I really enjoyed this book. It kept me engaged and it only took a few days to read. I think this is going to be a good book club option for several clubs. I plan recommending to my book friends and I look forward to reading more by this author.

DNF - Okay, I read the description, however didn’t consider the similarities to The Kardashians until reading the authors note, and it’s just not for me. I know others will love this book!!!

3.5, rounded up. This is both a cute (re: romance and friendships) and heartbreaking read; seeing the stress of Kia's life fueled my distaste for American reality television. Alanna Bennett's expertise as a screenwriter shines through in some of the journalistic descriptions, though her prose can be almost flowery.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5 for Goodreads/NetGalley!

I'm a long time fan of Alanna Bennett from her work as a culture writer and also as a tv writer on Roswell, New Mexico and XO, Kitty (two shows that I would describe as juicy, addictive, and craveable). I also took her class Nancy & Nora & You & Me where she broke down the work of Nancy Meyers and Nora Ephron.

All of this to say that I was coming in with pretty high expectations for Bennett's novel debut and she absolutely delivered!! <i>The Education of Kia Greer</i> tells the story of a teenage girl who comes from a famous reality show family but doesn't feel like she's built for the life she was born into. Kia is conflicted about the responsibility she feels to her family while also wanted to find the right path for herself. Add on top of this she is falling in love with a popstar, which further puts her introverted nature at odds with the life she has landed in.

Bennett has such a strong voice and lovingly writes Kia, Cass, and all of the characters that make up this world. I was so totally swept up in this world and no spoilers but I love the whole journey and I desperately hope that this gets a 6-8 episode adaptation on Netflix! 🙏🙏🙏

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children's for the ARC!

I'm familiar Alanna Bennett from her work with XO, Kitty (which I love by the way), so I had some expectations going into this book. Bennett did a really good job decorating Kia and Cass. The characters, especially Kia, were so relatable and reminiscent of those teenager (young adult) years who trying to figure out the person you are versus the person others expect you to be. I think most people can relate to figuring out how to embrace that reality if you're brave enough to do so--some don't feel capable of doing so. This story was thoughtful and emotional.


Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House for a ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I wanted to read this story badly, but there's no Kindle option available. I tried reading on my phone, but that wasn't a huge success. Therefore, I decided to DNF.

I would definitely be one of those people judging Kia Greer. I dislike reality TV and the culture that surrounds it. Back in the days when I used Twitter I blocked any posts mentioning the Kardashians. And yet, Alanna Bennett has made me care about these characters. I found myself invested in the story of Kia and her sisters and drawn into their world as I hungrily turned the pages to find out what would happen next. Half the time I forgot I was reading the book and found myself thinking of the characters like I was really watching a TV series.
I found Kia heartbreakingly relatable at times despite her circumstances. She is such an endearing character. Her story really makes you think about fame, our relationship to it, and through it how we see ourselves.
I've been a big fan of Bennett's writing since her Buzzfeed days. I loved how she showed off her journalist side with the articles sprinkled throughout the book (those were honestly some of my favorite parts). I also loved the little Easter Eggs/name drops of friends and fellow Buzzfeed and pop culture writers. Some of the of the references I fear you may have to be a little too chronically online for, but luckily I am so I enjoyed it all.
This book is sweet and sad and hopeful and a YA book that really feels YA in all the best ways.

3.5⭐️
I requested this because the synopsis sounded so interesting and I had a great time reading this! Kia is constantly judged for everything that she does in her life due to growing up with her family in the public eye. While I couldn’t relate to the public scrutiny aspect, I found myself relating to Kia a lot in feeling like she couldn’t be her real self or let her guard down in the fear of letting her family members down. Cass gives her the stability and normalcy that she craves, despite being a ricing star in his own right. The connection that these two had was so sweet and enjoyed the progression of it from start to finish. Alanna’s writing and storytelling shined in this. If you love any books by Jenny Han or Casey McQuiston then I highly recommend picking this one up!! This was my first book by Alanna Bennett and I am excited to see what is next!

Thank you to Random House for the e=ARC🩵

I couldn't imagine a life where I was under constant watch and being scrutinized for the simplest of things everyone waiting and watching to see what you will do next your family being in the public eye never really being able to let your gaurd down for fear of scandal and what the smallest thing can do to ruin your families reputation and all they worked for. All while trying be a regular teenager searching for freedom that life seems overwhelming but the love that is found in the midst of all of that far outweighs the paparazzi the memes the public and the criticism the family dynamics etc. wonderfully told story. I often found myself relating to Kia in the smallest of ways I'm not famous by any means but being a teenage girl is I once was. Wonderful writing thoroughly enjoyed.