. There was very little character development so I was never really able to get a feel for who they were, physically or emotionally. That being said, I do believe the overall plot was a good idea, I just would have liked to see a little more depth and development to the story.
via http://thereadiacs.com
October 9, 2019
This is a much better novel than the title and cover may lead you to believe. Instead of being another story about high school cliques and regular teenage issues, it's a clever detective story.
Chantal (Chanti) is transferred to a new school on scholarship, thanks to her vice cop mother. The kids at this school are rich, as their parents seem to have more money than they could possibly know what to do with, and some of her classmates are terribly spoiled. Two other students came to Langdon Prep with Chanti on scholarship, Bethanie and Marco. Both are interesting characters.
The thing about Kimberly Reid's writing is that she's given everyone a backstory. Everyone has a reason for being the way they are, sometimes in responding the way they do or making certain decisions. The motivations of side characters are made clear (with time), especially because Chanti is such a great detective. After all, she's learned to be observant from her mother.
All the characters in this novel have a secret, and as Chanti gets to know them one by one, some of those secrets are revealed. Reid did a lot with these characters, making them fleshed out and realistic.
The best part of this novel? It's part of a series. The next book is expected to be out later this year.
Chantal (Chanti) is transferred to a new school on scholarship, thanks to her vice cop mother. The kids at this school are rich, as their parents seem to have more money than they could possibly know what to do with, and some of her classmates are terribly spoiled. Two other students came to Langdon Prep with Chanti on scholarship, Bethanie and Marco. Both are interesting characters.
The thing about Kimberly Reid's writing is that she's given everyone a backstory. Everyone has a reason for being the way they are, sometimes in responding the way they do or making certain decisions. The motivations of side characters are made clear (with time), especially because Chanti is such a great detective. After all, she's learned to be observant from her mother.
All the characters in this novel have a secret, and as Chanti gets to know them one by one, some of those secrets are revealed. Reid did a lot with these characters, making them fleshed out and realistic.
The best part of this novel? It's part of a series. The next book is expected to be out later this year.
September 26, 2011
I love mysteries and My Own Worst Frenemy brings the goods. At the heart of it all, though, there is something bigger going on behind the mystery. It all has to do with society and how different classes of people treat each other. It’s not pretty.
Langdon Prep is an expensive, private school. Most of the students at Langdon come from wealthy families. There are a few students, however, who attend because they have earned scholarships. Two of these students are Chanti and Marco. Can you guess where this is going?
The book’s summary told me that the rich kids were out to get Chanti, simply because her family did not have a lot of money. What surprised me though was what lengths they went to and just how mean spirited it all was. I know this sort of thing goes on, but does it really go on to this degree? It was so frustrating to read about. It really bothered me. Class and money mean nothing. Nothing!
What I did like was the way the mystery unfolded. I had it mostly figured out before the final reveal, but it was fun to get there. I also liked the friendship between Chanti and Marco. There was a sweet kindness in their friendship. They GOT each other and there was an endearing manner in how Marco made it his mission to help Chanti.
March 21, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. Chanti is sent to Langdon Prep from the hood on a scholarship. There are two other kids on scholarship at the school. Chanti is accused of stealing and some of the other kids at the school make her life miserable because she's from the wrong side of the city. All three scholarship kids have something that they are hiding. I enjoyed the subtle love story between Chanti and Marco. It was there but in the background. Chanti really is a Nancy Drew from the hood. She solves the case of who is stealing things from the students at Langdon Prep as well as who set her and Marco up for the house burglaries. Chanti being the daughter of an undercover cop really helps her. It was interesting to see the point of view of a girl from the wrong side of the tracks who has to hide her life both in her neighborhood and at her new school. Being an undercover cops daughter has to be a secret from her friends in the neighborhood.
received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads Giveaways.
received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads Giveaways.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2012
This is not as teeny-bopper as the title would lead you to believe. This is scheduled to be a series - a teenage detective series, which I can honestly say, this is the first in that genre that I have read.
It is about a girl from the poor neighborhoods of Denver attending a private school, out of her element, not able to fit it and ostracized for her supposed connection to some burglaries. The main character's mother is an undercover detective and she has learned a lot from her mother, mostly involving being aware of surroundings, details, etc. She sets out to clear her name, win the boy and keep her old friends while making new ones.
I loved the setting - Denver - I am so tired of books set in NY, etc. I liked the main character a lot, she was very self aware. I guess I just thought the plot was a little far fetched, it isn't often teenagers are framing other teenagers for felonies.
Still a good read!
It is about a girl from the poor neighborhoods of Denver attending a private school, out of her element, not able to fit it and ostracized for her supposed connection to some burglaries. The main character's mother is an undercover detective and she has learned a lot from her mother, mostly involving being aware of surroundings, details, etc. She sets out to clear her name, win the boy and keep her old friends while making new ones.
I loved the setting - Denver - I am so tired of books set in NY, etc. I liked the main character a lot, she was very self aware. I guess I just thought the plot was a little far fetched, it isn't often teenagers are framing other teenagers for felonies.
Still a good read!
April 8, 2012
I was pleasantly surprised by Kimberly Reid's "My Own Worst Frenemy." Unlike most YA high school prep novels, "Frenemy" featured likable characters and an intriguing, if not too complicated, mystery. I liked how Reid incorporated comments on racism and classism without ever falling into the trap of becoming either preachy or glorifying one lifestyle over the other, but rather acknowledging that everybody's got problems and that no one person is better than another. While some characters (the environmentalist science teacher, for example) were a little over the top, the majority were believable both as real people and as high school students. I'm not usually a fan of this genre, but "Frenemy" is definitely the exception and I'd recommend both to fans of high school prep novels as well as those who usually shy away. I received my copy of "My Own Worst Frenemy" for free via goodreads firstreads.
December 4, 2014
I won this in a Goodreads giveaway.
Chanti (pronounced Shawnty) is the daughter of a vice cop who doesn't want her daughter going to the newly merged high school on the outskirts of Denver. She pulls some strings, calls in some favors, and next thing Chanti knows, she's on scholarship with two other juniors at Langdon Prep. One scholarship kid, Marco, becomes Chanti's new crush; the other, Bethanie, tries to fit in with the clone crowd, headed by the Queen B Lissa Mitchell.
After Chanti and Marco get jobs at Lissa's father's company, thefts begin to occur both at school and in town. Are Lissa and her brother Justin involved; is it a teacher; or does it go beyond that?
I felt like this was Bluford High meets Nancy Drew (even though I never read the latter) at an upper class prep school. This was such a great read with a new perspective into the legal system.
(My reread in 2014 was just as good)
Chanti (pronounced Shawnty) is the daughter of a vice cop who doesn't want her daughter going to the newly merged high school on the outskirts of Denver. She pulls some strings, calls in some favors, and next thing Chanti knows, she's on scholarship with two other juniors at Langdon Prep. One scholarship kid, Marco, becomes Chanti's new crush; the other, Bethanie, tries to fit in with the clone crowd, headed by the Queen B Lissa Mitchell.
After Chanti and Marco get jobs at Lissa's father's company, thefts begin to occur both at school and in town. Are Lissa and her brother Justin involved; is it a teacher; or does it go beyond that?
I felt like this was Bluford High meets Nancy Drew (even though I never read the latter) at an upper class prep school. This was such a great read with a new perspective into the legal system.
(My reread in 2014 was just as good)
June 30, 2013
I got this a while ago on Amazon for free, and I hadn't gotten around to reading it because I wasn't sure if I would actually enjoy it. However, I was pleasantly surprised!
There were a few (and I mean maybe 3 or 4, not many) typing errors, but they weren't too noticeable, so I didn't find them to be a problem.
The storyline was enjoyable, and I liked the teen-detective twist. I do think it's a bit ridiculous that all of this happened to Chanti within 3 weeks of starting her new school, but I think it sends a good message about not judging someone by their apparent (or real) wealth. Just because she was a scholarship kid, doesn't mean she should have been treated in such a manner.
I don't think I'll splurge to buy the other books in this series, the first one was enough for me to be happy and move on to other series that I've been waiting to read... But if Amazon's Kindle Store ever has the next two for free, I wouldn't hesitate to download them! :)
There were a few (and I mean maybe 3 or 4, not many) typing errors, but they weren't too noticeable, so I didn't find them to be a problem.
The storyline was enjoyable, and I liked the teen-detective twist. I do think it's a bit ridiculous that all of this happened to Chanti within 3 weeks of starting her new school, but I think it sends a good message about not judging someone by their apparent (or real) wealth. Just because she was a scholarship kid, doesn't mean she should have been treated in such a manner.
I don't think I'll splurge to buy the other books in this series, the first one was enough for me to be happy and move on to other series that I've been waiting to read... But if Amazon's Kindle Store ever has the next two for free, I wouldn't hesitate to download them! :)
January 20, 2016
The idea of prep school and/or boarding school has been super popular for quite a while. There is an appeal to reading about a familiar situation like school that involves something with a little more freedom (implied by the money needed for a prep or boarding school)
This book combines the drama of school (they just don't like me!) with mystery (of the 'girl detective' variety) and a dash of romance. Recipe for success!
The prep/boarding school books that have been out and popular have been fairly homogeneous. This book reflects a far more realistic view of the world through its multi-cultural cast of characters on top of the fact that is very well written and executed. There were no false leads, but even though I guessed right as far as the bad guys, i wasn't *certain* that I was right. So it was still a satisfactory surprise in some ways.
The characters are solid and non-stereotypical. REALLY looking forward to getting the next one in this series!
This book combines the drama of school (they just don't like me!) with mystery (of the 'girl detective' variety) and a dash of romance. Recipe for success!
The prep/boarding school books that have been out and popular have been fairly homogeneous. This book reflects a far more realistic view of the world through its multi-cultural cast of characters on top of the fact that is very well written and executed. There were no false leads, but even though I guessed right as far as the bad guys, i wasn't *certain* that I was right. So it was still a satisfactory surprise in some ways.
The characters are solid and non-stereotypical. REALLY looking forward to getting the next one in this series!
January 6, 2014
First of all let me tell the cover is this book is just awesome. Now on to the book, I loved it! Chanti is the next Nancy Drew, actually Nancy Drew turn in the spotlight is over. I loved how determined Chanti was despite the stereotyping of everyone around her. And I was surprised at the who was actually the culprits-Justin, Lissa ansld crazy Donnell. I mean Lissa did everything she could in her power to get Chanti and Marco in trouble, which she temporarily did.
I am still curious about Bethanie, she is way too shady for me. The car, the money, the shadiness, this does not add up. I loved Marco, he is such a cutie pie. I really hope he and Chanti get together in the next book. Overall, I give this book a 4 out of 5.
I am still curious about Bethanie, she is way too shady for me. The car, the money, the shadiness, this does not add up. I loved Marco, he is such a cutie pie. I really hope he and Chanti get together in the next book. Overall, I give this book a 4 out of 5.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2012
I really loved this book! Based on the cover I thought it would be a little flakey but it's actually a really sharp and smartly-written novel. Chanti is a character I could really get behind. I loved the fake-out with the mystery, it was a nice twist. I have to admit I'm slow with the uptake in mystery novels so everything was a big surprise for me. I liked how smart and witty Chanti was. I also liked that the "mean girls" also included other characters who were POCs. The world of the prep school was sharply created. When I was reading the book I just felt excited to be in this story and I really enjoyed myself. I definitely recommend it!
March 8, 2012
This book was won as a part of the Goodreads Firstreads program. I liked this book. It was cute, current, and easy to read. I myself am 35 year-old mother of three, but I think my 17 year-old daughter will love it! It wasn't too hard to figure out "who done it," but I don't think this book needed to be. I enjoyed reading it immensely even though it is a younger version of the genre I normally read. I think teens will appreciate the fact that it is up-to-date as far as trends and brands, and they will like the characters as well. I would recommend this book.
March 29, 2012
This was pretty good. I especially liked that so many of the descriptions of characters were understated - it makes it pretty obvious that this is a book heavily populated with multicultural characters. The story itself was well-plotted, and though I was sure about some revelations, quite a few twists caught me by surprise. Also, the romance had some serious sizzle. I haven't decided whether or not I'll pick up the next book, but I probably will - Reid is an author who knows exactly how many questions to answer and how many to leave open (and which ones to leave open).
April 23, 2012
I reviewed this for SLJ and put that it was okay, but a little unbelievable. The main character's mom is an undercover police officer who gets her out of her ghetto high school into a prestigious private school, only to realize that crime exists there too. It is a little more tame than Boys in the Hood, but I would put it on the same level only from the girl perspective. For the list it was okay, but not great.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2012
I loved this book. I thought that it was one of the better YA books that I have read. I'm really looking forward to reading the next book in the series; Creeping with the Enemy. I love Chanti's character. I love that she doesn't stoop to the level of the other girls in the school just so that she can be popular. I like that she is following in her moms footsteps, yet has to keep that a secret. Chanti is so smart, and I love that she's a real mystery solver.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2013
Just finished reading it and have to say it was well written.
I love mystery books and what got me hooked was the fact that she was investigating the thefts and having the right theories rather than finding out the truth when its already too late!What i also really enjoyed was that everyone had secrets irregardless of them being related to main mystery or not and that not all secrets are reveled at the end.
Cant wait to read the second book as i know its also centered around mysteries.
I love mystery books and what got me hooked was the fact that she was investigating the thefts and having the right theories rather than finding out the truth when its already too late!What i also really enjoyed was that everyone had secrets irregardless of them being related to main mystery or not and that not all secrets are reveled at the end.
Cant wait to read the second book as i know its also centered around mysteries.
December 29, 2014
My Own Worst Frenemy came to me as a set of all three books in this series. I loved the adventures of Chanti and her friends so much I could hardly wait to finish one book to start the next. I finished all three books in about 4 to 5 days. I now intend to pass them to my teenaged granddaughters.
I highly recommend these books for the enjoyment of everyone from early teens and older.
I received these books free from Goodreads First Reads.
I highly recommend these books for the enjoyment of everyone from early teens and older.
I received these books free from Goodreads First Reads.
October 12, 2011
Surprisingly this book turned out to be a mystery. I am not very into mysteries, but this one was okay. Not really a challenging read but it was fun. A low income girl goes into a very upity private school just as things turn up missing. Everything points to her, but she figures out how to deal on her own and play detective.
December 4, 2011
This was fun read, with a wise-cracking heroine who just can't keep herself out of trouble. It's a good thing she is clever enough to get herself back out of it! It's a fast read, with lots of mystery and a little bit of romance tossed in for good measure.
Full review soon at www.mangamaniaccafe.com
Full review soon at www.mangamaniaccafe.com
December 10, 2011
There's definitely appeal on this story. But it wasn't for me. I didn't care about the characters nor the mystery, and I blame it on the story set up and execution. The back story isn't distinguished from the present and the plot becomes so bogged down because of this I can't keep track of nor care about the characters.
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