If you happen to be one of those people who ignore the common advice and judge a book by its cover anyway, don’t let this somewhat plain-looking cover fool you. Enclosed in between the simple layout is one complex story, centered around one complicated protagonist. Admission, by Jean Hanff Korelitz, is the story of Portia Nathan, an admissions officer at Princeton University, whose life is transformed before our very eyes as the novel progresses.
The fog that Portia has been living under for quite some time has become such a regular part of the background that when we are introduced to her at the onset of the story, she isn’t even aware of it. As the reader, we can sense a dull ache or a plodding pace of her life, although she is apparently oblivious. As the plot unfolds, we are given bits and pieces of information about the past that Portia has been actively pushing to the back recesses of her mind, and we are witness to the inevitable changes that result from some major life upheavals that come her way.
Does this all sound a little vague? Well, yes, I guess it does, but I really don’t want to give away any plot lines because I’m hoping that the intrigue will make you run out and get this book immediately! While some of the ‘mystery’ surrounding Portia’s past gets easier to figure out as the story goes on, the complete picture of her experiences doesn’t get filled in until late in the novel, and the emotions involved make the journey a challenging one for her. Portia fills the shoes of my favorite type of fictional character- conflicted, complex, and not necessarily always sure of herself. After spending so long living in that fog, Portia’s reawakening to life is refreshing even while it’s painful and difficult to watch. The admissions that Portia is confronted with– professionally and personally, in both senses of the word– make for an intriguing and intense novel.
With three kids and never enough hours in the day, Dawn wonders if it’s possible to read in her sleep. When she’s not reading or changing diapers, she’s blogging away at my thoughts exactly.
Hachette Book Group has offered 5 copies of this book (U.S. and Canadian shipping addresses). Leave a comment on this post if you’d like to be eligible to win this book.
Click on the banner above to enter our other Summer Fun Giveaways. All winners will be announced on June 11.
Daniel M says
sounds great, i like mysteries
Kim says
love it! enter me pls
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May Schultz says
I really would like to win this book.
DEBIJOT says
I would love to read this book. Thanks
Kevin Elliott says
Thanks for the chance, I read a little excerpt, and it seems like a cool book!
gaby317 says
count me in please!
gaby317nyc AT gmail DOT com
Heather H says
Sounds like an interesting read.
Beth says
I’d love to have this book. Thanks for the chance.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
Andria says
I would love a chance to win. Thank you.
Christina says
I always like stories about transformation. Unfortunately in life this doesn’t happen as often! Thanks for the chance to win the book!
Christina says
I’m a proud subscriber to Five Minutes For Mom!
Sheila R says
This looks like a great book.
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Susan Smith says
Looks like a good book
Kathy D says
Would love for a great summer read…..
Christine Walker says
This looks good. I need a new book to get into.
Suzy Levin says
Please enter me in this great giveaway for Admission! Thanks!
Suzanne
quzy(at)mac(dot)com
Shelly T. says
Well, you made this book sound most intriguing!
I would love the chance to win it and read it.
Erma H says
I would love to win this, thanks.
Pamela S says
This sounds like a fun summer read. I hope I haven’t already entered this contest. I couldn’t find an entry but it seems familiar. Thanks.
Tammy says
This sounds like a very interesting read
Denise says
This sounds like a good read!
ALISSA says
Sounds interesting. I would love to read it.
Marie says
I would love to read this, it looks great!
John Carr says
I don’t read but my wife would like it.
Melanie says
I would love this!
Im still not quite sure exactly what its about..
but if I knew everything I wouldn’t have to read the book, right?
Ellie W says
Sounds like a great book. Thanks for the giveaway. Please enter me.
eswright18 at gmail dot com
Angela says
I would love to have this!
Jennifer Hedden says
enter me
Chrysa says
Looks great! Thanks for the giveaway!
angie says
This sounds like a great book.
Geoff K says
Sounds like a terrific read – I love character-driven novels, and being in the academic world myself, I’m guessing I’ll find it easy to identify with the central character. Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
Jessica says
Sounds intriguing. I need some new books and this one sounds like it will kee me busy reading.
AmandaG says
I’m overdue for a good book. Thank you so very much for the opportunity to win one! 🙂
Jennifer Jozwiak says
I read a good review of this book so I hope I win!
Rachel Robertson says
This sounds like a book which really leaves you feeling good.
Molly Capel says
I would love to read this book!
Martha J says
I would love to read Admission! Thanks!
Sheila H says
Sounds good, thanks for the chance!
Steve M. says
Admit me…to this contest!
Robin Wilson says
I would love to read this book!
Ann says
I’m very much interested in reading this!!
Veronica Garrett says
I would love to win this book. It sounds very interesting.
kathy pease says
Thanks for the GREAT giveaway
please count me in 🙂
R Hicks says
Sounds like a book I would enjoy a lot
Brittany Rebello says
Id like to read it
Tammy says
Thanks for the chance – sounds like an interesting book.
Lori Walker says
Please enter me!