Overview: Hidden Oak is a boarding school and last resort for the most dangerous girls who have nowhere else to go. Its fine staff of doctors and psychiatrists work hard to turn even the most dangerous girl into a contributing member of society. The problem? Some of their methods aren't exactly what you might call humane and some girls are never meant to leave. As Angela gets further into the Hidden Oak program she finds out more and more secrets the school would do anything to keep hidden and she would do anything to expose.
Critical Analysis: This book was interesting with a side of weird. It's some kind of strange cross between Girl, Interrupted and Lord of the Flies. I really enjoyed the characters, each with their own unique "disorder" and personality. There were parts that had me riveted and parts that left me thinking, "Uh...ooookay." The plot was interesting, the characters well thought out. While the staff's treatment of the girls was barbaric at the best of times it was fascinating to read, especially Angela's sessions with the school psychiatrist. It didn't take me long to read - not because it was simple, but because I just wanted to know what would happen next and who would win.
Book Recommendations With Similar Themes:
1. After by Amy Efaw. Devon Davenport doesn't remember what happened, but everyone is telling her that she gave birth and left the infant in a dumpster. Could that be true? She hadn't even known she was pregnant. Her entire life she'd been the epitome of maturity and responsibility. Now she's in lock-up with other girls who have done horrible things and are awaiting their trials. As she works with her lawyer she pieces together what really happened to her and how she came to be on the front page of every newspaper as the teenager who left her baby to die.
2. Ultraviolet by R.J. Anderson. 16-year-old Alison confessed to murdering Tori Beauregard, the most popular girl at school. Unfortunately, Tori's body can't be found and Alison can't explain exactly how she killed Tori. The thing is, Tori disintegrated. Poof! One minute they were fighting and the next Tori was just gone. How can Alison explain what happened when she doesn't even understand it herself? Committed to a mental institute, she works on figuring out exactly what she's done and what it means.
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