About this item
A novel about the enclosed world of privilege and silence at an elite boarding school and the unlikely group of friends who dare challenge the status quo through their writing.
Beth Kramer is a “townie” who returns to her sophomore year after having endured a year of judgment from her roommate, Sarah.
But Sarah Brunson knows there’s more to that story.
Amanda Priya “Spence” Spencer is the privileged daughter of NYC elites, who is reeling from the realization that her family name shielded her from the same fate as Sarah.
Ramin Golafshar arrives at Chandler as a transfer student to escape the dangers of being gay in Iran, only to suffer brutal hazing under the guise of tradition in the boys’ dorms.
And Freddy Bello is the senior who’s no longer sure of his future but has fallen hard for Spence and knows he has to stand up to his friends after what happened to Ramin.
At Chandler, the elite boarding school, these five teens are brought together in the Circle, a coveted writing group where life-changing friendships are born—and secrets are revealed. Their professor tells them to write their truths. But is the truth enough to change the long-standing culture of abuse at Chandler? And can their friendship survive the fallout?
About the Author
Abdi Nazemian spent his childhood in a series of exciting locations (Tehran, Paris, Toronto, New York) , but could usually be found in his bedroom watching old movies and reading.Abdi's first novel, THE WALK-IN CLOSET, was awarded Best Debut at the Lambda Literary Awards. He has written three young adult novels, all published by Balzer Bray / HarperCollins: THE AUTHENTICS (2017) , LIKE A LOVE STORY (2019) , and THE CHANDLER LEGACIES (2022) . LIKE A LOVE STORY won a Stonewall Honor and was chosen by Time Magazine as one of the 100 best young adult books of all time.Abdi has written for three television shows: NBC's ORDINARY JOE, Fox's ALMOST FAMILY, and NBC's THE VILLAGE. He has written six produced films including THE ARTIST'S WIFE (Strand Releasing, 2020) MENENDEZ: BLOOD BROTHERS (Lifetime, 2017) , and THE QUIET (Sony Pictures Classics, 2006) . He also wrote, directed and produced the short film REVOLUTION (2012) . He is proud to say that his words have been spoken by the likes of Carmela Soprano, The Nanny, and The Girl With The Most Cake.As Head of Development for Water's End Productions, Abdi has been an executive producer or associate producer on numerous films, including CALL ME BY YOUR NAME, IT HAPPENED IN L.A., THE PRICE, THE HOUSE OF TOMORROW, and LITTLE WOODS.Abdi lives in Los Angeles with his two children and husband, and holds dual citizenship between the United States and Canada.Abdi is not the inspiration for Madonna's children's book "The Adventures of Abdi," though he will forever insist that he is.
