PLN #3 Revised Revision October 5th, 2010

The book I am reading is called Bittersweet Sixteen by Carrie Karasyov and Jill Kargman. The main character in this book is Laura. She goes to Tate, an all girls private school in uptown New York City. Laura however doesn't live around the school, she's adverage, not like these uptown girls. Ironically she is best friends with the most popular girl in school, Whitney. When a new girl moves to town, Sophie, Laura feels left out.

I feel sorry for Laura because she can't have what she wants when she wants it like most of the girls at Tate. Especially this year, with all the sweet 16's going on Laura feels more left out than ever.First off Laura's house isn't top notch, she lives in downtown New York, while all her friends live uptown, where it's normal to see eight or nine zeros following a one in their bank account.

"Unlike my house, where you just have to call up-because our intercom doesn't work we buzz anyone in (probably knife-wielding serial killers)- getting into Whitney's Park Avenue pad is like trying to penetrate the Pentagon."

I feel like I can relate to Laura in the sense that alot of my friends have more money then me. My parents are divorced so we typically bring in about half of a normal family's income. This makes me feel left out when I can't do something because it's too expensive. I feel like this quote shows how Laura compares herself to her friends, she seems to pick out the things she doesn't have rather than the things she does. I feel like Laura describes this when she says " unlike my house." and also when she describes Whitney's to be as hard to get into as a goveent office. Laura also has this happen when Sophie and Whitney go shopping.

"Laura," said Sophie, turning my way before hitting the dressing room herself. "Aren't you gonna try anything on? I'm feeling those lacey chemists are so you!" "Oh, no, I'm all set," I said, somewhat self-consciously."

These girls are whipping out their credit cards while Laura watches. Is this quote it shows that Laura feels somewhat "self conscious" about her unability to be purchasing new clothes. This shows how Laura isn't comfortable with her status compared to the girls at Tate and I think it's very important because Laura seems to feel this throughout the novel. Laura also has an amazing talent for designing and sewing her own clothes, this makes me feel happy for Laura because she doesn't have to feel like she doesn't dress well.

"Really, Laura, remind me to call Calvin Klien. He's a dear friend of my mom's. I totally want to link you two up. You could design for him one day," said Sophie." "Laura's going to be a major designer," added Whitney."

this quote shows what an amazing designer Laura is. For Sophie to want to introduce her to Calvin Klien one of Americas well known fashion designers Laura must be pretty good. This quote also shows what supportive friends she has to be giving her the confidence to follow her dreams. All in all I'm proud of Laura for being able to go to Tate and be happy even though the girls there aren't like her. I highly enjoyed this book and would reccomend it to anyone.

The End (: