Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham's The Academy was so immersive and engaging that I hated to get to the last page. Reading it felt like enrolling in Tiffin Academy, getting to know the administration, faculty, and students, being there for the hopes and fears, the relationships, the shenanigans of the kids being kids, and the intrigues of the adults being very unprofessional. When I finished the book I sent a wish for a sequel.
So imagine how excited I was when The Thoroughbreds dropped. I ordered it by inter library loan. It took nearly two months for me to get my hands on it. It was well worth the wait.
It's the next year. Fall semester is just starting. The fifth formers (juniors) are now sixth formers, the class of '27, ready to rule the school. Two new members will really challenge the social status quo and cause all kinds of drama.
On the adult side there have been two losses. It seems that there are some behaviors too egregious for even Tiffin to ignore. The replacements are problematic in their own way.
Head of School Audre Robinson has not been attentive enough to the Financials. Seven million dollars has been lost due to bad investments. She's desperate to recoup the money before someone discovers her secret and clueless about how to accomplish it.
A football player messes up the team dynamics by coming out very publicly. Now they're on a losing streak because the team can't get it together.
An athlete's girlfriend learns that even one time without protection can lead to a pregnancy test crisis. Now she has a difficult decision to make.
A student, bitter about certain events, decides to do research and expose Tiffin's dirty secrets. Shall we say there are plenty to unearth.
And all that is just the tip of the iceberg. If you're in the market for an academia expose with a flawed but fabulous cast that you get to know intimately you can't do better.
As for me, I'm hoping for another sequel. Hilderbrand is a very prolific writer. The Academy and The Thoroughbreds are listed as the Academy Series. You'd better believe I'm watching for a third volume. And when it drops I'll let you know.
On a purrrsonal note, Halloween draws nearer and nearer. On and off campus people talk about who they're gonna be, how they're gonna celebrate. As for me, I have BIG plans. This afternoon I'm going to a mending club event to jazz up a Halloween costume. They have a huge stash and I can't wait to be creative. I already have my costume for this year. But I can always work on my drag and cosplaying wardrobe. Yesterday Orono Thrift Shop had all their Halloween stuff for free. I got so much good stuff. I'm especially jazzed about a red sequined flapper dress with matching headband that looks simply divine on me. Today I checked out Bangor Goodwill's Halloween costumes and found two more dresses that will sparkle in the spotlight. Totally me. BTW if you still need a costume Goodwill is a great place to look. Tomorrow on campus there are several events. And the big night I'll be with the Black Bear Mutual Aid Fund crew handing out candy at the Orono Trunk or Treat.
A great big shout out goes out to you with best wishes for a safe and happy Halloween. If your friends want to do something wrong or dangerous please have the self respect to say no.
Jules Hathaway
Sent from my Galaxy
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