What do you think?
Rate this book
School Monitor
Richard refuses to believe his socially awkward twin Chrissie has an unhealthy obsession with him. He’s too busy making films and having fun with his best friends, but when the twins are sent to St. Bart’s, the boarding school from Hell, Richard finds himself trapped in a real life psychological horror when he’s framed for stealing, and on a mission to clear his name, discovers he’s not the only actor in his family.
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 8, 2016
49 people are currently reading
819 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 24, 2020
“Education expands the mind, and fortunately for me, mine expanded so much I was able to break out from the rat race and do something more meaningful with my life.”
School Monitor
by Alex Dunn
This was a really painful read. And one that made me very angry.
TRIGGER ALERT: Suicide, bullying, physical torture and bodily harm.
This book is about bullying but it is interesting in that it is a boy who is bullied.
Richard and Chrisie are twins, closer than anything and best friends when their parents send them away to boarding school.
Chrisie has a tough past. She was bullied in her former school and attempted suicide. She survived but is haunted by it and cannot move on.
Richard is racked with guilt over it, even though he had nothing to do with it. But this guilt causes him to treat his sister with kid gloves. Even though she is resentful of his time away from her, he caters to her.
I really do not want to say to much about this book and am struggling with how to do a review without giving anything away.
All I will say is that the tables are turned. Richard, who has always been well liked, has some issues at this new boarding school that turn very serious in a very short time. If you want to know why and how, you have to read the book.
I liked this. I REALLY liked Richard though he was very flawed. I COULD. NOT. STAND. SISTER.
In fact, I almost took a point off because of how much I could not stand her. Then again, I do not think we are supposed to stand her. If that was the author's intention..It worked! The sister's a brat. No spoilers..you well know it by page five.
Now I really have to use spoilers to explain why I could not give this a five.
SPOILERS:
I was so angry THE WHOLE TIME I READ IT. i ACTUALLY HAD TO TAKE DEEP BREATHES.
I mean..everyone was so fucked up that I wanted to slap some of them. I kind of wish there had been a bit more of a subtle approach. It was almost to much. I mean..I have read books about bullying before but this goes really far. One scene especially where they almost drown him in boiling hot water.
I really would, for that reason, exercise caution when reading this. There are triggers as I mentioned. At the same time, it was really well written. Nobody was cardboard. The author made them real people and I loved all the Film references. I think t his would be a great book group pick for realistic YA. I really do.
Only other complaint..ending..I wanted more. would have liked to know..was the school shut down? What happened to Spencer? At least the dad got told off. I mean..the parents in this were so cold and unloving. I kinda wish the twins had not made up because Chrisie was and is such a brat that I know I wouldn't forgive her. Richard has more heart than I do.
Anyway..a must read if you are interested in the subject matter. Be prepared to do a bit of yelling at some of the characters though.
School Monitor
by Alex Dunn
This was a really painful read. And one that made me very angry.
TRIGGER ALERT: Suicide, bullying, physical torture and bodily harm.
This book is about bullying but it is interesting in that it is a boy who is bullied.
Richard and Chrisie are twins, closer than anything and best friends when their parents send them away to boarding school.
Chrisie has a tough past. She was bullied in her former school and attempted suicide. She survived but is haunted by it and cannot move on.
Richard is racked with guilt over it, even though he had nothing to do with it. But this guilt causes him to treat his sister with kid gloves. Even though she is resentful of his time away from her, he caters to her.
I really do not want to say to much about this book and am struggling with how to do a review without giving anything away.
All I will say is that the tables are turned. Richard, who has always been well liked, has some issues at this new boarding school that turn very serious in a very short time. If you want to know why and how, you have to read the book.
I liked this. I REALLY liked Richard though he was very flawed. I COULD. NOT. STAND. SISTER.
In fact, I almost took a point off because of how much I could not stand her. Then again, I do not think we are supposed to stand her. If that was the author's intention..It worked! The sister's a brat. No spoilers..you well know it by page five.
Now I really have to use spoilers to explain why I could not give this a five.
SPOILERS:
I was so angry THE WHOLE TIME I READ IT. i ACTUALLY HAD TO TAKE DEEP BREATHES.
I mean..everyone was so fucked up that I wanted to slap some of them. I kind of wish there had been a bit more of a subtle approach. It was almost to much. I mean..I have read books about bullying before but this goes really far. One scene especially where they almost drown him in boiling hot water.
I really would, for that reason, exercise caution when reading this. There are triggers as I mentioned. At the same time, it was really well written. Nobody was cardboard. The author made them real people and I loved all the Film references. I think t his would be a great book group pick for realistic YA. I really do.
Only other complaint..ending..I wanted more. would have liked to know..was the school shut down? What happened to Spencer? At least the dad got told off. I mean..the parents in this were so cold and unloving. I kinda wish the twins had not made up because Chrisie was and is such a brat that I know I wouldn't forgive her. Richard has more heart than I do.
Anyway..a must read if you are interested in the subject matter. Be prepared to do a bit of yelling at some of the characters though.
November 16, 2020
Richard and Chrissie are fraternal twins and Richard has always felt protective over his twin sister Chrissie especially more so these days as at their old school, Chrissie ended up being bullied and tried to commit suicide and Richard blames himself as the girl was his best friend. This book starts with the twins having to move to another new school and a boarding one at that as their father has a new job and wants Richard to befriend his boss's son Spencer. Richard's current girlfriend Beth can't stand Chrissie and tries to warn Richard how manipulative she is but he doesn't listen. Instead, he begs Beth to give Chrissie a makeover for their new school. The twins start and soon Chrissie has found a new friend with Spencer and Richard is busy joining new clubs. That is until he is accused of stealing and this then spirals to Richard breaking "the code" which is a private school way of life. You know the age-old of what happens in school, stays in school. As the book goes along, we see Chrissie rising and Richard getting bullied even worse and the pinnacle of the story is we see Richard on his death bed. With none of his family believing him, can Richard get his old friends Beth, Stew, and Dave to help him prove to the world and his parents that Chrissie and Spencer are behind everything before it's too late and the tables are reversed and Richard starts thinking suicide is his only option? Find out in this edgy YA novel "School Monitor" by Alex Dunn.
April 13, 2017
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book was well written.
I just didn't like ANY of the characters and truly hated most of them.
The main character was an arrogant, egoistical bully-enabler who thought things like "I don't care what the films and songs say - it's not all right for guys to cry." or "As a guy, you're supposed to be brave. Fights are a rite of passage; guys brag, relive, and provoke, and we shrug off a punch even if it hurts like hell, but we all get scared, even if we're in the pack picking on the runt."
I'm gonna let that sink in while I go puke.
Okay, I'm back.
So, none of the characters had ever heard of these things called empathy and compassion, so in exchange I had none for them. I got so angry at times, I had to read entire books in between chapters which is something I never do.
I couldn't find redeeming qualities in the characters, even the most bullied one, Hermit, was unlikable...
I don't know what to add, except maybe : sorry? ...
This book was well written.
I just didn't like ANY of the characters and truly hated most of them.
The main character was an arrogant, egoistical bully-enabler who thought things like "I don't care what the films and songs say - it's not all right for guys to cry." or "As a guy, you're supposed to be brave. Fights are a rite of passage; guys brag, relive, and provoke, and we shrug off a punch even if it hurts like hell, but we all get scared, even if we're in the pack picking on the runt."
I'm gonna let that sink in while I go puke.
Okay, I'm back.
So, none of the characters had ever heard of these things called empathy and compassion, so in exchange I had none for them. I got so angry at times, I had to read entire books in between chapters which is something I never do.
I couldn't find redeeming qualities in the characters, even the most bullied one, Hermit, was unlikable...
I don't know what to add, except maybe : sorry? ...
April 15, 2017
I definitely enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone. It not only helps kids who are being bullied but also give insight for people who have never been bullied. I puts the reader on a ride of emotions with Rich as he tries to keep his head over the water. It is both thrilling and touching so even people not into the genre can enjoy it.
October 9, 2016
A good book with great narration taken along a great topic. You surely won't regret reading this one.
For more details regarding the specifics of the book, visit http://the-empty-pages.blogspot.in/20...
For more details regarding the specifics of the book, visit http://the-empty-pages.blogspot.in/20...
January 2, 2019
*Trigger warning for bullying*
Surprisingly, I liked this book. I dived into it with only the knowledge of this twin brother and sister going into boarding school and that's it. I'm surprised to see that it's actually an eye opening read. It shows what it's like to be bullied and hated by everyone. So trigger warning for anyone who don't feel comfortable with really bad bullying scenes. We read through the POV of someone being bullied and it could get a bit descriptive at times. I liked our main character Rich, who if a filmmaker/actor on little comedies and skits on YouTube with his friends, and who was bullied in the series. Much as I like Rich, I detested Chrissie. You don't know how many times I got frustrated just reading the lines of this character. She is sooooo annoying, and I didn't know that I would read a character more annoying than Eadlyn Schreave (The Selection series). I HATED HER. I want to scream and curse and go crazy every time I read about her. It almost made me want to ditch the book. But I forced myself to read because I also appreciate an antagonist that people will just hate her (i.e. Umbridge). Despite that, I wouldn't say I enjoyed following Rich's story but I did liked reading this. I really felt what Rich wsa feeling despite not being bullied myself. I see through his eyes how annoying people can be. I felt DISGUSTED with that boarding school and its old ways. Let's face it: this is still happening aroung the world at present! I cannot fathom how adults could go by their days and not give a care in the world just because "they're following the Code (rules)". If it's wrong, it's wrong! I don't care about your outdated. inhumane rules. *breatheeeeee* I have so much to say about the bullying in this book. At one point, I even found myself shedding a tear for his character because he so badly want to reach out to his parents. But his parents was all focused on their public image, client deals, and other matters except their son. It is heartbreaking. This book made me so angry at society in general. *trying the hardest to keep calm* I only gave this 4 stars because story-wise it wasn't the greatest in its execution, but I feel like everyone should read this. I know books now are all about diversity but I think people should read about this too. Considering that only a few have read and reviewed this in Goodreads, I do hope people would try this eye opening book.
Surprisingly, I liked this book. I dived into it with only the knowledge of this twin brother and sister going into boarding school and that's it. I'm surprised to see that it's actually an eye opening read. It shows what it's like to be bullied and hated by everyone. So trigger warning for anyone who don't feel comfortable with really bad bullying scenes. We read through the POV of someone being bullied and it could get a bit descriptive at times. I liked our main character Rich, who if a filmmaker/actor on little comedies and skits on YouTube with his friends, and who was bullied in the series. Much as I like Rich, I detested Chrissie. You don't know how many times I got frustrated just reading the lines of this character. She is sooooo annoying, and I didn't know that I would read a character more annoying than Eadlyn Schreave (The Selection series). I HATED HER. I want to scream and curse and go crazy every time I read about her. It almost made me want to ditch the book. But I forced myself to read because I also appreciate an antagonist that people will just hate her (i.e. Umbridge). Despite that, I wouldn't say I enjoyed following Rich's story but I did liked reading this. I really felt what Rich wsa feeling despite not being bullied myself. I see through his eyes how annoying people can be. I felt DISGUSTED with that boarding school and its old ways. Let's face it: this is still happening aroung the world at present! I cannot fathom how adults could go by their days and not give a care in the world just because "they're following the Code (rules)". If it's wrong, it's wrong! I don't care about your outdated. inhumane rules. *breatheeeeee* I have so much to say about the bullying in this book. At one point, I even found myself shedding a tear for his character because he so badly want to reach out to his parents. But his parents was all focused on their public image, client deals, and other matters except their son. It is heartbreaking. This book made me so angry at society in general. *trying the hardest to keep calm* I only gave this 4 stars because story-wise it wasn't the greatest in its execution, but I feel like everyone should read this. I know books now are all about diversity but I think people should read about this too. Considering that only a few have read and reviewed this in Goodreads, I do hope people would try this eye opening book.
October 13, 2020
I was given an opportunity to read School Monitor through a Goodreads Giveaway, as well as from NetGalley. I voluntarily chose to review this book and my opinion is freely given.
Richard has always felt that he must protect his fragile and socially awkward twin sister Chrissie. He would rather make movies and hang out with his friends most times, but Richard's attention always seems to be directed towards his sister. When the pair are sent to St. Bart’s, a prestigious boarding school with a stellar reputation, will Richard be the one who needs protecting?
School Monitor is completely unrealistic on so many levels. Bullying does exist, but the extent of it does not seem plausible. The author makes it seem like there are no authority figures around, as the bullies are able to do whatever they want to whomever they wish. Money and intimidation after the fact is definitely possible, but I doubt that the adults would let the situation get so out of hand. The eventual ending of the novel was telegraphed early on, so the book held no mystery or surprise for me.
As School Monitor is geared toward a younger audience, I would have liked to see more of a message at the ending. The massive amount of bullying in this book is not balanced by lessons learned. Each page seems to be another day spent on the same subject and the book suffered because of this. For these reasons, I would not recommend School Monitor to other readers.
Richard has always felt that he must protect his fragile and socially awkward twin sister Chrissie. He would rather make movies and hang out with his friends most times, but Richard's attention always seems to be directed towards his sister. When the pair are sent to St. Bart’s, a prestigious boarding school with a stellar reputation, will Richard be the one who needs protecting?
School Monitor is completely unrealistic on so many levels. Bullying does exist, but the extent of it does not seem plausible. The author makes it seem like there are no authority figures around, as the bullies are able to do whatever they want to whomever they wish. Money and intimidation after the fact is definitely possible, but I doubt that the adults would let the situation get so out of hand. The eventual ending of the novel was telegraphed early on, so the book held no mystery or surprise for me.
As School Monitor is geared toward a younger audience, I would have liked to see more of a message at the ending. The massive amount of bullying in this book is not balanced by lessons learned. Each page seems to be another day spent on the same subject and the book suffered because of this. For these reasons, I would not recommend School Monitor to other readers.
November 20, 2017
Richard is the popular sibling, with his twin Chrissie relying on him for support and comfort.
When their dad forces them to change schools due to a business deal with one of the pupils. When Richard is framed for stealing in the school, Chrissie sets out to make sure she is the one Richard turns to for support.
Richard is passionate about acting and making short films. This becomes Richard’s only respite when his life changes at his new boarding school where he becomes an outsider and is pushed to the bottom of the social ladder.
This book lays out a believable story of how quickly mental health can change with the right triggers and pressure. This young adult psychological thriller is gripping and a real page turner, don’t judge the book by it’s cover.
When their dad forces them to change schools due to a business deal with one of the pupils. When Richard is framed for stealing in the school, Chrissie sets out to make sure she is the one Richard turns to for support.
Richard is passionate about acting and making short films. This becomes Richard’s only respite when his life changes at his new boarding school where he becomes an outsider and is pushed to the bottom of the social ladder.
This book lays out a believable story of how quickly mental health can change with the right triggers and pressure. This young adult psychological thriller is gripping and a real page turner, don’t judge the book by it’s cover.
July 16, 2017
This book caught my attention instantly because of interesting plot. However, I'm not that excited to read it after reading the first chapters.
Chrissie and Richard are twins. They are 14 year olds, in Year Ten and their Dad decided to transfer them to St. Bartolomew's to befriend Doug Spencer's son, Robert.
The story is slow and couldn't find the depth of the story. It is also confusing because of too many characters in it. It also made me think if I made a right choice to read this one because it is not exciting as I've read the synopsis plus I find the story cliché.
Read full review at: https://wandererinneverland.wordpress...
Chrissie and Richard are twins. They are 14 year olds, in Year Ten and their Dad decided to transfer them to St. Bartolomew's to befriend Doug Spencer's son, Robert.
The story is slow and couldn't find the depth of the story. It is also confusing because of too many characters in it. It also made me think if I made a right choice to read this one because it is not exciting as I've read the synopsis plus I find the story cliché.
Read full review at: https://wandererinneverland.wordpress...
July 11, 2017
This was an interesting premise, though I think the tension was a bit too slow to build.
I found it difficult to empathise with the main character as he was not particularly likeable.
I also found it relatively easy to guess who the person responsible for the various incidents was, which somewhat spoiled what could have been an interesting final twist.
However, I thought the book was well written, and it was an enjoyable light read.
I found it difficult to empathise with the main character as he was not particularly likeable.
I also found it relatively easy to guess who the person responsible for the various incidents was, which somewhat spoiled what could have been an interesting final twist.
However, I thought the book was well written, and it was an enjoyable light read.
September 15, 2018
I don't know what to think about this. I had to stop it at 18% because I couldn't make myself read the words "grumble", "Echo" etc. to describe talking anymore. It was getting on my nerves - what's wrong with just saying said?! I didn't like Rich, who is the narrator, and Chrissie, his twin sister, was weird. I skimmed the rest of the book because I was sort of intrigued about what was going to happen between Chrissie and Rich at their new school but I wasn't that impressed.
August 9, 2017
This book was absolutely surpprising. I never thought that bullying could escalate so much because of a misunderstanding and the degree of obsession was crazy. The bond between the twins was very strong more on one part than the other, i would like to read more about this author in the future.
August 14, 2025
You know what I hate? How I wasted an entire day reading this. The main character's problems all stemmed from his refusal to listen to any of his friends WHEN THERE WAS EVIDENCE RIGHT in front of HIS FACE.
SPOILERS
took him till the last 2 pages of the book to listen to Beth and expose Chrissie finally, AND HE STILL FORGAVE HER?!?!?!?!?!?!?
SPOILERS
took him till the last 2 pages of the book to listen to Beth and expose Chrissie finally, AND HE STILL FORGAVE HER?!?!?!?!?!?!?
June 1, 2017
Uncaged Book Reviews:
This is a powerful read and just shows what can happen if people are believed by the lies and stories they spread.
Yet another great read by this author.
Reviewed by Jennifer
More at UncagedBooks.com
This is a powerful read and just shows what can happen if people are believed by the lies and stories they spread.
Yet another great read by this author.
Reviewed by Jennifer
More at UncagedBooks.com
April 29, 2017
Predictable
Read
May 8, 2017I'm not going to give this a star rating because I stopped reading well before the 50% mark - it was at the 30% mark, right after I finished chapter 15.
This is a case of the story not living up to the hype.
I guess I was waiting for the thriller the blurb promised to actually happen. I had hoped that 15 chapters in something thriller-ish would have happened.
Spoiler: it hasn't.
This is what I know: Rich is acting like what I think a typical teenage boy should act like. He's talking to friends, trying to fit in to a new school and basically trying not to get on the wrong side of the school administration. He also likes to make comedy/parody films. He didn't want anyone to know that, but of course everyone knows and they all want to make a film with him. Rich seems like an okay character.
Then there's Chrissie. She's probably has some sort of mental condition (which seems hinted at in the blurb) because one minute she's begging Rich to pay attention to her then the next she's yelling at him because he's trying to talk to her. She's seconds away from crying and then yelling. I guess she was bullied at her old school... I don't know. I don't really care. She's a flat character who, if the blurb can be believed, is faking it all? I'm not going to finish reading to find out.
The setting is also bizarre. They're at a 'fancy boarding school' and the teachers are abusive and the students are abusive, but if Daddy throws enough money at the school everyone looks the other way. I get it, it's a plot point. But, bullying happens every day in public school, in schools where teachers know and turn the other way. I didn't like that the school was the way it was to further a plot point. I've also never been in a private/prep/boarding school, but I find it hard to believe this kind of stuff happens in real life (the incident that I'm thinking of if that security cameras being turned off because someone gave the school money to cover up an 'incident').
I'm mostly upset because the blurb promised me a thriller. It promised me high-stakes and a creepy twin. None of that has happened yet. I don't know what it will happen. There is something to be said about setting the scene, but I've had 15 chapters of setting the scene and I'm tired of being told about all the things that have happened instead of experiencing the events with the characters.
Maybe it gets better. Maybe I'll find out someday. I honestly hope there is a good book waiting just a few pages away. I'm just sad I don't care enough to find out right now.
This book was free from Netgalley and that had no bearing of my review.
This is a case of the story not living up to the hype.
I guess I was waiting for the thriller the blurb promised to actually happen. I had hoped that 15 chapters in something thriller-ish would have happened.
Spoiler: it hasn't.
This is what I know: Rich is acting like what I think a typical teenage boy should act like. He's talking to friends, trying to fit in to a new school and basically trying not to get on the wrong side of the school administration. He also likes to make comedy/parody films. He didn't want anyone to know that, but of course everyone knows and they all want to make a film with him. Rich seems like an okay character.
Then there's Chrissie. She's probably has some sort of mental condition (which seems hinted at in the blurb) because one minute she's begging Rich to pay attention to her then the next she's yelling at him because he's trying to talk to her. She's seconds away from crying and then yelling. I guess she was bullied at her old school... I don't know. I don't really care. She's a flat character who, if the blurb can be believed, is faking it all? I'm not going to finish reading to find out.
The setting is also bizarre. They're at a 'fancy boarding school' and the teachers are abusive and the students are abusive, but if Daddy throws enough money at the school everyone looks the other way. I get it, it's a plot point. But, bullying happens every day in public school, in schools where teachers know and turn the other way. I didn't like that the school was the way it was to further a plot point. I've also never been in a private/prep/boarding school, but I find it hard to believe this kind of stuff happens in real life (the incident that I'm thinking of if that security cameras being turned off because someone gave the school money to cover up an 'incident').
I'm mostly upset because the blurb promised me a thriller. It promised me high-stakes and a creepy twin. None of that has happened yet. I don't know what it will happen. There is something to be said about setting the scene, but I've had 15 chapters of setting the scene and I'm tired of being told about all the things that have happened instead of experiencing the events with the characters.
Maybe it gets better. Maybe I'll find out someday. I honestly hope there is a good book waiting just a few pages away. I'm just sad I don't care enough to find out right now.
This book was free from Netgalley and that had no bearing of my review.
July 7, 2018
This was certainly a page turner and I found there was a definite divide between characters you loved and characters you hated. I would have liked to see a bit more middle ground. Shouldn't I feel more sympathy for those characters that have been damaged by their lives so badly that they would treat others so horribly? I think it was this that meant I didn't fully believe the book (unless it is my desperate hope that humans can't really be that vile?)
I liked the narrator which always helps and enjoyed the way he often threw your own doubts about his behaviour back at you in his own narrative.
The book worked because what he went through was so awful and so I need to forgive the feeling that perhaps it was a little over the top and just enjoy it for what it was - a gripping read that got your emotions going. It definitely does tackle the horror of bullying and the lows it can drive its victims too, and also recognised the most important role in situations like this- that of the silent witness.
I liked the narrator which always helps and enjoyed the way he often threw your own doubts about his behaviour back at you in his own narrative.
The book worked because what he went through was so awful and so I need to forgive the feeling that perhaps it was a little over the top and just enjoy it for what it was - a gripping read that got your emotions going. It definitely does tackle the horror of bullying and the lows it can drive its victims too, and also recognised the most important role in situations like this- that of the silent witness.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews