The Secret History: A Read with Jenna Pick

"I once heard this book referred to as a modern classic, and I can truly say that it is justly deserving of that description. This book is just timeless. It’s flawlessly executed, with eloquently written passages and compelling characters and narratives. The best way to describe this novel, though I struggle to do so, is with one phrase: “modern Greek tragedy.” The phrase is ironic considering the subject matter of the book, but fitting. There are so many things I admired in Donna Tartt’s telling of this story. I especially loved the themes she explores in it: the destructive nature of secrets, how appearances are simply masks we hide behind and the thin but incredibly important line between illusion and reality that we draw ourselves. Like Richard, I was pulled into the web of the Classics groups enthralling presence, but as the story went on revealing the truth of all the characters Richard had surrounded himself with, I was stunned by how easily I was convinced by their intellectual, superior masks just like Richard. The plot itself held on to me from the prologue and held me in suspense until the last word. It is just so intelligently written that I will never stop extolling its virtues."

"I know this is a well loved book and since it checked all the boxes for things I normally love in a book, I wondered why I had never read it. Well, I’m glad I wasn’t racing to get to it. It was long, bland, and the characters were boring. It takes places in the 90’s I guess but from the wrong and atmosphere I thought it was the 50’s. It was a struggle to get through, honestly."

"A group of friends (but are they really friends?) in a small New England college form a tight clique, each with his/her own flaws. The story follows their often bizarre and alcohol-induced behaviors. The book summary indicates a dark tale and that is spot on. Tartt is a great writer, but I liked Goldfinch better. "

"This was a 5 star read. There was great psychological depth showing why a group of college friends decided to commit a crime. Then there was a great description of how relationships broke down in the aftermath. "

"I couldn’t really get into it…"

"The unraveling of a close knit college group as they descend deeper into self destruction. "

"Why is this book slightly comforting? "

"This book is literally the definition of dark acdemia it takes place at another prestigious College we follow around 6 students. They're so out of touch and have a skewed perception of life it's truly wild seeing these character and how they go about doing things. This book is vary lirycal in the way of every sentence sounds so studious like the book almost makes you feel smart it's weird to explain lol. I liked that most topics of discussion was about Greek mythology or even just the Greek language itself it definitely added a lot to the story. This book felt like it could really be considered a "classic". I was pretty intemidated at first to read I thought I wasn't gonna be able to understand or it was gonna be to confusing Luckily it wasn't to bad I will say there is a lot of big words in this book and they speak a lot of Greek some times there wasn't any context clues as to what they said so I was out here with Google most of the time and would also say if your not entirely knowledgeable with Greek mythology I think you could miss a lot of points and how Greek mythology plays a big part in the story. Its over all a slow read in the beginning about 100 pages in there was not much going on but my god when it picks up it picks up. Honestly I don't even know how to describe this book you just have to read its pretty lengthy but worth it. it seems like a lot of information is thrown at you but there was no plot holes because of it it felt so complete every word and moment felt so intentional to the story which I admired. the way It all wrapped up the ending was insane like these characters are something else nothing I could say would do the story justice you just have to read it yourself to understand."

"An intelligent drama / thriller with some original / seldom seen elements in the genre. Very interesting and easy read."

"This was a whirlwind of plot twists and characters that I couldn't get enough off. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and recommend it."