How We Fall Apart

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That being said, there are common Asian stereotypes perpetuated in the novel – but I personally didn’t think too much of it since I assumed it was commentary. When I slowly began to realise the plot wasn’t working for me, I was somewhat holding onto the characters, hoping they would carry the story on, but it felt like I was reading a story that wasn’t quite complete. How We Fall Apart has four main characters (Nancy Lou, Krystal Choi, Akil Patel and Alexander Lin), all of who were once close to Jamie Ruan, who is found dead. Through the eyes of her fierce, determined, and morally grey protagonist, Zhao unflinchingly exposes the pressures of elite high schools.

With everything to gain, and so much to lose, Nancy is willing to do whatever it takes to keep her spot at the school leading her to increasingly ruthless choices as the novel progresses. Zhao examines the privilege differences between Nancy and her peers, the microaggressions against her, and how she feels out of place almost everywhere. Zhao has written a modern Gossip Girl for the BIPOC set that serves up urgent insights on class, race, and the brutality of high school striving.Nancy Luo, the narrator, has an accessible voice that makes her the perfect person to bring people into the story. This juicy thriller is steeped in secrets, betrayal, and toxic competitiveness--you won't be able to put it down. They are in a race against time as they try to uncover The Proctor's identity before their secrets are exposed to the entire school on a social app, Tip Tap.

I think it's an important conversation to have, especially when introducing characters like Nancy, who do not come from money and face major barriers because of this. I do think the characters were overdramatized to the point where it seemed too unrealistic, like how some of the group's 'secrets' were more believable versus some that were way over the top (I won't mention who to avoid spoilers, but if you read this you'll know what I mean). 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.They seem to entirely be ignoring the fact that there’s a fifth person clearly involved and manipulating things.

An entertaining start to YA thriller/mystery series showing the darkside of academia life in a prestigious Preparatory School and with characters who have plenty of secrets to hide.While it is a thriller because of the murder of Jamie Ruan and the hunt to find the murderer, this book is so much more. How it explains the ways Nancy feels like she must always succeed because it isn't only about her future, but about her past. It’s is a dark academia about the pressures on high-achieving children of immigrants, and the lengths they’re go to meet the expectations. Nancy's story alternates between the past and present as she remembers how Jamie belittled her, instilled fear into her, and used her own good deeds to get Nancy to do whatever she wanted.

When top girl Jamie Ruan is found dead, someone accuses her closest four friends of committing the crime. It had all of the elements for an exciting thriller - dark academia aesthetic, upper class New York City setting, and a murder mystery whodunnit plot. Someone name The Proctor on the school social media annouces Jamie's death and points to Nancy and her three friends Krystal, Akil, and Alexander as suspects. Zhao’s latest novel will be perfect for those looking for a fast-paced dark academia novel with an Asian American main cast, but wouldn’t mind if there isn’t as much focus on developing the backstory of the characters more than for what’s needed to continue the story. The petty drama surrounding Nancy and her friends was addicting to read about and left me wanting more.It’s almost like we jump into the book running (perhaps sprinting wouldn’t be the wrong word either) and don’t stop until the end.