THE ELITE
JENNIFER BANASH
Contemporary Young Adult
Berkley Jam Trade
ISBN 0425221571
256 Pages
$9.99
Trade Paperback - Available June 3, 2008
Rating: 4 Enchantments
Casey McCloy has just moved from Normal, Illinois, to the Bramford, one of the most exclusive and pretentious apartment buildings on the Upper East Side to live with her grandmother and attend the prestigious Meadowlark academy. But adjusting to her new life is easier said than done, especially with a frenemy like Madison Macallister, who isn't exactly welcoming after her on-again, off-again boyfriend starts paying more attention to Casey than to her.
Even from her first meeting with Madison, Phoebe and Sophie, moments after first arriving at the Bramford, Casey can tell she's definitely going to have issues fitting in with the 'in crowd'. The girls are perfectly made up in their designer gear ready to cross the street and lay out in the sun in their bikinis while Casey's standing there exhausted from traveling and not exactly wearing this season's hottest names as she's subjected to the serious once-overs from Mad and her two closest friends. Surprisingly, Casey somehow passes inspection, if only in pity, and wrangles an invitation to join the girls in the park.
Each chapter highlights a different character and we get to know Casey, Madison, Phoebe, Sophie and surprisingly even Drew, the hottie, better. That was one thing I really liked about this book, the chapters from Drew's point of view. It was nice to see what he really thought about Madison and Casey as the story progressed.
Anyone who's been the new kid at school can easily identify with Casey and her struggles to fit in with the new crowd. The scene between her and Drew in French class on the first day of school is both cringe-worthy and amusing. Following Madison's advice, will she actually scare Drew away for good?
THE ELITE lays the groundwork for what should be an exciting new series. Casey, Madison, Phoebe and Sophie are all vibrant, interesting characters.
Lisa
Enchanting Reviews
May 2008
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