How to Succeed in Witchcraft

YA fiction

"Each year,  T. K. Anderson Magical Magnet School brings together a class of highly motivated and magically talented students from Palm Beach County.  Students are selectively admitted based upon prior school record, magic level, and a rigorous admissions test."

     Aislinn Brophy's How to Succeed in Witchcraft transports readers to an alternate reality America.  It's a nation where magic is interwoven in its history.  Now most prestigious and well paying jobs involve a mastery of magic.  Classes like potions join algebra and history in the high school curriculum.  Sort of Harry Potter only more sciencey.

     But other than the magic and the American Dream being the American Magical Dream it's a nation we'd easily recognize.  Racism and sexism are very much alive and well.  Instead of the Ivy League you have the magical-licensing colleges which are the only way to achieve prestigious, well paying jobs.  Some students take several gap years after high school, repeatedly trying to test their way in before settling for a non licensing school or giving up on higher education altogether.  Some are even protesting by moving to agricultural communes.  

     "This form of social protest is meant to express their disillusionment with the promises of the American Magical Way and reject the culture of overwork that pushes American youth to struggle for years in a grueling education system, often with little economic benefit."

     Shay, Brophy's protagonist, sees her family struggle to survive despite the hard work of her highly educated parents.  She's determined to graduate from a magical-licensing college into the kind of career that will allow her to attain a better life for her family.  Buy her parents a nice home.  Every year her school, T. K. Anderson, chooses to award one student the Brockton Scholarship--a full ride to whatever licensing university they're accepted at.  She's determined to snag the one for her year.  She's one of the two top contenders.  But you know there are going to be complications.

     She's sure that Ana, the only rival with a chance to defeat her is her mortal enemy.  But her hate may not be reciprocated.  Maybe there's friendship potential.  Maybe more than friendship potential.  

     The head of the committee to choose the scholarship winner teaches drama at her school.  He convinces Shay that trying out for a school play (which she has absolutely no desire to be in) can boost her chances of getting the scholarship.  When she scores one of the leads he starts to give her much unwelcome attention.  He calls it mentoring.  She wonders if he's using his position to cross some lines that should never be crossed.

     This captivating narrative skillfully combines coming of age human drama, magic, and social consciousness.  I give this amazing debut two thumbs up.  I can't wait to read Brophy's next novel.

On a purrrsonal note, I have the agreement signed for my second internship.  I think it's going to be harder than my first.  I vacillate between I've got this and OH MY GAWD!!!  I have five days until the semester starts.  Other than a library trip tomorrow and a friend planning to treat me to Sweet Frog (frozen yogurt with all kinds of toppings) Friday I plan to binge read with Tobago cat.  (Jules)

Yesss!!!  Celebrate good times!!!  (Tobago)

A great big shout out goes out to the people offering to help me with this internship.

Tobago and Jules Hathaway 

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