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The Elite #1
The Elite
From the top, you can see everything… except yourself.
When Casey McCloy steps into the elegant Bramford building, she's overwhelmed. Fresh from the Midwest, she's moved to New York's Upper East Side to live with her grandmother and attend the prestigious Meadowlark Academy. Here all that matters is who you know. The girl to know is Madison Macallister: popular, pretty, platinumblond. She's not just Casey's new classmate and neighbor; she's an icon. So Casey aims to get in with Madison and her gorgeous gal-pals from the start. As the reigning queen of coolness, Madison is capable of destroying reputations with one welltimed whisper. Better to be on her good side.
But after a city-haute makeover from her new frenemy Madison, Casey is wearing the right clothes, saying the right things, and meeting the right people, including Drew, the boy-about-town who Madison thinks belongs to her and her alone.
When Casey McCloy steps into the elegant Bramford building, she's overwhelmed. Fresh from the Midwest, she's moved to New York's Upper East Side to live with her grandmother and attend the prestigious Meadowlark Academy. Here all that matters is who you know. The girl to know is Madison Macallister: popular, pretty, platinumblond. She's not just Casey's new classmate and neighbor; she's an icon. So Casey aims to get in with Madison and her gorgeous gal-pals from the start. As the reigning queen of coolness, Madison is capable of destroying reputations with one welltimed whisper. Better to be on her good side.
But after a city-haute makeover from her new frenemy Madison, Casey is wearing the right clothes, saying the right things, and meeting the right people, including Drew, the boy-about-town who Madison thinks belongs to her and her alone.
251 pages, Paperback
First published June 3, 2008
8 people are currently reading
2360 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Banash
10 books198 followersJennifer Banash was born and raised in New York City. She now lives in Southern California with her beagle, Sigmund, and her vast collection of designer shoes.
Check out my blog at jenniferbanash.wordpress.com
Check out my blog at jenniferbanash.wordpress.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 6, 2017
Quick read. Slow delivery.
Oh wait. There wasn't any delivery. Silly me.
This book was a poor imitation of The Clique and Mean Girls. The similarities were there;
+Uber popular, rich alpha bitch with her sidekicks -two to be exact, my my, how very Mean Girl-esque!
(It was so similar that Madison, alpha, was super blonde, and her two friends were brown haired and then blonde as well. Sound like a movie anyone knows?)
+New girl, moderately broke, thrown in Madison's path by accident, and becomes frenemies.
(Hmm. I could have sworn I've read and seen a book/movie just like that....)
+New girl falls for Rich Bitch Alpha's on and off again boyfriend, creating hostilities and competition.
(Duuude, welcome to every book about rich bitch, Ivy League, New Yorker, fashionista, shallow self absorbed girl book ever written. Shall I list a few? Gossip Girl, It Girl, A-list, The Clique...
+Hot on/off boyfriend falling for new girl, but can't keep control of his raging hormones whenever his Ex is around, causing heat brake and confusion for both competing girls.
(Ah-HEM. I won't even waste the time listing who have done THAT plot before....)
I'll have it known that I only read this book because it was requested I review it, probably because the peeps who asked me to knew I'd have a nightmare with it. Thanks, thanks SO much, luvs...Be ready for some fun when I send requests YOUR way.... >:)
P.s the only reason this book isn't a single star is because I save those ratings for TRULY horrible books. Like 50shades...Twilight....Hush,Hush....yadda yadda.
Oh wait. There wasn't any delivery. Silly me.
This book was a poor imitation of The Clique and Mean Girls. The similarities were there;
+Uber popular, rich alpha bitch with her sidekicks -two to be exact, my my, how very Mean Girl-esque!
(It was so similar that Madison, alpha, was super blonde, and her two friends were brown haired and then blonde as well. Sound like a movie anyone knows?)
+New girl, moderately broke, thrown in Madison's path by accident, and becomes frenemies.
(Hmm. I could have sworn I've read and seen a book/movie just like that....)
+New girl falls for Rich Bitch Alpha's on and off again boyfriend, creating hostilities and competition.
(Duuude, welcome to every book about rich bitch, Ivy League, New Yorker, fashionista, shallow self absorbed girl book ever written. Shall I list a few? Gossip Girl, It Girl, A-list, The Clique...
+Hot on/off boyfriend falling for new girl, but can't keep control of his raging hormones whenever his Ex is around, causing heat brake and confusion for both competing girls.
(Ah-HEM. I won't even waste the time listing who have done THAT plot before....)
I'll have it known that I only read this book because it was requested I review it, probably because the peeps who asked me to knew I'd have a nightmare with it. Thanks, thanks SO much, luvs...Be ready for some fun when I send requests YOUR way.... >:)
P.s the only reason this book isn't a single star is because I save those ratings for TRULY horrible books. Like 50shades...Twilight....Hush,Hush....yadda yadda.
March 28, 2008
As soon as Casey McCloy steps into the luxurious Bramford apartment building she knows that she has entered another world. Everything seems so much more elegant and sophisticated then even the nice places in her hometown of Normal, Illinois. Casey has moved to Upper-East Side Manhattan to stay with her grandmother while her feministic mother travels to England to do research for her up and coming book. Before Casey even steps foot in her grandmother's apartment she is greeted by Madison MacAllister, the ultimate It Girl, and her possey. Even though the girls seem intimidating, Casey thinks that maybe, possibly they could be her friends. They even invite her to the park with them after she has settled in. When Casey finally makes it to the park she is thoroughly introduced to Madison's sidekicks, Sophie and Phoebe, who seem to be a lot nicer than Madison. Casey is also introduced to Drew, who just happens to have something going on with the Queen bee herself, but definitely has eyes for Casey! During the last few weeks of summer vacation Casey finds herself hanging out with Madison, Phoebe, and Sofie quite a bit. They even give her some fashion advice for her first day of school outfit. Casey's stoked that she has found some friends, but when Casey starts talking with Drew jealousy overcomes Madison and things aren't as bright for Casey anymore. Madison is determined to get Drew back, and she always gets what she wants. Will Casey's sweet demeanor trump Madison's nasty attitutude?
This book was awesome. I couldn't put it down. Originally I was a little skeptical because the book sounded a lot like the Gossip Girl books which I don't really care for, but I made the completely wrong assumption. While there is drama in this book it doesn't overpower the story, it actually makes the book even more devourable. The characters are extremely real and in most cases likeable. Yes, the girls were rich, but money wasn't the main focal point of the story. Actually, I liked how Casey was able to lead a very interesting life without all the glitz and glamor that money provides. I also liked how two of the supporting characters, Sophie and Phoebe, got their chance to shine too. I haven't read many books where this happens and I really liked how the reader got to take a little break from the main character(s) to see what else was going on in the story. Another great thing about this book is the humor. I found myself laughing out loud a lot and just smiling at what Sophie would say, or how Casey would act. This was a great first novel from Jennifer Banash and I desperately wish that the sequel, In Too Deep, was already on my bookshelf but I guess I'll have to wait until October...! In the meantime, The Elite comes out on June 3 -- I highly suggest that you all pre-order it as it was such a good book.
This book was awesome. I couldn't put it down. Originally I was a little skeptical because the book sounded a lot like the Gossip Girl books which I don't really care for, but I made the completely wrong assumption. While there is drama in this book it doesn't overpower the story, it actually makes the book even more devourable. The characters are extremely real and in most cases likeable. Yes, the girls were rich, but money wasn't the main focal point of the story. Actually, I liked how Casey was able to lead a very interesting life without all the glitz and glamor that money provides. I also liked how two of the supporting characters, Sophie and Phoebe, got their chance to shine too. I haven't read many books where this happens and I really liked how the reader got to take a little break from the main character(s) to see what else was going on in the story. Another great thing about this book is the humor. I found myself laughing out loud a lot and just smiling at what Sophie would say, or how Casey would act. This was a great first novel from Jennifer Banash and I desperately wish that the sequel, In Too Deep, was already on my bookshelf but I guess I'll have to wait until October...! In the meantime, The Elite comes out on June 3 -- I highly suggest that you all pre-order it as it was such a good book.
April 10, 2011
Hmmm... Another series about a Midwestern beauty moving to NYC. Another series featuring more rich, beautiful, bratty teens.
Excuse me, haven't we done this before? Yes! Unfortunately, many times over! Excessively!
Enter Jennifer Banash. JB has skills. Ms. Banash extinguishes the competition w/ her Manolo's then struts down to Bergdorf's to pick up a pair of Corset Bootie 's (Dior), a Stella McCartney Piercing Tote & a Kooba Blake Leather Shoulder Bag (love)! Banash is clearly a rock star & the others pale in comparison screeching karaoke.
Like movie theater popcorn w/ extra butta, a foot massage, a sundae w/ caramel, marshmallow & cherries ;P; a shopping spree @ Christian Louboutin, Victoria Secret & Sephora. Jennifer Banash has a sure fire hit w/ her fabulous Elite series.
Banash's characters are authentic, unique & interesting. Every player has a tale to tell & it is not just filler... it's substance. Banash was brilliant crafting the chapters in alternating points of view. It brings all the characters front & center. No kibbles & bits for the secondary characters...
Banash illuminates every cast member w/ a glow of their own. The Elite isn't just about "poor" Casey & snotty Madison doesn't overshadow the novel w/ her grandstanding & diva tantrums...
Jennifer deftly displays every character's voice & allows them to be genuine characters not high society caricatures! Applause!
Sophie & Phoebe aren't Madison's accessories they are three dimensional young adults w/ intriguing lives w/ secrets to confront, endure & disclose.
Now, I'm not going to leave out the tidbit that the begining of The Elite was a bit slow going but once Banash sets the members up...away we go!
Some may grouse @ the designer brands dripping off the pages, but it is a way of life in the world of big bucks! Eventually, Banash eases up on the labels & gives us the true grit.
Drama, check! Scandal, of course! Fashionista's, come hither... The Elite is a must to toss into your tote!
Kudos to Banash, she didn't wave a La Perla garment & make Casey uber pop. Nah, just wouldn't be believable. Double kudos to Banash for the way she piloted Drew ~ spot on!
Jennifer's characters are extremely well developed. Madison is one of the nastiest something ~ somethings, but Banash writes w/ such emotion, you can't help but feel empathy for the bratty prima donna!
Madison tells it like it is & remains true to form. Casey seems to lose herself once stepping foot in NYC. She is too easily manipulated & I wondered @ times if she left her smarts back home.
Grrr.... I hate when a intelligent female loses sight of herself for a guy or a clique. Weak! Casey needs to toughen up if she's going to make it in the big A. Casey has the backbone to make it... she is just finding her way in Gotham city.
Banash has a hit on her hands & a mean pair of stilettos on her feet!
Excuse me, haven't we done this before? Yes! Unfortunately, many times over! Excessively!
Enter Jennifer Banash. JB has skills. Ms. Banash extinguishes the competition w/ her Manolo's then struts down to Bergdorf's to pick up a pair of Corset Bootie 's (Dior), a Stella McCartney Piercing Tote & a Kooba Blake Leather Shoulder Bag (love)! Banash is clearly a rock star & the others pale in comparison screeching karaoke.
Like movie theater popcorn w/ extra butta, a foot massage, a sundae w/ caramel, marshmallow & cherries ;P; a shopping spree @ Christian Louboutin, Victoria Secret & Sephora. Jennifer Banash has a sure fire hit w/ her fabulous Elite series.
Banash's characters are authentic, unique & interesting. Every player has a tale to tell & it is not just filler... it's substance. Banash was brilliant crafting the chapters in alternating points of view. It brings all the characters front & center. No kibbles & bits for the secondary characters...
Banash illuminates every cast member w/ a glow of their own. The Elite isn't just about "poor" Casey & snotty Madison doesn't overshadow the novel w/ her grandstanding & diva tantrums...
Jennifer deftly displays every character's voice & allows them to be genuine characters not high society caricatures! Applause!
Sophie & Phoebe aren't Madison's accessories they are three dimensional young adults w/ intriguing lives w/ secrets to confront, endure & disclose.
Now, I'm not going to leave out the tidbit that the begining of The Elite was a bit slow going but once Banash sets the members up...away we go!
Some may grouse @ the designer brands dripping off the pages, but it is a way of life in the world of big bucks! Eventually, Banash eases up on the labels & gives us the true grit.
Drama, check! Scandal, of course! Fashionista's, come hither... The Elite is a must to toss into your tote!
Kudos to Banash, she didn't wave a La Perla garment & make Casey uber pop. Nah, just wouldn't be believable. Double kudos to Banash for the way she piloted Drew ~ spot on!
Jennifer's characters are extremely well developed. Madison is one of the nastiest something ~ somethings, but Banash writes w/ such emotion, you can't help but feel empathy for the bratty prima donna!
Madison tells it like it is & remains true to form. Casey seems to lose herself once stepping foot in NYC. She is too easily manipulated & I wondered @ times if she left her smarts back home.
Grrr.... I hate when a intelligent female loses sight of herself for a guy or a clique. Weak! Casey needs to toughen up if she's going to make it in the big A. Casey has the backbone to make it... she is just finding her way in Gotham city.
Banash has a hit on her hands & a mean pair of stilettos on her feet!
June 13, 2015
So overall I thought this book was a really good read. I loved how Jennifer Banash managed to incorporate real teenage problems into this book all about rich girls and the high life. So Casey McCloy is the new girl in town and on her first day she meets the three most popular girls in her new school, Madison, Phoebe, and Sophie. All she really wants to do is to fit in with them and Sophie and Phoebe seem like they have no problem with that, but Madison does. Madison is the mean girl of her school. She has to have what she wants, when she wants it. Casey seems to get in her way when Madison’s sometimes boyfriend starts paying a little too much attention to Casey, and not enough to Madison.
Phoebe and Sophie are Madison’s two best friends. They are gorgeous and rich, just like Madison but unlike Madison they seem to be truly nice people, even when they aren’t exactly having very nice home lives. Phoebe is worried about her parents fighting all the time and the possibility that they might get divorced. Sophie feels like the outcast in her family, like she will never truly fit in with her tan, dark haired parents and brother, when she herself is pale and blonde. She takes out her frustration on herself in the form of self-mutilation.
Jennifer Banash has managed to create a great story about misfits, love, and high school drama. She has also managed to include some very real problems that are evident in today’s teens. I loved this book and would recommend it for any fans of series such as Private or Gossip Girl.
Phoebe and Sophie are Madison’s two best friends. They are gorgeous and rich, just like Madison but unlike Madison they seem to be truly nice people, even when they aren’t exactly having very nice home lives. Phoebe is worried about her parents fighting all the time and the possibility that they might get divorced. Sophie feels like the outcast in her family, like she will never truly fit in with her tan, dark haired parents and brother, when she herself is pale and blonde. She takes out her frustration on herself in the form of self-mutilation.
Jennifer Banash has managed to create a great story about misfits, love, and high school drama. She has also managed to include some very real problems that are evident in today’s teens. I loved this book and would recommend it for any fans of series such as Private or Gossip Girl.
May 31, 2014
2.5 to the entire series
To be blatantly honest, I did not like this series. There were too many plot holes left unfilled and I didn’t really like any of the characters at all. In the first book I thought I was going to enjoy the series, but then the ending killed it for me. Then I picked up the second book hoping it could improve, but it didn’t if anything it got worse. The last book could have solved all the problems but instead it left off with another cliffhanger and it is the final book in the series. The only reason this book has stars is because the writing wasn’t horrible and the plot was good enough to keep me wondering. However too much was left unsaid and that is why I rated it so low.
This book isn’t in my normal range of books, I really like fantasy, but I do enjoy contemporary as well. However rich kid problems isn’t that interesting to me, if I am to be honest. I tried Gossip Girl, been there done that, and this book is a literal copy of the theme; just without a Gossip Girl in town. It is even written nearly the same way. So, if you are a major fan of Gossip Girl or the Hills, or any of those shows you would definitely like this book. Me on the other hand, I hated it. My copies are all being rid of as we speak.
from my blog:
http://ireaditandwept.wordpress.com/
To be blatantly honest, I did not like this series. There were too many plot holes left unfilled and I didn’t really like any of the characters at all. In the first book I thought I was going to enjoy the series, but then the ending killed it for me. Then I picked up the second book hoping it could improve, but it didn’t if anything it got worse. The last book could have solved all the problems but instead it left off with another cliffhanger and it is the final book in the series. The only reason this book has stars is because the writing wasn’t horrible and the plot was good enough to keep me wondering. However too much was left unsaid and that is why I rated it so low.
This book isn’t in my normal range of books, I really like fantasy, but I do enjoy contemporary as well. However rich kid problems isn’t that interesting to me, if I am to be honest. I tried Gossip Girl, been there done that, and this book is a literal copy of the theme; just without a Gossip Girl in town. It is even written nearly the same way. So, if you are a major fan of Gossip Girl or the Hills, or any of those shows you would definitely like this book. Me on the other hand, I hated it. My copies are all being rid of as we speak.
from my blog:
http://ireaditandwept.wordpress.com/
Read
June 18, 2009I really wanted to like this book because I heard good things about it but I guess it just was not for me. I feel like the story of the small town girl moving to the big city to live among the rich and snooty has been done many times so I really wanted something in this book to distinguish itself. While I loved Casey’s grandmother and Casey herself was pretty likeable I found a lot of the relationships between the characters to be a bit unbelievable. For instance, I could understand why Drew was doubting any future with Madison but I did not really see any compelling reason that he would like Casey instead. He made mentions of liking classic movies and wanting to go to museums but other than running into Casey once in a museum you don’t see him discovering the little things about her that would make him fall for her. I will say the little side bits that Banash tosses in there had my attention more than the Madison-Drew-Casey love triangle. I wanted to learn more about Sophie’s problems, Phoebe’s issues and what is going to happen with Sophie’s brother. So I will say the temptation is there to pick up the next book but I will not be in any rush.
September 10, 2015
I actually started the book when I was in New York on vacation, so I guess that was kind of cool that I would be reading about Casey's Central Park adventure, when I was there just a minute ago. As for the book itself, I liked the idea of the outsider trying to fit in. I thought that the words and selfish behaviours of some of the characters seemed so real. I loved the change of perspectives between the characters and you see how things really are despite the way they seem. The only character you could actually relate to (if you lead one of these glamorous lives) is Casey. The outsider who wants to fit in, gets sidetracked by bad advice from a frenemy, and eventually gets the guy because of who she really is. As I was reading this though, I did feel like it seemed a lot like Gossip Girl. Blaire as Madison, Serena as maybe Casey without the fashion problems, and all the hot guys on the show blended into the character of Drew. Anyways, it was a pretty good book for those who love the seduction of New York and all its glamour.
June 20, 2010
Ok. I've since realized that I only write long reviews for books that I hate. This book took me by a surprise. It was superbly written, had many realistic not one-dimensional characters, and put a smile on my face at the end. EVEN though I freaking hate all the references to clothes/fashion/style/brandfreakinnames, I have to put my bias on lockdown because I actually want to finish the series. :0
February 11, 2009
Fun in the vein of Gossip Girl.
August 1, 2021
Scrolling through the kindle trying to find something to read, I came across a book that I had, had on the kindle for years. The Elite by Jennifer Banash reminded me of the YA series Gossip Girl and Private series by Kate Brian. This book begins with our main female character Casey who has moved from Normal, Oregon to live with her grandmother in Upper East Side. Her Nana lives in an expensive apartment building called Bamford Estates, set opposite Central Park. While heading up the lift to her Nana's apartment, she meets three gorgeous teens around the same age as her. Sophie, Phoebe, and their Queen Bee leader Madison. Sophie and Phoebe, I can tell are nice rich girls but Madison is the other type of Queen B that reminds with witch and wants to make sure everyone knows it. We are also introduced to Drew who had the biggest crush on Madison but now that Madison is pushing him away, he realizes he loves the genuineness and down-to-earth personality of Casey. I have to admit though that this was a borderline read for me as I hated the character of Drew as he was a freaking wimp and I felt though that every character in this book lived a facade and couldn't talk about what they were feeling with their friends and everyone was just faking life. Being brought up in the lower-class bracket, whenever I have read this book, it does make you wonder that maybe you were better off not having money as being rich in the books shows you it isn't all that it is cracked up to be. I do have the next two in this series to read which I will leave for another rainy day read.
December 11, 2016
I didn't want to like the book as much as I did since it seems so typically, rich and elite with a million problems but at the same time I couldn't stop reading. The writing was insanely good.
May 22, 2017
Get this author an editor and a grammar lesson!
November 5, 2012
Reviewed by Tasha for TeensReadToo.com
As soon as Casey McCloy steps into the luxurious Bramford apartment building, she knows that she has entered another world.
Everything seems so much more elegant and sophisticated then even the nice places in her hometown of Normal, Illinois. Casey has moved to Upper-East Side Manhattan to stay with her grandmother while her feminist mother travels to England to do research for her up-and-coming book.
Before Casey even steps foot inside her grandmother's apartment she is greeted by Madison MacAllister, the ultimate It Girl, and her posse. Even though the girls seem intimidating, Casey thinks that maybe, possibly, they could be her friends. They even invite her to the park with them after she has settled in.
When Casey finally makes it to the park she is thoroughly introduced to Madison's sidekicks, Sophie and Phoebe, who seem to be a lot nicer than Madison. Casey is also introduced to Drew, who just happens to have something going on with the Queen Bee herself, but definitely has eyes for Casey!
During the last few weeks of summer vacation, Casey finds herself hanging out with Madison, Phoebe, and Sofie quite a bit. They even give her some fashion advice for her first day of school outfit. Casey's stoked that she has found some friends, but when Casey starts talking with Drew, jealousy overcomes Madison and things aren't as bright for Casey anymore. Madison is determined to get Drew back, and she always gets what she wants. Will Casey's sweet demeanor trump Madison's nasty attitude?
This book was awesome. I couldn't put it down. Originally, I was a little skeptical because the book sounded a lot like the GOSSIP GIRL books, which I don't really care for -- but I made the completely wrong assumption. While there is drama in this book, it doesn't overpower the story; it actually makes the book even more devourable. The characters are extremely real and, in most cases, likeable. Yes, the girls were rich, but money wasn't the main focal point of the story.
Actually, I liked how Casey was able to lead a very interesting life without all the glitz and glamour that money provides. I also liked how two of the supporting characters, Sophie and Phoebe, got their chance to shine, too. I haven't read many books where this happens and I really liked how the reader got to take a little break from the main character(s) to see what else was going on in the story.
Another great thing about this book is the humor. I found myself laughing out loud a lot and just smiling at what Sophie would say, or how Casey would act. This was a great first novel from Jennifer Banash and I desperately wish that the sequel, IN TOO DEEP, was already on my bookshelf -- but I guess I'll have to wait until October...!
As soon as Casey McCloy steps into the luxurious Bramford apartment building, she knows that she has entered another world.
Everything seems so much more elegant and sophisticated then even the nice places in her hometown of Normal, Illinois. Casey has moved to Upper-East Side Manhattan to stay with her grandmother while her feminist mother travels to England to do research for her up-and-coming book.
Before Casey even steps foot inside her grandmother's apartment she is greeted by Madison MacAllister, the ultimate It Girl, and her posse. Even though the girls seem intimidating, Casey thinks that maybe, possibly, they could be her friends. They even invite her to the park with them after she has settled in.
When Casey finally makes it to the park she is thoroughly introduced to Madison's sidekicks, Sophie and Phoebe, who seem to be a lot nicer than Madison. Casey is also introduced to Drew, who just happens to have something going on with the Queen Bee herself, but definitely has eyes for Casey!
During the last few weeks of summer vacation, Casey finds herself hanging out with Madison, Phoebe, and Sofie quite a bit. They even give her some fashion advice for her first day of school outfit. Casey's stoked that she has found some friends, but when Casey starts talking with Drew, jealousy overcomes Madison and things aren't as bright for Casey anymore. Madison is determined to get Drew back, and she always gets what she wants. Will Casey's sweet demeanor trump Madison's nasty attitude?
This book was awesome. I couldn't put it down. Originally, I was a little skeptical because the book sounded a lot like the GOSSIP GIRL books, which I don't really care for -- but I made the completely wrong assumption. While there is drama in this book, it doesn't overpower the story; it actually makes the book even more devourable. The characters are extremely real and, in most cases, likeable. Yes, the girls were rich, but money wasn't the main focal point of the story.
Actually, I liked how Casey was able to lead a very interesting life without all the glitz and glamour that money provides. I also liked how two of the supporting characters, Sophie and Phoebe, got their chance to shine, too. I haven't read many books where this happens and I really liked how the reader got to take a little break from the main character(s) to see what else was going on in the story.
Another great thing about this book is the humor. I found myself laughing out loud a lot and just smiling at what Sophie would say, or how Casey would act. This was a great first novel from Jennifer Banash and I desperately wish that the sequel, IN TOO DEEP, was already on my bookshelf -- but I guess I'll have to wait until October...!
June 13, 2012
From Normal, Illinois to the Upper East Side – Casey’s made quite a move and she’s not sure how to adjust. She’s armed with Abercrombie and American Apparel, but soon realizes she’s out of her depth. She feels how much she doesn’t fit in the first time she meets Madison Macallister, Phoebe Reynaud, and Sophie St. John. But Sophie and Phoebe kind of like her and talk Madison into a makeover. However, Casey is attracting attention from Drew Van Allen, Madison’s on-again, off-again boyfriend.
Madison and Drew are currently in an off-period due to a disaster on their last date, after which they separated from the summer. Madison thinks Drew will come right back to her, and he would if they didn’t keep awkwardly messing things up with each other. Their relationship is realistically rough. I also appreciate that they are not actually dating when Casey and Drew discover their attraction. I do find it hard to cheer for a character who is trying to steal another person’s boyfriend.
Sophie and Phoebe get their own character arcs as well. Phoebe, like Casey, is facing a problem normal to teenagers. She listens nightly to her parents fighting, comforting her sister Bijoux and wondering when they’ll finally divorce. Sophie thinks her biggest problem is adjusting to her older brother moving back into the house, but her parents drop a bombshell on her. Her storyline is probably the most far-fetched in THE ELITE. Like her, I cannot understand why her parents choose to keep the secret from her for sixteen years. It’s hurtful.
One of THE ELITE’s strong points is the fact that it possesses more realism than most of the mean girl/clique books currently on the market. For one thing, Jennifer Banash mentions sale racks. Yes, the characters still have ridiculous amounts of money but they acknowledge how expensive designer clothes can be and thus don’t fear the sale rack. It’s about the quality of the clothes and how they look on you, not the current trend.
I also like Drew more than the love interest in most of the books. He’s a bit of a geek at heart, only polished by Madison and then some travel abroad. He likes museums and foreign films. C’mon, who doesn’t like a boy who likes Almódovar? And while everyone likes a villain, Madison isn’t over-the-top evil. She’s confident and can be mean, but she’s also just a girl who doesn’t know how to talk to the boy she likes.
Some of THE ELITE’s twists are easy to see coming, but it’s still a fun ride. I enjoyed Banash’s first foray in YA literature and I’ll be back for IN TOO DEEP.
Madison and Drew are currently in an off-period due to a disaster on their last date, after which they separated from the summer. Madison thinks Drew will come right back to her, and he would if they didn’t keep awkwardly messing things up with each other. Their relationship is realistically rough. I also appreciate that they are not actually dating when Casey and Drew discover their attraction. I do find it hard to cheer for a character who is trying to steal another person’s boyfriend.
Sophie and Phoebe get their own character arcs as well. Phoebe, like Casey, is facing a problem normal to teenagers. She listens nightly to her parents fighting, comforting her sister Bijoux and wondering when they’ll finally divorce. Sophie thinks her biggest problem is adjusting to her older brother moving back into the house, but her parents drop a bombshell on her. Her storyline is probably the most far-fetched in THE ELITE. Like her, I cannot understand why her parents choose to keep the secret from her for sixteen years. It’s hurtful.
One of THE ELITE’s strong points is the fact that it possesses more realism than most of the mean girl/clique books currently on the market. For one thing, Jennifer Banash mentions sale racks. Yes, the characters still have ridiculous amounts of money but they acknowledge how expensive designer clothes can be and thus don’t fear the sale rack. It’s about the quality of the clothes and how they look on you, not the current trend.
I also like Drew more than the love interest in most of the books. He’s a bit of a geek at heart, only polished by Madison and then some travel abroad. He likes museums and foreign films. C’mon, who doesn’t like a boy who likes Almódovar? And while everyone likes a villain, Madison isn’t over-the-top evil. She’s confident and can be mean, but she’s also just a girl who doesn’t know how to talk to the boy she likes.
Some of THE ELITE’s twists are easy to see coming, but it’s still a fun ride. I enjoyed Banash’s first foray in YA literature and I’ll be back for IN TOO DEEP.
April 19, 2014
I would be first in line to see this book in movie theaters.
Casey is so normal it's great to read. No 'ehmygawds', no poser clothes. Nothing. Sure she thinks she's ugly, but who wouldn't around totally gorgeous people? Casey wants nothing more then to be seen as cool, but doesn't have the money or the look for it. After accidentally sort-of befriending, sort of not, Madison, Sophia, and Phoebe, she gets raised up enough to catch Drew's eye, who had a major fall out with Madison. So if you couldn't guess out goes Casey.
Madison is a totally (pardon my French) bitchy member of the New York society. She's overly mean about everything and seems to have this idea that being mean keeps you in control and keeps you from being too interested. Whenever Madison feels like she's getting too close to melting under what someone said, she puts on her 'game face' and snaps something, normally a really good reply. But still mean. She and Drew nearly hooked up but he had been drinking way too much and left after a couple minutes. The day after he disappears to Europe, leaving her all alone. Now she kind of loves him, kind of hates him.
Drew is the most interesting character out of all of them. Even though every once in a while he, erm, listens to his pants about Madison. It catches a guy perfectly though. He ends up with trouble between Madison and Casey and that's about it. The next book holds more drama for Drew Fans.
Sophie is the one people refer to as a dumb blonde. You read that it's Sophie's time to give an opinion in whatever chapter she starts and you absolutely dread it. I mean, when she's not the brightest who cares what she thinks? But it's totally not like that. Sophie is the most down to Earth one of the already-in-New-York-ers. Her brother got expelled from his high school so he's constantly annoying her. That's about it, though. Sophie isn't in the spotlight much for this one either.
Phoebe has family trouble like all the rest of them, except her's are on the verge of divorce, unlike the others. Mainly she's either talking about her overly-bratty sister or complaining about her parents. And worrying too. But she's not much of a story line either.
In the end I give this book 5 stars. Even though it is SO stereotypical with the characters it's fabulously put. And I have to admit, if you don't like fluff pieces, this book is even one you can get minus fluff.
Casey is so normal it's great to read. No 'ehmygawds', no poser clothes. Nothing. Sure she thinks she's ugly, but who wouldn't around totally gorgeous people? Casey wants nothing more then to be seen as cool, but doesn't have the money or the look for it. After accidentally sort-of befriending, sort of not, Madison, Sophia, and Phoebe, she gets raised up enough to catch Drew's eye, who had a major fall out with Madison. So if you couldn't guess out goes Casey.
Madison is a totally (pardon my French) bitchy member of the New York society. She's overly mean about everything and seems to have this idea that being mean keeps you in control and keeps you from being too interested. Whenever Madison feels like she's getting too close to melting under what someone said, she puts on her 'game face' and snaps something, normally a really good reply. But still mean. She and Drew nearly hooked up but he had been drinking way too much and left after a couple minutes. The day after he disappears to Europe, leaving her all alone. Now she kind of loves him, kind of hates him.
Drew is the most interesting character out of all of them. Even though every once in a while he, erm, listens to his pants about Madison. It catches a guy perfectly though. He ends up with trouble between Madison and Casey and that's about it. The next book holds more drama for Drew Fans.
Sophie is the one people refer to as a dumb blonde. You read that it's Sophie's time to give an opinion in whatever chapter she starts and you absolutely dread it. I mean, when she's not the brightest who cares what she thinks? But it's totally not like that. Sophie is the most down to Earth one of the already-in-New-York-ers. Her brother got expelled from his high school so he's constantly annoying her. That's about it, though. Sophie isn't in the spotlight much for this one either.
Phoebe has family trouble like all the rest of them, except her's are on the verge of divorce, unlike the others. Mainly she's either talking about her overly-bratty sister or complaining about her parents. And worrying too. But she's not much of a story line either.
In the end I give this book 5 stars. Even though it is SO stereotypical with the characters it's fabulously put. And I have to admit, if you don't like fluff pieces, this book is even one you can get minus fluff.
January 28, 2009
I'm not going to lie, the beginning of The Elite did not capture or captivate me much. I felt like, for the first eighty pages or so, we were only begin to walk in the skin of the story, only semi-situating within the world there presented. Some of the occurrences struck me as entirely too coincidental--maybe even too convenient--to be taken seriously. This, in and of itself, hindered my overall enjoyment of that first portion of the book.
But, wait, why is this book receiving a 7 if I didn't like the beginning?
Well. I kept reading. Things fell into place, characters began making more sense to me, and I just felt like the previous fog in the atmosphere of the story lifted. The book did a full 180, and I started to like most characters and understand them. While designer-brand name dropping doesn't typically bother me, toward the second half of the book Jennifer Banash stopped its frequent use and the book flowed a lot better.
What did I particularly like? The story is told in 3rd person limited, and each chapter was centered around one of the five main characters. Phoebe and Sophie, two lackeys--you know, the girls who flank the popular girl wherever she goes--were actually not lackeys at all, but fully substantiated characters with important roles and interesting back stories. The protagonist, Casey, was well-defined. Drew, the one male in the bunch, had a captivating voice that rang true to a guy's. And Madison, well, Madison is girl we all love to hate so we excuse her utter sense of superiority. :)
And when I finished the story, I realized that I had expected it to be a lot like Gossip Girl. While The Elite may befall that particular field of books (rich teenagers in the Big Apple), there's really nothing that connects it to currently popular series, such as Gossip Girl, A-List or It Girl. It takes an entirely different approach to the rich New Yorker teen topic, with more human characters and a subtle reference to money here and there. If you like Gossip Girl, you'll probably like this book as well. If you don't, you might still enjoy it. That's the beauty of it.
Do I recommend The Elite? Sure. Will I be reading anymore in this series? Yes, definitely. Give it a shot. Jennifer Banash has created a very promising set of books right here.
Rating: 7/10
But, wait, why is this book receiving a 7 if I didn't like the beginning?
Well. I kept reading. Things fell into place, characters began making more sense to me, and I just felt like the previous fog in the atmosphere of the story lifted. The book did a full 180, and I started to like most characters and understand them. While designer-brand name dropping doesn't typically bother me, toward the second half of the book Jennifer Banash stopped its frequent use and the book flowed a lot better.
What did I particularly like? The story is told in 3rd person limited, and each chapter was centered around one of the five main characters. Phoebe and Sophie, two lackeys--you know, the girls who flank the popular girl wherever she goes--were actually not lackeys at all, but fully substantiated characters with important roles and interesting back stories. The protagonist, Casey, was well-defined. Drew, the one male in the bunch, had a captivating voice that rang true to a guy's. And Madison, well, Madison is girl we all love to hate so we excuse her utter sense of superiority. :)
And when I finished the story, I realized that I had expected it to be a lot like Gossip Girl. While The Elite may befall that particular field of books (rich teenagers in the Big Apple), there's really nothing that connects it to currently popular series, such as Gossip Girl, A-List or It Girl. It takes an entirely different approach to the rich New Yorker teen topic, with more human characters and a subtle reference to money here and there. If you like Gossip Girl, you'll probably like this book as well. If you don't, you might still enjoy it. That's the beauty of it.
Do I recommend The Elite? Sure. Will I be reading anymore in this series? Yes, definitely. Give it a shot. Jennifer Banash has created a very promising set of books right here.
Rating: 7/10
March 28, 2008
Casey McCloy is the new girl in town, New York City that is. From the first moment she steps into her new home, the Bramford, she realizes how out of place she is. So when she finds out that the girl to know is Madison Macallister, she tries to become friends with her. But being recently transplanted from Normal, Illinois to the Big Apple isn’t helping her at all, and neither are her frizzy hair and not-expensive-enough wardrobe.
Madison, the it girl who gets anything and everything she wants, in a rare act of kindness, helps Casey out a bit. Madison’s two closest friends, Sophie and Phoebe, are slightly more welcoming. But they’ve all got problems of their own. Sophie has always felt like an outsider ever since she skipped a grade, and because she looks nothing like the rest of her family. Phoebe yearns for her mother to stop being so jealous of Phoebe’s beauty. And Madison’s got problems too when her ex Drew shows interest in newcomer Casey.
At first glance, The Elite seems like another Gossip Girl book, but as the story progressed, it turned into so much more. The Elite is told from alternating points-of-view of the different characters, and that helps provide much insight into their lives. I enjoyed how Jennifer Banash developed all five main characters instead of just focusing on one. What I appreciated the most was how the characters seemed real. Instead of being just stereotyped and/or ruthless, these girls and guy each had a conscience and feelings I could relate to (most of the time). Many times, I felt sympathy for the characters, but at the same time, I didn’t because I felt kind of removed from them which is probably because most of us don’t experience the lavish life of the wealthy and beautiful as these characters do.
The Elite is definitely a step up from the Gossip Girl series. I recommend it is you liked the It Girl series by Cecily con Ziegesar, the A-List series by Zoey Dean, and also the Fast Girls, Hot Boys series by Kylie Adams. Be prepared for a slightly more meaningful story than the ones presented in the series mentioned above though. Jennifer Banash’s novel was certainly a worthwhile read, and I look forward to the continuation of The Elite series.
Madison, the it girl who gets anything and everything she wants, in a rare act of kindness, helps Casey out a bit. Madison’s two closest friends, Sophie and Phoebe, are slightly more welcoming. But they’ve all got problems of their own. Sophie has always felt like an outsider ever since she skipped a grade, and because she looks nothing like the rest of her family. Phoebe yearns for her mother to stop being so jealous of Phoebe’s beauty. And Madison’s got problems too when her ex Drew shows interest in newcomer Casey.
At first glance, The Elite seems like another Gossip Girl book, but as the story progressed, it turned into so much more. The Elite is told from alternating points-of-view of the different characters, and that helps provide much insight into their lives. I enjoyed how Jennifer Banash developed all five main characters instead of just focusing on one. What I appreciated the most was how the characters seemed real. Instead of being just stereotyped and/or ruthless, these girls and guy each had a conscience and feelings I could relate to (most of the time). Many times, I felt sympathy for the characters, but at the same time, I didn’t because I felt kind of removed from them which is probably because most of us don’t experience the lavish life of the wealthy and beautiful as these characters do.
The Elite is definitely a step up from the Gossip Girl series. I recommend it is you liked the It Girl series by Cecily con Ziegesar, the A-List series by Zoey Dean, and also the Fast Girls, Hot Boys series by Kylie Adams. Be prepared for a slightly more meaningful story than the ones presented in the series mentioned above though. Jennifer Banash’s novel was certainly a worthwhile read, and I look forward to the continuation of The Elite series.
February 24, 2011
Madison McCoy has just moved from Normal, Illinois, to the Big Apple to live with her grandmother in one of the most expensive apartment buildings in the Upper East Side, The Bramford. Right as she enters and waits for the elevator, she faces three of the most beautiful girls she's seen in her life, Madison, Sophie, and Phoebe, who lead their school and apartment building.
Casey becomes friends with them, and it opens a whole new world of people and places. After getting a makeover from the three, she is meeting all the right people at school. Even Drew, the guy that Madison thinks is all hers.
I couldn't find anything bad about it, except for the few grammar and spelling mistakes I found. My friends will be the first to tell you that grammar is the one thing that annoys me the most; the one thing that I always correct. So, when I find a grammar mistake in a book, it usually turns me off. Oddly, it didn't for The Elite.
I went into it thinking it was going to be like a Gossip Girl type thing, thinking that I wouldn't need to put much thought into it and that fashion names would be dropped on me like crazy. This wasn't the case, however. It was about rich teenagers in New York City, but the book dug deeper into their lives.
It was told in alternating chapters of all the main characters: Casey, Madison, Drew, Sophie, and Phoebe. This helped to understand what each character was thinking and what was going on in their personal lives. You learn that even though they put up a cool front, like nothing could ever go wrong in their lives, that there are things going on in their lives - big things. Madison, Sophie, and Phoebe don't even really tell each other these things that are going on, they just leave it inside.
Also, the fashion name-dropping was not as bad as it is in most books. I knew what almost everything that Jennifer Banash wrote looked like, and there were only a few designers that I couldn't reconize, which is normal for me, because I'm not the biggest on fashion designers.
With a little touch of friendship issues, romance, and drama, Jennifer Banash wrote an excellent book that will leave you anxiously awaiting the second book, In Too Deep, which comes out October 2008.
Casey becomes friends with them, and it opens a whole new world of people and places. After getting a makeover from the three, she is meeting all the right people at school. Even Drew, the guy that Madison thinks is all hers.
I couldn't find anything bad about it, except for the few grammar and spelling mistakes I found. My friends will be the first to tell you that grammar is the one thing that annoys me the most; the one thing that I always correct. So, when I find a grammar mistake in a book, it usually turns me off. Oddly, it didn't for The Elite.
I went into it thinking it was going to be like a Gossip Girl type thing, thinking that I wouldn't need to put much thought into it and that fashion names would be dropped on me like crazy. This wasn't the case, however. It was about rich teenagers in New York City, but the book dug deeper into their lives.
It was told in alternating chapters of all the main characters: Casey, Madison, Drew, Sophie, and Phoebe. This helped to understand what each character was thinking and what was going on in their personal lives. You learn that even though they put up a cool front, like nothing could ever go wrong in their lives, that there are things going on in their lives - big things. Madison, Sophie, and Phoebe don't even really tell each other these things that are going on, they just leave it inside.
Also, the fashion name-dropping was not as bad as it is in most books. I knew what almost everything that Jennifer Banash wrote looked like, and there were only a few designers that I couldn't reconize, which is normal for me, because I'm not the biggest on fashion designers.
With a little touch of friendship issues, romance, and drama, Jennifer Banash wrote an excellent book that will leave you anxiously awaiting the second book, In Too Deep, which comes out October 2008.
January 9, 2010
When Casey McCloy steps into the elegant Bramford building, she’s overwhelmed. Fresh from the Midwest, she’s moved to New York’s Upper East Side to live with her grandmother and attend the prestigious Meadowlark Academy. Here all that matters is who you know. The girl to know is Madison Macallister: popular, pretty, platinumblond. She’s not just Casey’s new classmate and neighbor; she’s an icon. So Casey aims to get in with Madison and her gorgeous gal-pals from the start. As the reigning queen of coolness, Madison is capable of destroying reputations with one welltimed whisper. Better to be on her good side. But after a city-haute makeover from her new frenemy Madison, Casey is wearing the right clothes, saying the right things, and meeting the right people—including Drew, the boy-about-town who Madison thinks belongs to her and her alone.
This book thrusts you into the world of the young elite. I felt like Casey facing the culture shock of the rich and spoiled. While it was entertaining to read I would hate to live this way. Every thing these girls do, wear, use and want has a label and a price tag. The higher the better in their opinion. I didn't care for the constant labeling and mentioning every brand repeatedly but I understood the significance of it. I probably wouldn't have minded it so much if I were reading it as a teen but as a parent I would hate for my own children to be so shallow. They weren't always likable people.
As the story moved on and the chapters shifted to focus on each of the five main characters their personalities and insecurities were revealed. They may have looked polished and self assured on the outside but they were each struggling with their own demons on the inside. That was the part that was interesting to me. It was also a nice contrast that one of the main characters was male. I liked Banash's writing style and sense of humor. This was an easy read and I am curious to see what happens next. I will be reading books #2 In Too Deep and #3 Simply Irresistible next. (Love those covers!)
Thank you to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book thrusts you into the world of the young elite. I felt like Casey facing the culture shock of the rich and spoiled. While it was entertaining to read I would hate to live this way. Every thing these girls do, wear, use and want has a label and a price tag. The higher the better in their opinion. I didn't care for the constant labeling and mentioning every brand repeatedly but I understood the significance of it. I probably wouldn't have minded it so much if I were reading it as a teen but as a parent I would hate for my own children to be so shallow. They weren't always likable people.
As the story moved on and the chapters shifted to focus on each of the five main characters their personalities and insecurities were revealed. They may have looked polished and self assured on the outside but they were each struggling with their own demons on the inside. That was the part that was interesting to me. It was also a nice contrast that one of the main characters was male. I liked Banash's writing style and sense of humor. This was an easy read and I am curious to see what happens next. I will be reading books #2 In Too Deep and #3 Simply Irresistible next. (Love those covers!)
Thank you to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 26, 2008
Casey is a simple girl, when she moves to New York to live with her grandmother, she has no idea what she is getting herself into. The Bramford is the most exclusive luxury apartment building in New York’s Upper east side, and Casey feels like a country bumpkin in the midst of all the glamour. Madison is the queen, if you will, of Bramford, she gets what she wants when she wants. Her two leading ladies always by her side are Sophie and Phoebe. Casey puts her best effort into fitting in, but Madison avidly puts her in her rightful place, especially when it comes to her on-again/off-again boyfriend, Drew.
When I finally got the chance to sit down and read this book, I couldn’t put it down! Seriously though, I like my share of drama, but I can only take so much of the exaggerated drama that is in so many books now a days, and must I bring up reality t.v. The Elite while it had it’s dramatic moments, only made the story that much better! One thing I really loved about this story is that is seemed realistic. The characters, the situations they were in and they way they handle things, were very true to life, teenage life. Casey doesn’t instantly turn popular and she wouldn’t in real life, let’s face it. And there is so much more going on in the story besides just Casey, I almost enjoyed Phoebe and Sophie’s times in the spotlight more than Casey’s or Madison’s. It's true that most of the characters are insanley rich, but they don't lack for their share of problems.I have to admit I totally have a crush on Drew. I mean after you read it you will understand, entirely. I think the fact that I completely meshed with Jennifer Banash’s writing style, helped me enjoy the book even more. She is descriptive and eloquent but not over the top! And she is funny too! Her sense of humor must be close to mine, because I couldn’t help but grin throughout the entire book.The only complaint I have is that I don’t have the next book In Too Deep to read right away!
The Elite was captivating and fun to read! I absolutely recommend this book. Isn't the cover awesome as well, btw!
When I finally got the chance to sit down and read this book, I couldn’t put it down! Seriously though, I like my share of drama, but I can only take so much of the exaggerated drama that is in so many books now a days, and must I bring up reality t.v. The Elite while it had it’s dramatic moments, only made the story that much better! One thing I really loved about this story is that is seemed realistic. The characters, the situations they were in and they way they handle things, were very true to life, teenage life. Casey doesn’t instantly turn popular and she wouldn’t in real life, let’s face it. And there is so much more going on in the story besides just Casey, I almost enjoyed Phoebe and Sophie’s times in the spotlight more than Casey’s or Madison’s. It's true that most of the characters are insanley rich, but they don't lack for their share of problems.I have to admit I totally have a crush on Drew. I mean after you read it you will understand, entirely. I think the fact that I completely meshed with Jennifer Banash’s writing style, helped me enjoy the book even more. She is descriptive and eloquent but not over the top! And she is funny too! Her sense of humor must be close to mine, because I couldn’t help but grin throughout the entire book.The only complaint I have is that I don’t have the next book In Too Deep to read right away!
The Elite was captivating and fun to read! I absolutely recommend this book. Isn't the cover awesome as well, btw!
November 28, 2008
Casey moves into her grandma's apartment in New York and finds herself suddenly thrown into a world of money. Meeting rich and beautiful Madison on her first day in town, along with her sidekicks Sophie and Phoebe, Casey hopes to one day fit in as well as they do...but how can a girl from Normal, Illinois ever compare to the New York elite?
I was a tad worried about reading The Elite, fearing it might be a superficial novel about fashion and name brands...and yes, that is mentioned a lot throughout, but this book is a lot more than that. The four girls and Drew all get their own time in the novel, to fully allow you to get inside their head and lives. Beyond their beautiful exterior, you see that these kids have more problems then just what to wear on a Friday night. They deal with relationships, family issues, feeling inadequate, and more.
I can't wait for In Too Deep, the sequel to The Elite.
I was a tad worried about reading The Elite, fearing it might be a superficial novel about fashion and name brands...and yes, that is mentioned a lot throughout, but this book is a lot more than that. The four girls and Drew all get their own time in the novel, to fully allow you to get inside their head and lives. Beyond their beautiful exterior, you see that these kids have more problems then just what to wear on a Friday night. They deal with relationships, family issues, feeling inadequate, and more.
I can't wait for In Too Deep, the sequel to The Elite.
March 1, 2009
Casey McCloy is new to New York. On her first day she meets Madison Macallister, the popular "perfect" girl, and her two best friends, Sophie and Phoebe. Later Casey meets Madison's maybe boyfriend who she immediately begins to have a crush on since he's so darn hot.
Casey is just trying to fit in with this group of girls and the crazy rich infested and prestigious high school, Meadowlark Academy. Unfortunately things and people keep making her life there not so great.
I really liked the ending to this novel and am looking forward to reading In Too Deep then the next book after that.
I liked the fact that the five main characters talk in their own POV's because the reader really gets to know what each of them is thinking. Sophie and Phoebe were nothing like what I expected them to be, which I just loved.
This novel is very entertaining and so realistic which is something else I was not expecting. Love it! :D
Casey is just trying to fit in with this group of girls and the crazy rich infested and prestigious high school, Meadowlark Academy. Unfortunately things and people keep making her life there not so great.
I really liked the ending to this novel and am looking forward to reading In Too Deep then the next book after that.
I liked the fact that the five main characters talk in their own POV's because the reader really gets to know what each of them is thinking. Sophie and Phoebe were nothing like what I expected them to be, which I just loved.
This novel is very entertaining and so realistic which is something else I was not expecting. Love it! :D
October 9, 2014
At first i feared this would be like laguana beach. It was not. Firstly Casey was not rich and i think her first mistake was letting madison buy her that dress and then taking advice from her. Sophie and Pheobe wernt much as far as friends go. And drew was acting like a dick after that french class. I understood where madison was coming from at first. Becuase in this book everyone gets a pov. And the synopsis totally did not capture a summary of what this was about. Caseys grandma should give her some money. And madison had the right to feel scorned, but she took it out on the wrong person. She should have been mad at Drew, but instead she crusifies Casey. And drew totally pulled a dick move, so i dont know if i like him. honestly i dont think i like anyone. So.. why didnt i give this 2 stars?? Because i want to continue to at least the 2nd book and 2 stars dont get that. Really this is like a 2.89
Maybe. What kind of ending was that?
Note
Maybe. What kind of ending was that?
Note
November 17, 2009
This is like Gossip Girl, but better. Way better. There's none of that "you know you love me. Gossip Girl" thing at all. Which was excellent because that line was really annoying after a while. Anyway, I really liked this book. But I really hate Drew. He's extremely wishy-washy. He doesn't know what he really wants so he keeps changing his mind. One minute, he's in love with Madison and tries to get her jealous. The next, he falls in love with Casey because she's not Madison. I mean, come on, really? Drew was the only person I really disliked. All the other characters were awesome though. Madison seemed like the classy bitch while Casey was the innocent new transfer student. The plot...basically the same as Gossip Girl but better. And...this series is definitely worth your time especially if you like (or kind of like) Gossip Girl.
May 26, 2012
How do I say this? This barely had a story line, it seems to me that the author just dreamed about life in beautiful Manhattan, made up characters, which actually were quite good, but she did not know what to do with them. Rather than creating a plot, she kind of just introduces us to the characters and their situations. The narrator changes with each chapter which is in my opinion more than little bit annoying and it results to only the main character having at least a tinny tinny bit of completely predictable story line.
A seriously crappy piece of writing. Despite this being said, I will give the author benefit of a doubt and try the second installment, but if even there, basically nothing happens I am done.
A seriously crappy piece of writing. Despite this being said, I will give the author benefit of a doubt and try the second installment, but if even there, basically nothing happens I am done.
April 19, 2009
Casey McCloy moves to Manhattan and befriends a group of popular girls at her school. They give her a makeover and she goes around with them. Madison, the leader of the popular group, is semi-dating Drew. When Casey finds herself crushing on Drew, tensions build and everyone decides what they value most in friendship and in any relationship.
The Elite was light and enjoyable. Casey is an easy character to relate to, and everyone else is easily identifiable. Drew was probably my favorite character. He seemed most real to me, and he also seemed most likable. My only knock is that the characters seemed flat and stereotypical, but it was still fun to read, and I would recommend it.
The Elite was light and enjoyable. Casey is an easy character to relate to, and everyone else is easily identifiable. Drew was probably my favorite character. He seemed most real to me, and he also seemed most likable. My only knock is that the characters seemed flat and stereotypical, but it was still fun to read, and I would recommend it.
November 23, 2013
The Elite may seem like another Gossip Girl clone, letting readers catch a glimpse into the lives of wealthy socialite teeangers, but it's not. Banash takes this new socialite teenager trend and provides some depth to the characters within, letting us see into their lives and feelings. Each chapter focuses on a different person within the group, rotating between five people, including hottie Drew, who Banash portrays very well and makes it believable. Banash's wit and pitch-perfect writing ability makes this a quick and engaging read, leaving the reader wanting more and eagerly anticipating the sequel, In Too Deep.
August 24, 2009
4.5 Stars
I really enjoyed reading The Elite. It was a lighter read full of drama from the top of the social ladder Upper East Side teen girls. The drama wasn't the over the top and exagerated drama that you see so much of these days, which was certainly entertaining. I loved the alternating chapters between the 5 main characters, reading the story from all the different characters added so much depth and you get to hear their side. Jennifer Banash's writing style really draws readers in as well. I found myself having a hard time putting this one down!
I really enjoyed reading The Elite. It was a lighter read full of drama from the top of the social ladder Upper East Side teen girls. The drama wasn't the over the top and exagerated drama that you see so much of these days, which was certainly entertaining. I loved the alternating chapters between the 5 main characters, reading the story from all the different characters added so much depth and you get to hear their side. Jennifer Banash's writing style really draws readers in as well. I found myself having a hard time putting this one down!
November 5, 2013
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This was a good book. 3.5 Stars. I enjoyed the main character and the insight into the minds of The Upper East Side Elite Teenagers. However it was a little hard to get through all of the fashion references. Don't get me wrong I enjoy vivid scenes as much as the next girl, but I don't really need a full page describing someone's outfit.
Quick easy read hopefully the next one will be better :)
This was a good book. 3.5 Stars. I enjoyed the main character and the insight into the minds of The Upper East Side Elite Teenagers. However it was a little hard to get through all of the fashion references. Don't get me wrong I enjoy vivid scenes as much as the next girl, but I don't really need a full page describing someone's outfit.
Quick easy read hopefully the next one will be better :)
July 28, 2011
I thought this was a quick read that I enjoyed as something just to pass the time. I picked this up at my library the other day, and it was a good in-between book before hopping back into something too serious. I still think I would like to read the 2 that come afterwards...I'll have to add it to my wish list! :)
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