Mean Girls Pursue ‘Corliss’ in V.C. Andrews’ New Novella [REVIEW]

Smarter than everyone else, a teenage girl becomes a victim of vicious bullying in V.C. Andrews’ Corliss. (Photo by Rikard Elofsson, Flickr)

Mean girls always despise people who are smarter or prettier than they are. So it is no surprise when they gang up to pick on the beautiful math genius in their midst and make her life unbearable in V.C. Andrews’ latest novella, Corliss, the first book in the Girls of Spindrift series (the prequel to Bittersweet Dreams).

Pocket Star

Corliss Simon isn’t just another pretty face. She’s also a remarkably talented mathematician on par with Katherine G. Johnson, the NASA engineer depicted in the film Hidden Figures. Because of her incredible intelligence, she’s never been understood by her teachers or even her parents. And as for her classmates? They just see her talents as a reason to ostracize her from the rest of the class.

One group of girls in particular has set their sights on her, determined to prove she is no better than anyone else by getting her to succumb to peer pressure and drug abuse. But Corliss is nobody’s fool and she valiantly stands her ground, in part due to the fact she is wise beyond her years, but also because she fears what havoc street drugs could do to her brain and body.

On the night of a school party, someone spikes her drink and suddenly her well balanced world is turned on its head and she must prove her innocence to the handsome Jackson (the smart boy she has a crush on), the school officials, and even her parents.

Like Bittersweet Dreams, this is a story about the struggles even the best behaved teenagers must face in the public school system. It also serves as a warning reminder that no matter how smart they are, kids are still kids, and teenager are endlessly curious and fueled by their emotions. Thus good communication is vital, family is important and parental guidance essential.

Don’t get me wrong. Corliss isn’t preachy. This novella is still classic Andrews, full of twists and turns and enough angst it will make you never ever want to relive your teenage years. Yet it is still enjoyable to read and takes us down the dark road of a young woman’s journey to self discovery and empowerment. If you’re one of the millions of fans of Andrews fiction, you’ll find this novella to be yet another indulgent morsel you’ll want to savor.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

V.C. Andrews
(Drawing courtesy Simon & Schuster)

One of the most popular authors of all time, V.C. Andrews® has been a bestselling phenomenon since the publication of her spellbinding classic, Flowers in the Attic. 

That blockbuster novel began the renowned Dollanganger family saga, which included Petals on the Wind, If There Be Thorns, Seeds of Yesterday, and Garden of Shadows. 

Since then, readers have been captivated by more than 70 novels in nearly 20 bestselling series. V.C. Andrews’ novels have sold more than 106 million copies and have been translated into 22 foreign languages.

Sadly, Andrews passed away in 1986. She left several unfinished manuscripts and outlines which were completed by Andrew Neiderman. He has continued the thrilling storytelling started by Andrews ever since.

Visit V.C. Andrews home on the web, like her on Facebook or follow her on Twitter.

CORLISS
By V.C. Andrews®
80 pgs. Pocket Star. $1.99