Upon reading pages 135-289 what stood out the most was the character Mona. In this section we find that Mona is not only racist, but that she is extremely snobby and a jealous you know what! Mona acts big and tough and basically bullies girls that she doesn’t like and who she’s jealous of (i.e. Samantha). However, what I found hilarious was when Mona goes with Birdie, Jim, and Sandy to NYC where she is instantly taken from her “comfort” zone. While Jim and Sandy admire the Impressionist paintings, Birdie and Mona ask to wait outside. While outside, Birdie discovers break-dancers and joins them while Mona immediately becomes uncomfortable looking like an outsider–”I clapped my hands, laughing at their expertise, and began to move to the music. Mona stood stiffly by my side, her hands shoved in her pockets…I was surprised at Mona’s transformation. She was so clearly uncomfortable, I almost felt sorry for her…” (Senna 261). While reading this I felt happy because Mona desperately needed a taste of her own medicine. However, Mona really gets it when Birdie finally decides to stand up for herself .
On the way back to New Hampshire they get lost and instead of asking for directions, Jim makes a “wrong turn.” They pull into a “sketchy” neighborhood and a kid decides to throw a rock at the car window. Jim decides to play hero and gets out and yells at the kid for “almost breaking” the windshield. When this happens Mona completely becomes horrified–”Mona had gone pale. She looked as if she were going to cry. ‘Mrs. Goldman,’ she called to my mother, ‘what’s he gonna do’….” (Senna 263). Birdie punches Mona (whooooo hoooo) and says “Shut the f*** up…What do you know.” Here we finally see Birdie fighting back instead of taking the insults. Mona becomes “other” and really deserves what she gets! After the incident Mona says “Oh my God. Oh my f***king God. I shouldn’t have come. Dennis told me not to come” (Senna 264) This was HI-Larioussss! This seems to mark the first time where Birdie finally fights back and when Birdie begins to find her own identity.
LOL at Mona!
Go Birdieeee! 
Birdie needs to drop Mona like a bad habit!
