I would actually give this zero stars, or maybe negative stars. What an awful book.

If you are looking to get your first novel published, it must help to work for the New York Times to get all of your press and blurbs. How else could this book have gotten published?

If you have attended Smith, especially during the early 2000s, this has some entertaining Smith-specific jargon and tidbits (like the trans character named Toby... how many trans Tobys were there at Smith by 2004? I lost count).

If you haven't, I guess you would like this book if you were looking for a breezy summer read about really dull (and unlikely) but cozy relationships between college friends who are now in their mid-late twenties. While many reviewers dislike the one-sided character of militant feminist April, I thought her story towards the end was the only exciting part of the book (no matter how convoluted). Too bad her story wasn't pursued in detail and with more complexity.

I can't believe I finished this book (in just over 24 hours). The second half was better than the first, but not enough to recommend. Oh man.

Better than I expected. I found myself frustrated with some of the characters personal beliefs (ex: transphobia) but it was interesting to witness the girls "grow up" through the time in and after college. Would recommend.

I read this because the reviews I saw compared it to Curtis Sittenfeld's Prep, but with college students instead of high schoolers. I found this to be untrue. Prep was a MUCH better written, more believable, and entertaining read. The first half of Commencement, which follows the girls while they are in school, isn't so bad, but the second half, which happens about 5 years post-graduation, walks a fine line between ridiculous and unbelievable. I can buy that April would have initially allowed herself to be manipulated by Ronnie, but for an entire year?

Loved it! Reminded me of Girls in White Dresses, which I also enjoyed.

I became sufficiently engaged in the journeys of the four girls through their years at Smith and beyond to finish the book, but still liked Binchy's Circle of Friends better.

I am a sucker for a coming of age story, especially around 4 girls. I adored "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" when I was young, and absolutely loved Sullivan's "Saints for All Occasions." This book was a quick read-- I finished it in about 3 hours. Overall, I enjoyed it. The ending was a bit ridiculous/unbelievable, but otherwise I liked the 4 girls and found their struggles relatable. While I would have liked to learn more about Celia's character, she is sort of the glue that holds the other 3 together, while the other 3 have vastly departing storylines. I liked that Sullivan didn't shy away from depicting how tough girl friendships can be (jealousy, too much talking about emotions/crying, etc.) but wasn't crazy about the Ronny/April storyline. Overall I would recommend this book as a light/quick read, but the characters could have benefited from more development.

Well-written and gives a glimpse of what it is like to attend Smith. Chronicles the friendship between Celia, Bree, Sally, and April from their first year at Smith to early adulthood. The author has a good ear for dialogue and I enjoyed the descriptions of their time at Smith. The Entertainment Weekly jacket blurb aptly describes it as a "a beach book for smart women."

didn't love the ending.....i don't think the ending has worked for me in the past several books i have read....otherwise this was enjoyable chick lit

I liked the first 3/4 of this book just fine, but hated the ending as well as the entire story of April's "disappearance."