Throwback Thursday: Who You Wit?

Who You Wit'? by Paula Chase 2008
Dafina/Kensington

Rating: 3/5

IQ "Jacinta toyed with that thought as the clique joked around her, amazed at how the world kept going even when something huge was happening to people." pgs. 38-39

*Mild Spoilers from the third book, That's What's Up*

Summer is almost here but summer brings a sense of doom to some members of the Del Rio Bay (DRB) clique. For Mina it's the last summer before Brian goes to Duke and she wants to spend every minute of every day with him. Lizzie wants to avoid spending every minute with Todd because she's so head-over-heels, she might end up doing something she (thinks) she'll regret. Jacinta can't wait for summer to be over so that maybe she and Raheem can finally have some space since he's going to Georgetown. Kelly is ambivalent about summer, she looks forward to spending time with her DRB clique and maybe there will be a new guy in her life. Or an old one.

I feel bogus for saying so but what dragged this book down for me were some of the characters. That's a good thing though right? Right. Because each of these characters has redeemable qualities, they aren't one dimensional jerks. Lizzie decides to take a one-year abstinence pact but she doesn't bother to run this pact by her boyfriend, Todd. Her story goes downhill from there, she becomes annoying because she recognizes the problem but is too stubborn/proud to fix it. She's judgemental and is the only character who I don't think ever really redeemed herself. This book focuses a little more on boy problems, less on friendship issues but it never becomes completely about the guys, there's a slightly uneven balance but it's understandable. I didn't like how the clique's extracurricular activities got pushed to the side. I did think that the song lyrics were random at times, not always fitting with the content of the chapter. The last few pages were annoyingly dramatic, full of foreboding and foreshadowing which I don't care for, especially not in a contemporary novel. I couldn't remember how old any of the members of the clique are, I think sophomores? Some characters who started to become well-developed were completely ignored in this book, like Jessica and even Jessica's twin, Sara. JZ still hasn't developed as a character and Michael was a complete prop, only appearing when it was convenient (like when Mina needed a prom dress).

I could relate to Mina especially in this book. She's so terrified of Brian leaving her and then forgetting about her, sleeping with other girls that she makes a decision she might not have had made so soon. Every time I read a book in this series I feel like I'm talking to my Black/Latino friends. We laugh all the time it seems like but there's always some kind of drama going on, either between friends or between couples. The Del Rio Bay Clique series captures all the angst and fun of being a minority in the suburbs as well as just teenage life in suburbia in general. At first it was frustrating that Jacinta is still with Raheem but something occurs that (I think) makes it very understandable as to why she can't force herself to cut all ties with him. Kelly makes a good decision but goes about it in a bad way, very authentic teen :)

Who You Wit'? is a quick read that is guaranteed to transport you back to your teen years or to help you through them. The dialogue is spot-on (a few times the author sounds like she might be trying too hard considering these are suburban teens but for the most part it works). It's funny Mina was my least favorite character at first, now my favorite is either her or Jacinta. Once again, I think Mina's parents are too strict but my parents probably would have been even harsher if they found out I had done what she did so I won't talk. Haha. I love these books because they are universal but the main characters are Blacks and Latinos. Their world is completely diverse too, even the random characters that the main characters interact with have some diversity. I also appreciate that besides racial diversity these books feature economic diversity (i.e. a book about middle class ethnic cultures) and teenage diversity. By teenage diversity I mean these kids are active. I always find it hard to relate to books where the main character does little and/or has no school spirit. Mina cheerleads and writes for the school newspaper, JZ, Todd and Brian play basketball (and JZ plays football), Lizzie is active in the Drama club and Kelly tutors. All of those activities ensure that the author is faithful to teen behavior. I also really liked how a certain character described having sex. It was funny and so very teenage, I would have said the some thing! If you're looking for lighter fair with drama, romance, friendship, heart and diversity, give this series a try.

Disclosure: Bought =)

*I have changed my Throwback Thursday posts. Starting now, I'm going to make a throwback anything that comes from the 1st decade of the 21st century. Ideally, I want to keep the reviews to 2007 and older but exceptions may be made :)

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I am currently on a mandatory school retreat so I have no Internet access. I'll be back Friday evening and will try to respond all comments and emails asap!

That's What's Up!

That's What's Up by Paula Chase

Rating: 3/5

IQ "She and Todd's friendship was two parts silly-Lizzie never laughed so much in her life like she did when she was around him-and one part genuine affection. They shared the kind of fragile ease you feel around a person you know well, but are learning to see in a new light." Lizzie pg. 8

*Contains spoilers unless you've read the first two books in the series. If you have, continue reading, (there are no spoilers about what occurs during the 3rd book). If not, stop here (unless you don't mind spoilers). You can read my reviews of the 1st book, So Not the Drama here and the 2nd book, Don't Get it Twisted here(you can get two extra entries in my giveaway, if you comment on this review)

That's What's Up occurs over Spring Break when everyone is going to the O.C. for extreme Nationals in cheerleading to watch the Del Rio Bay's cheerleading varsity compete. Mina is one of the few freshman on the team, and her making it, finally propels her to popularity and she becomes an Upper who gets to sit in the Cafe. Mina's hoping to spend some alone time with Brian and of course, she wants to win Nationals and bask in her new found popularity. Also, Jessica has called a truce, except Jessica's got tricks up her sleeve. Lizzie and Jacinta aren't allowed to go to the O.C. so they make a plan to sneak out (they tell their parents they're spending the weekend at Jacinta's aunt's house but she's out of town) and Kelly agrees to go with them. They meet the boys down there (Todd, Brian and JZ, who all have permission to be in O.C).

This is probably my least favorite book in the series so far. It's not bad, it just didn't appeal to me as much as the first two. My problem with it was that I felt the main characters made silly decisions and they could have saved themselves a lot of trouble and heartache if they had just thought everything through. But, that's what makes these books so realistic, the kids make mistakes and sometimes they get caught, sometimes they don't, much like in real life.

Lizzie is really growing as a character. For the first time, she's attracted to a guy and she really, really likes Todd and he likes her too. Personally, I'm not sure how everyone puts up with Lizzie because her goodness drives me crazy (that sounds awful but it's true) but she's very sweet and her relationship with Todd is so cute and funny. Todd is really a funny guy and helps draw Lizzie out of her shell and helps her lighten up. She admits to herself that the main reason she's sneaking down to O.C. is to spend more time with Todd. It's nice watching her develop and loosen up. Jacinta is the one character who isn't developing, she's stuck in a rut almost. She broke things off with Raheem but then they get back together (Hate That I Love You, anyone?) or at least they keep hooking up, even after Raheem does something that should be a total deal breaker. She's frustrating, but her relationship with Raheem is really realistic because we've all been attracted to someone we shouldn't be, even if they are bad for us. Mina is a refreshing character, I was relived to see that she doesn't let the popularity go to her head and stays down-to-earth and now that she's popular, she's done obsessing which is a relief. But she was foolish to trust Jessica and for not being open with other people. The other characters are becoming more developed as well and Mina's group of friends is growing and their playful banter is quite entertaining. I want the Del Rio Bay Clique as my friends :)

The writing is still an authentic, teenage voice and fast paced. These books will never get tedious or confusing, they're very straight forward an excellent portrayal of suburban high schools. The clique are still freshman, but they are already starting to mature and I'm eager to read their next adventures, especially because the book ended on a bit of a suspenseful note. High School and up.

Don't Get It Twisted

Don’t Get it Twisted by Paula Chase Hyman 2007 2nd Del Rio Bay Clique Novel

Rating: 4/5

IQ “Having all of his friends in on certain problems just made them worse because once the clique knew your business, advice-good, bad, whatever-went flying all over the place.” JZ

Don’t Get it Twisted is a good follow-up to So Not the Drama (the first book in the Del Rio Bay series, read my review here). The characters are just as enjoyable and I liked the new plot. This novel is funny and fresh. However, unlike in So Not the Drama, this novel deals less with friendship and more with romance.

Each of the clique has their own issues to be worried about. Mina has a crush on a very popular and cute football player, Craig. He wants them to spend more time together but Mina's parents won't let her date until she's sixteen and this rule of theirs is a source of many arguments and sneaking around (on Mina's part). JZ is struggling to keep his grades up, if they start slipping his demanding father will pull him off whatever sports team he's on (football is ending, but basketball is just starting). JZ needs to be more careful because one of his decisions affects Lizzie too. Jacinta is having issues with her boyfriend, Raheem especially because he's teasing her all the time about "acting white", saying the suburbs have changed her. Kelly is interested in Angel, who likes her a lot too. But he lives a dangerous lifestyle that Kelly does not fit into to. And there's some new additions to the clique, Brian who just moved from D.C. and Todd.

The romance starting to develop between various members of the clique is cute and authentic and a bit innocent. I would have liked to learn a little more about Craig, he was a flat character. There wasn't a lot of chemistry between them. However, I enjoyed getting to know Brian. The arguments between him and Mina were entertaining and very realistic, the author clearly knows how teens interact with each other. No misplaced slang or pop culture references, she knows teens. Todd is a hilarious character and is such a sweetie.

The parents also played a larger role in this book and became a little more three dimensional. We learn more about Kelly's parents and that was interesting to read about. Also Mina's parents play a larger role in the book with all their roles. They seem strict, but I might be biased since I'm a teen and I was fully on Mina's side! Also it was nice for Mina to chill out a bit on her relentless quest for popularity. She still wants to be popular, but it's not as much of a big deal and that makes her more enjoyable to read about and connect with.

I very much enjoy reading the Del Rio Bay clique novels. The teens transcend stereotypes and are genuine. They make bad choices and good choices and have to deal with the consequences regardless. The author does a great job of getting into the teen voice. 8th grade and up.

Colorful Interview with Paula Chase-Hyman!

A Colorful Interview with Del Rio Bay series author Paula Chase-Hyman

Reading in Color: What inspired you to write about the Del Rio Bay Clique?

Paula Chase-Hyman: When I wrote So Not The Drama in 2003 the landscape for contemporary brown books, especially series books, was pretty barren. There was a definite need for books written for young, African American readers that wasn't historical fiction or what I call inner city blues. But I didn't write "in color." In other words, I wrote it knowing my main character, Mina, was Black. But my vision for the books has always been that the things the characters experience are universal to simply being a teen.

The world I portray in my series is a world very similar to the one I grew up in - multi-cultural and suburban. So my inspiration was nothing more than my own teen lifestyle.

RiC: What kind of research (TV shows, magazines, other books, teens?) do you do for your books to help you get into the YA mindset?

PC: Honestly? None. Research to me means you're actively searching for information to help round out the portrayals. I've never done that. My "secret" is I'm a pop culture junkie. The music I listen to and the shows I watch happens to be what a lot of young readers also listen to/watch. My ability to think teen comes naturally. Maybe deep down inside (or not so deep, in some case) I'm still sixteen.

There are definitely some artists that get me in the teen groove faster than others, though. Ne-yo's Because of You CD was a big inspiration when I was writing Who You Wit'? The CD had quite a few songs that were bulging with sexual tension and it got me thinking about the underlying tension that often accompanies a new teen relationship when it reaches the point where the couple is deciding if they should take it to a new level of intimacy.

RiC: Were you sad that Flipping the Script was the last book in the Del Rio Bay Clique Series?

PC: Yes and no. Yes, because I'd been writing about these characters for five years. They felt like my own kids. I knew them inside and out and really wanted to take them to graduation. But no, because every writer must keep a small part of their creative energy apart from future books. The focus should always be on what you're working on, then and there.

Since my publisher, not me, dictated if there would be a book six, I kept that in mind, all along. So when I wrote Flipping The Script I wrote it thinking - this could be it. So I wanted to bring closure to as many of the characters story lines as possible.

The series didn't necessarily end on the note I wanted...but I'm satisfied with how I ended it.

RiC: What can we expect from you next? More Del Rio Bay or something totally different?

PC: Definitely something different. Del Rio Bay is like my first child - nurtured and now grown and on its own. I'll always look back on it fondly and I'm still actively promoting it, trying to introduce it to new readers. But creatively I've moved on. Right now, I have two projects in the wings. One is another series idea. But it would be a big edgier than Del Rio Bay. The other is a stand-alone novel that looks at a complicated mother-daughter relationship. I've started both and am at a point where I need to commit to getting one done.

RiC: Do you see yourself in any of the clique characters in Del Rio Bay?

PC: Oh yeah. Every one of the clique has a little P in them, for sure. But Mina...oh yeah, she's a little bit me, a little bit my oldest daughter. But mostly she's like a lot of young girls trying to find her place, molding her identity. For as flighty as Mina came off, sometimes she's actually a lot stronger than I was at her age. I did that on purpose. I wanted her to be smart without being arrogant, innocent yet not naieve.

RiC: What are you currently reading? Any YA books? Any recommendations (besides your own books of course!)

PC: I just finished Shine, Coconut Moon by Neesha Meminger and last month I read Kendra by Coe Booth. Both great books. My goal was to read a lot more YA this summer, but I got side tracked and only got a few good reads in. I may not get a chance to read them all, but I stay tapped into good books by managing thebrownbookshelf. And to keep it well-rounded, I follow readergirlz, ourteenvoices and teensreadtoo. You would think the book selection would become repetitious...but if you check each site, you'll get a lot of different flavors of books. Great resources.

RiC: Do you have any advice for teens in high school going through many of the situations that the clique goes through (friendship, popularity, sex, etc.) or what's the most important thing you learned in high school?

PC: Wow...high school is so far back I'm not sure what I learned back then. LOL You know, I think navigating teen years is tough. And it's a lot tougher than many adults give it credit for being. But that's because once you've surpassed a stage, the details on how you survived it become fuzzy because you're focused on the present stage. When it comes to getting through friendship issues, sex etc...it's all about knowing yourself well enough to make the right decision for you. If you stay true to who you are, most decisions you make will be the "right" one. It's when we make decisions based on what someone else wants us to do or because we think doing something (drugs, sex, drinking) will please someone else...that's when we get into trouble and that's when we make poor decisions.

In the end, you live with every decision you make. So you've got to make ones you can live with. For as long as I can remember (maybe even as far back as high school) I've believed in not having regrets. That doesn't mean I haven't made poor decisions. It means that after I made a poor decision, I didn't sit around regretting the mess I'd made. I made a conscious decision to re-evaluate and make sure I didn't repeat the mistake. It's an outlook that I've had to draw on for nearly every aspect of my life and it's worked for me.

RiC: If your books could be made into a movie who would play the clique characters and the mean girls?

PC: I never know how to answer that question. Outside of the few on Disney or Nick, there aren't a whole host of young African American actors/actresses out there for me to choose from. At best, the role would go to someone who is the flavor of the month.

I always thought KeKe Palmer would make a perfect Mina. But beyond that, I couldn't begin to name anyone. Likely, my series would make a perfect vehicle for an unknown actor to become recognized like the young actors who did Harry Potter. No one knew them and they essentially grew along with the books.

RiC: Whose your author crush? and/or What authors have inspired you?

PC: Right now, Scott Westerfeld. I enjoyed the Uglies trilogy...well there are more than three books, so I guess it's a series. I really like sci-fi, horror and all around weird stuff. His work really feeds that craving for the odd. But I'm known to go with the vibe I'm feeling, so that crush could change at any moment.

My biggest inspirations are Mildred Taylor, Francine Pascal and Judy Blume because those are the authors I read the most as a young reader. Because I began reading up so early, I don't recall reading a great deal of YA. But Blume, Taylor and Pascal I read religiously.

RiC: Do you have a music playlist for any (or all) of your books?

PC: If I had to choose a song that speaks to the overall vibe of each book it would be:

So Not The Drama - Mims, This is Why I'm Hot

Don't Get It Twisted - Ne-yo, Sexy Love

That's What's Up - Chris Brown, Poppin'

Who You Wit? - Ne-yo, Say It

Flipping The Script - Beyonce, Irreplaceable

Ne-yo's on there twice because his music has this underlying tension that's always present in the series whenever relationships are involved.

RiC: Do you have any recommendations of websites/blogs where readers can find lists/reviews of books on people of color?

PC: The Brown Bookshelf, is a site I co-founded with fellow children's authors. We highlight everything from Picture books to YA novels. It's a great place to discover new authors and learn about those who have blazed trails in literature for readers of color. Our Teen Voices is also a good site. They're strictly teen books. And Color Online has become quite a resource for me, over the last six months. Each website feeds a different need. So readers can get a well-rounded perspective about what's out there for them.

RiC: Describe your series in 5 words. Describe yourself in 5 words.

PC: For the series: fun, emotional, genuine, escapism fiction

Myself...hmm...straight-forward but loopy creative type.

Notice that some of my words for both seem contradictory, but it's because by nature I'm driven by my moods. So at any moment any of those words may capture me perfectly.

RiC: In the first two books (So Not the Drama and Don't Get it Twisted) the covers have drawings on them (cartoon people almost), and the faces are blank, but in the last 3 books the covers have actual models on them. Did you have any say in this? Why did you (or your publishing company) decide to switch?

PC: When I sold the series, I desperately wanted the book to strike a chord with any young reader who wanted to escape into a world that was somewhat like their own but also just "perfect" enough that they wished they could live in it. My cast was multi-cultural, so I didn't want the cover to depict a model of a single race, because I felt it would exclude too many. So when my editor asked for cover input I told her I wanted something vibrant and fun with funky lettering that would catch a teen reader's eye. The So Not The Drama cover was borne of that input.

But then after book two, my editor came back and said that the book covers weren't appealing to what the publisher felt was the primary readership, African American teens. They wanted photo covers because 1) it would let readers know the cast was multi-cultural and 2) most of the other popular series books had photo covers as well.

I was pretty bummed. My great experiment to show that readers really don't care much about race as long as the story is good, failed. Don't get me wrong. I don't dislike the photo covers, but I really liked the graphic covers best...which is really no surprise because I tend to like covers without faces. I'm the type of reader that likes to imagine how the character looks on my own.

Thanks for the interview Paula!

*RiC Note: I totally agree with Paula that Keke Palmer would be the best Mina. Before this interview I had already casted Keke as Mina on storycasting.com (that site could become addicting!) Also, I think the song Obsessed by Mariah Carey goes well with Don’t Get it Twisted. Especially the line in the song where Mariah sings “finally found a girl that you couldn’t impress.” Very Brian and Mina, I think.