Private [Import] [Paperback]

Kate Brian (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Childrens Books (2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416932437
• ISBN-13: 978-1416932437
• Product Dimensions: 5.1 x 0.8 x 7.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (62 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,547,535 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I am a total Jersey girl. I grew up in Bergen County, went to Rutgers University, lived in Hoboken for a year (requisite post-college party time) and then moved back to Bergen, got married, and bought a house ten minutes from where I grew up. I graduated from Rutgers with a double major in English and Journalism, worked as an Editor for four years, then decided I liked writing better and struck out on my own. You've been reading my books ever since!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars As addicting as hot chocolate on a cold, winters day., June 23, 2006

By 

Erika Sorocco (Southern California, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Private (Private, Book 1) (Paperback)

Fifteen-year-old Reed Brennan has never known a happy childhood. For one, her mother is bitter and nasty who likes to chase her sorrow with pain killers, and rain unhappiness on the entire family. And two, she's never had the money to make a better name for herself. That is, until she's accepted into Easton Academy, a prestigious, private boarding school that houses some of the most privileged and intelligent students in the country. Suddenly, Reed realizes that she's not in Kansas anymore, and is quickly sucked into the gorgeous, sophistication and wealth that surrounds her at Easton. Then she realizes something even more treacherous, just because she's been admitted to Easton, doesn't mean the students have truly accepted her. Then she meets the Billings Girls. The Billings Girls are the most talented, beautiful, intelligent, confident girls on campus. They also hold the power that Reed so badly craves. So when she finds herself being permitted into their little clique, she will do anything they want to be accepted - from stealing to acting like their slave. But soon, amidst all their glamorous, secret parties, and attitude, Reed discovers that the Billings Girls aren't exactly what they seem. In fact, they're completely different than they appear from the outside, giving great use of the phrase "looks can be deceiving." For, the Billings Girls have skeletons in their closets. Skeletons that they will do anything to keep secret, and locked away. In private.

Kate Brian never ceases to amaze me regarding the creativity and imagination that she uses to weave remarkable, enjoyable stories. And that creativity and imagination is certainly not lost on PRIVATE. The fact that Brian combines privilege, power, mysteries, and money together to create this exhilarating new novel is only the icing on the cake. Reed is an intriguing character, whose cravings for something beyond her boring suburban life are impeccably described, leaving a taste in the readers mouth that indicates exactly how much Reed wants to be one of the "It" girls; while the supporting characters around her - Noelle, Ariana, Taylor, Kiran, and the at-times adorable Thomas - make the story that much more exciting and enjoyable, while at the same time presenting a very "real" vibe that brings the characters to life. PRIVATE will send readers racing to the closest bookstore, in an attempt to learn about the secret world that the over-privileged inhabit; while at the same time craving an invitation of their own. As addicting as hot chocolate on a cold, winters day.

Erika Sorocco

Book Review Columnist for The Community Bugle Newspaper

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not Another Teen Series !, March 27, 2007

By 

Danix15 "Danix15" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Private (Private, Book 1) (Paperback)

When I saw this at the bookstore, I honestly thought to myself, "Oh, great. Another story about snobby rich girls." However enjoyable these plots may be, I wanted something different. I totally underestimated this book at first glance.

Boy was I wrong.

Sure, this book has the usual teen angst & pressure to fit in, but it also has something else...mystery. Now, for all of you reading this, you're probably thinking "*yawn* If I wanted mystery, I'd go read some Nancy Drew." Well, don't think that way! This is a great series, & each book ends in a cliff-hanger. Take it from someone who's read all those other books, such as THE CLIQUE, GOSSIP GIRL, & THE A-LIST; this is def. worth a read! Just make sure to hold onto your couch...there are shockers ahead!

The only downside to these books?

You have to wait a few months to find out the conclusion of the newest twist.

So, go ahead. Add this to your cart. I promise you won't be disappointed. =]

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Un-put-down-able!!!, January 30, 2007

By 

Saiida M - See all my reviews

This review is from: Private (Private, Book 1) (Paperback)

Is that a word? If not,then this book will create it. I knew the moment I picked it up in the store that it would be a keeper. Reed Brennen is a typical girl like any other. She has the typical teen needs and qualities like fitting in with the masses and the sometimes dangerous desires of acceptance from a particularly dangerous group. It was amazing to me what lurkes in the mind of little girls. As a writer I appreciate the fact that K. Brian utilized poetic license and created a world in which we all live in and identify with. I am a writer and educator and I sympathize with the troubles that face these students.