*This novel has a trigger warning for teen domestic violence*
When I finally decided to read my copy of Briarcliff Prep by Brianna Peppins, a book I received on Founder’s Day, I had mildly high expectations. It had been on my Goodreads reading list for about a year, and my freshman-year roommate gave it a raving review.
However, it’s safe to say my expectations were exceeded. I read the entire book in one sitting, as I was transported in a deeply intriguing and touching story. I could not put it down.
Briarcliff Prep is a young adult book written by Spelman alumna Brianna Peppins. The story follows Avielle LeBeau, an incoming freshman at Briarcliff Preparatory School for Girls, a Historically Black boarding school. Her family has a long-standing history with the two institutions, Briarcliff Preparatory School and Preston Academy; her parents are alumni, and her older siblings attend the schools.
Avielle goes through the everyday challenges of being in a completely new environment. The beginning of the story is presented as a regular coming-of-age story as Avielle adjusts to life at boarding school, her classes, her extracurricular activities, and her friends. However, the plot takes a drastic turn, transforming the story from lighthearted to somber while tastefully exploring important themes about relationships and dating violence. The novel expertly moves through the self-discovery and growth that happens when at age 15 while emphasizing the importance of community, family, and advocacy.
The plot reads extremely real from Avi’s perspective. With a relatable narration style, compelling dialogue, and vivid descriptions, I easily became emotionally invested in the story. I went on an emotional rollercoaster and didn’t want to get off.
However, what made reading this book so special to me is the way Briarcliff Preparatory is inspired by Spelman College. I couldn’t help but connect the fictional and real campus, as Avielle’s freshman experiences mirrored some of my own. The novel subtly pays homage to references only Spelmanites would catch. For example, Peppins includes the ‘no walking on the grass’ rule, which is almost identical to how we actively avoid walking on the Oval grass. And, as freshman year ends, Avi and her roommate write their names on their dorm’s door jam, a tradition I kept up at the end of my freshman year. The story felt familiar like I was in on an inside joke.
Reading this novel allowed me to reconnect with my younger self. Growing up, I was an avid reader, but there was a lack of representation in the stories I read. Briarcliff Prep is unapologetically Black, offering a unique interpretation of Black and HBCU culture that I wish I had access to growing up. However, reading it as a sophomore in college felt especially special because I saw my community, friendship, and sisterhood reflected many times throughout the story, making my reading experience all the more special.
The sequel, Briarcliff Prep: Sophomore Year, was recently released in November, and I cannot wait to return to Briarcliff Preparatory Academy and see what sophomore year has in store!
