For young women facing high expectations and navigating complex cultural identities, this story celebrates resilience and finding one's authentic path.
A parent might reach for this book when their high-achieving teen, particularly a teen of color, is feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to succeed or is facing the daunting transition to a new, challenging environment like college. 'The Chosen One' is Echo Brown's powerful and unflinchingly honest memoir about her experience as a poor Black girl from Cleveland navigating the elite, predominantly white world of Dartmouth College. The book directly confronts themes of imposter syndrome, systemic racism, classism, and the immense mental health toll of being seen as a representative for your entire race. For ages 14 and up, this is a vital read for understanding the complex journey of forging one's own identity against a backdrop of crushing expectations and finding the courage to define success on your own terms.
Depicts systemic racism and frequent, painful microaggressions in a college setting.
LanguageModerate
Contains profanity appropriate for the young adult genre and college setting.
Substance ReferencesModerate
Depicts underage drinking at college parties.
Romantic ContentModerate
Includes discussions of sexuality, relationships, and a non-graphic reference to sexual assault.
Sensitive Topics
The book's approach is direct, raw, and unflinching. It deals explicitly with systemic racism, classism, severe depression, suicidal ideation, and references a sexual assault. The perspective is secular, focusing on the psychological and social aspects of these challenges. The resolution is realistic and hopeful: Echo finds a way to persevere and seek help, but the emotional scars and systemic problems are not magically erased. It’s a story of resilience, not a simple triumph.
Ideal Reader
A high-achieving high school junior or senior, particularly a Black student or other student of color, preparing for college at a predominantly white institution (PWI). It is also for any teen battling imposter syndrome, perfectionism, or mental health challenges tied to academic and social pressure.
Parent Prep
Parents should absolutely preview this book, especially the sections detailing deep depression, suicidal thoughts, and the aftermath of a sexual assault. This is not a book to be read cold. A parent should be prepared to have open conversations about mental health, the reality of systemic racism, and the importance of seeking help. Discussing campus resources for mental health support would be a crucial contextual step. A parent hears their high-achieving teen express intense anxiety about the future, saying things like, 'What if I can't handle it?' or 'I feel like a fraud.' They may notice their teen becoming withdrawn or stressed about college applications and the pressure to represent their family or community well.
Age Experience
A younger reader (14-15) will connect with the 'fish out of water' feeling and the social challenges of a new school. An older reader (16-18), especially one in the midst of the college application process, will experience the book on a much deeper level, relating to the nuanced discussions of imposter syndrome, the psychological weight of microaggressions, and the difficult search for an authentic identity.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many 'college success' stories, this memoir focuses squarely on the mental and emotional cost of navigating an elite, hostile environment. Its brutal honesty about depression and suicidality sets it apart. It is not an inspirational tale of easily overcoming obstacles but a raw, vulnerable account of surviving them. The narrative voice is immediate and deeply personal, making the psychological stakes feel incredibly high.
Read plot summary
This is a young adult memoir detailing author Echo Brown's tumultuous first year at Dartmouth College. As a first-generation, low-income Black student from Cleveland, she is immediately confronted with intense culture shock, academic pressure, and pervasive microaggressions. The narrative follows her struggle with imposter syndrome, loneliness, and a descent into severe depression and suicidal ideation, all while grappling with the weight of being 'the chosen one' expected to succeed on behalf of her family and community. Her journey is about survival, finding a nascent sense of belonging, and beginning to redefine what success means for herself outside of the Ivy League's rigid framework.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Echo feels the immense pressure of being 'the chosen one' for her family and community. In what ways do you feel pressure to succeed, and where does that pressure come from?
2
Throughout the book, Echo experiences numerous microaggressions from students and faculty. Discuss a specific instance that stood out to you. Why was it so harmful, and how did it affect Echo's sense of belonging?
3
It was very difficult for Echo to admit she was struggling with her mental health and to ask for help. Why do you think it was so hard for her? What systems or attitudes at Dartmouth made it more difficult?
4
By the end of the book, Echo begins to redefine what success and survival mean to her. What do you think her new definition is? How does it challenge the traditional idea of success promoted by the Ivy League?
