In a YA thriller that is Crazy Rich Asians meets One of Us is Lying , students at an elite prep school are forced to confront their secrets when their ex-best friend turns up dead. What I loved about How We Fall Apart, or one of the things I loved, was the ways Zhao connects the pressures of academia and success with Nancy's upbringing. The death of their once former friend is enough to bring them back together as they try to figure out who could’ve gotten ahold of their secrets and beat the Proctor at their own game. The petty drama surrounding Nancy and her friends was addicting to read about and left me wanting more.

HWFA is also about mental health and the stigma of mental illness, particularly in Asian (American) communities. The four must uncover the true killer before The Proctor exposes more than they can bear and costs them more than they can afford, like Nancy's full scholarship.How We Fall Apart really captured the academic rigor and expectations (whether they are held internally or externally) that I experienced but also cut from my memory.

However, the thing that bugged me a bit in both books (because it seemed unbelievable enough to pull me out early on in the book) is that the authorities and teachers just accept whatever is mentioned on the SM as fact. I’m sorry you had a negative experience, but I also appreciate being able to see this side of this book. I do wish it had a little more intensity because it’s a thriller and I did want more from Nancy as well. We get a glimpse of all the darkness that comes with trying to stay on top like abuse, drug use, and parental neglect. Akil, Krystal and Alexander were there to round it out but this story is mostly about Jamie and Nancy.

uk will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing. I'll be honest I had to force myself a bit to finish it, I didn't like the style it was written in and the book itself felt immature.