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Capital Girls #1
Capital Girls
CAPITAL GIRLS by Ella Monroe is the first book in a glitzy, fast-paced, fabulous new young adult series set against the backdrop of Washington, D.C. In it, we meet four young women, best friends forever, who must navigate life as the children of some of the most powerful people in the nation. With that life comes not only awesome vacations, beautiful clothes and A-list parties, but also scandal, heartache, danger and the ever-present paparazzi who seem to have a knack for catching them when they're up to something bad!
304 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2012
20 people are currently reading
1244 people want to read
About the author
Ella Monroe
26 books42 followersElla Monroe is the pen name of authors Maz Rauber and Amy Reingold. Maz grew up in Australia and was a New York Post reporter before turning to fiction-writing. In her previous life, Amy was a Cordon Bleu trained chef and textile artist. After leaving her Midwestern hometown, Amy moved to Chicago, London, and Hong Kong. Both of us now live in Washington D.C., where each of us raised two kids. Maz loves to garden, doodle, kayak, walk her dog Aussie, and eat Amy's desserts. Not just a baker, Amy also designs one-of-a-kind coats. She loves her family, her dog, Zoe, her talking birds, Newman and Sadie and her caffeine habit. We're both incorrigible politics junkies and are hooked on YA fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
May 10, 2012
I wouldn't recommend this book to any age group. It was hard to get through. I didn't sympathize with or care for any of the characters. The narrative and dialogue were eye roll inducing, as were the plethora of Democrat, Republican, Southern, wealthy, cliquey stereotypes. I'm sure there's a way to use all of the stereotypes and make it work but Monroe failed epically. I'm surprised Capital Girls was given a green light for a full series. I was just reading a piece about how authors shouldn't get ahead of themselves and write their whole series because who knows if their first book will be well received. Thus, the first book should be able to stand on its own, with most of the loose ends tied up, and with POTENTIAL for a series and character growth and development. Capital Girls can't stand. It's written w. the "if you want to find out more, read the next book!" approach. Unfortunately for them, I don't care to read anymore and I doubt I'm in the minority in feeling this way. I'm going to take a guess and say that books 1 and 2 could have easy been written to make one book, instead of having book 1 be as drawn out as it was. The characters and the storylines don't really go anywhere. It's one long, badly written soap opera, and that's saying something.
August 31, 2017
Loved this! Such a fun book.
August 18, 2016
In Capital Girls, a group of young teens in Washington D.C. share an unbreakable bond. They all have parents in high places, which constantly puts them in the spotlight. However, when one of them (Taylor Cane) dies in a car accident, the group's bond is put to the test and they struggle to cope. To make matters even more complicated, Jackie begins to fall for another guy even though she's in a "perfect" relationship, and Whitney, the daughter of a famous gossip columnist, infiltrates their group to get new information.
Now, I usually make it my duty to finish any book that I start (especially if the summary is this good), but unfortunately, this was one exception to the rule. It was very disappointing because I was so exited to get this free copy from Goodreads. But I struggled to get through this book. I read the first two chapters and then I put it down, leaving it untouched for several weeks. Then I picked it back up again, read a few more pages and stopped reading it altogether. I couldn't manage to read another line because I felt like I was punishing myself.
Here are the main reasons why:
1. Although I did like the drama, it was not realistic. The main characters were so young (16 to 17 years old) but they acted twice their age. Most of these girls were self-absorbed, spoiled little girls who only cared about popularity and boys. Even the most intelligent girl of the group didn't stand out to me because she was more like the group’s lap-dog.
2. None of these girls were likable. I didn’t connect with any of them because their personalities were so shallow. It’s hard to relate to a group of stunning young rich girls who can get away with almost anything and are always in the spotlight. It's hard to sympathize with them over their loss when they only value their public image and their status... Perhaps if more depth were added to each of these characters, then I would have been able to finish the entire book.
3. I expected this to be a suspenseful mystery, but it was not even close. In fact, I felt like I was reading a rich girl’s diary, and it was so, so predictable.
4. If someone were to ask me what the point of this story was, I don’t think I’d be able to give a straight answer—which is a huge problem for me.
Judging from what I was able to read, it's about a group of young rich friends who decide to take in the daughter of a gossip columnist (of all people), after one of them passes away. They take risks together and go on adventures, living the fairy-tale life. But things just aren't the same, and it's clear that their friend's recent death is still putting a strain on their relationships.
I understand that the book was intended to be a fun and fast-paced read but I just could not stand any of the characters. I also felt like there was nothing substantial that I could take from this novel.
Now, I usually make it my duty to finish any book that I start (especially if the summary is this good), but unfortunately, this was one exception to the rule. It was very disappointing because I was so exited to get this free copy from Goodreads. But I struggled to get through this book. I read the first two chapters and then I put it down, leaving it untouched for several weeks. Then I picked it back up again, read a few more pages and stopped reading it altogether. I couldn't manage to read another line because I felt like I was punishing myself.
Here are the main reasons why:
1. Although I did like the drama, it was not realistic. The main characters were so young (16 to 17 years old) but they acted twice their age. Most of these girls were self-absorbed, spoiled little girls who only cared about popularity and boys. Even the most intelligent girl of the group didn't stand out to me because she was more like the group’s lap-dog.
2. None of these girls were likable. I didn’t connect with any of them because their personalities were so shallow. It’s hard to relate to a group of stunning young rich girls who can get away with almost anything and are always in the spotlight. It's hard to sympathize with them over their loss when they only value their public image and their status... Perhaps if more depth were added to each of these characters, then I would have been able to finish the entire book.
3. I expected this to be a suspenseful mystery, but it was not even close. In fact, I felt like I was reading a rich girl’s diary, and it was so, so predictable.
4. If someone were to ask me what the point of this story was, I don’t think I’d be able to give a straight answer—which is a huge problem for me.
Judging from what I was able to read, it's about a group of young rich friends who decide to take in the daughter of a gossip columnist (of all people), after one of them passes away. They take risks together and go on adventures, living the fairy-tale life. But things just aren't the same, and it's clear that their friend's recent death is still putting a strain on their relationships.
I understand that the book was intended to be a fun and fast-paced read but I just could not stand any of the characters. I also felt like there was nothing substantial that I could take from this novel.
March 20, 2019
ORIGINAL REVIEW AT: LITTLE BOOK STAR
RATING: 3.5 stars out of 5
When I first saw the book and read the synopsis, I thought the Capital Girls was going to be about Jackie, Lettie, and Laura going on this adventure to discover what really happened to Taylor, their best friend, who died in a "car accident". Nope. The real deal in this book is that the girls are still mourning for their friend, Jackie cheating on her boyfriend, Laura backstabbing Jackie, and Whitney (the new girl in D.C. whose mother is a journalist for a gossip column) is befriending the girls only to get the inside scoop for her mother (meaning, she's a traitor). The only character I liked in this book was Lettie. She's the only character who wasn't stupid, or two-faced. Despite on how the characters acted, I actually found this book a bit entertaining. We get to read about what the Capital Girls are going through, whether relationships, friendship, boys (a lot of those), and college. There was a twist in the book which made my jaw dropped, and there was a really suspenseful scene that made me want to keep on reading. I really wish that the book was about the Capital Girls solving the mystery of Taylor's death though. I bet I would've loved this book.
I had a love/hate relationship with Jackie. Sometimes I rooted for her actions, and at times I wanted to smack her. She freaking FORCES her boyfriend, Andrew, to have sex with her. Good thing the guy refuses every time she seduces him. Desperate much? I really liked Andrew's character, and when you read this book, you should definitely keep your eye on him. I hated Laura the most, and despise her 100%. She's THE most backstabbing, two-faced, I-want-to-shoot-her character in this book. Enough said. Actually, Whitney too. I don't know why these girls still kept her around the group even though they didn't like her. Lettie was the only one with a straight mind. She cares about her future, her family, and I love how boys isn't her first priority. I hate how some of the characters in this book ALWAYS mentions Paraguay when they're talking to her just because she's from there. Like, dude, shut up.
Overall I think this book isn't for everyone. It's entertaining with mystery, gossips, two-faced characters, and boys. I recommend it if you're in for those type of stories and characters. If you think these characters will bother you, I suggest to not read it. It wasn't a bad book, it's just that the characters could be so mean! I really do think the next book, Secrets and Lies, will be better because I can feel that tons of secrets will be revealed to us.
RATING: 3.5 stars out of 5
When I first saw the book and read the synopsis, I thought the Capital Girls was going to be about Jackie, Lettie, and Laura going on this adventure to discover what really happened to Taylor, their best friend, who died in a "car accident". Nope. The real deal in this book is that the girls are still mourning for their friend, Jackie cheating on her boyfriend, Laura backstabbing Jackie, and Whitney (the new girl in D.C. whose mother is a journalist for a gossip column) is befriending the girls only to get the inside scoop for her mother (meaning, she's a traitor). The only character I liked in this book was Lettie. She's the only character who wasn't stupid, or two-faced. Despite on how the characters acted, I actually found this book a bit entertaining. We get to read about what the Capital Girls are going through, whether relationships, friendship, boys (a lot of those), and college. There was a twist in the book which made my jaw dropped, and there was a really suspenseful scene that made me want to keep on reading. I really wish that the book was about the Capital Girls solving the mystery of Taylor's death though. I bet I would've loved this book.
I had a love/hate relationship with Jackie. Sometimes I rooted for her actions, and at times I wanted to smack her. She freaking FORCES her boyfriend, Andrew, to have sex with her. Good thing the guy refuses every time she seduces him. Desperate much? I really liked Andrew's character, and when you read this book, you should definitely keep your eye on him. I hated Laura the most, and despise her 100%. She's THE most backstabbing, two-faced, I-want-to-shoot-her character in this book. Enough said. Actually, Whitney too. I don't know why these girls still kept her around the group even though they didn't like her. Lettie was the only one with a straight mind. She cares about her future, her family, and I love how boys isn't her first priority. I hate how some of the characters in this book ALWAYS mentions Paraguay when they're talking to her just because she's from there. Like, dude, shut up.
Overall I think this book isn't for everyone. It's entertaining with mystery, gossips, two-faced characters, and boys. I recommend it if you're in for those type of stories and characters. If you think these characters will bother you, I suggest to not read it. It wasn't a bad book, it's just that the characters could be so mean! I really do think the next book, Secrets and Lies, will be better because I can feel that tons of secrets will be revealed to us.
May 31, 2012
CAPITAL GIRLS by Ella Monroe is the first book in a glitzy, fast-paced, fabulous new young adult series set against the backdrop of Washington, D.C. In it, we meet four young women, best friends forever, who must navigate life as the children of some of the most powerful people in the nation. With that life comes not only awesome vacations, beautiful clothes and A-list parties, but also scandal, heartache, danger and the ever-present paparazzi who seem to have a knack for catching them when they're up to something bad!(less)
My review:
I did not particularly like this book. I think the characters were described well enough, but it was hard to find anyone to relate to. It was very clear what Jackie's boyfriend's problem was as soon as you saw he had one, so there was no mystery there. Everyone seemed so " in love" with their deceased friend Taylor's outgoing actions & I do not understand how that in itself was not a constant embarrassment to the president as one of the girl's friends. Apparently the girls, especially Jacki, as girlfriend to the president's son, was under constant watch and all of the girls were constantly being used to better their parent's political careers.
If anything I found the book a little sad that everyone was using, blackmailing, back stabbing, & totally trampeling each other. I also hated the constant throwing around the names of the most important, expensive brands. It seemed a story of horrible parents teaching their children to be horrible adults, but how to cover it up.
Maybe that was the point. It stinks to be the children of politicians & it will twist you too.... But don't let it show.
Nothing really juicy happened, or came out until the end of the book & I was not satisfied that I would have to read the second book just to find out what happened in the first one I struggled through. I think if the two books had been put together into one, then maybe it would have greatly improved the story.
My review:
I did not particularly like this book. I think the characters were described well enough, but it was hard to find anyone to relate to. It was very clear what Jackie's boyfriend's problem was as soon as you saw he had one, so there was no mystery there. Everyone seemed so " in love" with their deceased friend Taylor's outgoing actions & I do not understand how that in itself was not a constant embarrassment to the president as one of the girl's friends. Apparently the girls, especially Jacki, as girlfriend to the president's son, was under constant watch and all of the girls were constantly being used to better their parent's political careers.
If anything I found the book a little sad that everyone was using, blackmailing, back stabbing, & totally trampeling each other. I also hated the constant throwing around the names of the most important, expensive brands. It seemed a story of horrible parents teaching their children to be horrible adults, but how to cover it up.
Maybe that was the point. It stinks to be the children of politicians & it will twist you too.... But don't let it show.
Nothing really juicy happened, or came out until the end of the book & I was not satisfied that I would have to read the second book just to find out what happened in the first one I struggled through. I think if the two books had been put together into one, then maybe it would have greatly improved the story.
October 30, 2013
Capital Girls is a fun read. As a fan of the book series Pretty Little Liars and the TV show Gossip Girl, I knew I would like it and I wasn't disappointed.
Set in Washington D.C., Capital Girls follows the dramas of a group of friends. Jackie, Lettie, and Laura Beth are three teenage girls' who are devastated over the recent loss of their friend Taylor. The four of them made up a group they dubbed the Capital Girls. Without Taylor-the wild, fun one-to hold the group together, their friendship is falling apart.
Jackie is D.C.'s It-Girl. Daughter of the chief-of-staff and girlfriend of the president's son, she's always in the tabloids. But when Jackie's boyfriend insists on taking a chastity vow, she might just be frustrated enough to cheat on him with someone more passionate. Meanwhile, Lettie is having boy drama of her own as she falls head-over-heels for Taylor's twin brother. And Laura Beth is constantly struggling with being in Jackie's shadow, secretly plotting to replace her friend as the one in charge.
The book definitely focused on Jackie which was good because Jackie was the most likable and well-developed character. There was plenty of fun name-dropping and juicy scandals. The mystery of the story-which revolved around the circumstances of Taylor's death-could have been better developed. I would have enjoyed some more suspense. All in all though, this was a fun read and I would recommend it to Sara Shepard fans. The ending will definitely leave you ready for the sequel.
Set in Washington D.C., Capital Girls follows the dramas of a group of friends. Jackie, Lettie, and Laura Beth are three teenage girls' who are devastated over the recent loss of their friend Taylor. The four of them made up a group they dubbed the Capital Girls. Without Taylor-the wild, fun one-to hold the group together, their friendship is falling apart.
Jackie is D.C.'s It-Girl. Daughter of the chief-of-staff and girlfriend of the president's son, she's always in the tabloids. But when Jackie's boyfriend insists on taking a chastity vow, she might just be frustrated enough to cheat on him with someone more passionate. Meanwhile, Lettie is having boy drama of her own as she falls head-over-heels for Taylor's twin brother. And Laura Beth is constantly struggling with being in Jackie's shadow, secretly plotting to replace her friend as the one in charge.
The book definitely focused on Jackie which was good because Jackie was the most likable and well-developed character. There was plenty of fun name-dropping and juicy scandals. The mystery of the story-which revolved around the circumstances of Taylor's death-could have been better developed. I would have enjoyed some more suspense. All in all though, this was a fun read and I would recommend it to Sara Shepard fans. The ending will definitely leave you ready for the sequel.
April 22, 2012
I won this book through Goodreads First Reads.
What I Didn't Like
The premise of this book was interesting, but I found myself disliking the execution. I could not relate to the characters at all and I found very few of them to even be likable. Most of the time I felt a disconnect between the age the characters were supposed to be, and the age they felt like they were.
The story started out slowly, but the plot itself had a lot of potential, and I was pulled into the intrigue by the end of the novel. Unfortunately, the novel ended right as the plot began. While I can appreciate cliff hangers, the sudden cut off combined with the fluff filler in the first 2/3s of the novel made me feel a little bit cheated story wise.
I also found the constant name-dropping of various brands to be distracting.
What I Did Like
The author did a great job in making DC seem vibrant and full of energy. The descriptions helped bring the city to life and the political climate was well captured.
What I Didn't Like
The premise of this book was interesting, but I found myself disliking the execution. I could not relate to the characters at all and I found very few of them to even be likable. Most of the time I felt a disconnect between the age the characters were supposed to be, and the age they felt like they were.
The story started out slowly, but the plot itself had a lot of potential, and I was pulled into the intrigue by the end of the novel. Unfortunately, the novel ended right as the plot began. While I can appreciate cliff hangers, the sudden cut off combined with the fluff filler in the first 2/3s of the novel made me feel a little bit cheated story wise.
I also found the constant name-dropping of various brands to be distracting.
What I Did Like
The author did a great job in making DC seem vibrant and full of energy. The descriptions helped bring the city to life and the political climate was well captured.
April 8, 2023
like Gossip Gurl but in DC. Only comments are a) yasss and b) why did I spend any of my free time reading this? truly cannot recommend to anyone over the age of 18 lol
June 10, 2016
I tried to apply my rule and give this book at least a 25% chance. I figure if the book isn't good by 25% then it isn't worth my time. I made it only to 21% before I had to give up on this one.
I wanted to read something fun and flirty, about best friends and scandals. I didn't want it to be romance based but friendship based. Of course I wanted there to be romance and scandal , and gossip. This book sounded perfect. That it was set in D.C. OMG, Even better. So I sat down in the air conditioner after a long week and I cracked this bad boy open. Don't get me wrong, I was well aware that this is a young adult novel, and that at times it might come across as Juvenile , but I was unprepared for this.
This would have been the book I'd have written when I was 13. There's a strangeness of character development, because this reads like a preteen novel. Which was fine, I have no problems with reading about the girls in question mourning over their dead friend , having tea parties, exploring New York, and one of them dating the presidents son. Sounds Amazing right? It should have been.
But imagine reading Dr. Seuss , and then all of sudden incomes a giant flow of curse words, and one of the characters says" Hey would you like to smoke some weed".
And yes I get its not unrealistic, this is a book that supposedly takes place in high school, but the characters read more like 13-15 year olds, and don't seem like characters that would be caught doing this. Still I tried to pull through it.
My Second Problem THE STEREOTYPES!
I can deal with certain stereotypes, the cheerleader, the jock, the nerd, the shy quiet girl. Its common in young adult. Sometimes it done well.
But Lettie the poor Latina from the dumps, didn't do it for me. First of all, if her dad is an ambassador why is she living in the slums. Second, is her dad an ambassador, because now I am just totally confused. Third, you expect me to believe these girls just accepted her, have you met these girls?
The other stereotype was the New girl Whitney. Whitney supposedly dresses trashy, her mother is an African American gossip columnist, and she wants to go back to California, where she was before her dad dragged her to D.C. The girls immediately don't except Whitney. Why, who knows or cares.
Anywoo, Whitney ends up being this crazy girl who likes to get drunk, smoke weed, and hang with the college boys, yipee!
I couldn't take it anymore when Whitney decided the girls morning over their dead friend with a tradition of going to their favorite cupcake place was stupid. She also thought college applications were stupid. The fact that she was half African American made me more angry, because there isn't enough cultural diversity in young adult literature already , and what supposed to be a positive thing turned completely negative.
Keep in mind that I only made it though 21% of the book. I couldn't make it to 25% Maybe it got better, but I won't find out.
Maybe this book might work for an actual teenager, although this is not a book I would recommend for any teen girl.
I wanted to read something fun and flirty, about best friends and scandals. I didn't want it to be romance based but friendship based. Of course I wanted there to be romance and scandal , and gossip. This book sounded perfect. That it was set in D.C. OMG, Even better. So I sat down in the air conditioner after a long week and I cracked this bad boy open. Don't get me wrong, I was well aware that this is a young adult novel, and that at times it might come across as Juvenile , but I was unprepared for this.
This would have been the book I'd have written when I was 13. There's a strangeness of character development, because this reads like a preteen novel. Which was fine, I have no problems with reading about the girls in question mourning over their dead friend , having tea parties, exploring New York, and one of them dating the presidents son. Sounds Amazing right? It should have been.
But imagine reading Dr. Seuss , and then all of sudden incomes a giant flow of curse words, and one of the characters says" Hey would you like to smoke some weed".
And yes I get its not unrealistic, this is a book that supposedly takes place in high school, but the characters read more like 13-15 year olds, and don't seem like characters that would be caught doing this. Still I tried to pull through it.
My Second Problem THE STEREOTYPES!
I can deal with certain stereotypes, the cheerleader, the jock, the nerd, the shy quiet girl. Its common in young adult. Sometimes it done well.
But Lettie the poor Latina from the dumps, didn't do it for me. First of all, if her dad is an ambassador why is she living in the slums. Second, is her dad an ambassador, because now I am just totally confused. Third, you expect me to believe these girls just accepted her, have you met these girls?
The other stereotype was the New girl Whitney. Whitney supposedly dresses trashy, her mother is an African American gossip columnist, and she wants to go back to California, where she was before her dad dragged her to D.C. The girls immediately don't except Whitney. Why, who knows or cares.
Anywoo, Whitney ends up being this crazy girl who likes to get drunk, smoke weed, and hang with the college boys, yipee!
I couldn't take it anymore when Whitney decided the girls morning over their dead friend with a tradition of going to their favorite cupcake place was stupid. She also thought college applications were stupid. The fact that she was half African American made me more angry, because there isn't enough cultural diversity in young adult literature already , and what supposed to be a positive thing turned completely negative.
Keep in mind that I only made it though 21% of the book. I couldn't make it to 25% Maybe it got better, but I won't find out.
Maybe this book might work for an actual teenager, although this is not a book I would recommend for any teen girl.
August 23, 2012
Ella Monroe is the pseudonym of Marilyn Rauber and Amy Reingold, a reporter and a writer making their YA debut. They've drawn on their own history living in Washington, D.C. to write a series in the vein of Gossip Girl and the A-list with a political twist. You know this kind of novel - lots of narrators, lots of brand names, lots of juicy scandals, and lots of plot twists. It's pure popcorn.
I went back and forth on whether I like the characters or not. There's lots of backstabbing and frenemy action, which doesn't make them the easiest characters to like. While there are several Capital Girls, the main narrator of CAPITAL GIRLS is Jackie Whitman. Jackie just lost her best friend in a tragic car wreck and has been fighting with her boyfriend Andrew Pierce - the President's son. Meanwhile, her mother is forcing her to cozy up to a gossip columnist's daughter and she's being seduced by an older lawyer. I felt like Jackie had her heart in the right place, but she's very tempted by the easy way out.
Less present in the novel were Lettie Velasquez, a Paraguayan girl in the US on an embassy sponsorship, and Laura Beth Ballou, the only Republican in the core group. I liked Lettie, who is trying her best to get ahead and go to a good school so that she can go back and help her country. Laura Beth seemed a little too naive and easily misled for someone raised in a political atmosphere. Not mentioned at all on the back is Whitney Remick, a California transplant who just wants to go back home. She's the most obviously villainous of the group, but it's a touch hard to delight in her machinations when she just wants her mother's love.
Many plots are introduced in CAPITAL GIRLS, although only a couple are resolved within its pages. The most compelling is the death of Taylor Cane, the one all the Capital Girls considered their best friend. Andrew was in the car with her, but he's remained completely silent about that night. Throughout the book Taylor remains a forceful presence in her surviving friends' lives, and each of them muse on the mysterious crash at times.
If you like Gossip Girl, the A-list, The Elite, Insider Girl, The Clique - any of that kind of series - you'll probably like CAPITAL GIRLS too. If you don't, then you'll probably want to avoid this one. (Quick note for parental types: there is underage drinking, drugging, and sexing. Obvs.) There's discussion of immigration debate and a female president to class up the joint, but it's still a book that exists more to be juicy than good literature. I'm not sure if it qualifies as juicy yet, but I'm willing to read SECRETS AND LIES, coming November 13th, to see what happens next.
I went back and forth on whether I like the characters or not. There's lots of backstabbing and frenemy action, which doesn't make them the easiest characters to like. While there are several Capital Girls, the main narrator of CAPITAL GIRLS is Jackie Whitman. Jackie just lost her best friend in a tragic car wreck and has been fighting with her boyfriend Andrew Pierce - the President's son. Meanwhile, her mother is forcing her to cozy up to a gossip columnist's daughter and she's being seduced by an older lawyer. I felt like Jackie had her heart in the right place, but she's very tempted by the easy way out.
Less present in the novel were Lettie Velasquez, a Paraguayan girl in the US on an embassy sponsorship, and Laura Beth Ballou, the only Republican in the core group. I liked Lettie, who is trying her best to get ahead and go to a good school so that she can go back and help her country. Laura Beth seemed a little too naive and easily misled for someone raised in a political atmosphere. Not mentioned at all on the back is Whitney Remick, a California transplant who just wants to go back home. She's the most obviously villainous of the group, but it's a touch hard to delight in her machinations when she just wants her mother's love.
Many plots are introduced in CAPITAL GIRLS, although only a couple are resolved within its pages. The most compelling is the death of Taylor Cane, the one all the Capital Girls considered their best friend. Andrew was in the car with her, but he's remained completely silent about that night. Throughout the book Taylor remains a forceful presence in her surviving friends' lives, and each of them muse on the mysterious crash at times.
If you like Gossip Girl, the A-list, The Elite, Insider Girl, The Clique - any of that kind of series - you'll probably like CAPITAL GIRLS too. If you don't, then you'll probably want to avoid this one. (Quick note for parental types: there is underage drinking, drugging, and sexing. Obvs.) There's discussion of immigration debate and a female president to class up the joint, but it's still a book that exists more to be juicy than good literature. I'm not sure if it qualifies as juicy yet, but I'm willing to read SECRETS AND LIES, coming November 13th, to see what happens next.
December 22, 2013
I'm going to talk a lot about specific events in this book, so if you don't want to know, don't read.
There is one thing that drives me batshit crazy: it's when the back cover of books is completely and totally inaccurate in its synopsis.
The back cover of this book talked about these four teenage girls who have the run of Washington D.C. Only one of the descriptions of the girls was really all that accurate. One of the girls is DEAD and only appears in the book via short flashbacks and hear-say. It says Laura Beth gets revenge on Whitney for messing with her friends...when she keeps pushing to have Whitney involved with their circle of friends and toward the end of the book, you find out that SHE was in face the one who was screwing over her friends. I feel like for the most part, the back cover story made out this book to be all about girls and boys when it's much more than that.
This is really a book about political corruption in Washington D.C. However, I gave this book a lower star count because I find it highly unlikely that a group of 18-year-olds could really influence politics THAT MUCH, despite the fact that one of the main characters is the daughter of the president's chief of staff and dating the First Son.
I kind of want to read the second book in the series...and I kind of don't. I found some things about this book very off-putting. It seemed like some of the *scandals* in this book weren't all that scandalous and were blown out of proportion and some of the conversations were just rehashes of old conversations.
The thing that makes me want to read the next book is this one just abruptly ends. There are very few loose ends in this book (like the thing with Senator Griffin and the pictures of Jackie) that were tied up. Plus, it seemed like they were just getting around to talking about the only non-reprehensible character in this book -- Lettie -- and then it's over.
Mostly, this book just felt like the Gossip Girl series or Pretty Little Liars, but set in Washington D.C.
There is one thing that drives me batshit crazy: it's when the back cover of books is completely and totally inaccurate in its synopsis.
The back cover of this book talked about these four teenage girls who have the run of Washington D.C. Only one of the descriptions of the girls was really all that accurate. One of the girls is DEAD and only appears in the book via short flashbacks and hear-say. It says Laura Beth gets revenge on Whitney for messing with her friends...when she keeps pushing to have Whitney involved with their circle of friends and toward the end of the book, you find out that SHE was in face the one who was screwing over her friends. I feel like for the most part, the back cover story made out this book to be all about girls and boys when it's much more than that.
This is really a book about political corruption in Washington D.C. However, I gave this book a lower star count because I find it highly unlikely that a group of 18-year-olds could really influence politics THAT MUCH, despite the fact that one of the main characters is the daughter of the president's chief of staff and dating the First Son.
I kind of want to read the second book in the series...and I kind of don't. I found some things about this book very off-putting. It seemed like some of the *scandals* in this book weren't all that scandalous and were blown out of proportion and some of the conversations were just rehashes of old conversations.
The thing that makes me want to read the next book is this one just abruptly ends. There are very few loose ends in this book (like the thing with Senator Griffin and the pictures of Jackie) that were tied up. Plus, it seemed like they were just getting around to talking about the only non-reprehensible character in this book -- Lettie -- and then it's over.
Mostly, this book just felt like the Gossip Girl series or Pretty Little Liars, but set in Washington D.C.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2012
I was surprised at the amount of hatred in this book. Because of what it is, I could ignore the brand-name dropping and the rich girl escapism, but all the characters in this book are MEAN. Right from the very start, they say the most horrible things about each other, their parents, complete strangers. They praise their friend for committing petty acts of 'revenge' and think of a new girl as a 'bitch' just because of how she dresses. Everyone is a stark stereotype, cliched as hell, and has no redeeming qualities. The author tries to throw in some politics, but she treads the two main political parties like Capulets and Montegues, groups that would rather shoot each other on sight than be seen having tea together. There's no amount of subtlety or tact anywhere in this book.
On top of that, this book celebrates delinquent behavior such as underage drinking and smoking, promotes vindictive attitudes and gossip, and can't do wit. The first chapter is a textbook case of why teenagers shouldn't date adults, but it's presented apologetically as if the relationship is good and true, not an older man sneaking the pants off a 17 year old. The whole thing is just supremely uncomfortable.
But, at least the technical aspect of the writing is decent. I didn't find any sentences that made me hurt, like in so many other books aimed at this age group.
On top of that, this book celebrates delinquent behavior such as underage drinking and smoking, promotes vindictive attitudes and gossip, and can't do wit. The first chapter is a textbook case of why teenagers shouldn't date adults, but it's presented apologetically as if the relationship is good and true, not an older man sneaking the pants off a 17 year old. The whole thing is just supremely uncomfortable.
But, at least the technical aspect of the writing is decent. I didn't find any sentences that made me hurt, like in so many other books aimed at this age group.
April 7, 2014
Okay, this was way not my thing. I thought it was going to be different than it turned out to be. I thought it was going to be more mystery than backstabbing b%$@hes.
The mc has a boyfriend, but she ends up getting almost naked with someone else. She has the gall to say hey, maybe I should break up before I get jiggy. Gee, ya think?! and then, oh gee, photoed! and low and behold -- BLACKMAIL. all because she couldn't keep her legs together.
After that, it went down hill especially when she finds out that her 'friend' was making the beast with two backs with her boyfriend.
yeah, definitely not my thing.
There was usage of the f-word and some other words.
The writing style was good. There was nothing wrong with it.
This just happened to get on my dfn because I'd rather read a book about someone being loyal to their partner.
The mc has a boyfriend, but she ends up getting almost naked with someone else. She has the gall to say hey, maybe I should break up before I get jiggy. Gee, ya think?! and then, oh gee, photoed! and low and behold -- BLACKMAIL. all because she couldn't keep her legs together.
After that, it went down hill especially when she finds out that her 'friend' was making the beast with two backs with her boyfriend.
yeah, definitely not my thing.
There was usage of the f-word and some other words.
The writing style was good. There was nothing wrong with it.
This just happened to get on my dfn because I'd rather read a book about someone being loyal to their partner.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2012
I feel lucky to have received an early copy of Capital Girls from a friend. This book is well written with a compelling story line. My daughters and I read this book and we cannot stop talking about it. It's amazing how topical this storyline is. It dovetails with the new TV series Political Animals. I plan to give this book to my friends and their kids. So much to talk about: coming of age in a town where power means more than money. This really is the DC version of Gossip Girls, but it has so much more soul.
I cannot wait to read the next book!
I cannot wait to read the next book!
June 7, 2012
I won this book as a free giveaway from goodreads.com. This book was fantastic! I could not put it down. I started it yesterday and would have finished it had I not been so tired. This book is full of drama, suspense, and interesting well developed characters that keep you turning the pages. I can't wait for the next book to come out!! Highly recommend this book especially if you like the show Pretty Little Liars. Only this has a DC flare!!
July 8, 2012
Awesome book. Perfect summer read. I am so over vampire fantasy books. This is the perfect upgrade back into real life fantasy again. I would rather have the Andrew character in this book after me than a make believe hero with super powers. The writing makes me think of a much improved version of those girl books that clog the shelf and tv. glad it was passed a long to me.
April 8, 2012
I won this book through goodreads. I really enjoyed this book. I highly recommend it to any reader that wants to get lost in a fantasy of high society. It has everything you need when it comes to lost,scandals,and love. Very well written and look forward to more books by this author.
November 21, 2012
This books is atrocious. On so many levels.
December 12, 2012
Capital Girls wasn't what I expected. Although, to be perfectly honest, I'm not sure what I expected it to be, exactly, but it read like an episode of a highly politically slanted Gossip Girl - or probably, more like several episodes. While GC was not one of my favorite TV shows, for this book, that's not a bad comparison. It worked really well actually and Capital Girls turned out to be an interesting, fast paced story and a quick and easy read.
It starts out with our main character, Jackie, visiting the grave of one of her recently deceased best friends, Taylor. She is confessing to Taylor a secret she can't share with her other friends, because she's falling for a really hot guy she shouldn't fall for and Taylor always knew exactly what to do in every situation the girls had ever found themselves in.
Jackie is an almost eighteen year old girl who is dating the Presidents son, Andrew. She is frustrated with their very non-sexual relationship and she makes a few really poor choices that lead to HUGE consequences. And when you're in a relationship with the Presidents son, you live your life in the fishbowl for the public eye to scrutinize, and any small or big indiscretion gets plastered across every tabloid nationwide.
Laurie Beth is trying to find her own path in life. She dreams of singing and dancing on the stage and plans to apply to Julliard even though it will go against everything her mother wants her to do. She has her own secrets to keep - mainly to do with the fact she's in love with someone she can't have.
Lettie is the quiet Latino girl who plans to change the world. She is a Paraguayan immigrant to the US. She is here with her family on a embassy scholarship so she works hard in a less than desirable position for the money she and her family need to survive. There is an interesting side-storyline going on with her and the real life immigration issues she is focused on fighting for and her plight for her home country. But a blossoming secret connection with an old friend may change her priorities and make her dreams that much hard to achieve.
Whitney is the California transplant and newest to the group. She is the daughter of a tabloid reporter who happens to be one of the most well-known, cut-throat people behind the biggest celebrity scoops in California. Whitney hates everything about Washington D.C. and the only thing she wants is a ticket back to her life in California. Sadly, Whitney's only way to get home is to make her mother happy. So she is forced into the role of Mole and goes uncover to get the scandalous secrets and juiciest capital gossip about her newest a-lister friends.
And finally, back to Taylor. Taylor was the beautiful, vivacious and adventurous blond bombshell all the girls in the capital city envied and wanted to be. She was the one who took the biggest risks, always made the best times and the most memorable, she partied hard and lived harder. Living every moment of her life to the fullest.
She was also the glue that essentially held together the four girls - the 'Capital Girls' as they called themselves - who had been best friends since childhood. And they were inseparable ... until the accident.
The horrible car accident that took Taylor's life changed the lives of everyone around her.
Her tragic death sent shockwaves of grief throughout her elite circle of friends and her family. (Throughout the book are flashbacks of Taylor from the different characters' memories and points of view, which gave a great sense of Taylor as a realized character in the book even though she had died before the first word on the first page)
Everyone in the story grieves differently for their friend/sister/daughter ... all the characters are struggling to move forward in their lives. However, those holding secrets are having a harder time moving forward than others.
There are quite a few plots and story lines here, but for me, it was the mystery as well as the scandal of all these huge secrets that propelled me through this story. Wanting to know how it all was going to turn out, who was going to end up doing what and/or with whom and wanting to see if my guesses were going to be right, or if there were going to be major curveballs thrown in a the last minute.
Even though a few of those big, awful secrets are revealed before the last page, and there are several giant secrets alluded to throughout the story, so believe me, it's worth getting to the end for!. Being the first in a trilogy, Capital Girls also ends on a cliff hanger that leaves us dangling with even bigger questions about even bigger secrets.
Luckily, I have book two in the Capital Girls trilogy on the shelf ready to read. yay me! It's called Secrets and Lies, and from that title, I can only guess what's in store for these likeable and loatheable characters. I'm definitely looking forward to finding out. because I'm nosy like that.
Overall, I really liked and enjoyed the story.
I would recommend Capital Girls to anyone who loves Gossip Girl and Sex in the City type entertainment. I would probably say appropriateness level would be ages mature teen/17+ due to the fairly adult themes - underage drinking, smoking weed and talk about sex (or doing it) - not to mention the lying, cheating and political backstabbing and blackmail that goes on behind the closed doors on Capital Hill.
Of course, if you're old enough for either of those racy-ish TV shows then this book will be a breezy fun walk in the park.
Just a couple small things that bothered me. And really, it's probably *only* me, so...
There was a whole lot of name brand and designer name dropping, as well as the names of all the trendiest places in the Capital city.
Name dropping is okay when it's lightly sprinkled in to add flecks of realism to the story and the name of a famous location certainly assists in the world building ... but when overdone it's something that just annoys me.
There were times I would say to myself "okay, this paragraph was brought to you by that so-and-so top designer, or major product, or trendy restaurant or shop etc"
Having said that, while it was sometimes too much for me, it still worked for this particular story - in a "I'm so posh and rich" Sex in the City product placement sort of way.
Also, there are a LOT of characters to keep up with in this book. I only mentioned the main characters in my review, but there are more than a dozen people to keep track of here. The kids don't always have the same last name as their parents and I stayed about half confused trying to remember which character was the sibling to whom and/or which parent the kid belonged to and then you have to throw in how that other person is connected to the poliitcal foodchain, etc. Also, Jackie kept calling one of the women 'Aunt' and I still don't think any of the kids in the story were actual cousins ... so yeah, O_o ...
There were several times I wished for an appendix or a family tree sort of thing in the back of the book that explained all the different relations.
**I won this book in a GoodReads first-read giveaway. Thank you Goodreads and Sarah at http://us.macmillan.com/capitalgirls/... for the opportunity to read Capital Girls. They also very kindly sent along and ARC of the second book in the series, Secret and Lies, which I plan on reading soon - if not next.
It starts out with our main character, Jackie, visiting the grave of one of her recently deceased best friends, Taylor. She is confessing to Taylor a secret she can't share with her other friends, because she's falling for a really hot guy she shouldn't fall for and Taylor always knew exactly what to do in every situation the girls had ever found themselves in.
Jackie is an almost eighteen year old girl who is dating the Presidents son, Andrew. She is frustrated with their very non-sexual relationship and she makes a few really poor choices that lead to HUGE consequences. And when you're in a relationship with the Presidents son, you live your life in the fishbowl for the public eye to scrutinize, and any small or big indiscretion gets plastered across every tabloid nationwide.
Laurie Beth is trying to find her own path in life. She dreams of singing and dancing on the stage and plans to apply to Julliard even though it will go against everything her mother wants her to do. She has her own secrets to keep - mainly to do with the fact she's in love with someone she can't have.
Lettie is the quiet Latino girl who plans to change the world. She is a Paraguayan immigrant to the US. She is here with her family on a embassy scholarship so she works hard in a less than desirable position for the money she and her family need to survive. There is an interesting side-storyline going on with her and the real life immigration issues she is focused on fighting for and her plight for her home country. But a blossoming secret connection with an old friend may change her priorities and make her dreams that much hard to achieve.
Whitney is the California transplant and newest to the group. She is the daughter of a tabloid reporter who happens to be one of the most well-known, cut-throat people behind the biggest celebrity scoops in California. Whitney hates everything about Washington D.C. and the only thing she wants is a ticket back to her life in California. Sadly, Whitney's only way to get home is to make her mother happy. So she is forced into the role of Mole and goes uncover to get the scandalous secrets and juiciest capital gossip about her newest a-lister friends.
And finally, back to Taylor. Taylor was the beautiful, vivacious and adventurous blond bombshell all the girls in the capital city envied and wanted to be. She was the one who took the biggest risks, always made the best times and the most memorable, she partied hard and lived harder. Living every moment of her life to the fullest.
She was also the glue that essentially held together the four girls - the 'Capital Girls' as they called themselves - who had been best friends since childhood. And they were inseparable ... until the accident.
The horrible car accident that took Taylor's life changed the lives of everyone around her.
Her tragic death sent shockwaves of grief throughout her elite circle of friends and her family. (Throughout the book are flashbacks of Taylor from the different characters' memories and points of view, which gave a great sense of Taylor as a realized character in the book even though she had died before the first word on the first page)
Everyone in the story grieves differently for their friend/sister/daughter ... all the characters are struggling to move forward in their lives. However, those holding secrets are having a harder time moving forward than others.
There are quite a few plots and story lines here, but for me, it was the mystery as well as the scandal of all these huge secrets that propelled me through this story. Wanting to know how it all was going to turn out, who was going to end up doing what and/or with whom and wanting to see if my guesses were going to be right, or if there were going to be major curveballs thrown in a the last minute.
Even though a few of those big, awful secrets are revealed before the last page, and there are several giant secrets alluded to throughout the story, so believe me, it's worth getting to the end for!. Being the first in a trilogy, Capital Girls also ends on a cliff hanger that leaves us dangling with even bigger questions about even bigger secrets.
Luckily, I have book two in the Capital Girls trilogy on the shelf ready to read. yay me! It's called Secrets and Lies, and from that title, I can only guess what's in store for these likeable and loatheable characters. I'm definitely looking forward to finding out. because I'm nosy like that.
Overall, I really liked and enjoyed the story.
I would recommend Capital Girls to anyone who loves Gossip Girl and Sex in the City type entertainment. I would probably say appropriateness level would be ages mature teen/17+ due to the fairly adult themes - underage drinking, smoking weed and talk about sex (or doing it) - not to mention the lying, cheating and political backstabbing and blackmail that goes on behind the closed doors on Capital Hill.
Of course, if you're old enough for either of those racy-ish TV shows then this book will be a breezy fun walk in the park.
Just a couple small things that bothered me. And really, it's probably *only* me, so...
There was a whole lot of name brand and designer name dropping, as well as the names of all the trendiest places in the Capital city.
Name dropping is okay when it's lightly sprinkled in to add flecks of realism to the story and the name of a famous location certainly assists in the world building ... but when overdone it's something that just annoys me.
There were times I would say to myself "okay, this paragraph was brought to you by that so-and-so top designer, or major product, or trendy restaurant or shop etc"
Having said that, while it was sometimes too much for me, it still worked for this particular story - in a "I'm so posh and rich" Sex in the City product placement sort of way.
Also, there are a LOT of characters to keep up with in this book. I only mentioned the main characters in my review, but there are more than a dozen people to keep track of here. The kids don't always have the same last name as their parents and I stayed about half confused trying to remember which character was the sibling to whom and/or which parent the kid belonged to and then you have to throw in how that other person is connected to the poliitcal foodchain, etc. Also, Jackie kept calling one of the women 'Aunt' and I still don't think any of the kids in the story were actual cousins ... so yeah, O_o ...
There were several times I wished for an appendix or a family tree sort of thing in the back of the book that explained all the different relations.
**I won this book in a GoodReads first-read giveaway. Thank you Goodreads and Sarah at http://us.macmillan.com/capitalgirls/... for the opportunity to read Capital Girls. They also very kindly sent along and ARC of the second book in the series, Secret and Lies, which I plan on reading soon - if not next.
June 12, 2022
4.5 stars. This is one of those weird books where I hate most of the characters and I hate almost everything that happens, but somehow I still kind of loved the book? I don’t know, it’s a weird thing. I think a big part of my love for this book comes from how desperately I love Jackie and Andrew, separately and together. I hate their storylines in this book, but I love them as characters and I love their set up as childhood best friends that fall for each other, one of them the son of the President, the other the daughter of the President’s chief of staff, with mothers who are also best friends. But, God, I hated everything about their storylines in this book. I hate that Jackie cheated on Andrew. I hate that she was unhappy enough in their relationship to want to cheat. Although I did love the moment where she told Andrew as if it was life-changing news and he said he already knew. I hate that Andrew cheated on Jackie at all, let alone with her best friend, let alone her best friend who’s dead. And I hate the way he explained it. She was just coming on to him so strong, he couldn’t say no and then it just happened. First of all, sex is not something that just happens in the blink of an eye. It takes a hot minute and during that time, a continuous decision is being made. It’s not something that “just happens.” Second of all, Jackie has been consistently pushy throughout the entire book and Andrew managed not to sleep with her. So he can say no to Jackie, but not to Taylor? And I hate the fact that they included the storyline about Jackie being pushy about sex in the first place. Can you even imagine a story about a guy pushing his girlfriend for sex and then being super frustrated when she says she’s not ready? Unless he’s meant to be a villain in the story, I can’t. And I feel like it’s supposed to be “okay” because Jackie is a girl and because Andrew did actually want to sleep with Jackie, he just didn’t feel right about it because he cheated with Taylor. But that doesn’t make it okay. As far as Jackie knew, Andrew just wasn’t ready. And, not that any teenage boys are probably reading this, but I can’t imagine how harmful reading about her genuine frustration and cheating could be to certain people reading this. I really want them to be able to work out, but I really hate that Andrew cheated with Taylor. Cheating isn’t normally as much of an issue for me in fiction as it is for other people, just because I haven’t been in a relationship in a really long time and there are other things that get under my skin more. But it does really bug me when cheating is combined with a first time. It just adds an extra layer of betrayal. I’m not sure where this series intends to go as far as Jackie and Andrew’s relationship is concerned. I want them to work out, but if they do, Andrew’s got some work to do. I didn’t really like any of the other characters. There’s nothing wrong with Lettie, but she’s one of the kinds of people that I don’t think I would get along with in real life. It’s a noble thing to want to give everyone the benefit of the doubt and to give people multiple chances and want to see their side of things. But life is short and we all already have to do so many things we don’t want to do. I don’t see the point in choosing to spend time around horrible people just because they’re only horrible because bad things have happened to them or because it’s not nice to turn your back on them. Which is maybe not the best attitude to have, but whatever. I would just get so annoyed if one of my friends kept inviting someone as awful as Whiteny to hang out with my friend group or telling us to give her a chance. It’s just so aggravating. Laura Beth was so irritating. She just really bugged me. Her personality was already really irritating me before we even find out that she’s the one that blabbed about Jackie and Eric. I’m not glad that happened, but I almost am, because that means we’ll probably get to see Jackie find out and then flip out on her. And then there’s Whitney. She was so horrible. I really want her to go down for messing with other people’s lives and not caring what happens. But I’m pretty sure her story is headed more towards a redemption arc, because we see that she’s only doing the things she does to try to make her mother happy. And to be fair, her mother is AWFUL and I hate her, too. But, for me, that’s not a good enough excuse for her to do everything that she does. She’s not just some vulnerable little girl who wants her mom to love her. She’s selfish and vindictive and only cares about what she wants. What she wants is to move back to California and the only way to do that is to make her mom happy. That’s why she’s doing it and I don’t want a redemption arc. I want a downfall. Eric, obviously, is also not great. He went from attractive to slimy real quick. And then he was just absolutely delusional. It was grating reading about him not understanding why Jackie was upset and thinking he still had a shot with her. There were a couple of moments in this book that I really loved. I loved the part where Jackie talks about how she sees Aunt Deborah as the woman who made her cake for her 7th birthday, but then she’s also the person missing her 18th birthday, because she has a meeting with the President of Egypt. I love that, because I have to imagine that’s exactly how it would be if someone you know well was elected President or became famous. You would still see him the same way you always have, but then there would be moments where something happened that made you realize what a big deal they are to everyone else. I also LOVED Jackie and Andrew tricking Whitney into thinking they’re secretly engaged. Everything about that was fucking GOLD. First of all, it’s just hilarious. I love that they embarrassed Whitney in front of her mom and made her look bad. I love anything bad that happens to Whitney. I wish they’d taken it a step further and let Whitney’s mom publish it and then made her look bad and unreliable to everyone. I want her mom to be taken down and that could have helped discredit her and that would have made her even angrier at Whitney. But it was pretty great, the way it was. One random thing that I didn’t necessarily like was that the flashbacks were in first person when the rest of the book was in third person. I guess we’re just supposed to assume it was Jackie talking? It just kind of made things confusing and I’m not sure what the purpose was of that narrative decision. I am very invested in this story now and I can’t wait to pick the next one up. I feel like I really have no idea where this story is going to go in the next book, so I’m excited to find out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2022
This book gives an interesting perspective on opposite viewpoints of political parties, economic status, and geographic cultural differences, all while feeding teen drama with capital hill scandal. But be warned the POV of the book can be extremely hard to follow at points because of the 3rd person omni lol
August 13, 2019
It was a good beach read. In general, it was not very well written, but enjoyable enough. Of course, it leaves you on a cliff hanger, so no matter how much I wasn't going to read the rest of the series, I now kind of want to.
July 4, 2024
2.5 rounded down… I know there are other books in the series but nothing wrapped up well in one …
August 5, 2012
This book, for me, was like the perfect mix of Pretty Little Liars and Sex in the City! It was fast-paced and kept my attention, literally, until the last page in which I was literally like, “WAIT! That’s all you are giving me!” So yes, the book ends on a cliffhanger and if you get into the book as much as I did you will be dying of agony once you flip that last page. It was not until that last page that I actually realized that this book was planned to be part of a series. I am still in amazement at how much this book drew me in. I honestly felt like I was in an episode of Pretty Little Liars.
This book is about four friends who are all somehow wrapped up in the web of politics that is our nation���s capital. The book starts off with the death of one of them. Already the author had me. When there is a death of course you want to know how or why? And this death may have been foul play. This book was totally not what I expected, but in a good way. The girl that was recently laid to rest immediately had my attention as well. I wanted to meet her and I was wishing, secretly, that she were still alive. The way the other three girls described her was so wild and vivacious and I was sooooo bummed out that she was not able to speak for herself in the book!
The characters are literally like a soap opera and it was nice to be into a book like I was with this one. I have read all day and I was not stopping until I finished it. You are constantly trying to figure out what is up with each character and what secrets they are hiding and why. The “Capital Girls” were my favorite part, of course. This was the name that they called themselves. They each had dreams of pursuing big time colleges and were each defying the wants and desires of their parents. They were a tight unit together and when you start to learn more about each of them you, like me, may find yourself questioning their loyalty to one another!
Jackie Whitman was my favorite Capital Girl. She was known as Washington D.C.’s IT girl and was dating the president’s son, Andrew Price. Oh, and FYI, in this book the president is a women! Yep, I know how freakin’ awesome!! Jackie was still mourning the loss of her deceased best friend and was having a hard time coping without her around. Jackie had some insecurities but I believe that is what drew me to her as a character. Even though she was the most popular of the girls and had the most to lose, she was constantly trying to break away from what society expected of her. I really grew to relate and LOVE Jackie. I was often wondering if she was named for Jackie Kennedy!
By the end of the book you are going to find yourself questioning each girl and her motives, even the one that cannot speak for herself! I was flabbergasted by the end of the book and I cannot wait unit Fall 2012 when the next in the series is expected to be released. What a nice change of setting and an amazing author who really knows how to add depth to characters. I was really connected to each of them and wanted to know more and more about their lives as the pages turned. Such a great summer read and I HIGHLY recommend it!
***A HUGE thanks to the publishers at St. Martin’s Press for my copy of Capital Girls which was given to me in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion***
This book is about four friends who are all somehow wrapped up in the web of politics that is our nation���s capital. The book starts off with the death of one of them. Already the author had me. When there is a death of course you want to know how or why? And this death may have been foul play. This book was totally not what I expected, but in a good way. The girl that was recently laid to rest immediately had my attention as well. I wanted to meet her and I was wishing, secretly, that she were still alive. The way the other three girls described her was so wild and vivacious and I was sooooo bummed out that she was not able to speak for herself in the book!
The characters are literally like a soap opera and it was nice to be into a book like I was with this one. I have read all day and I was not stopping until I finished it. You are constantly trying to figure out what is up with each character and what secrets they are hiding and why. The “Capital Girls” were my favorite part, of course. This was the name that they called themselves. They each had dreams of pursuing big time colleges and were each defying the wants and desires of their parents. They were a tight unit together and when you start to learn more about each of them you, like me, may find yourself questioning their loyalty to one another!
Jackie Whitman was my favorite Capital Girl. She was known as Washington D.C.’s IT girl and was dating the president’s son, Andrew Price. Oh, and FYI, in this book the president is a women! Yep, I know how freakin’ awesome!! Jackie was still mourning the loss of her deceased best friend and was having a hard time coping without her around. Jackie had some insecurities but I believe that is what drew me to her as a character. Even though she was the most popular of the girls and had the most to lose, she was constantly trying to break away from what society expected of her. I really grew to relate and LOVE Jackie. I was often wondering if she was named for Jackie Kennedy!
By the end of the book you are going to find yourself questioning each girl and her motives, even the one that cannot speak for herself! I was flabbergasted by the end of the book and I cannot wait unit Fall 2012 when the next in the series is expected to be released. What a nice change of setting and an amazing author who really knows how to add depth to characters. I was really connected to each of them and wanted to know more and more about their lives as the pages turned. Such a great summer read and I HIGHLY recommend it!
***A HUGE thanks to the publishers at St. Martin’s Press for my copy of Capital Girls which was given to me in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion***
May 22, 2012
Goodreads Giveaway
Capital Girls begins by introducing two of the four main characters, one of which you discover is dead and is being shown to the reader through flashbacks. 17 year old, daughter of a democrat Jackie visits the grave of her friend, Taylor, and tells all about a liaison with a Republican candidate at the White House, behind her boyfriend’s back. She asks for advice on what to do, then decides to ‘Do what Taylor would do’. Taylor, shown by the flashback as the wild one of the bunch of friends, must mean that this can only end in tears. Then we are introduced to Paraguayan Lettie, who, unlike her privileged friends, ‘lives in Reality’, and ‘Rich Girl’ Laura Beth.
The story begins with a new family entering the political and social circle. Whitney, a ‘Californian hippie type’ comes into town and immediately Jackie feels threatened, her status as Washington DC’s IT girl may be jeopardized by the arrival of this casual, natural beauty. Double agent Whitney is scoping for information for her gossip columnist parents. She refers to the three friends as ‘The Virgin Queen Bee’ after hearing about Jackie’s pact with the President’s son (who she is dating), a Southern Belle Wannabe and the Token Charity case – they do not compare to her friends back in California.
As a teen book, I felt that it raised many issues that teenagers all around the world go through and tried to highlight the fact that no matter what situation you live in, the issues are still the same. I did feel that all these girls are suffering from growing up way too fast, with their parents using them instead of loving them. Sad, but very true to life. The book tried to be even handed regarding the politics which dominated the storyline, but loyalties did seem to seep through. I did not like this part of the novel, but unfortunately necessary as I felt that again as in real life these kids were being brainwashed by their parents’ beliefs. The character of Lettie provided some factual and sensible relief from the political bickering.
Towards the end I felt that this book began to lose its way a little as the different storylines carried by the different characters began to weaken as they were being prepared for the continuance into the next book – like the author still had 50 pages to write but not the content for it as she wanted to save it for book #2.
Overall, not a bad read and I do want to read about what happens next as the book definitely had a very abrupt end. I think that the book will do well with it’s target audience of the older end of the YA category.
Teenagers, Politics, money and friendships show that even at the White House, it’s still just like High school.
Capital Girls begins by introducing two of the four main characters, one of which you discover is dead and is being shown to the reader through flashbacks. 17 year old, daughter of a democrat Jackie visits the grave of her friend, Taylor, and tells all about a liaison with a Republican candidate at the White House, behind her boyfriend’s back. She asks for advice on what to do, then decides to ‘Do what Taylor would do’. Taylor, shown by the flashback as the wild one of the bunch of friends, must mean that this can only end in tears. Then we are introduced to Paraguayan Lettie, who, unlike her privileged friends, ‘lives in Reality’, and ‘Rich Girl’ Laura Beth.
The story begins with a new family entering the political and social circle. Whitney, a ‘Californian hippie type’ comes into town and immediately Jackie feels threatened, her status as Washington DC’s IT girl may be jeopardized by the arrival of this casual, natural beauty. Double agent Whitney is scoping for information for her gossip columnist parents. She refers to the three friends as ‘The Virgin Queen Bee’ after hearing about Jackie’s pact with the President’s son (who she is dating), a Southern Belle Wannabe and the Token Charity case – they do not compare to her friends back in California.
As a teen book, I felt that it raised many issues that teenagers all around the world go through and tried to highlight the fact that no matter what situation you live in, the issues are still the same. I did feel that all these girls are suffering from growing up way too fast, with their parents using them instead of loving them. Sad, but very true to life. The book tried to be even handed regarding the politics which dominated the storyline, but loyalties did seem to seep through. I did not like this part of the novel, but unfortunately necessary as I felt that again as in real life these kids were being brainwashed by their parents’ beliefs. The character of Lettie provided some factual and sensible relief from the political bickering.
Towards the end I felt that this book began to lose its way a little as the different storylines carried by the different characters began to weaken as they were being prepared for the continuance into the next book – like the author still had 50 pages to write but not the content for it as she wanted to save it for book #2.
Overall, not a bad read and I do want to read about what happens next as the book definitely had a very abrupt end. I think that the book will do well with it’s target audience of the older end of the YA category.
Teenagers, Politics, money and friendships show that even at the White House, it’s still just like High school.
November 8, 2012
If you like Gossip Girl and you always wished there was a reason for them to be soooo mean spirited and dirty, welp here it is - Washington, D.C.
First as this is a YA novel the mandatory warnings - Surprisingly for how cruel and nasty this book would be seen - how parents would NOT want their kids to be this, there is little beyond the occasional "bad" language (just the one or two word to describe someone they don't like and nothing shocking for the age range this targets), underage drinking, and mentioning of sex (without actual graphic depictions).
This book is so like the feel of Gossip Girl it's not even funny. The kids, the adults, they're all just so mean spirited. Give them some money and/or power and they lose all sense of their humanity. Well, I mean c'mon they do some charity work -- because it looks good. And the younger generation (the Capital Girls themselves) they'll even be friends with someone like Lettie (her dad works at the Paraguay embassy), giving her their old clothing but they'd never want one of their brothers to date someone like that.
This particular book starts out the series six months after the girls lost one of their best friends (Taylor) in a car accident. She'd been in a car with Andrew (the president's son) who also happens to be Jackie's boyfriend. The press wants Andrew to answer questions about that night. Taylor's twin does too. This is D.C. though and while the girls are sad about the loss of their friend, it was an accident, right? Andrew would have told them if there had been anything to it. They're all in this crazy mess together. They have senior year to worry about. The new girl Whitney, who has a gossip columnist mom -- so she could be a spy. The immigration bill could be a blessing for Lettie or the coup back home could be a disaster. All of the hormones - well it's tough to always be on your best behavior, to always be proper and "on".
Secrets always come out. It's all a matter of how you handle them.
Could have used a little more character development earlier in the book as it took me awhile to start to even tell these girls apart. Otherwise for a mindless trashy book, it was a fast fun read.
First as this is a YA novel the mandatory warnings - Surprisingly for how cruel and nasty this book would be seen - how parents would NOT want their kids to be this, there is little beyond the occasional "bad" language (just the one or two word to describe someone they don't like and nothing shocking for the age range this targets), underage drinking, and mentioning of sex (without actual graphic depictions).
This book is so like the feel of Gossip Girl it's not even funny. The kids, the adults, they're all just so mean spirited. Give them some money and/or power and they lose all sense of their humanity. Well, I mean c'mon they do some charity work -- because it looks good. And the younger generation (the Capital Girls themselves) they'll even be friends with someone like Lettie (her dad works at the Paraguay embassy), giving her their old clothing but they'd never want one of their brothers to date someone like that.
This particular book starts out the series six months after the girls lost one of their best friends (Taylor) in a car accident. She'd been in a car with Andrew (the president's son) who also happens to be Jackie's boyfriend. The press wants Andrew to answer questions about that night. Taylor's twin does too. This is D.C. though and while the girls are sad about the loss of their friend, it was an accident, right? Andrew would have told them if there had been anything to it. They're all in this crazy mess together. They have senior year to worry about. The new girl Whitney, who has a gossip columnist mom -- so she could be a spy. The immigration bill could be a blessing for Lettie or the coup back home could be a disaster. All of the hormones - well it's tough to always be on your best behavior, to always be proper and "on".
Secrets always come out. It's all a matter of how you handle them.
Could have used a little more character development earlier in the book as it took me awhile to start to even tell these girls apart. Otherwise for a mindless trashy book, it was a fast fun read.
July 19, 2012
First Reads
I received an ARC from a Goodreads' Giveaway
4.5 stars
I thought this was a fantastic book, and thoroughly entertaining. Revolving around the lives of 5 girls: Taylor (who is dead), Jackie, Laura Beth, Lettie, and Whitney (new to the club), this book is full of love, life, lies, and deceit. The first four make up the original Capital Girls Club.
The author, Ella Monroe, has done a fantastic job in separating the personalities of the characters. I found I had a love-hate feeling for Jackie. I thought Lettie was remarkably sweet, and anyone would be lucky to have her as a friend. As a fellow Southern Belle, Laura Beth disappointed me; I just couldn't seem to relate to her in any way. I pretty much hated Whitney, but maybe SECRETS AND LIES will reveal a more likable character?
While reading this book, I kept thinking it had a lot in common with Pretty Little Liars , ABC Family's television series. Seeing how I love this show, it wasn't hard to like this book. I also kept envisioning parts of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants . I Though this book only as hints that remind me of the the above show and movie, this book is nothing like them. However, if you liked the show and the movie, you'd probably enjoy this book.
I loved the suspense angle that Monroe uses. She switches from one girl's p.o.v. to another. It was the perfect dangling carrot; I just had to turn the page to see what happened, a page turned into a chapter, and before I knew it--I was done!
I'm really looking forward to the Fall when SECRETS AND LIES comes out. At the end of the ARC, Monroe gives you a sweet tidbit in Chapter 1. Again--that dangling carrot. I'm really looking forward to reading more. What a great series this will make.
I received an ARC from a Goodreads' Giveaway
4.5 stars
I thought this was a fantastic book, and thoroughly entertaining. Revolving around the lives of 5 girls: Taylor (who is dead), Jackie, Laura Beth, Lettie, and Whitney (new to the club), this book is full of love, life, lies, and deceit. The first four make up the original Capital Girls Club.
The author, Ella Monroe, has done a fantastic job in separating the personalities of the characters. I found I had a love-hate feeling for Jackie. I thought Lettie was remarkably sweet, and anyone would be lucky to have her as a friend. As a fellow Southern Belle, Laura Beth disappointed me; I just couldn't seem to relate to her in any way. I pretty much hated Whitney, but maybe SECRETS AND LIES will reveal a more likable character?
While reading this book, I kept thinking it had a lot in common with Pretty Little Liars , ABC Family's television series. Seeing how I love this show, it wasn't hard to like this book. I also kept envisioning parts of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants . I Though this book only as hints that remind me of the the above show and movie, this book is nothing like them. However, if you liked the show and the movie, you'd probably enjoy this book.
I loved the suspense angle that Monroe uses. She switches from one girl's p.o.v. to another. It was the perfect dangling carrot; I just had to turn the page to see what happened, a page turned into a chapter, and before I knew it--I was done!
I'm really looking forward to the Fall when SECRETS AND LIES comes out. At the end of the ARC, Monroe gives you a sweet tidbit in Chapter 1. Again--that dangling carrot. I'm really looking forward to reading more. What a great series this will make.
March 24, 2013
Yes! I won this! I love it! :)
Capital Girls is all about Jackie, Laura Beth, Lettie, and Taylor. They're high school best friends and nicknamed their group "Capital Girls". Jackie is brilliant, gorgeous, caring, sweet, romantic, trusting, popular, daughter of the Chief Of Staff to the President of the United States, and dating Andrew, the President's son - who she's so in love with. This is, essentially, Jackie's world.
Laura Beth is the only Republican in the group. Lettie's on scholarship. Taylor's recent death is an ongoing theme as she was the glue that held them all together. Then Whitney comes, a California girl in every way and the daughter of a gossip columnist. California girl and...D.C. politics? lol Yes, Whitney brings trouble.
Sadly, almost nobody around Jackie is trustworthy, nice, honest, or remotely likeable. This is, after all, D.C. Politics rule over even teen girls. There are many stories going on around Jackie, so much so I'm surprised she's not suffocating. Of course, she's naive to most of them, which saves her sanity. The fact that there is not one other character I trust is the negative.
The writing is exceptional. The characterization of teen girls is the best I've ever read. There's no paranormal, fantasy, science fiction, abuse, assault, rapes, violence of any kind, or anything else associated with the current YA or New Adult books. This is back to the best kind of teen stories. The jealousy, gossip, friendships, college choices, boyfriend issues, and all the stuff high school students endure are in this - with the twist of it being located in Washington, D.C. The politics adds spice.
Recommended for all Young Adult and New Adult readers...as well as parents.
Capital Girls is all about Jackie, Laura Beth, Lettie, and Taylor. They're high school best friends and nicknamed their group "Capital Girls". Jackie is brilliant, gorgeous, caring, sweet, romantic, trusting, popular, daughter of the Chief Of Staff to the President of the United States, and dating Andrew, the President's son - who she's so in love with. This is, essentially, Jackie's world.
Laura Beth is the only Republican in the group. Lettie's on scholarship. Taylor's recent death is an ongoing theme as she was the glue that held them all together. Then Whitney comes, a California girl in every way and the daughter of a gossip columnist. California girl and...D.C. politics? lol Yes, Whitney brings trouble.
Sadly, almost nobody around Jackie is trustworthy, nice, honest, or remotely likeable. This is, after all, D.C. Politics rule over even teen girls. There are many stories going on around Jackie, so much so I'm surprised she's not suffocating. Of course, she's naive to most of them, which saves her sanity. The fact that there is not one other character I trust is the negative.
The writing is exceptional. The characterization of teen girls is the best I've ever read. There's no paranormal, fantasy, science fiction, abuse, assault, rapes, violence of any kind, or anything else associated with the current YA or New Adult books. This is back to the best kind of teen stories. The jealousy, gossip, friendships, college choices, boyfriend issues, and all the stuff high school students endure are in this - with the twist of it being located in Washington, D.C. The politics adds spice.
Recommended for all Young Adult and New Adult readers...as well as parents.
April 14, 2012
I won this book through Goodreads, and was excited to read it. Capital Girls centers around three girls in the months following the death of their best friend, Taylor. Lettie is from Paraguay and works at the embassy as a dishwasher. She's in the US on a visa, with hopes of going to Princeton. Laura Beth is a southern belle who dreams of going to Julliard - but her mother has already decided she'll be going to Sewanee, the school of the South. Jackie is D.C.'s It Girl. She's dating the Presidents son, and her mom is the Presidents advisor. But while Jackie's been dubbed one half of "Ankie," the nickname for her and Andrew's relationship, she's growing tired and bored of their relationship, and her eye starts to wander. What really happened to Taylor is a plot throughout the book as well, with flashbacks to things she said and did when she was alive.
Capital Girls was a fun, quick read. It was written pretty well, although it was sometimes all over the place. It's a third person narrative, and it would often too quickly jump from talking about one person to talking about another. It also seemed to meander for most of the book without a real plot. It's the first in a series, and the end of the book did, however, set up the next book. It's not without it's troubles, but overall, if you're a fan of young adult literature, I would recommend it. I'll be checking out the next book in the series. Warning, though: there is A LOT of product placement in this book, so if that's something that bothers you, read with caution.
Capital Girls was a fun, quick read. It was written pretty well, although it was sometimes all over the place. It's a third person narrative, and it would often too quickly jump from talking about one person to talking about another. It also seemed to meander for most of the book without a real plot. It's the first in a series, and the end of the book did, however, set up the next book. It's not without it's troubles, but overall, if you're a fan of young adult literature, I would recommend it. I'll be checking out the next book in the series. Warning, though: there is A LOT of product placement in this book, so if that's something that bothers you, read with caution.
November 12, 2012
If you love shows like Mean Girls and Gossip Girl then you would probably love this book. Jackie is dating Andrew, the president's son. Her best friend is Laura Beth, who's mother is another political shaker. Their other friend, Lettie, is an immigrant from Paraguay whose parent's work for the Embassy. All three are mourning the death of their other best friend, Taylor, while trying to navigate the poilitical minefield of DC.
Jackie isn't sure what is going on with her and Andrew. She loves him, but he's holding back and the new, hot, intern is paying her a lot more attention.
Lettie is the token "poor" girl. She loves her friends but she lives a different life than them. She works hard and is counting on college to change her life.
Laura Beth wishes she had Andrew for her own. She knows she would be a better girlfriend.
Introduce Whitney. She's a slutty newcomer whose mom just so happens to be a gossip columnist. She also seems to have ulterior motives for being friends.
The story was well-written and if you love the gossipy, backstabbing, "popular" girl-ish books, then you will love this. This just isn't my favorite genre. Also, all the political manipulations made me feel sick, because I tend to believe that's how it really is - and that's disgusting.
Jackie isn't sure what is going on with her and Andrew. She loves him, but he's holding back and the new, hot, intern is paying her a lot more attention.
Lettie is the token "poor" girl. She loves her friends but she lives a different life than them. She works hard and is counting on college to change her life.
Laura Beth wishes she had Andrew for her own. She knows she would be a better girlfriend.
Introduce Whitney. She's a slutty newcomer whose mom just so happens to be a gossip columnist. She also seems to have ulterior motives for being friends.
The story was well-written and if you love the gossipy, backstabbing, "popular" girl-ish books, then you will love this. This just isn't my favorite genre. Also, all the political manipulations made me feel sick, because I tend to believe that's how it really is - and that's disgusting.
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