Actually 2.5 stars since I did manage to finish this book without tossing it. It would be good for a particular segment of society, but I personally didn't like it. Bullying and cyberstalking are such important subjects and not only happens with teens and pre-teens-it also happens to adults.
I also thought it presumptuous of Victoria (the main protagonist) that upon having her first cup of coffee with a single man she begins dreaming of uhm... sexual activities -not really natural action based on the fact of how she got ditched (sort of) at the alter only a couple of months ago or less.
This is a quote from the book's synopsis and it really needs to be changed: "A hilarious, sharp, and hope-filled debut, Barbarians at the PTA will have you cheering for badass moms everywhere who go to the ends of the earth for their children—and will leave you wanting more from Dr. Stephanie Newman."
There is absolutely nothing funny, hilarious or sharp with this book. The voice of the Dr. (Mom) was just that, a Doctor's voice, instead of a loving, caring Mom; like she was talking to a patient when she was talking to her broken-hearted daughter. It really set my teeth on edge to hear these stilted conversations. Victoria was by no means a "badass" and doesn't do much to help her daughter although she does go far in helping her own sex life.
This book really shows that it was written by a Doctor as it has the stilted dialogue and 'self-help' cliches that might come out of a doctor's mouth.
The characters may have grown as far as a Dr. is concerned but I didn't see it as far as a reader is concerned. This was a totally frustrating read that I just couldn't stop reading -I had to see if things worked out. Well, not to my satisfaction they didn't. *sigh*
The premiss was a good one but I think that the editor should have told the author to tone down the shrink talk and bring on the Mom.
*ARC supplied by the publisher.
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"Desperate Housewives Meets Mean Girls in this Heartfelt and Hilarious Debut Novel about a Mother-Daughter Duo Facing Cliques, Cyberbullying, and Snobs in a Wealthy NYC Suburb
Victoria Bryant is starting over. After a rage-inducing scandal and the realization that her dreamy fiancé is faker than a faux Fendi purse, she moves her psychology practice and 10-year-old daughter, Rachel, to Mayfair Close, an idyllic Westchester, NY, suburb known for its manicured lawns and excellent schools.
The transition is initially seamless; several PTA moms befriend Victoria, her already busy practice booms, and Rachel finds a group of friends. But before anyone can say “helicopter mom,” in walks Lee DeVry. Wealthy, glamorous and perfectly toned, the PTA president is everything Victoria is not.
Vic tries to fit in with Lee and the other SUV driving, athleisure-wearing mothers. At first, she manages to balance the demands of her practice, single parenthood, and her budding romance with Jim, a handsome school administrator. All seems well until Rachel is suddenly targeted, first by the girls at school, and then by an anonymous cyberbully. As Rachel spirals, becoming isolated, playing hooky, and exhibiting signs of depression and disordered eating, Victoria vows to find out who has been messing with her daughter.
After she learns a secret that will help her rescue her child, Vic faces the ultimate dilemma: should she expose the bully publicly, despite the potential consequences to her professional reputation and relationships with Rachel and Jim?
A hilarious, sharp, and hope-filled debut, Barbarians at the PTA will have you cheering for badass moms everywhere who go to the ends of the earth for their children—and will leave you wanting more from Dr. Stephanie Newman."
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