BOOKS

Welcome back to our Bestie Book Club—
a community for book lovers from Girls' Life magazine. 

If you're new here, hello and welcome! Here's how this works: Each month we read, discuss and obsess over a new book. And if you haven't already, be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram, where you'll be able to find Bestie Book Club updates, special contests, giveaways and more.  

Here's a quick list of everything you'll find inside this post (and beyond)...

The Rumor Game: THE BOOK CLUB AT-A-GLANCE
+ Check out this month's must-read (buy it right now HERE!)
+ Get *all* the amazing book deets (warning: spoilers abound!) 
+ Meet our ~srsly fabulous~ #bookstagrammer besties
+ Learn how to join our book club!

It's spring break and we're *all* in need of a total escape read. Well, we found it: The Rumor Game by Dhonielle Clayton and Sona Charaipotra. This YA thriller is our March Bestie Book Club pick, and, tbh, it is ~the drama~ (and we wouldn't want it any other way). Get set for the twists and turns of high school rumors that spread out of control (plus relatable characters, exciting plot twists and even important lessons about friendship, honesty and identity.

Psst: Want to skip the spoilers and just read our (low spoiler) Bestie Book Club reviews?  Click HERE.

Bryn, Cora and Georgie are about to start their senior year at Washington D.C.'s most elite high school, Foxham Prep. But after a major summer mishap, Bryn is left without the things she values most—her best friend, Cora, her boyfriend and her coveted spot on the cheerleading team.

It seems like no matter what Bryn does, she can't escape the brutal rumors that follow her down the hallways. And, to make matters worse, former geek girl Georgie is *totally* enjoying the high status Bryn used to hold.

As the school year progresses, the rumors spread out of control, threatening to take down Bryn, Cora *and* Georgie's reputations. Can they come together to figure out who's behind the ugly gossip…or will the drama swallow them whole? 

Told from each girl's POV, The Rumor Game is a high-stakes YA thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat. Come for the Gossip Girl-esque high school drama, stay for the always valuable reminder that truth and authenticity win in the end.

What are you waiting for?! Read The Rumor Game right now. 

Spoiler level: Medium

Did our Bestie Book Club love The Rumor Game? Read on! Meet Allie, Ally, Kalena, Lexia, Lisbeth and Presley. These ~fabulous~ GL girls heart reading as much as you do—and they're here to answer *all* of our most burning Qs about The Rumor Game. 

Allie @allie.novels

Which character stood out to you the most? "Georgie. She puts a lot of pressure on herself to please others, which is totally relatable. I also loved Millie—she's such a supportive sister to Cora, even when she's away at college."
Would your high school crew love this book? "Yes, for sure. Anyone who reads this will be able to connect with at least one of the diverse characters. And when the drama spirals out of control, you can empathize with all of the emotions these girls are feeling."
"Read in one sitting" rating? "High! I could *not* put down The Rumor Game. I loved piecing the plot together. The authors did an amazing job leaving clues for the reader as the story progressed."

Ally @thenatureofpages

Fave scene? "Georgie and Riley's date is sooo sweet and swoonworthy. Plus, we get to see Georgie moving forward and living her best life. She really deserves someone who can make her happy."
Biggest takeaway from this book? "Tbh, how your online life can affect your offline life: What you do on social media can have real and lasting consequences."
When did you feel the most suspense? "I was holding my breath for the big reveal in Chapter 36. I had no idea what was about to go down. I also couldn't believe who was behind the whole rumor game—that was a twist I did *not* see coming."

Kalena @kalena.reads

What character did you connect with most? "Cora. I honestly found her super relatable because of the expectations placed on her by her parents. She's a really good example of someone who tries to hold everything in but eventually just needs someone to listen. Luckily, she has an amazing sister to help her when times get tough."
Whose secret did you find the most surprising? "As the story progressed, I found myself wanting to know more and more about Bryn and her family. She's super mysterious and always keeps her next move a surprise."
Biggest takeaway from this book? "What we say online has real effects on people, both on-screen and off."

Lexia @lexiahayden

Fave scene? "I *loved* when the girls were planning the scavenger hunt for Baez's birthday party. Rallying the entire school together sounds like it was a total blast."
Which character did you find most compelling? "I was totally fascinated with Cora because everything seemed to start—and stop— with her. She's that classic queen bee character from a Y2K teen movie, but there's so much more below the surface."
Most relatable character? "Honestly, I felt like I could relate a little bit to Bryn, Cora *and* Georgie at different times, which makes the book so hard to put down. Despite their flaws, they all just want to fit in."

Presley @presleysbookreviews

Fave character? "My favorite character would have to be Georgie. She's super confident and knows her worth. Even when she finds herself in a sticky situation, she keeps her head held high."
Is there a character you wouldn't get along with IRL? "I liked all three of the girls but, tbh, I'm not sure if Cora and I would vibe. I understand the pressure she faces throughout the book, but spreading good energy is always the right move." 
Who would you recommend this read to? "Love YA thrillers? Love teen shows with major drama? Then you'll *love* The Rumor Game. It's binge-worthy."

So you've read the book and you're ready to talk all things The Rumor Game? Wondering *exactly* how the Bestie Book Club works and what it means to be a member? There are so many ways you can get involved—whether it's solo, on social media or with your whole squad. Here's a quick list...
+ SOLO. Take out your trusted journal and answer any of our reader response prompts based on The Rumor Game: Which character(s) do you find most relatable, and why? Which character(s) did you dislike? At what moments in the book did you feel the most suspense? Whose secret surprised you most? Why is this such an important read, especially for middle and high school students?
+ ON SOCIAL MEDIA. Share your thoughts on The Rumor Game using the hashtag #glbestiebookclub on Twitter and Instagram. (Just remember: You have to have a public account for us to be able to see and respond to your posts).
+ WITH YOUR SQUAD. Host a book club party—IRL or Zoom—to chat out the questions above. Be sure to reach out to a new friend and bring them along. And be sure to tag us in your snaps so we can share them! 

by GL | 3/17/2022