Introduction

A CrimeReads Most Anticipated Book of the Summer

Heathers meets The Secret History in this thrilling coming-of-age novel set in a boarding school where the secrets are devastating—and deadly.

When Sarah Taylor arrives at the exclusive St. Ambrose School, she’s carrying more baggage than just what fits in her suitcase. She knows she’s not like the other girls—if the shabby, all-black, non-designer clothes don’t give that away, the bottle of lithium hidden in her desk drawer sure does.

St. Ambrose’s queen bee, Greta Stanhope, picks Sarah as a target from day one and the most popular, powerful, horrible girl at school is relentless in making sure Sarah knows what the pecking order is. Thankfully, Sarah makes an ally out of her roommate Ellen “Strots” Strotsberry, a cigarette-huffing, devil-may-care athlete who takes no bullshit. Also down the hall is Nick Hollis, the devastatingly handsome RA, and the object of more than one St. Ambrose student’s fantasies. Between Strots and Nick, Sarah hopes she can make it through the semester, dealing with not only her schoolwork and a recent bipolar diagnosis, but Greta’s increasingly malicious pranks.

Sarah is determined not to give Greta the satisfaction of breaking her. But when scandal unfolds, and someone ends up dead, her world threatens to unravel in ways she could never have imagined. The St. Ambrose School for Girls is a dangerous, delicious, twisty coming-of-age tale that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.

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Excerpt

Chapter One



The St. Ambrose School for Girls
Greensboro Falls, Massachusetts
1991

My first view of the St. Ambrose School for Girls is from the back seat of my mother’s nineteen eighty-one Mercury. The ten year old car is utterly unremarkable except for being reliable, and the reason I’m in the back is because I put the laundry basket full of my bedding in the front passenger seat. My mother is a smoker and I can’t stand the smell. I have a theory that I can put my head out the rear window and get better air because I’m farther away from her. ... view entire excerpt...

Discussion Questions

From the author:

1. On page 9, Sarah’s mother drops her off at St. Ambrose: “Then she waves at me with her cigarette and I step back to watch the Mercury pull away.” Do you remember the moment your family dropped you off at school (whether high school or college)? What sights and sounds stand out most in your memory?

2. Sarah and Strots appear to be an unlikely duo upon their first meeting, with Sarah’s all-black ensemble a direct contrast to her roommate’s casual blue sportswear. How do you predict their relationship will evolve throughout the book?

3. On page 75, Sarah tells Strots about Greta’s bullying, and contrary to what she expected, Strots believes her wholeheartedly. Sarah is floored: “This is such a relief that I blink fast.” Think of a time when you have found solace in a friend’s comfort, or been able to provide comfort and support in a difficult time. Why are bonding moments like these so important, especially during teenage years?

4. How to the dynamics of the Mountain Day football game (starting on page 95) reflect the character dynamics of the book as a whole? For example, what does Sarah’s game-ending play reveal about her relationship with Greta and the rest of the characters?

5. Sarah lives with bipolar disorder, and her narration lays bare the thought patterns that wind through her darkest moments (example on page 117). What was your experience reading these pages and stepping into Sarah’s world?

6. The CVS employees have a tremendous effect on Sarah’s life, from Margie and Roni’s kindness with the clothing dye (page 54) to Phil’s intervention on a later trip (page 128). What does their influence suggest about the importance – and prevalence – of community?

7. Nick Hollis – an authority figure in the dorm – exhibits questionable behavior towards the girls on his floor, while providing Sarah with a trusted outlet after a dark moment. After reading chapter 14, take stock of your opinions on him. How does his character change as the book goes on, and how does Sarah’s view of him change as she questions the new information she learns?

8. Tera Taylor returns to St. Ambrose in chapter 15. How do her interactions with Sarah compare and contrast with her actions on drop-off day? What does this suggest about Tera’s character as a whole?

9. On page 208, Sarah encounters a horrible surprise. How does the author’s writing heighten the reader’s vicarious experience of the anxiety, shock, and terror Sarah feels?

10. There are a few characters in this book whose actions have harmful consequences. Who would you characterize as the book’s true villain, if there is one?

11. The book contains a surprising, whirlwind ending. As you neared the end of the book (especially around page 281), what were your predictions for what would happen?

12. After finishing the book, look back at your prediction. How close were you to discovering the truth?

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