Trust Exercise

At an elite performing arts high school in the 1980s, two teenagers named Sarah and David navigate an intense romantic relationship while studying under their charismatic drama teacher Mr. Kingsley. Their school days revolve around theater exercises, artistic ambitions, and the complex social dynamics of talented teenagers. The novel takes place in an unnamed American city, in a cultural landscape where status and class differences shape the students' experiences both inside and outside the classroom. The boundaries between performance and reality blur as the students participate in trust exercises and theatrical productions that mirror their personal lives. The narrative structure of Trust Exercise challenges conventional storytelling, shifting perspectives and timelines in ways that force readers to question memory, truth, and the stories we tell about our past. The book explores power dynamics between teachers and students, teenage sexuality, class differences, and the lasting impact of events from our formative years.

Readers express strong opinions about Trust Exercise, with limited middle ground in reactions. The book holds a 3.45/5 on Goodreads (52,000+ ratings) and 3.7/5 on Amazon (1,900+ ratings). Readers praise: - The experimental narrative structure - The exploration of memory and perspective - The accurate portrayal of teenage emotions - The commentary on power dynamics in education Common criticisms: - Confusing and disorienting plot shifts - Characters readers found difficult to connect with - Ending that left questions unanswered - Writing style described as "pretentious" by multiple reviewers Many readers note the book requires patience and close attention. One Amazon reviewer states: "Either you'll appreciate the ambitious structure or you'll feel cheated." A Goodreads reviewer writes: "The meta-commentary on consent and memory works, but getting there is exhausting." The book won the 2019 National Book Award for Fiction despite polarized reader reviews.

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🎭 The novel won the 2019 National Book Award for Fiction, with judges praising its bold examination of power dynamics and adolescent relationships. 📚 Susan Choi drew inspiration from her own experiences at Houston's High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, though she emphasizes the story is fictional. 🎬 The book's unique structure shifts dramatically halfway through, offering a different perspective that forces readers to question everything they believed in the first half. 🏆 Trust Exercise sparked significant literary debate about the boundaries between fiction and memoir, leading to numerous think pieces about the nature of autofiction. 🎨 The theatrical setting reflects Choi's ongoing interest in performance and identity - themes she explores in her other works, including American Woman and A Person of Interest.