
When Elin Hilderbrand, the undisputed “Queen of the Beach Read,” joins forces with her daughter Shelby Cunningham, the result is The Academy, a vibrant, drama-filled novel that takes us far from the shores of Nantucket and deep into the hallowed halls of a New England boarding school. This mother-daughter collaboration proves that Hilderbrand’s gift for weaving addictive storytelling and layered characters translates perfectly to the closed world of academia, where secrets spread faster than gossip apps and no one is truly innocent.
Set at Tiffin Academy, an elite but imperfect boarding school in northwest Massachusetts, the story opens on move-in day. Students arrive in their designer sneakers and social-media-ready outfits, buzzing with excitement after hearing that America Today just ranked Tiffin as the number two boarding school in the country. For a school better known for its parties than its academics, the news feels both shocking and suspicious. Beneath the polished campus exterior, cracks quickly appear. A mysterious new app called ZipZap begins posting scandalous blind items about students and faculty alike, threatening to unravel reputations and friendships. From queen bee Davi Banerjee to the new history teacher Simone Bergeron, everyone has something to hide.
At first glance, The Academy might remind readers of Gossip Girl with a touch of A Separate Peace, but what makes it stand out is its ability to balance frothy fun with sharp social insight. The dynamic between generations Gen Z students, millennial teachers, and seasoned administrators creates both tension and humor. Hilderbrand’s seasoned hand keeps the pacing brisk and the emotions believable, while Shelby Cunningham’s influence adds an authentic voice to the teenage cast. Together, they’ve created a world that feels both nostalgic and utterly current.
One of the book’s highlights is its vivid sense of place. Readers can almost feel the crisp New England air, smell the autumn leaves, and taste the grilled cheese with bacon on Texas toast from the school’s surprisingly gourmet dining hall. The included campus map and character list add a delightful immersive touch, helping readers navigate the tangled relationships and rivalries that drive the story.
That said, The Academy is not without flaws. With so many points of view, a few characters feel underdeveloped, and the sheer number of modern-day references from influencers to apps can feel a bit overwhelming at times. As reviewer Sara Carrolli noted, the heavy use of real-world pop culture names might turn off some readers who prefer a timeless narrative. Still, it’s clear that these details come from a place of authenticity, reflecting Shelby Cunningham’s firsthand boarding school experience.
Despite its imperfections, The Academy is pure entertainment. It’s witty, fast-paced, and filled with enough intrigue to keep readers hooked until the final page. For fans of Elin Hilderbrand, it’s a refreshing new direction that retains her trademark warmth and sense of community. For newcomers, it’s an accessible and engaging introduction to her storytelling style.
By the end, readers will likely find themselves echoing one reviewer’s sentiment: we need a sequel. There are too many lingering questions, from mysterious letters to unresolved tensions, to leave Tiffin Academy behind just yet.
If you’re in the mood for a juicy, escapist read filled with academic drama, beautiful prose, and that signature Hilderbrand sparkle, The Academy deserves a spot on your fall reading list.
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