The Elephant in the Ivy by Alexander Greengaard is an entertaining young adult journey that explores university life with a few twists thrown in, and relationships, friendship, and the challenge of fitting in when young people go to college. Alison Ashe is a junior at the prestigious Ivy League Bauer College in New England. Despite being a scholarship student from a relatively poor family, she is determined to prove that she is every bit a match for the silver-spooned students at Bauer. A theater major who wants to pursue a career in acting, she is constantly under pressure to maintain her grades, earn some extra income on the side, and cope with the madness and chaos that is student life. She does have one outlet for stress relief, though. She is part of a team that competes yearly in an ancient and storied spy game that has run underground at Bauer for many years. It will take all her skill, athleticism, and wits, and will test friendships to the limits, but Alison is determined that her team will not finish last this year.

The Elephant in the Ivy is a genuinely fun concept. The idea of students competing to outsmart each other, especially with all the modern communication and surveillance equipment available today, is a fresh concept that gives the story depth and impetus. Alexander Greengaard has created an underdog character in Alison that many readers will identify with. The plot takes wonderfully unsuspected twists and turns, as plan and counterplan, cross and double-cross, are liberally sprinkled throughout the narrative. Alison’s friendship with Paige Hall was meaningful, poignant, and a key element in the unfolding plot, reminding us how powerful those early relationships made in college can be. The story barrels along at a great pace, with plenty of action and adventure. Much of Alison’s day is defined by the music she listens to, even when on a mission, and the author has highlighted the various tracks that relate to the moods Alison feels at various times. A list of questions relating to the story, as well as the characters' motivations and actions, makes it suitable reading for book clubs and/or senior high school students. I thoroughly enjoyed this fast-paced, twisty journey and highly recommend it.

The Elephant in the Ivy by Alexander Greengaard follows a college junior named Alison Ashe, who has a lot on her plate. She is on a scholarship, unlike many of her classmates, and can't really afford to take any chances regarding her studies. She finds a way to keep her wits sharp by being an active member of the secret underground group, the Lord Chamberlain's Men. She belongs to the Footmen, playing an ancient high-stakes spy game with a reward that can make her college life a lot easier. Alison's best friend, Paige Hall, has just recently joined the game. The two friends make a pact with the Cavalry to take down the Elephants. But will it last? Meanwhile, Alison is playing a major role in Hamlet.

The Elephant in the Ivy is a heartwarming tale of adventure, friendship, and college life. Alexander Greengaard's captivating slice-of-life story follows the adventures of a young woman trying to navigate college, friendships, and her academic endeavors. It's a very entertaining, character-driven narrative. Alison is an immensely likable character. Unlike most of her friends, she doesn't come from privilege, yet always distinguishes herself among her peers through her sheer imagination, charisma, and charm. I loved the friendship between Alison and Paige. I also found the game of Chaturanga very interesting. The play toward the end was pure chaos. I had no idea what was going to happen next, and I think most readers will feel the same. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and heartily recommend it to young adults and older readers.

Alexander Greengaard’s The Elephant in the Ivy is a clever spy story that takes place at a New England college with a hidden game. Alison Ashe, a theater major on scholarship, is drawn into Chaturanga, a hidden competition run by different academic departments. Students act as “assets,” complete missions, form uneasy alliances, and try to steal ivory statues while guarding their own. Alison joins the theater faction and catches people off guard with abilities rooted in her acting background. As the game picks up, she works to balance classes, money, stress at home, and the need to be seen as capable in a world shaped by confidence and privilege alone. Friendships grow, trust wavers, and the game no longer feels safe. How far will Alison push herself to belong in a system that was never built for her?

Alexander Greengaard's The Elephant in the Ivy blends campus humor, spy elements, and personal growth in a way that is easy to step into. Turning college departments into rival teams is both exciting and engrossing, especially when routine academic habits transform into strategies that people use against each other. The story is easy to read and never confusing, even when it reveals the dynamics of this fascinating world. Alison grows as the story progresses, learning when to play a role, when to trust people, and when to stand on her own. The story shows how some people are taken seriously at school while others are brushed aside, often because of class or gender. It treats learning like something you do, not just sit through. Overall, this was a very captivating read that proved hard to put down.

Alexander Greengaard’s The Elephant in the Ivy throws readers into a secret world tucked away inside a quiet New England college. Alison Ashe, a theater student, ends up in Chaturanga, a mysterious game on campus where students sneak around, trick each other, and steal a much-coveted Raja ivory statuette. Her department is usually overlooked, but Alison proves she can think fast and stay a step ahead. Between school, helping at home, and wanting to be taken seriously by others, she quickly sees that the game is riskier than she thought. Friends can turn into rivals, plans fall apart, and things get tense pretty quickly. Can Alison survive this game and carve out her own place in a world that seems set against her?

Reading Alexander Greengaard's The Elephant in the Ivy is like being let in on a secret world that’s both engaging and chaotic. Watching the students play the game—making plans, messing up, and trying to stay ahead—is intriguing without feeling too heavy. Alison is someone you can really relate to; she’s intelligent and capable, but also dealing with money issues, family, and trying to earn the respect of others. Nothing is overexplained as the characters figure things out along the way, and it was thrilling to join them on their journey. The balance of wit and tension works well, and even the small moments feel important. This is a story about growing up, taking risks, and finding out where you belong, all at the same time. It’s the kind of story that stays with you long after you finish it. Very highly recommended.