February Meme "Black Love"

Blessings In Disguise

Synopsis

                                                                                                                                    

Joining Rachel Jackson's church youth group has been a lifesaver for Camille, Alexis, Jasmine, and Angel. The fabulous four share everything from juicy gossip to mentoring school kids. But their loyalty is put to the test when two of the girls get caught up in problems of their own -- and may drag their girlfriends down with them.

Will they forget who their friends are?

Wealthy Alexis seems to have the perfect life -- but no one can see her fear as her parents head for divorce. Meanwhile, Jasmine is tired of being the glue that holds her mother and siblings together, and she escapes by moving in with her father. Both girls are tempted to do something drastic to get the attention they crave, and both need to hear Rachel's hard-won advice on why stealing will only get them more trouble. But when it comes to winning back Camille and Angel's trust, Alexis and Jasmine will have to find the answers in their own hearts.

Good Girlz series

Blessings in Disguise by Reshonda Tate Billingsley

Released:1/29/2007

Publisher: Pocket Books

Pages: 192

Format: Paperback 

Review

                                                        

Plot: The pace of this story is smooth and even, I read this book in about 3 hours. Ms Billingsley took a slice of urban America and serves it up to you. Issues of divorce,teenage pregnancy, petty crime, are a few of the issues she deals with in this book alone. This series of books is to serve as an inspiration to young girls from all backgrounds dealing with similar situations.

Characters: Camille,Alexis,Jasmine,and Angel aka Angela. These girls are relate-able and realistic. Hailing from different walks of life from a low income home, middle class, to upper class. It just goes to show social issues doesn't recognize class. 

Setting: Though her description doesn't jump off the page it captures the contrast in the girls life. Jasmine at the deli with food stamps, her embarrassment, Alexis's big house-in the nice neighbourhood. To the night and day of Jasmine's father home life compared to hers .    

Writing: Her writing is raw and truthful. The style is very urban as well as the dialogue.  Sprinkled with a little slang mainly when Jasmine speaks.That's what makes this story so relate-able, because the writer doesn't talk down to the reader. Nor does she over use the slang in this book. Just enough to give the story a touch of authenticity.

Summary: If you like the Crank series by Ellen Hopkins then give this series a chance. It's not as graphic, but the issues she writes about are just as serious. Also what many girls deal with on an everyday basis.

Recommendations: I would recommend this book if you are looking a slice of real life. No super human teens, werewolves etc just average teenage girls and of course good old fashion real life drama.