Posts Tagged 'fashion'

Bittersweet Sixteen by Carrie Karasyov and Jill Kargman

Published October 31, 2007 RAC , Realistic Fiction 5 Comments
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Genre:  Realistic Fiction

Age Level:  14 and up

# of Pages:  230

RAC Book:  Yes

Laura Finnegan is the daughter of two brilliant professors living in New York City.  Despite the fact that her parents are professors, Laura still has to go to her private school on scholarship.  Laura’s best friend, Whitney, is the most beautiful and wealthy girl in school.  Sometimes Laura envies how easy everything is for Whitney, but then realizes that if she had everything so easy she never would have begun designing and sewing her own clothes.

Everything gets thrown into disarray when Sophie, the daughter of a movie producer, comes to their school and Whitney becomes territorial.  Laura manages to play peacemaker and even convinces the two of them to share their sweet sixteen party since they have the same birthday, but eventually they get into a fight over a boy and all bets are off.  Laura eventually gets punished for refusing to take sides.

Karasyov and Kargman do a nice job of depicting the haves and have nots in Manhattan.  Although some of the eventual outcomes seem too easy or perfect, many readers will enjoy the ending.  The feelings of the main character are portrayed in a way that most readers will be able to identify and sympathize with her.  A fun read.

Summer Intern by Carrie Karasyov and Jill Kargman

Published October 19, 2007 RAC , Realistic Fiction Leave a Comment
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Genre:  Realistic Fiction

Age Level:  14 and up

# of Pages:  184

RAC Book:  Yes

Kira has been chosen for an elite unpaid intership at Skirt Magazine in New York City.  Quickly she learns that hard work does not necessarily overcome money and influence.  Daphne, another intern, is also the boss’s daughter so even though she takes long lunches and fails to do much work she is expected to get the coveted intern’s position for the editor in chief.  Kira decides to throw herself into her work and compete for the prize.  At the same time, Kira finds she is attracted to Daphne’s boyfriend, a photographer who also works at the magazine.  Kira often wonders how one person can get everything just because she is rich and gorgeous.

This novel is similar to the Devil Wears Prada, but also puts its own spin on working in the fashion industry.  For example, Kira is acknowledged for her hard work, just not always in the way she would like.  The characters in this book are fun, interesting, and always hopeful for their uncertain futures.  Stereotypes, nepotism, friendship, and fashion are all themes in this book and anyone who loves fashion will enjoy this story.

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