YA Book Review: Epic Fail (2011) by Claire LaZebnik
At Coral Tree Prep in Los Angeles, your social status is heavily influenced by your parents. Derek Edwards, son of Hollywood stars, enjoys his reign as the school prince. On the other hand, Elise Benton, the new principal’s daughter, isn’t exactly a popular choice for lunch companions.
When Elise’s attractive sister garners the attention of Derek’s best friend, Elise finds herself spending more time with Derek, becoming the target of envy for many girls. However, she remains unimpressed by Derek’s rare smiles and instead befriends his adversary, the delightful social outcast Webster Grant. In this amusing tale about fitting in and flirting, snubs are sometimes justified, not all celebrity kids are spoiled, and pride and prejudice can only impede true love for so long.
Epic Fail Review
Years ago, in my first year of university, I argued that Jane Austen’s novel, First Impressions—later published as Pride and Prejudice—served as a blueprint for romance novels. That summer, I had delved into countless Harlequin romances from my grandmother’s senior apartment complex’s little library. With these love stories fresh in my mind, I read Pride and Prejudice in my very first English class and fell in love with it, despite my teaching assistant’s skepticism about comparing it with seemingly frivolous serials. Austen captured the essence of romantic misadventures and the journey to mutual respect and love.
A Recipe For Romance Put to Good Use
Claire LaZebnik utilizes this timeless recipe for romance in her book, Epic Fail, a modern retelling of First Impressions set against the backdrop of a privileged California prep school.
The Benton family moves from Amherst, Massachusetts to Los Angeles after Dr. Gardiner, the strict and somewhat embarrassing mother, accepts a leadership role at Coral Tree Prep. Mr. Benton also secures a teaching job. The Benton-Gardiner daughters are Juliana, Elise, Layla, and Kaitlyn. Juliana, the eldest and most beautiful, quickly attracts Chase Baldwin, Derek Edwards’ best friend. Chase’s sister Chelsea, who wants Derek for herself, is determined to eliminate any rival. Elise, who is smart, lively, and witty, forms a close bond with her older sister Juliana, but she and Derek have a love-hate relationship. Layla, feeling excluded from her older sisters, acts out and is often moody. Kaitlyn is too young to be part of the drama.
Elise grows close to Webster Grant, much to Derek’s annoyance due to past issues between Webster and his absent sister, Georgia. The story follows familiar patterns with school dances, house parties, and film premieres replacing balls and dinners from the classic tale. Communication has also modernized with phone calls, texts, and emails substituting letters.
Epic Fail is a fun, quick, and enjoyable read that preserves the emotional core of the original story. Claire LaZebnik has written other modern adaptations of Austen’s works, which I now plan to explore.
Adaptation Recommendation: Although I don’t watch enough American TV and films to suggest casting choices, Epic Fail would make a great movie. I’m always up for a good Austen adaptation.
Content Note: The book contains some minor curse words during a heated moment but is otherwise clean both in language and content.
Do you enjoy Austen adaptations? Do you have any modern favorites or ones you’re disappointed with? What are your thoughts on Epic Fail?
