Description

Admission

**Deceit, manipulation, and corruption**—how far would you be willing to secure a spot at your ideal university? What lengths would your parents traverse to ensure your success? Drawing inspiration from the shocking college admissions scandal that captivated the nation, this novel unveils the unraveling of a teenage girl’s seemingly perfect life when the facade of her family’s dishonesty is shattered.

The story explores the intricate web of lies that families weave in pursuit of prestige, revealing the moral compromises often accompanying the relentless quest for success. As the narrative unfolds, readers are invited to reflect on the societal pressures that drive individuals to make questionable choices and the devastating consequences that can arise when ambition eclipses integrity.

For **Chloe Wynn Berringer**, life was a dream come true—wealth, status, and a guaranteed place at the prestigious college she had always envisioned. She was the envy of her peers, basking in the glow of her mother’s celebrity and the privileges that came with it.

That dream, however, crumbled in an instant when federal agents stormed her home, guns drawn, turning her world upside down. The chaos of that moment was surreal; the sound of shattering glass and the flash of badges felt like a scene from a movie, yet it was all too real.

With her mother, a minor celebrity, now embroiled in a sprawling bribery scheme, Chloe finds herself on the brink of legal trouble, facing the wrath of a public that demands accountability and a prosecutor eager to make an example of her family. The media frenzy that ensues paints her as a villain, a symbol of privilege gone awry, and Chloe must navigate the treacherous waters of public opinion while grappling with her own identity.

As the privileges she once took for granted begin to slip through her fingers, Chloe is forced to confront the harsh realities of her situation. The lavish parties, the exclusive clubs, and the effortless charm of her life are replaced by a stark new normal filled with uncertainty and fear.

She grapples with the uncomfortable questions of her awareness and complicity in her family’s actions. How much did she truly understand about the lengths her parents were willing to go to for her success? Did she turn a blind eye to the unethical choices made in the name of ambition? This poignant narrative, penned by the bestselling author of **Tell Me Three Things**, delves into the dark underbelly of elite ambition and the moral dilemmas faced by those who inhabit that world. It illumines

a stark new existence filled with scrutiny and judgment. The once adoring friends who surrounded her begin to distance themselves, their whispers echoing in the hallways like a haunting reminder of her fall from grace. Chloe finds herself isolated, grappling with the betrayal of those she thought would stand by her side. The glitz and glamour that once defined her life are now overshadowed by a growing sense of shame and confusion.

In the wake of the scandal, Chloe is thrust into a world where her family’s wealth and influence no longer shield her from the consequences of their actions. She is forced to attend a public high school, a stark contrast to the elite private institution she once called home. Here, she encounters a diverse group of students, each with their struggles and stories, and she begins to see the world through a different lens. The privilege she once took for granted becomes a source of guilt, and she starts to question the values that shaped her upbringing.

As Chloe navigates this new environment, she forms unexpected friendships with classmates who challenge her perceptions and encourage her to confront her family’s legacy. Among them is **Jasmine**, a fiercely intelligent girl from a working-class background who dreams of attending college on her merit. Jasmine’s determination and resilience inspire Chloe to reevaluate her ambitions and the lengths to which she is willing to go to achieve them. Through their bond, Chloe learns about the importance of authenticity and the power of hard work, contrasting sharply with the deceit that once defined her family’s approach to success.

Meanwhile, the media continues to hound Chloe, turning her into a public spectacle. She becomes a target for online trolls and gossip columnists, each article further distorting her image and amplifying her sense of alienation. The pressure mounts as her mother’s legal troubles deepen and Chloe is faced with the possibility of losing everything she once held dear. The weight of her family’s choices bears down on her, forcing her to confront the moral implications of their actions and the impact on her future.

As the story unfolds, Chloe embarks on a journey of self-discovery, grappling with questions of identity, privilege, and redemption. She begins to understand that true success is not measured by the prestige of the institutions one attends or the accolades one receives, but rather by the integrity with which one lives their life. With each step, Chloe learns to embrace her flaws and vulnerabilities, ultimately finding strength in her authenticity.

In a climactic moment, Chloe must decide whether to continue down the path of privilege and deceit.

She struggles to reconcile her identity with the fallout of their actions. The once vibrant colors of her life fade into a muted palette of gray, as she grapples with feelings of inadequacy and despair.

During this turmoil, Chloe discovers solace in art. She begins to sketch and paint, using her creativity as an outlet for her emotions. The canvas becomes a refuge where she can express her pain, confusion, and longing for acceptance. Through her art, she starts to process the complexities of her situation, channeling her feelings into vibrant colors and bold strokes that reflect her inner turmoil. This newfound passion provides a sense of purpose and a bridge to connect with others who share similar struggles.

As Chloe immerses herself in her art, she is drawn to a small group of misfits who gather in the school’s art room. Among them is **Eli**, a quiet boy with a talent for photography, who captures the world through his lens with a unique perspective. His ability to see beauty in the mundane resonates with Chloe, and their friendship blossoms as they share their creative visions. Together, they explore the complexities of their lives, finding comfort in their shared experiences of feeling like outsiders.

Through her interactions with Jasmine, Eli, and the other students, Chloe dismantles the walls she has built around herself. She learns to embrace vulnerability and authenticity, shedding the facade of perfection that had been imposed upon her. The more she opens up, the more she realizes that everyone carries their burdens, and that true strength lies in acknowledging and confronting them.

As the media frenzy continues, Chloe decides to take control of her narrative. With the support of her new friends, she starts a blog to share her journey, documenting her struggles and triumphs in a raw and honest way. The blog becomes a platform for her to connect with others who have faced similar challenges, and she finds empowerment in her vulnerability. Through her writing, she inspires others to embrace their own stories, fostering a sense of community among those who feel marginalized.

However, the road to healing is not without its obstacles. Chloe faces backlash from those who still cling to the image of her as a spoiled heiress, and the weight of her family’s legacy continues to loom over her. Yet, with each passing day, she grows more resilient, learning to define herself on her terms rather than through the lens of her family’s mistakes.

Julie Buxbaum

Julie Buxbaum has made her mark as a bestselling author, with her debut young adult novel, “Tell Me Three Things,” capturing the hearts of readers and earning a spot on the New York Times bestseller list. Following this success, she continued to enchant her audience with titles such as “What to Say Next,” “Hope and Other Punchlines,” and “Admission,” which is set to be released on May 5, 2020. Her storytelling prowess has not only resonated with young adults but has also garnered critical acclaim in the realm of adult fiction, with notable works like “The Opposite of Love” and “After You.”

Buxbaum’s literary creations have transcended borders, being translated into an impressive twenty-five languages, allowing her stories to reach a diverse global audience. Her writing has graced the pages of esteemed publications, including The New York Times, showcasing her ability to engage with contemporary themes and resonate with readers from various walks of life. This versatility in her writing reflects her keen understanding of human emotions and relationships, making her narratives both relatable and thought-provoking.

Before embarking on her successful writing career, Julie Buxbaum practiced law, having graduated from the prestigious Harvard Law School. This background not only enriches her storytelling but also adds depth to her characters and plots. Now residing in Los Angeles, she shares her life with her husband and two children, surrounded by an impressive collection of books that speaks to her passion for literature. Buxbaum’s journey from lawyer to celebrated author is a testament to her dedication to storytelling and her ability to connect with readers through her compelling narratives.