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by Robin Sharma
The Admissions summary
Meg Mitchell Moore
Brief summary
The Admissions by Meg Mitchell Moore is a captivating novel that delves into the competitive world of college admissions. It follows the Hawthorne family as they navigate the pressures and secrets that arise during the application process.
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The Admissions
Summary of key ideas
Striving for Perfection
In The Admissions by Meg Mitchell Moore, we are introduced to the Hawthorne family, who appear to have it all. Nora, the mother, is a successful doctor, and Charlie, the father, is a respected English professor. Their eldest daughter, Angela, is a straight-A student and is on track to become valedictorian. Their middle daughter, Cecily, is a talented artist, and their youngest, Maya, is a budding musician. The family resides in an affluent neighborhood in Northern California, and on the surface, everything seems perfect.
However, underneath the façade, cracks begin to show. The family is under immense pressure to maintain their image of perfection. Angela is determined to secure a place at Harvard, following in her father's footsteps. Cecily is struggling with the pressure to excel in her art, and Maya, the youngest, feels overlooked. Meanwhile, Nora is dealing with a demanding job, and Charlie is preoccupied with his own issues.
The College Application Process
As the family navigates the college application process, tensions rise. Angela's obsession with getting into Harvard becomes all-consuming, and her relationship with her family becomes strained. Nora and Charlie are also grappling with their own midlife crises, and their marriage is showing signs of strain. Cecily and Maya, who feel neglected in the chaos, begin to act out in their own ways.
The stress of the college application process reaches its peak when Angela is deferred from Harvard. She is devastated, and her disappointment affects the entire family. The Hawthornes are forced to confront their unrealistic expectations and the toll it has taken on their relationships. They realize that their pursuit of perfection has caused them to lose sight of what truly matters.
Revelations and Realizations
As the Hawthornes navigate this tumultuous period, secrets come to light. Nora discovers that Charlie has been hiding a serious health issue from her, and Cecily admits to a significant mistake she made in the past. These revelations force the family to reevaluate their priorities and the way they communicate with each other.
Ultimately, the family begins to heal. Angela comes to terms with the fact that her worth is not solely determined by the college she attends, and she starts to explore other options. Nora and Charlie confront their issues head-on and recommit to their marriage. Cecily and Maya, feeling seen and heard for the first time, begin to find their own paths.
A New Beginning
In the end, the Hawthornes emerge from the college application process and its aftermath as a stronger, more authentic unit. They learn to let go of their pursuit of perfection and embrace the messiness of life. The admissions process, which initially threatened to tear them apart, ultimately becomes a catalyst for growth and self-discovery.
In The Admissions, Meg Mitchell Moore expertly captures the pressures of modern-day parenting and the college application process. Through the Hawthorne family's journey, we are reminded of the importance of authenticity, resilience, and the unconditional love that binds families together.
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What is The Admissions about?
The Admissions by Meg Mitchell Moore is a compelling novel that delves into the competitive and often cutthroat world of college admissions. Told from multiple perspectives, it follows the Hawthorne family as they navigate the stress and pressure of the application process. With themes of ambition, privilege, and the lengths people will go to for success, this book offers a thought-provoking exploration of modern-day education and its impact on families.
The Admissions Review
The Admissions (2015) follows a family navigating the challenges of college admissions. Here's why this book is worth your time:
- Explores familial dynamics and the pressure of academic achievement, providing a relatable and thought-provoking narrative.
- Offers a humorous yet poignant take on the competitive nature of higher education, adding depth and entertainment to the storyline.
- With its engaging plot twists and complex characters, the book ensures that readers are captivated and invested till the very end.
Who should read The Admissions?
High school students and their parents navigating the college admissions process
Readers interested in exploring the pressures and anxieties surrounding elite education
Those who enjoy character-driven novels with complex family dynamics
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The Admissions FAQs
What is the main message of The Admissions?
The main message of The Admissions revolves around family dynamics, secrets, and the pursuit of perfection.
How long does it take to read The Admissions?
The reading time for The Admissions varies, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Admissions a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Admissions offers a compelling narrative on ambition and family, making it a worthwhile read.
Who is the author of The Admissions?
The author of The Admissions is Meg Mitchell Moore.
What to read after The Admissions?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Admissions, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Wisdom of Crowds by James Surowiecki
- Mastery by Robert Greene
- Bounce by Matthew Syed
- The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle
- How Children Succeed by Paul Tough
- Talent is Overrated by Geoff Colvin
- Don’t Go Back to School by Kio Stark
- How to Become a Straight-A Student by Cal Newport
- I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
- The Education of a Value Investor by Guy Spier