It's a Curl Thing

this book is a whole other side to the divine matthew-hardison saga. this time divines friend tells the story great 4 11 year olds through16 year olds

Rhyann Hamilton, Diva Divine's bff, isn't like her girlfriends. While they may attend the same school and are friends, Rhyann's family isn't rich, nor do they live in a mansion. Things Rhyann wants she has to work hard for, which she does because she dreams of college and one day becoming a lawyer. While Rhyann may not be a rich or apart of Hollywood's elite like Divine and Mimi are, she is not afraid to show off her smarts, witty remarks or her reasonably priced clothing. However, when it comes to her best male friend, Traven, she can't admit that she's feeling him in a whole new way. With prom just around the corner, Rhyann is jazzed and can't wait to showcase the dress her aunt made for her. Now all she needs is for Tameka, her sister, to get her do done right and she's all set. A messed up do is a big fat NOT for prom night. Mimi, suggests CROWNING GLORY for an emergency make over. Rhyann looks fierce, though she had to cut it down some, but once it's time to pay for the new look she's more than a little short. Luckily the owner, Marilee, is kind and willing to allow Rhyann to work off the remaining balance. What Rhyann receives in return is a genuine friendship and a chance to learn more about history, racism and unity. IT'S A CURL THING by Jacquelin Thomas is a great read. As usual, Jacquelin uses real life experiences, God and tosses in a few fashionista moments and the story comes together perfectly. I was worried that we'd seen the last of Divine, but she is still very much affiliated with the story. I'm really looking forward to getting to know more about Rhyann and her family. Simply Divine Divine Confidential (The Divine Series #2) Divine Secrets (The Divine Series #3) Divine Match-Up

It's a Curl Thing by Jacquelin Thomas starts off as a typical teen book. Rhyann Hamilton is upset because her sister, Tameka, does her hair and messes it up. She has to go to an expensive salon to get it redone and ends up having to work in the salon to pay for the expensive hairdo. However, at this point the story becomes more than a typical teen story. While working at the salon, Rhyann meets a Jewish woman, Mrs. Goldberg, who at first she does not like. But after getting to know her and hearing her stories about the Holocaust, Rhyann learns something about someone else's history and more about African-American history than she knew. By the end of the story, Mrs. Goldberg turns out to be a huge blessing in Rhyann's life. Another component of the story that I enjoyed was the friendships between Rhyann and her girlfriends, Divine and Mimi. It was wonderful how the girls could be so different, yet so accepting of the others. There was a very spiritual component to this story, but, Ms. Thomas did not bash the reader over the head with it. She allowed her characters to be flawed, though spiritual. I recommend It's a Curl Thing to all teens who are interested in spiritual fiction, written in realistic terms. Also, teachers and parents would also enjoy reading a book with such a positive message in this day and age of negative ones. Angelia Menchan APOOO BookClub