I am here to tell you that Gold Coast Prep is, and will always be, a family. We must continue to protect one another,” he says. “We will not let another Gold Coast student be harmed.” Nikki’s elbow presses into my rib cage. A pristine infusion of Gossip Girl and Netflix's Elite, this prep-school thriller has it all: plaid skirts, secret societies, and a gripping murder mystery, but paired with an adept critique of the powers and privileges that goeth before the fall.”– Elle Now, it’s Jill’s senior year and she’s determined to make it her best yet. After all, she’s a senior and a Player–a member of Gold Coast Prep’s exclusive, not-so-secret secret society. Senior Players have the best parties, highest grades and the admiration of the entire school. This is going to be Jill’s year. She’s sure of it. The Players has a cheesy and dated feel to it like the story would have fit better in the 1980s time period rather than now. It's over the top but on some level it worked enough to keep my interest. With so much wild and crazy behavior going on, I wasn't compelled to like any of the characters, including Jill. I was curious though to see if the author was going to come up with some spectacular conclusion in regards to the mystery surrounding Shaila's death. Unfortunately it was unimaginative and therefore a disappointment. The author did try to throw in some substance when wrapping everything up but it was too little, too late.

Whilst an exploration of the privileges the Players enjoy remained a prominent focus, a murder mystery story-line also simultaneously run alongside it and I was just as invested in learning more about both. Issues such as gender disparity and the rampant accepted sexism were exposed and also became an increasingly dominant theme. Jill herself is in many ways a rather unlikeable character, but with a few beautiful redeeming qualities. For example, her love for her brother and friends is commendable and I think many of us would react in similar ways she did if put in the same situation. On the other hand though, she is rather judgmental, especially towards other girls in the story, both main and side characters. This fuels the idea that Jill is, despite being a scholarship student, privileged, and was raised with many prejudices. However, she does make strides towards being a better person. Good morning, Gold Coast,” Headmaster Weingarten bellows. His bowtie is slightly askew and his salt-and-pepper mustache looks recently trimmed above his pointy chin. “I see many new faces among our ranks and I want to say welcome from the bottom of my heart. Join me.”

Become a Member

When Nikki weaves through the parking lot and into the spot reserved for class president, Quentin is already waiting for us. “We’re seniors, bitches!” he says and slaps a piece of notebook paper against my window flashing a hastily drawn doodle of the three of us. In it, Nikki holds her senior class president gavel, I grasp onto a telescope twice my size, and Quentin’s covered in flaming-red paint to match his hair. Our little trio makes my heart melt.

I know it sounds like I really ripped into this one. And I guess I did. But I take issue with books being misrepresented, if it had been marketed differently, I probably would have enjoyed it a lot more. I didn't dislike Goodman's writing at all, she has a clear voice that I found enjoyable, youthful, and if the story had been better, I think it could've been fun. But ultimately, I don't think her voice and the storyline meshed for me. So take this as a reminder,” Headmaster Weingarten continues. “At Gold Coast Prep, we strive to do good. We aim to be grand. We see ourselves as helping hands.” The Players are the chosen elite who pinnacle the Gold Coast prep school's social hierarchy. They are more than the most popular students though and they do more than throw the wildest parties. The Players have access to test answers, have their chosen college admissions guaranteed, and the futures they desire provided for them. They also have the task of ensuring those next in line sacrifice everything they are to get this place, just like they did. All that being said, I thought that this was an entertaining read. I do feel that it focuses more on Jill and her friends involvement with The Players, and in the Gold Coast community in general. How they navigate and the choices they’ve had to make along the way. The mystery is important, obviously, but the stakes feel pretty mild considering the crime has already been committed. That’s all I really want to say without spoiling, but I highly recommend for anyone who thinks they would enjoy a mash up of Pretty Little Liars and Gossip Girl. I know that many people hate when books are compared to other series, but I honestly feel like that combination perfectly describes the overall vibe and bones of this story. Jill and her friends are Players, part of the exclusive, not-quite-secret society at school. There’s some serious hazing involved as a freshman, but when you’re a Player, your life—and in many ways, your future—are set.

Success!

Now, it’s Jill’s senior year and she’s determined to make it her best yet. After all, she’s a senior and a Player–a member of Gold Coast Prep’s exclusive, not-so-secret secret society. Senior Players have the best parties, highest grades and the admiration of the entire school. This is going to be Jill’s year. She’s sure of it. The Players Table is an upcoming American television series based on Jessica Goodman's novel They Wish They Were Us. It will star Sydney Sweeney and Halsey who will also produce the series. [1] The series is currently in development. Henry - mixed feelings. He was a cinnamon roll hiding behind the mask of a Player and I liked that. But I also didn’t like how passive he was. I think it's important to see a "softer" male character like him. He was definitely a unique character and he brought in a lot of new aspects, but he also got on my nerves so much. So should you be reading this? No. A straight NO. I won't add a 'maybe' here because JUST NO. there are better thrillers out there. Don't waste your time on this unless you are interested in losing a few of your precious brain cells.

Jessica Goodman's thrilling debut is a modern-day Gossip Girl—but darker.”– Marie Claire, The Best Fiction by Women in 2020 The chilling murder mystery is an irresistible hook, but it’s the careful building of each character’s fraught, internal conflicts that really digs in, elevating the work from a high society whodunit to a knowing mission to not just uncover one’s own identity, but to build it.”– Esquire, Best Books of 2020 Disclaimer-This is a rant review. I don't mean to offend the author or anyone who liked this book. These are just my own thoughts I can feel it unpopular review coming in the air tonight.No, I haven’t been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord!Our main character Jill is dealing with the pressures that someone feels to fit in, because it seems better than the alternative of being left out. The pressures of any high schooler to do well, because someone is depending on them to do so. Add on to that the fact that the boy who admitted to murdering her best friend 3 years ago, is suddenly claiming he’s innocent.