Review Detail

Chandler is a prestigious boarding school for the elite or those select few with scholarships. The story follows five teens who navigate through harsh realities like hazing and peer pressure while figuring out who they are. When all five are accepted into the circle, an exclusive writing group, they're met with new challenges of learning how to interact with each other even though they're all so different. Especially since some have a bad history.

There's Beth Kramer who's a scholarship student and a "townie" that doesn't feel like she belongs anywhere. Sarah Brunson (AKA Brunson) who battles with finances from her mom's cancer treatment while trying to make the most of her time at Chandler by doing every activity possible. Ramin Golafshar who moved to Iran to escape the punishments for being gay only to meet American bullies. Amanda Spencer (AKA Spence) who strives to be perfect and to excel in theater. And Freddy Bello (AKA Bello) whose whole life has been focused on pole vaulting but Bello knows there's more in him than just sports and preparing for the Olympics.

With THE CHANDLER LEGACIES being based on true events, it's both disheartening and inspiring because it's sad the amount of bullying these children go through, yet it's encouraging to see them stand up for what's right. Each character has their own problems and a relatable personality. There's inclusion of LGBT characters and diverse races, such as Indian and Iranian. Trigger warning for bullying and sexual abuse. I love the romantic and friendship relationships that develop between the five of them and watching as they grow into better and stronger people.


Final Verdict: Overall, THE CHANDLER LEGACIES is a powerful, thought-provoking story that inspires people to stand up for what's right while also exploring the creative side to writing. Those who enjoy to write, whether it's stories or poems, won't want to miss this one with Douglas's encouraging advice to aspiring authors. It's also good for fans of stories with diversity that brush against sensitive subjects.