title: To Have and Have More
author: Sanibel
publisher: Zando-8th Note Press
publication date: April 15, 2025
pages: 368
peppers: 1 (on this scale)
warnings: lack of justice, micro and macro aggressions, racism
summary: Emery was born in Korea and adopted by a VERY wealthy American couple. At Derrymore Academy, she meets up with Lilah, a Chinese-American girl on scholarship. The book follows their relationship from the beginning of high school, when they both become alternates on the Varsity Tennis team to Senior year, as they write their college application essays.
tropes:
- boarding school
- frenemies
- the uber rich
- scholarship kids
- gay best friend
what I liked: There is no question in my mind that this pseudonym-using author went to Hotchkiss or Deerfield or some other NE elite boarding school. EVERY detail is drawn perfectly about the school, the administration, dorm life, friend groups, sports teams, publications, Chapel, race relations, etc.
what I didn’t like:
overall rating: 5 (of 5 stars)