📖 Overview
The A Circuit follows teenage equestrians Tommi, Kate, and Zara as they navigate the competitive world of elite show jumping. The story takes place at a high-end riding stable in Connecticut where the girls train and prepare for competitions.
The three main characters come from different backgrounds - one is wealthy and privileged, another works multiple jobs to afford riding, and the third is a talented newcomer to the circuit. Their relationships with each other evolve as they deal with rivalry, friendship, and romance while pursuing their equestrian goals.
The novel explores themes of social class, ambition, and identity against the backdrop of the horse show world. Through their experiences in and out of the ring, the characters must confront questions about what truly matters to them and what they're willing to sacrifice for success.
👀 Reviews
Readers describe this young adult novel as a light, quick read that offers an inside look at elite equestrian competition. The book averages 3.7/5 stars on Goodreads from 264 ratings and 3.8/5 on Amazon from 54 reviews.
Readers appreciated:
- Authentic details about show jumping and stable life
- Realistic portrayal of teen dynamics and friend drama
- Fast-paced storyline
- Accurate representation of wealth and privilege in equestrian circles
Common criticisms:
- Shallow character development
- Basic writing style aimed at younger teens
- Too much focus on brand names and wealth
- Predictable plot points
As one Goodreads reviewer noted: "The horse details are spot-on but the rest feels like a generic teen drama." An Amazon reviewer wrote: "My horse-obsessed 12-year-old loved it, but older readers may find it too simplistic."
The book resonates most with young equestrians and fans of teen fiction centered on competitive sports.
📚 Similar books
Take the Reins by Jessica Burkhart
A fourteen-year-old equestrian navigates social dynamics and competition pressure at an elite boarding school's riding academy.
The Horses of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry Two siblings work to purchase and train a wild pony from the annual Chincoteague roundup while learning responsibility and horse care.
Riding Class by Lynn Haney Three friends compete for top spots at their prestigious riding academy while dealing with family expectations and romantic relationships.
The Horse Whisperer by Nicholas Evans A teenage rider and her horse undergo physical and emotional healing after a tragic accident changes their lives.
Ring of Fire by Jenny Carroll A young rider balances show jumping competitions with family wealth expectations at an exclusive equestrian center.
The Horses of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry Two siblings work to purchase and train a wild pony from the annual Chincoteague roundup while learning responsibility and horse care.
Riding Class by Lynn Haney Three friends compete for top spots at their prestigious riding academy while dealing with family expectations and romantic relationships.
The Horse Whisperer by Nicholas Evans A teenage rider and her horse undergo physical and emotional healing after a tragic accident changes their lives.
Ring of Fire by Jenny Carroll A young rider balances show jumping competitions with family wealth expectations at an exclusive equestrian center.
🤔 Interesting facts
🏇 Author Georgina Bloomberg is the daughter of former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and is herself a professional equestrian who has won multiple grand prix show jumping events.
🐎 The book draws heavily from Bloomberg's personal experiences in the competitive equestrian world, offering readers an authentic glimpse into the elite world of horse showing.
📚 "The A Circuit" is the first book in a series of young adult novels that follows the lives of privileged teens competing in the high-stakes world of equestrian sports.
💫 Despite her privileged background, Bloomberg has been open about her struggles with scoliosis and having to wear a back brace while competing, which influenced some of the challenges faced by characters in the book.
🏆 The novel explores not just equestrian competition but also themes of friendship, rivalry, and the pressure of living up to family expectations in the upper echelons of society.