Casey McCloy is in a completely different world. Moving from Normal, Illinois to the Upper-East Side of Manhattan to live with her grandmother at The Bramford when her mother wins a grant to do research for her first book in London is a bit overwhelming. Almost immediately she runs into Madison Macallister, Phoebe Reynaud and Sophie St. John. And though Casey is a bit intimidated by the rich, beautiful girls, she thinks she could possibly have made some friends when they invite her to the park (Central Park) with them after she gets settled. In the park, she's also introduced to Drew, Madison's ex, who becomes very interested in the new girl. And that puts her on Madison's hit list. So in an act of kindness, the girls help Casey out with a bit of fashion advice. How will Casey adjust to life in New York? Will Casey be able to stand what Madison has in store? What will happen with Casey and Drew?
I was worried that this would be another "Gossip Girl", "It Girl", or "A-List" series but I was pleasantly surprised and happy to say I was wrong. The Elite is more meaningful, realistic but just as drama-filled. Told from alternating points of view, I think, made the story more interesting and helped in developing more realistic characters. My one nitpick was that the constant name-dropping of designer brands and labels got to be annoying after a while. There's so much going on in the book, but it doesn't overwhelm the story. And it's about more than just Casey and adjusting to life among Manhattan's rich teen set. Immediately I liked Sophie and Phoebe who have their own problems to contend with. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick, entertaining read.
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.
