Saved Race

Payton Skky #3

by Stephanie Perry Moore

Loving everyone is tough. On the verge of graduation, Payton Skky encounters ethnic diversity several ways she never imagined. First, her ex-boyfriend Dakari is unjustly roughed up by a white police officer. Then her white teacher admits her fear of teaching in a mostly African-American school. Many of Payton's friends are also suspicious of her bi-racial cousin. Payton struggles to figure out where these prejudices come from and find effective ways to overcome them while loving everybody as God commands.

Genres: Christian, Christian Fiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

STEPHANIE PERRY MOORE is the author of many Young Adult Christian fiction titles, including the Payton Skky series, the Laurel Shadrach series, the Perry Skky Jr. series, the Faith Thomas Novelzine series, the Carmen Browne series, and the Beta Gamma Pi series. She is also the co-editor for the impactful BibleZine, REAL. Mrs. Moore speaks with young people across the country, showing them how they can live life fully and do it God's way. Stephanie currently lives in the greater Atlanta area with her husband, Derrick, a former NFL player and author, and their three children. Visit her website at www.stephanieperrymoore.com.

Reviews

[Brandi · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

While dated (the characters have pagers and still use landline phones), this was not a horrible read, just not for me. I would recommend this book to Christian teens dealing with the issues of racism, rape culture, and embarking on life after high school while also trying to maintain their faith (since I was unable to find many other Christian books for teens with POC as the focus). Although this book is published by a Christian publisher and the protagonist’s spiritual beliefs are a major part of the story, she also grapples with the decision whether or not to have premarital sex, more than one character experiences some form of sexual assault, and there is mention of drinking so readers looking for “clean” Christian fare won’t find what they are looking for here. The one major issue I had was Payton’s friend blaming her for her sexual assault because Payton hadn’t disclosed that she had experienced an attempted assault a week or two before. I’m not sure how that is in any way her fault and IMO that is not a great message to send to teen readers. I purchased this for my HS library due to a lack of Christian reads with diverse characters.

[Mikala · Rating 1 out of 5]

"Here we go again" I say as I traverse the alleyways of the Payton Skyy series.

Book three has all the trappings of an evangelical funded afterschool special and the neoliberal sentiment of the waning civil rights movement.

Ms. Moore attempts to address "the race issue" through the titular character Payton and the strained relationship she has with her cousin Pillar. The book commences where we left off. Payton and the gang graduate. However during the festivities, our girl is forced to entertain her biracial cousin from Colorado.

Now as sweet as the author's dedication may be, the book carries many flaws in trying to portray racial dynamics. And like its predecessor it seems to grow bored of its own central theme, rushing through a poorly established plot for the sake of introducing the next installment.

Payton's conflict with Pillar for one appears rooted in self hatred whether it be intentional or not. In the previous book when Pillar is introduced, Payton regards her with a sort of contemptible envy. "Oh look how fair she is!" "Oh look how long and fine her hair is" followed by "Oh how beautiful she is" are all remarks Payton have held in her scornful internal monologues.

Yet, like the first book these colorgrading thoughts go unaddressed without any self-reflection. That is not to say the conflict is one sided. One of the first things we see Pillar do in this book is flirt with both of Payton's ex-boyfriends. And while that is not illegal it does defy girl code. Wouldn't Pillar know? While I do blame Payton partially for her indecision in choosing between both dudes, its an icky decision to flirt with a relative's past rendevous.

[TRIGGER WARNING] There is also the incident of two attempted rapes. I say this because afterwards there is a convuluded conflict between Payton and Lyndzi that ensues. Dakari (remember him?) attempts to rape Payton during a night out. Our girl seeks to rediscover their relationship during her break with Tad. Dakari takes her to a hotel. Things gets steamy, but eventually she refuses, honoring her commitment to chastity. However, Dakari tries to forces himself on her. She gets away but of course is shaken. Later, Lyndzi decides to go on a date set up by Pillar. Yet here is the kicker, Pillar does not inform her date, a white guy, that Lyndzi is black. As a result Lyndzi is assaulted (not raped, but beaten). She then scorns Payton because she could have informed her about her incident with Dakari a week before.

It does not make any sense as Payton disclosing this information would not provide a glimpse into the future. Nor does it equate with the advice of "do not catfish" or " do not wander off with strange men". In a discussion with Rain and Dymond, Payton insists telling the story would have been a lesson in remaining chaste. There is a sort blame the author places on girls who date "just because", bestowing upon me yet another misgiving. However, my main point is that Pillar is never confronted about this despite the danger it put Lyndzi in.

Payton later in the story visits Pillar's family in Colorodo and theres a host of uncomfortable situations that Pillar sweeps off the rug. Payton is stared at and followed around in stores, but Pillar blames her for the irritation. She is a character who at worst is antiblack (she's stated to dislike black men but can make the exception for Dakhari and Tad) and at best is mind numbingly passive. Shes also pushy and socially unaware. We see not much about how her environment has shaped her. A character essential to this story who has gone ignored is Payton's uncle, a black man estranged from his family due to his marriage. What's his opinion on anything?

Again the book flies through so much that its tough to acknowledge all but heres some honorable mentions:

*Dymond reveals that Fatz has a baby mama in her mid-twenties resulting in their split. Shes rightfully angry, but I am rightfully concerned that this man is a victim! Hes 17/18 like the rest the gang. To have a child with a woman halfway to thirty means that someone should call the cops and that someone is me🚨

*Tad's grandma passes away. He reveals that she is biracial, the result of a plantation rape. This has no bearing on the plot. I'm pretty sure at this point the author forgot race was supposed to be a theme and wrote it in.

*Dakhari is the victim of police brutality and also a hate crime when he goes on a date with Pillar. Yet this does absolutely nothing for the larger story. No lawsuit. No protests. No depression outside of being sad for a couple chapters. I guess his only response is to become handsy with his female counterparts (Seriously Payton leave him alone)!

*Payton meets a white guy on a cruise whose only reason for being is to say "white people can be cool too!"

This book was the most heavy handed of the bunch. And that says ALOT for a YA Christian series intent on converting the youth. I honestly think I was most annoyed by, yet agin, Payton and Tad's insistence on "discipling" people. Dakhari has shown himself to be a danger now and all they can think of is showing him to Christ. How about Payton show herself to a restraining order? Also the Lyndzi conflict was just stupid. The story could have definitely benefitted from some editing. Let me refrain before this review could as well.

[Neicey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its a very inspiring book. Helps you to look at life from another angle.

[Judy E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Payton Skky is graduating from high school and is looking forward to college at the University of Georgia. This series is showcasing African Americans that are Christian, and is published by Moody Press.

[Delray Beach Public Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Payton Skky is a student at Laney High school, who is about to graduate High school and goes into the University of Georgia. That was a goal Payton always wanted to accomplish, and it was finally here. Payton has excellent grades, and an excellent GPA. She was happy, but she was also distracted by race issues. She and her cousin Pillar were not getting along very well. She was angry when she learned her cousin Pillar was going to spend some times with her during the summer. Pillar’s race was mixed, black and white. Payton is jealous of her cousin because she was very pretty and she got a lot of attention.

Payton had a feeling her own cousin likes Tad and Dakari, and she thought those two guys might like her back. Even though Payton is trying to deal with the race issues, she just can't get it out of her mind. It just seems so difficult for her. At lot of incidents had happen in her life because of race problems. She needs to figure how she can live with this situation, because sooner she will be leaving home and go to a predominantly white school: The University of Georgia.

She is stuck between two guys; her new boyfriend Tad Taylor and her ex-boyfriend Dakari Graham. Both of them want to spend the rest of her life with her. She just doesn’t know which one the Lord wants her to be with. Will Payton figure a way how to deal with those race issues? Will the Lord help her find the right guy?

Also by Stephanie Perry Moore:

Staying Pure
Sober Faith
The Sweetest Gift
Surrendered Heart

Reviewed by Lunise P., TAB@DBPL Reader Advisor since 2012.

[Alexis G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Theme:

-racism
-meaning of true love

Characters:
Payton→ Payton is having a really difficult time with racism throughout this novel. I think her character grew the most in this book compared to the first two. She still annoys me with the whole having-feelings-for-Dakari-situation though.

Pillar→ Pillar is attractive looking and catches the eyes of many boys when she is staying with her cousin Payton in North Carolina. She’s kind and she doesn’t see skin color like Payton and other people around her do. I think her character is mature for her age, but she does like flirting every now and then.

Style/Setting:
I really couldn't put this book down; it was always on my mind. The first two books were good but they didn’t really grasp me where I felt I was craving to read it. No, no, this book had my interest like for real for real; and I loved it.

The imagery isn’t really there; that’s not really what is important and that’s okay to me this time. I was fine with that throughout the book. Saved Race is one of those books where you don’t need a description of the scenery; you can just picture it yourself pretty clearly.

I loved the ending too! Out of books 1 through 3, book 3 is the best. I was so drawn into the story. It was great.

There are plenty of life lessons throughout this series but the cover’s quote pretty much sums up the agenda this book is trying to help us understand. This is a great teen Christian series. I really enjoyed it and I’m gong to have to buy this series so I can reread it some time. (I checked out these books at the library, haha).

Oh yeah, I love how at the beginning, before the title page, that The Negro National Anthem lyrics are displayed by the publishers.

Lesson Learned? Even though we are all different by race, sex, and have different beliefs, etc., we are all capable of being loved and getting along.

**Recommended

Rating:
Book Cover: .1
Character Development/Plot: 2.9 out of 3
Interest: 1 out of 1
Imagery: .5 out of 1
Total: 4.5 stars

For more of my reviews, go to: https://checkmybooks.wordpress.com/

[bunnybri7 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was pretty good and I relate to a lot. I am an African American female as well and also a Christian. I also like how realistic the book is and how much I can relate. Especially with her getting used to being a predominantly white population as I am used to as well. However, this book received three out of five stars because her constant praying got annoying. At every turn and at every page it seemed as if she was praying. I felt as though it interrupted the flow of the story. But overall a great book. Stephanie Perry Moore was my favorite author when I was younger due to her Carmen Browne series.

[Quamisha Watkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good book,it had many things that stuck out to me.Like things that happen in everyday life.Payton is waiting for her high school graduation,but she runs into altercations.Even though she realizes that she's black and accepts it,it still makes it hard because of what the outsiders think.Payton encounters racial discrimination throughtout her senior year when a cop stops them and judges them because there black until he finds out who her boyfriends brother is.When you read this you probaly have experinced it or heard of situations like this.

[Tamikia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book but I can't help but think the racism is a bit on the over the top side. I'm not naive and yes I do know racism exist having experienced some myself but it's nowhere near as in your face as the author would have you believe in this book.

[Camaya Moorefield · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was a pretty good book, but she prayed a little to much on every single page and it got a bit annoying. But overall the book was good and it teaches us about how racism shouldn't matter what you think about people because of the color of there skin.

[Tanieka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good teenage novel. Highly recommend it for mentoring.

[Roxanne]

hmm i'm not sure what i want to learn, but i hope its interesting

[Ginae Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

AWESOME READ!!!!!!!!

[Kesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

its an great book i love it very much