Admission

Nope --Not Quite On Target

This was a book I expected would be interesting and perhaps enlightening -- I teach high school. Alas, it was neither. The plot bordered on the absurd and the characters -- well, perhaps a few hours with Jodi Picoult would allow the author to be more realistic next time. It was a chore to force myself to finish the book and I honestly couldn't recommend it to anyone for a "great read".

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

I don't regret reading it, but...

The peek into the process of admissions is interesting, and I understand why it's explained in detail as a function of characterization and plot.

The Quest crew are all interesting, as is the main character's mother. My complaint with the book is that I often felt as though something big was about to happen, and only twice was my inkling rewarded.

The love scenes were handled beautifully, and the story got into my head and wouldn't leave.

The ending could have sewn things up a bit more satisfactorily.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Really enjoyed....

It was an enjoyable story

TOO MUCH MONEY

Why is the ebook so much more than the regular book. Barnes and Noble and Amazon both have the paper books for mich cheaper! Annoying!

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Robust character development- highly recommend!

I loved this book and recommend it to anyone who enjoys complex characters and a thoroughly engaging story line. I couldn't put it down!

Awesome Book!

I loved this book, it literally took me only a week and a half to read! I'm a college student bound for law school, so the insight to college admission was extremely eye-opening. The over-all story was interesting and kept my attention, if I didn't have a life I would have read it in one sitting! It was a bit overly detailed in some parts, but if you can suffer through the TMI! sections, it really is a good read!

great read

an insight into the college admission world and a poignant look at one womans story

wonderful all the way

so true to life it's amazing

Great Read

This is actually a love story about a Princeton's Admission officer and her past secret that she has to face.

Did the ending bother anyone else? Spoilers!

If you haven't read this book and would like the ending to be a surprise, please stop reading!


This book had potential, and it was enjoyable in parts. The insight in to college admissions was really neat, and I loved the idea of taking snippets of college essays to start off a chapter. However, the book was ruined with, "Oh, I found the son I gave up at some rural school out East. Isn't that nice?" This bothered me beyond words. I was hoping and praying that this was a metaphor, that what she saw in this boy was what she gave up, and what could have potentially been her life with him. But no. It was her child. I usually pass books on to my mother to read after I'm done, but I would not wish to inflict such pain on her. It ruined what could have been a book I recommended to friends and family.

A Should Read for High Schoolers and Their Parents

I loved this novel. The plot was decent and the insight it offers about the admissions process and policies were very helpful. As the parent of a high school junior who has just gone to six junior open houses in the past five weeks, I found the author's perspective very enlightening. I am trying to persuade my daughter to read it - as if she would take my advice!

This is an interesting glimpse at the admissions process at an elite Ivy League school

As she nears forty, Portia Nathan is pleased with how well opening the diversity doors to Princeton University as its admissions officer has occurred. She wishes her personal life was anywhere near as good as she and her mom are at best estranged with one another; she conceals something critical from her spouse professor David, and her lover the English Department Chair left her to move in with his pregnant girlfriend.

On a recruiting trip in New England, Portia meets John, a teacher at the ultra-alternative Quest School. They fall into lust while she also likes what she sees of the students especially Jeremiah, whom she hopes to bring to Princeton. John stuns her when he says they met years ago when he attended Dartmouth, a period she prefers to forget as she was single and pregnant with a decision to make.

This is an interesting glimpse at the admissions process at an elite Ivy League school. The story line is totally driven by the only fully developed character Portia with everyone else playing a stereotypical role in support of her; enabling the audience to see deeply into what makes her tick. Although her asides on admissions, relationships, and assorted sundry turn at times to loquacious, fans will enjoy the discerning look at the admissions merchant of Princeton.

Harriet Klausner

kim's review

I loved this book. As a high school guidance counselor, I appreciated the insight to the ivy league admission process, but more than that, I enjoyed Portia's dry, subtle wit and perspective. i thought it was a great read. I look forward to reading another book from this smart, disciplined author.

In the college search realm? You might recognize your profile!

This book is worthwhile for one aspect -- the perspective and insight it provides from a college counselor's process and prospective. The story and characters were so hokey I actually paged past them after a while. It got so bad I never even found out how it ended.

A quiet, attentive read

I saw recommendation in People Magazine and picked it up on a whim. Very entertaining and relaxing read. Gave insight into a different level of college admission process that most of us don't get to experience. Book fiction but realistic I sent it on to my sister to read!

The interesting, likeable characters and beautiful ending made it all worthwhile.

Admission is the story of Portia, a Princeton admissions officer, who struggles daily with the responsibility of deciding who will be allowed to attend Princeton and who will not. She is utterly wrapped up in her applicants, elated for the underprivileged who she knows will thrive at the school, and heartbroken for the legacy kids who won't make it. She is passionate about the selection process, vehemently defending it to angry parents and even to her own cynical mother. All of this presents a unique and interesting view into the college application and acceptance process with many well researched details. It is not until well into the book that we begin to learn that Portia's focus and passion for her job are covering up some dark secrets from her past.

I really enjoyed this book! The unusual setting and plot device held my attention and drew me into a world I had not even contemplated before. I could have done with one or two fewer rants about how extremely difficult it is to say no to qualified applicants, but the interesting, likeable characters and beautiful ending made it all worthwhile.

I really liked this book!

This book is really good. I ordered two other books by Korelitz after I finished Admission. I highly recommend it.

Admission

Hi,
Admission did not compare to the Gatekeepers. The plot and storyline were not exciting to keep one waiting to see what happens next. The story line did not hold my interest and was not compelling to finish the book. I felt that Gatekeepers truly told the story of college admissions. Admission was the story of one woman's need to get a student from an alternative school in to an Ivy League college. Who knows whether or not he could have withstood the pressure of an Ivy League School. Why she jeapordized her carreer for this boy and her personal life were a little far fethched.

Admit admission is a great read

I really enjoyed this book. Thinking orinally it would just be a "summer read", but it made me think. I worked in an admissions office at a college in my past, and found it an interesting twist. I loved the beginning part of each chapter. i have already recommended this book to others and shared mine with a fellow reader. I hope Ms Korelitz continues on her writing journey.

Just very OK...

Predictable from the get go and you'll have it figured long before the book ends. Jean Hanff Korelitz not a bad writer, just needs a more critical editor.