Viola In Reel Life is a book is a wonderful, fast-paced read. It's original and isn't the usual cliché boarding school book.

I knew that this book would be about a girl and her love for filming, but I hadn't thought it would talk so much about theatre. I absolutely love theatre and this book has mentions of Buster Keaton and other silent film actors, Arsenic and Old Lace..It was very interesting to read about.

Adriana Trigiani does a great job with the characters. Viola with her filming and sarcastic remarks learns to appreciate Prefects Academy along with her roommates. There's Suzanne, the pretty and tall blonde. Romy is the sportive one and Marisol is the Latina who is the one Viola goes to since she is non-judgmental. I loved this group of girls. They were always there for each other and supported each other.

Even though Viola goes to an all girls school, Trigiani is still able to throw guys into the mix. Andrew, her BFFAA from back home, continues to text and videoconference with her. I thought they had some chemistry, but they were just best friends. Then there is Jared, who Viola meets at a school dance. They share an interest in filming and both enter a video competition. I loved reading about Viola's short film and the story behind it.

I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes filming or theatre or stories about boarding schools. This was a great read!