Another Review at MyShelf.Com

Publisher: Warner Books
Release Date: September 2004
ISBN: 0446533033
Awards:  
Format Reviewed: Hardcover
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Genre:   Adult Contemporary
Reviewed: 2004
Reviewer: Jeanette Clinkunbroomer
Reviewer Notes:  Some language
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Admissions
By Nancy Lieberman

     Nancy Lieberman knows New York City and is not above poking a little fun at one of its upper class’s more grueling past-times: getting their children into the best available private school. Helen and Michael Drager’s daughter, Zoe, has been attending the exclusive “The School” since kindergarten, but now, at the start of eighth grade, it’s time to begin the bloodsport of finding a suitable high school for next year.

     Pamela Rothschild, head of The School, should be using her influence to place graduating students somewhere within the pantheon of private high schools. These include institutions like The Quasi Country Day School, The Very Brainy Girls’ School, The Safety School, and so on. Each offers a solid education, but they are located in surroundings ranging from the commune-like, cigarette-smoke-filled atmosphere of The Progressive School to the snobby, blonde-and-blue-eyed conformity of The Fancy Girls’ School. And Ms. Rothschild, whose British background just might be bit checkered, proves too enthralled by the power she wields.

    The author skillfully weaves several subplots into the story. Michael Drager, a TV producer, becomes enmired in developing a cooking show to flatter the pretensions of one Julia-Child-wannabe admissisions officer, while Helen Drager feels the security of her own world threatened when Zoe announces she’s considering a public school.

     Liberman’s characters are well-drawn, and some are barbed portrayals of people with too much money and very little class. The politics and behind-the-scenes maneuvering is on a par with crazed stage mothers or coach-dads, willing to promote their own ambitions at the expense of their children. Equally funny and sad, Admissions is a bit slow-moving, but absorbing and well worth the time.