Book Review: Dead Poets Society by N.H. Kleinbaum (includes spoilers)

Information

Book Title: Dead Poets Society

Author: N.H. Kleinbaum

Publisher: Hyperion

Publish Date: June 1989

Genres: fiction, classics, young adult

Moods: emotional, reflective & sad

Pace: medium

Synopsis

Dead Poets Society is about a group of boys at a strict boarding school who are inspired by their new English teacher, Mr. Keating, to love poetry and think for themselves. They start a secret club called the Dead Poets Society, but as they begin to follow their passions, they face serious consequences that change their lives forever.

Personal Thoughts

Note: This section includes spoilers.

So… what was that? I had seen the spoiler on social media, and honestly, I thought it wasn’t real. I figured it was a joke or some kind of alternate ending someone made up. Unfortunately, I was wrong.

Before chapter 14, everything was great. The whole story gave very much Gilmore Girls vibes, very fall, very chill. It had such a nice vibe: peaceful, simple, and a short read overall. The writing was really poetic, which I loved. I enjoyed watching Todd slowly come out of his shell, and I especially loved seeing Neil discover his passion for acting. There was this strong feeling of brotherly love between all the members of the Dead Poets Society that I really liked.

The party scene with Chris (who, in my opinion, should’ve been named Chrissy because I accidentally thought Knox was gay multiple times) was kind of weird. It didn’t really add much to the story, and I personally thought it wasn’t needed.

Still, I think this book is a great introduction to poetry. The plot was well-developed, and everything made sense from beginning to end.

Also, a little funny story: I went on a trip and didn’t bring the book with me. I had just finished chapter 13 and was about to start chapter 14. Looking back, I’m really glad I didn’t bring it. I would’ve been so sad. Honestly, I should’ve just stopped reading it there. That way, Neil would’ve still been in his room, and even though the Dead Poets would’ve been upset he was in trouble, they would’ve continued the secret society—because that’s what Neil would’ve wanted. The English professor would’ve kept teaching. And maybe, just maybe, that annoying kid Cameron would’ve left the group. Like, maybe he got too much homework, joined a new sport, or got a girlfriend. I don’t know. But in my opinion, he shouldn’t have been there. If anyone had to go, it should’ve been him instead of Neil.

I get why the author chose to have Neil die, but I’m still upset about it. I think that’s exactly the emotional response they were trying to create... and clearly, it worked.

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This book was part of my 2025 summer TBR. If you want to see the other books I read this summer, check out the tbr list!

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Book Rating

★★★★☆ (4.25/5) stars

Note: This section includes spoilers.

I’m giving this book 4.25 out of 5 stars because of how much emotion and passion it brought out of me. It was beautifully written, powerful, and honestly a great introduction to poetry. Even though the ending made me mad, I can’t deny that it left a huge impact, and that’s what good writing does.

Favorite Quote

One reads poetry because he is a member of the human race, and the human race is filled with passion! … But poetry, romance, love, beauty? These are what we stay alive for! Dead Poets Society page 41

Dead Poets Society collage/mood board

Sources, Credits & Links

Mood, genre and pace via The Storygraph