Questions About The Ivies

by Alexa Donne (Goodreads Author)

Reader Q&A

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Answered Questions (16)

I am one of you french readers! I was wondering... since this book seems to be deeply rooted in the American Education System, do you think there are a few things I should research to understand the characters' motivations better? I'm willing to learn! And that's one of the reasons I'm so curious about this story. But I'm also afraid that some plot points will seem quite bizarre to me, even if I know it's fiction.

Alexa I am hopeful that I've done a good enough job in the book of explaining some of the stranger things about the system--things that are strange even to …moreI am hopeful that I've done a good enough job in the book of explaining some of the stranger things about the system--things that are strange even to Americans! One reason I wrote the book is many people, especially older people, have no clue how cutthroat college admissions is nowadays. I do use my MC Olivia as well as a Canadian character named Ethan to explain/lampshade a lot of things. But beyond that, you can actually watch some of my videos on college admissions on my YouTube channel! I have a really old (and almost embarrassing ha) one from 2017 with advice for every grade, and more recent ones about college admissions & essay writing that have lots of little anecdotes that should help. And to that note: I'd LOVE to get questions from readers, especially international readers about anything in the book they're wondering about, and I will do a Q&A on my channel once it's out! I plan to do Q&A threads on Instagram and YouTube after the book is out, and you can also always email me.(less)

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Whats the age rating for this book?

Alexa It's either a hard PG-13 or soft R, due to strong language.…moreIt's either a hard PG-13 or soft R, due to strong language.(less)

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This is tagged as lgbt, what queer elements does it have?

Alexa Thank you for asking! The on the page rep includes a main cast member who identifies as a lesbian/queer, although it's not a primary aspect of the plo…moreThank you for asking! The on the page rep includes a main cast member who identifies as a lesbian/queer, although it's not a primary aspect of the plot. There are also several tertiary characters who are mentioned as being queer. As an author, I don't have a say in how readers shelve my books, but personally I don't label The Ivies as an LGBTQIA+ story.(less)

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Do you think this book would be good for a young adult book club?

Alexa I do hope some librarians/other readers chime in, but as the author I can say that yes I do think so/hope so! While it's a soapy, fun read (so may be …moreI do hope some librarians/other readers chime in, but as the author I can say that yes I do think so/hope so! While it's a soapy, fun read (so may be engaging if there are any reluctant readers in a book club but who like fast-paced commercial fiction), there are lots of topics to discuss related to college admissions, toxic friendships, and privilege. Aspects of the ending should prompt some discussion, for sure! (less)

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what section of barnes and nobles is it in?

Alexa It won't be released until May 25, but once it is, it will be in the Teen Fiction section.…moreIt won't be released until May 25, but once it is, it will be in the Teen Fiction section.(less)

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