Reckless (von Ziegesar novel)
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Books |
Reckless represents the third installment in The It Girl collection, originally conceived by Cecily von Ziegesar. Although based on Ziegesar’s initial idea, this series is ghostwritten and aimed at a young adult audience, serving as a derivative work from the popular Gossip Girl. Published in 2006 by Little, Brown and Company, it continues to delve into the complex social dynamics of an elite boarding school.
Plot summary
Following punishment for organizing an unauthorized off-campus gathering, the girls are separated into different dormitory rooms: Callie and Jenny stay together, while Tinsley and Brett are assigned to separate quarters, which further fuels their ongoing rivalry.
Callie manages her recent breakup but finds herself surprised when Easy invites her to dine with his father during Trustee's Weekend, leading her to question his motives. At the same time, Jenny remains unaware of this invitation and instead spends time with Brett. After a significant football game, Brett loses her virginity to her boyfriend Jeremiah Mortimer.
Tinsley assists Heath Ferro and freshman Julian in concealing beer kegs on the roof of Dumbarton dormitory and beneath the bed of a quiet resident known as The Girl in Black. Once the boys depart, Tinsley hosts an exclusive all-female rooftop party that excludes Brett and Jenny. Although a staff member overhears the event, the administration limits its response to a weekend lockdown of Dumbarton residents due to Trustee Weekend activities, disrupting Brett’s plans with Jeremiah.
In reaction, male students from Waverly—including Heath, Easy, Brandon Buchanan, Alan St. Girard, Jeremiah, and Julian—secretly enter Dumbarton through Cold War-era tunnels. They retrieve the hidden kegs under The Girl in Black’s bed, uncovering her identity as Kara Whalen—a previously teased girl now sporting designer clothing provided by her mother. Tinsley proposes that dorm residents share wardrobes to enhance their fashion sense.
During the party, Jenny reconnects with Easy, who conceals his dinner arrangement with Callie. When rumors about a teacher circulating prompt guests to hide, Callie finds Easy in a closet; they share a kiss, though he feels torn between Callie and Jenny.
Seeking refuge from the circulating rumors about the teacher, Jenny befriends Kara. Heath is drawn to Kara but does not recognize her as "The Whale," his former target; she confidently rejects his advances.
Brandon meets Elizabeth Jacobs from St. Lucius, who has followed Jeremiah. They connect while encouraging the party to continue despite swirling gossip.
Brett and Jeremiah prepare for intimacy but instead join a game of "I Never." During the game, revelations create tension: a shared shot between Jeremiah and Elizabeth leads to Brett and Jeremiah breaking up; Tinsley’s refusal to drink reveals her virginity, prompting accusations. To divert attention, Tinsley discloses that Easy took Callie—not Jenny—to dinner, upsetting Jenny. Callie reconciles with Brett and consoles Jenny; both await Easy’s next move.
As the party concludes amid ongoing gossip, Elizabeth and Brandon slip away into the tunnels where they share a kiss, indicating Brandon may be moving on from Callie.