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mlangman's review
4.0
This story of sexual assault at a ritzy prep school was full of interesting, multifaceted characters. I particularly enjoyed that Jules and Bax didn’t have a romantic relationship and that Bax became close to Javi- I appreciated that the author chose to leave those cliches out of it. The only thing I didn’t like was the statement they chose to make at the end- if anything, I wanted the statement to be stronger. Sadly, I felt like the lack of acknowledgement they received from the school was a realistic depiction.
catladyreba's review
3.0
While there was a lot I really liked about this book, it felt underdeveloped, a little unfinished. For the most part, the characters were pretty well fleshed out, if not a little unrealistic at times (I'm looking at you Bax). I mean, Bax's attitude towards woman was ideal, amazing, and perfect, but it did seem a little unrealistic. Overall, this was a decent read that discusses a very important topic, and should probably be widely read.
kba76's review
4.0
Tradition. Hard to shake off. Something that has stood the test of time. Sometimes traditions uphold behaviours that are toxic. So, what do you do if you find yourself part of that culture?
That is the question tackled in this contemporary novel.
Kiely presents us with a dual person narrative - one male and one female - and this gives us the opportunity to explore some of the questions circulating so widely.
Both Jules and James come from very different backgrounds, and for different reasons they find themselves increasingly concerned by the ramifications of upholding Fullbrook traditions. I enjoyed this element of the novel, and felt the character of James Baxter was the one who experienced more development.
The details are spilled gradually, and events build to a gripping finale. Ultimately, however, there’s no indication that things will change and while realistic it was a pretty depressing message to give.
Thanks to NetGalley for granting me access to read this prior to publication. I’ve already pre-ordered my copy as this is a book that I’ll encourage all my students to pick up.
That is the question tackled in this contemporary novel.
Kiely presents us with a dual person narrative - one male and one female - and this gives us the opportunity to explore some of the questions circulating so widely.
Both Jules and James come from very different backgrounds, and for different reasons they find themselves increasingly concerned by the ramifications of upholding Fullbrook traditions. I enjoyed this element of the novel, and felt the character of James Baxter was the one who experienced more development.
The details are spilled gradually, and events build to a gripping finale. Ultimately, however, there’s no indication that things will change and while realistic it was a pretty depressing message to give.
Thanks to NetGalley for granting me access to read this prior to publication. I’ve already pre-ordered my copy as this is a book that I’ll encourage all my students to pick up.
greenlivingaudioworm's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Bullying, Homophobia, Infidelity, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, and Classism
laleha's review
4.0
Tradition by Brendan Kiely examines life at Fullbrook Academy, a New England prep school, steeped in wealth, entitlement, and privilege. Kiely masterfully navigates tough issues, believable characters, and realistic dialogue.
heykellyjensen's review
What the book attempts to do -- show the way that "tradition" and "honor" allow a system of rape culture and toxic masculinity to flourish -- it fails. There's nothing really showcasing "tradition" and "honor" until the last section of the book, the Winter Ball, which literally makes no sense in the context of the grander story.
Both Jules and Bax are weakly developed. Jules is a stereotypical feminist and Bax is a ~woke white dude~ and her partner in crime. Neither are more than those stock styles.
Also, it's boring.
What a disappointing read. Pick up HONOR CODE by Kiersi Burkhart instead. It's not perfect, but it at least gives development of an elite private school and the pressure chamber and "legacies" that exist within it.
You could also skip both and read something like SPEAK or ALL THE RAGE or many, many other titles to explore rape culture in a more authentic, well-rendered manner.
Both Jules and Bax are weakly developed. Jules is a stereotypical feminist and Bax is a ~woke white dude~ and her partner in crime. Neither are more than those stock styles.
Also, it's boring.
What a disappointing read. Pick up HONOR CODE by Kiersi Burkhart instead. It's not perfect, but it at least gives development of an elite private school and the pressure chamber and "legacies" that exist within it.
You could also skip both and read something like SPEAK or ALL THE RAGE or many, many other titles to explore rape culture in a more authentic, well-rendered manner.
tinytrashqueen's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
_kiraschumacher's review
4.0
This book should come with trigger warnings. There is a rape scene in this book, there is a lot of talk about sexual assault, rape culture, victim blaming, toxic masculinity, and more. But, it is an honest story, a respectful story (as in the survivor's side is both, heard and believed by the narrative), and it is an important read. This needs to be discussed, this needs to be read widely by young audiences. There will be a blog post coming on this one.
abriggs07's review
4.0
A great read for when you’re fed up with the comments on the new Gillette ad #metoo #areyoulistening #toxicmasculinity