Play Nice by Rachel Harrison receives mixed reviews, praised for its engaging narrative and strong character development. Readers appreciate the humor and wit, highlighting the book's entertaining storytelling. However, some critique the pacing and predictability. Despite this, it maintains its appeal for fans of lighthearted, character-driven stories.

Readers who enjoy Play Nice by Rachel Harrison are likely fans of contemporary horror with a comedic twist. They may appreciate witty storytelling similar to Grady Hendrix's My Best Friend's Exorcism, and enjoy character-driven plots that blend humor and the supernatural. Perfect for those who relish dark humor and eerie, yet engaging narratives.

**Clio Barnes**  
The dynamic protagonist who navigates complex family dynamics and personal growth. She learns from her experiences with her parents to shape her identity and interactions with others.

**Alexandra Barnes**  
Clio's mother and a strong-willed woman who contends with societal and personal challenges, particularly in her past relationship with James. Her actions and beliefs significantly influence Clio's outlook on life and self-identity.

**Daphne Barnes**  
The middle sister who strives to maintain peace and balance within the family, often finding herself caught between expectations of societal norms and her desire for personal authenticity.

**Leda Barnes**  
The eldest sister, characterized by her reliability and controlling nature, who deals with the lasting impacts of her parents' relationship while trying to adhere to traditional life paths.

**James Barnes**  
The father of Clio and her sisters, depicted as a seemingly steady figure whose true nature and past actions are revealed as the narrative progresses.

Study Guide

Book Brief

Explore Play Nice reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

About Play Nice

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Overview

Get ready to explore Play Nice and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Play Nice Overview

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Background

Play Nice Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of gender discrimination, mental illness, disordered eating, child abuse, substance use and dependency, cursing, and death.

Chapters 1-7

Play Nice Chapters 1-7

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of mental illness, child abuse, substance use and dependency, and sexual content.

Chapters 8-14

Play Nice Chapters 8-14

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of gender discrimination, mental illness, animal death, substance use and dependency, and sexual content.

Chapters 15-22

Play Nice Chapters 15-22

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of gender discrimination, mental illness, self-harm, substance use and dependency, graphic violence, sexual content, cursing, and death.

Chapters 23-29

Play Nice Chapters 23-29

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of gender discrimination, mental illness, graphic violence, cursing, physical abuse, and substance use and dependency.

Chapter 30-Epilogue

Play Nice Chapter 30-Epilogue

character

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of gender discrimination, mental illness, substance dependency, graphic violence, and death.

Character Analysis

Play Nice Character Analysis

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Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of gender discrimination, mental illness, and substance dependency.

Themes

Play Nice Themes

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of gender discrimination, mental illness, child abuse, self-harm, and physical abuse.

Symbols & Motifs

Play Nice Symbols & Motifs

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Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of gender discrimination, mental illness, self-harm, child abuse, and death.

Play Nice

Play Nice

Book Brief

Play Nice

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Play Nice?