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Most Helpful Favorable Review
10 out of 11 people found this review helpful.
Not just another chick flick novel..
The characters of a novel obviously play a key part on making a book worth reading, and this one is no exception. The author gives each character at least one unique characteristic, whether physical or in their personality, that make them easy to identify since we are first introduced to them. Unlike other books, I didn't have to go back to check who someone mentioned earlier was. Something else I found Kate Brian did an awesome job on was giving the students of Easton, who are spoiled, snobbish kids, intelligence. In contrast to other books of the genre, being intelligent and school is a priority for the characters. I found this important since teenagers read this book and often see a role model in the characters. Just like Kate Brian gives a good example, she touches what could be seen as controversial subjects. Sex, drugs, and violence are present in the plot. While some parents and adults might be shocked that their kids are reading this, the author is actually portraying the reality that goes on in high school today. If you are looking for a break of complex novels, this one is the perfect remedy, maintaining high quality and a suspense that will keep you wanting to know more.Show Less
posted by billings_girl on March 16, 2009
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3 out of 9 people found this review helpful.
Tedious, Unenjoyable Book
My main problem with this book was its protaganist and narrator, Reed Brennan. Never have I read about such an annoying, self-absorbed girl who makes the stupidest decisions and the worst possible friends. Reed gets into the Connecticut boarding school Easton Academy on scholarship and is eager to escape her suburban life and abusive mother. Life at boarding school is not what she expected however: her teachers are harsh and while she was a straight A student at her former school she is barely keeping from failing here. It all changes when Reed sees the Billings Girls, a clique who belongs to the coolest dorm of upperclassmen girls who have the good grades, athletic ability, and the hottest boyfriends. Reed is determined to fit in with these girls because she thinks they will magically change her life for the better.
Reed's character becomes dangerously obsessed with this quartet of girls, to the point of becoming creepily voyeuristic. She is shamefully subserviant towards these older girls and even breaks numerous school rules to please them. Reed is quick to make judgements and stereotype her peers even when she herself has no social skills! Reed also has an unhealthy obsession (and later relationship) with senior Thomas Pearson, who is campus's official bad boy. In short, Reed has no redeeming qualities and her narration of the story basically ruins any of it's potential for being good. I think her character would be diagnosed with several mental health problems in the real world. I could not sympathize or pity Reed because of her stupidity and her bad behavior that got her into numerous bad situations. By the end of the book I wanted to throttle her.
The only thing Private had going for it was its minimal sprinkling of suspense. The end was cliffhanger that left many unanswered questions that are tantalizing, but not tantalizing enough to get me to suffer through another awful book to find out what happens. Buying this book would be a waste of your money and reading it would be a waste of your time. If you want to read a good Kate Brian book, try her earlier fare, like The Princess and the Pauper and Lucky T.Show Less
posted by dholland08 on July 8, 2010
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Not just another chick flick novel..
When I first bought Private I expected another chick flick novel, just like Gossip Girl or the A-List, books I have previously read. As I started reading I found out it was more like a Cinderella story, the main character played by small town girl Reed Brennan, and the evil stepsisters by glamorous Noelle, Kiran, Taylor, and Arianna, a.k.a, Billings Girls. As I dug deeper into the book, I realized I couldn't stop reading and was intrigued by the mysterious air surrounding the infamous Billings Girls, Thomas Pearson, and all the other fascinating students that fill the hallways of Easton Academy. While the plot advances, so does the suspense, leaving you hanging with each turn of a page. That suspense doesn't end with the book. Kate Brian does a wonderful job of keeping the reader hooked, waiting for the next book to come out. (Here I have to make a footnote and point out what could be the series only flaw: the time between the coming out of books is too long.) This is because as soon as a problem is about to be solved, a new one arises, giving a new twist to the story. As I finished reading the first book of the series, I was proven wrong about my first thought; this book is not another chick flick. It is the perfect recipe for a good, relaxing book, mixing a little chick flick with a little mystery.
The characters of a novel obviously play a key part on making a book worth reading, and this one is no exception. The author gives each character at least one unique characteristic, whether physical or in their personality, that make them easy to identify since we are first introduced to them. Unlike other books, I didn't have to go back to check who someone mentioned earlier was. Something else I found Kate Brian did an awesome job on was giving the students of Easton, who are spoiled, snobbish kids, intelligence. In contrast to other books of the genre, being intelligent and school is a priority for the characters. I found this important since teenagers read this book and often see a role model in the characters. Just like Kate Brian gives a good example, she touches what could be seen as controversial subjects. Sex, drugs, and violence are present in the plot. While some parents and adults might be shocked that their kids are reading this, the author is actually portraying the reality that goes on in high school today. If you are looking for a break of complex novels, this one is the perfect remedy, maintaining high quality and a suspense that will keep you wanting to know more.10 out of 11 people found this review helpful.
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Tedious, Unenjoyable Book
Private by Kate Brian was not an enjoyable read. In fact it was a tedious book that was a pain to finish. I was disappointed with this one because I have usually enjoyed Kate Brian's novels: the lighthearted, humorous chick lit young adult books. I would advise not reading Private: it is boring and at times downright ridiculous.
My main problem with this book was its protaganist and narrator, Reed Brennan. Never have I read about such an annoying, self-absorbed girl who makes the stupidest decisions and the worst possible friends. Reed gets into the Connecticut boarding school Easton Academy on scholarship and is eager to escape her suburban life and abusive mother. Life at boarding school is not what she expected however: her teachers are harsh and while she was a straight A student at her former school she is barely keeping from failing here. It all changes when Reed sees the Billings Girls, a clique who belongs to the coolest dorm of upperclassmen girls who have the good grades, athletic ability, and the hottest boyfriends. Reed is determined to fit in with these girls because she thinks they will magically change her life for the better.
Reed's character becomes dangerously obsessed with this quartet of girls, to the point of becoming creepily voyeuristic. She is shamefully subserviant towards these older girls and even breaks numerous school rules to please them. Reed is quick to make judgements and stereotype her peers even when she herself has no social skills! Reed also has an unhealthy obsession (and later relationship) with senior Thomas Pearson, who is campus's official bad boy. In short, Reed has no redeeming qualities and her narration of the story basically ruins any of it's potential for being good. I think her character would be diagnosed with several mental health problems in the real world. I could not sympathize or pity Reed because of her stupidity and her bad behavior that got her into numerous bad situations. By the end of the book I wanted to throttle her.
The only thing Private had going for it was its minimal sprinkling of suspense. The end was cliffhanger that left many unanswered questions that are tantalizing, but not tantalizing enough to get me to suffer through another awful book to find out what happens. Buying this book would be a waste of your money and reading it would be a waste of your time. If you want to read a good Kate Brian book, try her earlier fare, like The Princess and the Pauper and Lucky T.3 out of 9 people found this review helpful.
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I LOVED IT!
I've been reading this entire series ever since they came out. From page one, I fell in love with Reed and the Billings girls. I just finished book #8 and the prequel about Ariana. I have to tell you, I have not yet been disappointed. Every single book brings a new intensity to the series. I've shared them with many friends and they share it with others and by now, almost EVERY girl in my school is hooked. I, being an aspiring highschool author, hope one day I can write on her level. My parents thought it was just yet another teen novel, but it's more. It teaches you to be careful with who you trust, important traits of friendship and so much more. When a new book comes out, I curl up in a ball in my bed or on my couch and finish that same day. They are that intense and they just draw you in. If you read the first book, I promise you, you'll be hooked. Enjoy the life of a Billings girl!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Private, A Great Read
I thought Private was an awesome book. It was so good, I read the whole book in a matter of hours. It was very exciting for such a real plot. I'm normally into fictional books with lots of action that could never happen in the real world but this book really held my attention. At first, I dreaded having to read this book for my book club but in the end, I wanted to finish the series. Overall, I'd say it was an awesome book and good for re-evaluating yourself. (Sorry for any misspellings)
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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-_-Kaitlyn-_-
Posted May 5, 2012
I loved this book! I recommend it to everyone! I started reading
I loved this book! I recommend it to everyone! I started reading it and couldn't put it down!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted April 16, 2012
LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!
Anyone who likes intriguing books that pull you in will love this book
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted February 28, 2012
Loved it
I watched the tv show and it is great it is not just about some mean girls there is a plot which makes it interesting
U1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Private Review
I just finished the uber-catty book Private by Kate Brian and let me tell you it's a page turner. Not only will you find yourself hooked but you might want to throw the book at the wall from time to time. You might be thinking I should have just put the book down but a book that makes you feel emotions is a book worth reading. If you are a fan of Gossip Girls the tv show you will love this book.
Reed Brennan arrives at Easton Academy her sophomore year as a scholarship kid. She is not great at making friends and wants to change that. On her first night in her dorm she spots a group of girls in the building across from her. Reed is instantly drawn to them, but little does she know they are the Billings Girls, the most popular girls in school. When they notice she is staring at them they give her the nick name "glass-licker". You would think this would be enough to make Reed run in the other direction but instead it makes her want to belong even more.
Like most things the Billings Girls aren't all perfect and hide plenty of secrets not only from each other but from the entire school. Noelle Lange is the leader of the girls she is super poised and not to be crossed. Ariana Osgood is always reading and mostly the quiet one. She is the first to speak to Reed and invites her to breakfast. Kiran Hayes is the model but has a relationship with someone the Billings Girls would not approve of. Taylor Bell is the final member who is super smart and helps Reed keep up with her school work.
As the book goes on I feel like Reed really looses herself and even gives her virginity to Thomas a guy she met on her first day at Easton Academy. Reed does anything the Billings Girls ask from getting their food to stealing an exam. Thomas isn't a fan of the Billing Girls and wants her to choose the Billing Girls or him. In the end I don't think either is the right choice for her.
I found the book to be a quick read and will continue reading the series. I warn you this book is not for everyone and would not recommend it for young teens. Never the less if you are looking for a fun read I suggest you pick this series up.1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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oh yes
okay so whom ever said read last christmas first..DONT LISTEN!! half the part of reading them in ORDER is to have the wonder and such as you read them. if you read last christmas first it spoils the rest. DONT LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE THAT TELL YOU TO NOT READ THEM IN ORDER. THE AUTHOR WROTE THEM THE WAY SHE INTEDED THEM TO BE READ. THAT EVER CROSS YOUR MIND?!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Cross_country_reader
Posted March 17, 2009
Great series!!
This is the best series that I have ever started to read. I first found this book one by my best friend and two by just knowing a good book when I see one. If you're looking for a good book/series to take to school or work or to a party or just to read anywhere I'd pick this one. As soon as I picked this book up I could never put is down. Then at the end of the book I just had to find out what happend next in the next book. So buy this book to see what I'm talking about!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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i'm not sure...
this book was pretty boring. there are a few parts that are good but they don't last very long and i thought that this bok just wasn't as good as everyone says. maybe i have to read the rest of the series to see whats so amazing about them but this first book just doesn't make me want to keep reading.
1 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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love it (:
this is one of my favorite series at the moment! (the review is for the whole series..) beware of spoilers!
Reed attends the prestigious Easton Academy where the students are known for their smarts and style. She finds herself falling into the life of something bigger than she can control- murder, drugs, sex, and deception. her boyfriend, Thomas, turns out to be a drug dealer and Ariana just wanted her in Billings so she could get rid of her. Ariana, Noelle, and Kiran are expelled for 'assisting' in Ariana's murder of Thomas. but the truth is that Ariana killed Thomas by herself, no strings attatched. after they have spent their time in juvie, Kiran returns to modeling and Noelle returns to Billings... and there has been a new death at school. Cheyenne, the old president of Billings, offed herself when she recieved the news that she would be expelled. Reed soon gets an email-after Cheyenne's murd.., uh, death-saying that Cheyenne blames her for her suicide. Reed ignores it and gets a new email account. she is elected the new president and her and her roomie, Sabine, start bonding. Just as Reed thinks the drama is over.. she cheats on her new bf, Josh, at the Legacy with Noelle's (maybe ex?), Dash, a Harvard student. Josh finds out when he comes back to apoligize and he declares that they are over. Noelle kicks her out of Billings and Reed loses her title as Billings president. worst of all? Ivy, Josh's new love interest, is her new next-door neighbor at Pemberly... and Reed thinks Ivy is Cheyenne's murderer. Turns out Sabine is Arianna's sister and she is just as crazy-and Cheyenne's murderer. Sabine pulls a gun on Reed and Josh tries to stop her.. but the bullet hits Ivy instead. So far, that's all that has happened. the series is continued with a spin-off series of Ariana breaking out of juvie and 'starting over' with her life by killing a rich heiress and attending a new school with new friends..1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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almost a true story
I think this book shows some of the problems lots of girls face, even if they don't go to such a prestigious school. This book is very somewhat scandalous. It takes you from a poor Reed to a popular Reed, and her journey inbetween. The author makes each character a unique person with a different personality. One minute they're extraordinatily nice, and the next they're super mean. You never know who to trust. I really liked this book and can't wait to finish the series.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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everyone has to read this series!!
these books have the best ending and always wants you wanting more!!
they are unbelieveable books!!
bests books i have ever read!!!
Kate Brian is one of my fav. authers!!
if you havent read this book YOU NEED TO!!!
u will LOVE it!!!
i have read the whole series so far im just waiting for Paradise Lost!!!
ohhhhh....and for the people that dont know theres a series that fallows this series called Privilege it fallows Ariana Osgood so it should be REALLY good!!1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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OMG
This is one of my fave books in the world!!!!!! It's sooooo good, if you haven't read it you have to. I've already read all the books so I'm waiting for Paradise Lost to come out on February 24!!!!! Every book ends in some sort of tragedy which leaves you wanting more and more..... It is soooo good.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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The book is amazing
Private is a book that you can't set down. You get so into it that it all seems real. When you read it, it's like you really there and its happening. Theres times you just want to be the main charater or any charater. Its sad, happy, and you get mad about what there doing in the book and you just want to tell them what to. Once you finish it, you probably better start the second right away because the suspense just kills you.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed by Jennifer Rummel for TeensReadToo.com
Reed's first glimpse at Easton Academy is enough to make her panic. What if she doesn't belong here? She's worked so hard to get into this school and get away from home, but is she good enough to even be here? She stumbles out of the car and bumps into a cute boy--and school suddenly looks slightly better. Not to mention that her determination kicks in.
However, nothing is easy at this new school. Work starts demanding attention and her advisor is watching closely for any indication that she might not be up to the Academy's standards. Reed's roommate talks all the time, and hanging with her could be social suicide. Then Reed meets the Billings Girls, and suddenly she wants to be one of them more than anything--but what is she willing to do to achieve that same social status?
Similar to THE IT GIRL novels, Kate Brian spins a fast-paced darker story where Reed is way over her head. The calculating Billings Girls leave you wanting to uncover their deep secrets. Now that Reed has made it into the popular and powerful crowd, where will INVITATION ONLY take her?1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted October 8, 2008
Private
Private, by Kate Brian, is not a novel I would see myself reading for no reason, but I once I started to read it, I felt as if I was actually in the story. The way Kate Brian portrayed the characters was outstanding and unique. Reed Brennan is a sophmore who has just recieved a scholarship to Easton Academy, an elite private high school. She is happy to escape from her past, but more troubles await her when she tranfers over. When Reed arrives, she wants to fit in as quick as possible, so she finds herself trying to tag-along with the Billings Girls. The Billings Girls have the most prestigious lives, clothes, hair, make-up, and just about anything else they want. Eventually, Reed gets noticed by Ariana Osgood, the book-lover of the group, who late confers with Noelle Lange, the leader, and suddenly it seems as if she is being accepted into their lives, or so she thought. Next comes Thomas Pearson, Reed's amazing boyfriend. He and Reed face some problems along the way, but that is to expect when you are failing almost all of your classes. Soon after, Reed must choose between her beloved boyfriend and the Billings Girls. Will it be love and fate, or everything she had ever wanted?
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted September 6, 2008
A World of Intrigue
Reed Brennan¿s scholarship to Easton Academy is her ticket out of Croton, Pennsylvania, where everything is ordinary and boring, and where her pill-popping mom resides. To outsider Reed, Easton Academy is both sophisticated and intimidating, and it¿s obvious that Reed doesn¿t fit in, but she refuses admit defeat and go home. And then she meets the Billings Girls, the most powerful, beautiful, smart, and successful girls on campus ¿ not to mention elite. These girls are envied by every other girl in the school, especially Reed, who vows to be accepted into their inner sanctum. But her crusade for acceptance isn¿t going to be easy, and any slipup on Reed¿s part may put Billings out of her reach forever. At first glance, the Private series may appear to be just another lame story about over-spoiled girls and their exploits. However, I found Private to be much better than that. The plot is rich with suspense and intrigue as Reed navigates the socially dangerous territory at Easton, but what really separates Private from other Gossip Girl knockoffs, is that Reed actually has a conscience she¿s not so ruthless as that she would do anything to get what she wants, and that¿s very refreshing. The private boarding school setting may seem overused, but it¿s really the perfect place for this story. I really liked how there was always an element of danger to the story, whether it was being caught outside after hours or a secret on the verge of being spilled. Private and the subsequent books its series are sure to thrill readers with their drama, secrets, and peek into the private lives of the young and elite. Strangely, though Private is the first book in its series, it¿s the last one I¿ve read due to a bookstore mix-up when I first began reading this series (I started with the second book). I definitely recommend Private as well as the other books in the series as an intriguing and dramatic read.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted September 14, 2008
GREAT BOOK
This book is great i am deffinatley not the biggest reader but this book i couldnt put down it is sooo good. It has susspence and i never want to put it down i finish these books in one night but a tip is for the 2nd book and on DONT READ THE BACK it gave away ALMOST the whole 2nd book for mee because i read the back of the third book i read only the first sentance but dont read the back its bad. kayy well deffinatly great book i think you should get it 100%
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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