Cum Laude

by Cecily von Ziegesar

Though our story takes place in 1992, this novel was published in 2010. This may explain the puzzling references to Starbucks, which are completely out of place.

Anyway, the year is 1992, and a new class has entered the hallowed halls of Dexter College. Dexter is a small liberal arts college in rural Maine.

Our main character is Shipley, a blond and beautiful coed. All of the other characters and plots revolve around her. Along the way, we meet her roommate, her boyfriend, and even her long-lost brother. Needless to say, Shipley's first semester of college is a little more exciting than it needs to be.

What can I say? Thank goodness that the action takes place only over the course of a semester. The writing is not good. The characters, for the most part, are unlikable. The action taking place is pretty improbable.

In short, this is a really poor effort form the author of the Gossip Girl series.

11/4/14