Bittersweet Sixteen

Reader reviewed by val

This book is funny and sweet. Anyone could learn a lesson from the story. It was pretty predictable too but overall it was sweet and happy ending. I loved how her two rich friends fought for a guy who dusnt even like neither of them and it turned out to be the main character. Then they both started to hate her. I woudlnt say sad but it made me cry. :)

Reader reviewed by Hillary

Everyone knows that the Sweet Sixteen is the most important party of a person's high school career. And at Laura Finnegan's school in New York City, everyone's competing to have the best Sweet Sixteen that no one will ever forget. Everyone knows that Laura's best friend, Whitney, will have the very best party. But then a new girl comes to their school, Sophie. When Sophie threatens Whitney's chance at having the best party, the war begins.

These authors work really well together. Although the plot of the story was very much like Summer Intern and Jet Set, it was still very fun to read and entertaining. Although the books are very similar, the different settings make the books different enough for them to still be enjoyable. Bittersweet Sixteen was a great story that fans of the authors' other books will enjoy as well. If you're looking for a light book with a happy ending, I'd recommend this one!

Reader reviewed by K. Hager

Bittersweet Sixteen is one of the better "mean girl" type of books that spun off after "Gossip Girl" became so big. Most of the books that followed in GG's reign have not been as well-written and tend to name-drop designers instead of developing characters. In this book we see the "mean girl" characters Sophie and Whitney as well flushed out characters. We see Sophie trying to fit in and caught between using her connections and being over-the-top, to just being a real person to Whitney who has a motehr who never forgets to make her feel inferior or fat. And then there's the main character, Laura, a scholarship student who fits into the fold by default, but gets a rude awakening to find she didn't really fit in at all.

The book starts w/L.a. girl Sophie trying to move in on Laura & Whit's clique. Whitney is resistant wanting to remain top girl, but Laura also has reservations about being dumped as Whit's best friend. then both Sophie & Whitney discover they have the same b'day making the Sweet Sixteen party a challenge until they decide to hold one together. With their parents' money, it's guaranteed to be a success until egos (and a boy) get in the way.

The best part of the book were laura's prof parents who had trouble leavignthe academic world to understand the Park Avenue problems. Also, the relationship thats coming out w/laura & jake. You can see he likes her & not the other girls, but she can't & it's the reason I couldn't put the novel down. I also enjoyed how Laura was able to see Whontey's understated style & how it went w/her personality vs. Sophie's too tight ouftis and show off style.

If you likedthe Gossip Girl books, then give this one a shot. It's much better that a lot of the ones out there and it's a fun read.