Private (Book 1)

Reader reviewed by Maggie

Reed Brennan, a 15 year old girl, gets a scholarship to a school called Easton Academy. This was her way to get away from mother. Once Reed gets their she feels different from everyone because she doesn't have the money that everyone else does and she thinks she is not as pretty or sophisticated.

Reed is included as one of the outsiders. Until she meets the Billings Girls. They are considered royalty at the school and to be friends with them would make you accepted with everyone. This is what Reed figures so she vows to do whatever it takes for her to be accepted by them.

Reed changes herself to be just like them. And before she knows it, she hangs out with them frequently. Sooner then later does she realize that these girls are not the nicest people in the world and has done some pretty bad things to get what they want.

Reader reviewed by Jax

As a person who's always wanted to go to boarding school, Private totally rocked! Reed's story, and the suspenseful ending that left me wanting for the next book (which hadn't come out yet, I might add...so I was mad) which is pretty rare with me. Kate Brian created a bunch of believable characters and not so believable situations, like would a boarding school really let their students do such things? I mean, come on!

Great read for anyone who is sick of regular public school drama.

Reader reviewed by the book muncher

Reed Brennans 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 its obvious that Reed doesnt 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 isnt going to be easy, and any slipup on Reeds 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; shes not so ruthless as that she would do anything to get what she wants, and thats very refreshing. The private boarding school setting may seem overused, but its 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, its the last one Ive 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.

reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com

Reader reviewed by Allyssa

This book is amazing. The first book really steps out on a good foot. Reed is the main character, and no matter what background the reader has, they can't help but feel somehow connected to Reed, as if understanding her.

The entire series is about an exclusive Eastern boarder school, with tons of rich kids that attend. This is a different form of gossip girl. I even like The Private novels more than I like Gossip Girl.
It's a great book.

Reader reviewed by Rochelle

I am in love with this series of books. They are literary roller coasters and I've enjoyed the ride. I'm about to finish Revelation. I hope and pray there are more after this one. I've never enjoyed a young adult series more than this one. Kate Brian is one of the best and most entertaining writers I have had the pleasure to find.

Reader reviewed by Katie

I have always loved books like gossip girl and it girl but when i had finished those series i was looking for another book to read and i just recently piced up Private.

This book is one of my favorites that i have ever read it is just like goosip girl but more captivating and drama that makes you want to keep reading on. you just cant put this book down until you finish it. i cant wait to read the next book in the series and know what happens to reed the rest of the way through her journey at billings

Reader reviewed by Erica

This was a great novel, and an outstanding start to this series! The book, I felt, demonstrated some life lessons, all while keeping you totally hooked and intrigued. I didn't want to put this one down, I was reading it whenever I could because it was just that good.

Reader reviewed by Musiclover

This book was in one word, amazing! It captivated me from start to finish! Its cliff hanger ending left the reader craving more! It grabbed the reader at the very beginning and didn't let go until the very end... of the series! The entire book keeps you on the edge of your seat and makes you hold your breath!

After living a childhood of a druggy mother and a life of boring ghetto suburb life, Reed Brennan heads to Easton Academy searching for a new life and a better education. But what she gets is a ton of drama! After meeting the Billings Girls, the most popular and privileged girls on campus, Reed is swept into a world of boys and prada bags! Things heat up as Reed tries to fit in with these upper classmen, but soon discovers that her new boyfriend, Thomas Pearson, has no interest in trying to be the BIllings girls friend. As Reed tries to keep her boy friend and new friends seperate, she discovers secrets that make her question her closest allies. This book is a book that ties the awe and wonder of riches to the drama and pain of being a normal teenager! This is a book you have to read now!

Reader reviewed by Erica

This book is an outstanding first book to the series!! It captures your attention, and you don't want to put it down. I was walking around for 2 days with my nose in this book. This book at first seems lilke your typical girly school story, I was reluctant to read it at first because of this reason. but once I opened it, I was hooked. This books includes a bit of everything, humor, mystery, romance, you name it!

Reader reviewed by Allire

Private is the first novel of the private series. In the book Reed, a sophomore, wants to attend a very expensive, well known boarding school. She has a hard family life, and just wants to get away. Her family can't afford to send her to the boarding school, but luckily she is able to go to the school through an academic scholarship.

Once she starts school at Easton Academy (the boarding school), Reed's life is turned upside down. She finds love. Makes friends. Makes enemies. And experiences a life that would only seem possible in a soap opera.

I LOVE this series. When I first started Private, I thought it would be a similar to gossip girl, and would be unoriginal. However, I was very wrong. It's so fast paced, unique and original. The book is completely unpredictable and it will have the reader begging for more.