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Haters
When Pasquala Rumalda Quintana de Archuleta (Paski)'s cartoonist father returns to Taos from a business trip wearing designer sunglasses and a velour Juicy men's track suit, she knows her life is taking a turn for the worse. Paski and her father move to Southern California, where his comic strip has been optioned for a movie.
At her new high school, money is everything and the haters rule - especially beautiful and cruel Jessica Nguyen. While Paski tries to concentrate on mountain biking and not thinking too much about ultra-hot Chris Cabrera, she is troubled by disturbing visions. Her psychic grandmother warned her that ignoring her gift of premonitory visions would lead to trouble. Can Paski ever find a home in the land of the glamorous haters?
At her new high school, money is everything and the haters rule - especially beautiful and cruel Jessica Nguyen. While Paski tries to concentrate on mountain biking and not thinking too much about ultra-hot Chris Cabrera, she is troubled by disturbing visions. Her psychic grandmother warned her that ignoring her gift of premonitory visions would lead to trouble. Can Paski ever find a home in the land of the glamorous haters?
368 pages, Paperback
First published October 4, 2006
25 people are currently reading
867 people want to read
About the author
Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez
29 books552 followersHello! I'm Alisa. I'm a writer and musician from New Mexico. I got my start writing in newspapers for nearly a decade, and then made the move to novels. I write in a variety of genres, though all of my work tends to have something to do with the things that interest me. Whether I'm writing young adult novels or historical fiction for adults, my stories are alike in that they seek to un-erase erased people, cultures and events, and there's usually something supernatural involved, as well as a general awe and reverence for the natural world. Fairness is important to me. Kindness is important to me. Holding monsters accountable is important to me. I try to write about all of that but also to keep things funny. Lots of labels have been placed on me over the years by a staggering variety of sleepwalking souls, but I don't tend to consider myself within such confines. I had a Near Death Experience in 2015 that changed everything for me. Now I know I'm a spirit living temporarily in a body, like everyone else. So I'm sort of existing, listening to the stories that exist all around us, allowing them to come through me to you. That's all. Sometimes my books sell. Mostly, they don't. Writing's a crap way to make a living, especially in this new era of fascism and billionaires. Ah, well. Keep loving those closest to you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
May 5, 2008
Reviewed by Jocelyn Pearce for TeensReadToo.com
HATERS is the first young adult book by Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez, but anyone who reads this book (myself included) is sure to hope it's not her last! In the novel, readers are introduced to Paski (her full name is Pasquala Rumalda Quintana de Archuleta, but that's way too much of a mouthful). She's a New Mexico teenager who, because of her father's new job, moves to Orange County, California. Yeah, the O.C. And it seems a lot like the television show. Paski misses the mountains around her old home of Taos (she's a mountain biker), her psychic grandmother (whose talents she has inherited), her best friends, and tons more, but maybe the O.C. isn't so bad. After all, there's super-hot Chris Cabrera! It's not like Paski is a social leper, either. She quickly makes friends with Tina, a girl who has a slight obsession with anthropology.
Things aren't all fun and games, though. At her new school, Aliso Niguel High, certain things are very important. Looks and money, for the most part. And gorgeous, rich (and evil) Jessica Nguyen has both. She and her friends (some of the Haters the book is named for), confident as they may seem in their place at the top, are a little threatened by Paski, who is just as pretty as they are. At first, they're able to dismiss her as just an "apartment girl," but then they find out her dad is going to be really well paid for the movie (about a superhero named Squeegee Man) that he's animating. Apparently, Paski has what it takes to get to the top. But with the Haters there, is that where she wants to be?
HATERS was an entertaining, fun read that kept be hooked up until the very last word! Maybe it's not a hugely original idea--there are tons of young adult books about rich, popular teenagers in California. Or Florida. But this is more than that. Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez tells the story in Paski's fresh, original voice that will have readers craving more. I hope there's more about Paski in the future, or at least more young adult fiction from Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez in general, and anyone who reads this book will most definitely feel the same!
HATERS is the first young adult book by Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez, but anyone who reads this book (myself included) is sure to hope it's not her last! In the novel, readers are introduced to Paski (her full name is Pasquala Rumalda Quintana de Archuleta, but that's way too much of a mouthful). She's a New Mexico teenager who, because of her father's new job, moves to Orange County, California. Yeah, the O.C. And it seems a lot like the television show. Paski misses the mountains around her old home of Taos (she's a mountain biker), her psychic grandmother (whose talents she has inherited), her best friends, and tons more, but maybe the O.C. isn't so bad. After all, there's super-hot Chris Cabrera! It's not like Paski is a social leper, either. She quickly makes friends with Tina, a girl who has a slight obsession with anthropology.
Things aren't all fun and games, though. At her new school, Aliso Niguel High, certain things are very important. Looks and money, for the most part. And gorgeous, rich (and evil) Jessica Nguyen has both. She and her friends (some of the Haters the book is named for), confident as they may seem in their place at the top, are a little threatened by Paski, who is just as pretty as they are. At first, they're able to dismiss her as just an "apartment girl," but then they find out her dad is going to be really well paid for the movie (about a superhero named Squeegee Man) that he's animating. Apparently, Paski has what it takes to get to the top. But with the Haters there, is that where she wants to be?
HATERS was an entertaining, fun read that kept be hooked up until the very last word! Maybe it's not a hugely original idea--there are tons of young adult books about rich, popular teenagers in California. Or Florida. But this is more than that. Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez tells the story in Paski's fresh, original voice that will have readers craving more. I hope there's more about Paski in the future, or at least more young adult fiction from Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez in general, and anyone who reads this book will most definitely feel the same!
April 9, 2019
I enjoyed this far more than I expected to and so I have to get more of her books. I think most anyone who likes YA would enjoy it.
April 15, 2008
The author's first foray into young adult fiction is a mostly strong one. Pasquala aka Paski is moved from her life in Taos by her soon-to-be-famous cartoonist father to Orange County. In addition to not being able to fit in with the uber-rich crowd, Paski is psychic, and can forsee a terrible thing happening to the most villainous popular girl in school.
Putting aside the psychic thing, this book is mostly realistic about being the new kid and trying to fit in. However, the actions of the antagonist go way beyond believable into psychotic, and that's really what makes this story the hardest to get into. Of course, everything wraps up in the end, so its a satisfying conclusion.
Putting aside the psychic thing, this book is mostly realistic about being the new kid and trying to fit in. However, the actions of the antagonist go way beyond believable into psychotic, and that's really what makes this story the hardest to get into. Of course, everything wraps up in the end, so its a satisfying conclusion.
December 18, 2007
Pasuala Rumalda Quintana de Archuleta, otherwise known as Paski, moves with her dad to LA when her father wins a deal witha major production company. Paski finds it difficult to adjust to her new lifestyle.
It was very difficult to finish this book because it's filled with so many inconsistencies. I really wish the author had done more research into the Japanese language. There is a scene in the book where a Japanese woman in an American is raped by a man who is "politely" asking (he uses the word "please" when he yells at) her to lie down (so he can commit the deed).
Other inconsistencies with the Japanese language were nearly as grating. It's almost as if she pulled the words and sentences from a tourist guide book.
For all that the author decried Paski's father's attempt to be "hip," the main character herself lacked authenticity as a teenager. At times, Paski's language tries too hard to be young and fresh, and instead Paski comes across as someone who lacks intelligence and is too self-absorbed.
There's also the incident where Paski is sent to the hospital after being given the date-rape drug in a drink and then pushed into a pool. Paski cracks her head on the cement edge of the pool, and ends up with stitches on her head. Despite the seriousness of her injury, no one who is associated with causing her injury is charged or even investigated for a crime. In the real world, even with the benefit of immense wealth, severe injuries would attract some official attention, especially from the police.
The implausibility of elements of the plot and the poor research into the Japanese language makes this one of the worst books I've ever read.
It was very difficult to finish this book because it's filled with so many inconsistencies. I really wish the author had done more research into the Japanese language. There is a scene in the book where a Japanese woman in an American is raped by a man who is "politely" asking (he uses the word "please" when he yells at) her to lie down (so he can commit the deed).
Other inconsistencies with the Japanese language were nearly as grating. It's almost as if she pulled the words and sentences from a tourist guide book.
For all that the author decried Paski's father's attempt to be "hip," the main character herself lacked authenticity as a teenager. At times, Paski's language tries too hard to be young and fresh, and instead Paski comes across as someone who lacks intelligence and is too self-absorbed.
There's also the incident where Paski is sent to the hospital after being given the date-rape drug in a drink and then pushed into a pool. Paski cracks her head on the cement edge of the pool, and ends up with stitches on her head. Despite the seriousness of her injury, no one who is associated with causing her injury is charged or even investigated for a crime. In the real world, even with the benefit of immense wealth, severe injuries would attract some official attention, especially from the police.
The implausibility of elements of the plot and the poor research into the Japanese language makes this one of the worst books I've ever read.
January 14, 2009
I'm so pleased that Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez has ventured into the YA genre, because it seems to suit her well (although I really enjoyed her two adult books, too). (For clarification, I don't mean "Adult" with a capital A, as in XXXX "Adult". I just mean "adult", as in "written for an adult audience". You probably already know that, though.) (Man, I am off my game today. Excuse me, por favor.) I'm no expert, but I feel that the pre-teen population can always benefit from a book with a strong, bad-ass, intelligent female protagonist who triumphs over the school bitch and does the right thing in the end.
PS, I'd give this 3 and 1/2 stars if that were possible.
PS, I'd give this 3 and 1/2 stars if that were possible.
October 21, 2013
What would you do if your dad came home from work one day in designer sunglasses and a Juicy men's track suit, and told you that you were moving all the way up to Southern California? At first, you would ask, what is my father wearing? But the more important question is why? It may not seem like a big deal to you, but for Pasquala Rumalda Quintana de Archuleta(Paski it is. Not only is she leaving behind the home she has loved and known, but the friends she will leave with it.
"Haters" by Alisa Valdes Rodriguez is an intriguing, coming of age story about a girl who finds herself in a town where finding yourself is the least of your worries.
When Paski arrives at Pedre Loma High in Southern California, her life goes from bad... to worse. Because here in Orange County, "Money is everything, and the haters rule." Paski never knew that there could be a town this cruel, yet perfect. The people, the stores, the trees, even the grass is somehow more glamorous than Paski. But right when things start to plummet from worse to extra worse, Paski meets Chris. Chris Cabrera is the most popular guy at Parde Loma High, so why is he talking to Paski? It turns out Chris is into mountain bikers, just like Paski, but Jessica Nguyen, a.k.a. "Queen Hater" is a mountain biker. A world redound mountain biker, and not only that she has Chris. Jessica rules the school, and nobody has ever gotten in her way. Until now.
Paski is the new girl. The fresh meat, as Jessica calls her. Since Paski still has no friends, and no one to stand up for her, Jessica decides to make her move. She does everything in her power to destroy Paski's life, from tripping her in class, to throwing her in a pool, and cracking her head open. Things just keep getting worse, until Paski meets Tina, a gothic dressed, blue haired girl with a big heart. With someone by her side, and good family support, Paski is starting to rule to school, without anyone realizing it. Except for Jessica. But now wasn't the time to fight with Jessica, now was the time to confront her. Paski had been getting visions, and not good ones. She had always denied the gift she was given, but she starts to realize that denying won't save anyone. Ever since she moved here she had been getting visions of a girl falling off of her motocross bike, and being rushed away in an ambulance. When the visions start to become more clear, the person crushed under the bike is Jessica. So how exactly do you tell the biggest hater in your school that at the big motocross race this weekend, she is going to fall off of her bike, and be rushed away in an ambulance?
Paski tried her hardest, she really did. But trying to tell someone that can't stand you that they are going to be rushed away in an ambulance this weekend after a serious motocross race, is impossible. So Paski gave up, besides maybe the vision wasn't true. Not only that, but Chris Cabrera was single. Now it was Paski's turn, and she got what she wanted, but would her father approve? After going to a party with the wrong kind of people, Paski's father found it hard to trust anyone, especially Chris. Chris was a gentlemen, and told Mr. Archuleta that he loved Paski very much, and he would always take care of her. Things were really looking up for Paski, with a new boyfriend, a true best friend, and brand new wardrobe, Paski practically ruled the school. Until the day finally came...
The day of the motocross race was finally here, and Jessica was the star. Or so everybody thought, just as visioned Jessica rounded the first turn, and flew off. With her body mangled up, and stiff she lied there, dead to the world.
Paski warned her. What more could she have done? Yet she blamed herself. Tina told her it wasn't her fault, Chris told her it wasn't her fault, even Haley Williams, one of the haters, told her it wasn't her fault. It was nobody's fault except Jessica's, and even she knew it. When Paski came to visit Jessica after she was released from the hospital, she thought Jessica had changed. Paski thought wrong...
Diabolical schemes, lies, and crime are what lie ahead. Paski finds out what the haters are all about, and who they really are. Now it's your turn to find out what the Haters have in store next.
This book gave me a different outlook on life. Haters are people who feel intriguing anger or jealously towards another's joy or happiness. Haters only live to make our lives miserable, and we can't let them win. This book taught me to love and respect who I really am, and to let other people know that what other people think, doesn't matter. Paski is an inspiring character that frustrated me at times, and made me cry and laugh at others. A book like this is perfect for teenagers who are trying to find themselves, in a difficult world. Alisa Valdes Rodriguez finds her inner teenager, and writes about the mysteries of teenage romance, problems, and family. This book is hilarious, and thrilling, as the story of a teenage girl unfolds in the most peculiar of ways.
By:
Cameron Zimmermann
"Haters" by Alisa Valdes Rodriguez is an intriguing, coming of age story about a girl who finds herself in a town where finding yourself is the least of your worries.
When Paski arrives at Pedre Loma High in Southern California, her life goes from bad... to worse. Because here in Orange County, "Money is everything, and the haters rule." Paski never knew that there could be a town this cruel, yet perfect. The people, the stores, the trees, even the grass is somehow more glamorous than Paski. But right when things start to plummet from worse to extra worse, Paski meets Chris. Chris Cabrera is the most popular guy at Parde Loma High, so why is he talking to Paski? It turns out Chris is into mountain bikers, just like Paski, but Jessica Nguyen, a.k.a. "Queen Hater" is a mountain biker. A world redound mountain biker, and not only that she has Chris. Jessica rules the school, and nobody has ever gotten in her way. Until now.
Paski is the new girl. The fresh meat, as Jessica calls her. Since Paski still has no friends, and no one to stand up for her, Jessica decides to make her move. She does everything in her power to destroy Paski's life, from tripping her in class, to throwing her in a pool, and cracking her head open. Things just keep getting worse, until Paski meets Tina, a gothic dressed, blue haired girl with a big heart. With someone by her side, and good family support, Paski is starting to rule to school, without anyone realizing it. Except for Jessica. But now wasn't the time to fight with Jessica, now was the time to confront her. Paski had been getting visions, and not good ones. She had always denied the gift she was given, but she starts to realize that denying won't save anyone. Ever since she moved here she had been getting visions of a girl falling off of her motocross bike, and being rushed away in an ambulance. When the visions start to become more clear, the person crushed under the bike is Jessica. So how exactly do you tell the biggest hater in your school that at the big motocross race this weekend, she is going to fall off of her bike, and be rushed away in an ambulance?
Paski tried her hardest, she really did. But trying to tell someone that can't stand you that they are going to be rushed away in an ambulance this weekend after a serious motocross race, is impossible. So Paski gave up, besides maybe the vision wasn't true. Not only that, but Chris Cabrera was single. Now it was Paski's turn, and she got what she wanted, but would her father approve? After going to a party with the wrong kind of people, Paski's father found it hard to trust anyone, especially Chris. Chris was a gentlemen, and told Mr. Archuleta that he loved Paski very much, and he would always take care of her. Things were really looking up for Paski, with a new boyfriend, a true best friend, and brand new wardrobe, Paski practically ruled the school. Until the day finally came...
The day of the motocross race was finally here, and Jessica was the star. Or so everybody thought, just as visioned Jessica rounded the first turn, and flew off. With her body mangled up, and stiff she lied there, dead to the world.
Paski warned her. What more could she have done? Yet she blamed herself. Tina told her it wasn't her fault, Chris told her it wasn't her fault, even Haley Williams, one of the haters, told her it wasn't her fault. It was nobody's fault except Jessica's, and even she knew it. When Paski came to visit Jessica after she was released from the hospital, she thought Jessica had changed. Paski thought wrong...
Diabolical schemes, lies, and crime are what lie ahead. Paski finds out what the haters are all about, and who they really are. Now it's your turn to find out what the Haters have in store next.
This book gave me a different outlook on life. Haters are people who feel intriguing anger or jealously towards another's joy or happiness. Haters only live to make our lives miserable, and we can't let them win. This book taught me to love and respect who I really am, and to let other people know that what other people think, doesn't matter. Paski is an inspiring character that frustrated me at times, and made me cry and laugh at others. A book like this is perfect for teenagers who are trying to find themselves, in a difficult world. Alisa Valdes Rodriguez finds her inner teenager, and writes about the mysteries of teenage romance, problems, and family. This book is hilarious, and thrilling, as the story of a teenage girl unfolds in the most peculiar of ways.
By:
Cameron Zimmermann
June 4, 2013
This is a YA novel from a successful but hitherto unknown to me writer. I picked it up at the transfer station in town. Not bad so far despite the heroine being pretty self-absorbed and obnoxious. WAY too much attitude. It occurred to me this morning that this is a re-hash of "Rebel Without a Cause". It also reads like a movie or TV treatment. Way, way too much name and product dropping for my taste. Still, the author is capable enough in conveying teen-age intensity and anxiety although it's all kind of obvious. I find myself hating the cool kids intensely for their embodiment of uber-American competitiveness and materialism. Spiritually sick, sick, sick...
Some notes...
- Taos is not surrounded by mountains. About half surrounded is more accurate.
- Calling your Dad a "total loser" is not going to get my sympathy. I like him so far.
- Do teenagers in SoCal really drive Hummers, Beemers and Lexuses to school???
- "She was a college freshman at the College of Santa Fe."... Huh?
- Motherless daughter is kind of a cliche' isn't it?
- The English class self-intros are annoyingly overheated. Do teachers actually act like that nowadays?
- Paski has second sight? Really? Is this a Steve King novel???
Moving along last night and growing impatient. This book continues to be uneven with some terrible choices by the author. Paski rides to the top of an O.C. hill and has a vision... REALLY??? Buffalo and Coyotes??? Maybe Ms. V-R thinks it necessary to include mystical claptrap to get the teen-female's attention but it's a literary crime to put this in an otherwise "realistic" story. Notes:
- The party scene was pretty good but expected... OF COURSE it was going to be some kind of disaster as the approval-seeking Paski needs to learn her lessons the hard way. Then there's a paragraph or two straight from Polonius. Preachy, obvious crud...
Do we need to hear "normal" teen-age girls semi-bragging about sex as if it's normal/acceptable?
- What's with the cosmetics obsession. Is this a Latino female thing? Obnoxious... Beautiful(i.e. all) young women should NOT wear makeup. Period.
- The words "sexy", "hot", "cool", "amazing", "baked" and more are repeated endlessly. Some of the kids(Tina and Chris) have vocabularies but Paski does not. And she's a writer????
- Endless product and song/artist placements.
- The relentless Dad-dissing continues to be an irritant.
- What are "bad spirits"?
And done after skimming the last 50 pages or so. All in all it's the worst YA book I've read and I have read enough for that to mean something. S.E. Hinton's stuff is much better. As other G'reads reviewers have noted Paski is pretty much a generic cipher of a teen-human. She's all about the shallow path(so far) in her life. Ultimately a very uninteresting person. Her environmental "awareness" is a joke. She wears ear buds while riding her bike in a wilderness park and can't wait to get aboard a noisy, polluting motorbike. More negatives:
- Paski is a liar - not much is made of this.
- Boy-craziness is off-putting in girls/women of all ages. How about growing up?
- The sex presentation is inappropriate for a YA book. In my opinion...
- The main kid characters are all boring(except Trina, and she brags about her sex too) or unbelievably crazy - Jessica.
- Paski apparently doesn't see the ocean until near the end of the book... REALLY?!?!
- The prose organization of Paski's blueberry pancake breakfast is butchered.
- On and on and on about clothes, makeup, hot guys, amazing this and that. Blechh...
- More spirit BS with the amulet. And what happened to those buffalo and coyotes????
At the end Paski's off to her new and apparently ideal American life-style of competion, achievement sex, motocross and consuming. BARF! Barely 2* for this apparently cobbled-up money-grab by the author.
Some notes...
- Taos is not surrounded by mountains. About half surrounded is more accurate.
- Calling your Dad a "total loser" is not going to get my sympathy. I like him so far.
- Do teenagers in SoCal really drive Hummers, Beemers and Lexuses to school???
- "She was a college freshman at the College of Santa Fe."... Huh?
- Motherless daughter is kind of a cliche' isn't it?
- The English class self-intros are annoyingly overheated. Do teachers actually act like that nowadays?
- Paski has second sight? Really? Is this a Steve King novel???
Moving along last night and growing impatient. This book continues to be uneven with some terrible choices by the author. Paski rides to the top of an O.C. hill and has a vision... REALLY??? Buffalo and Coyotes??? Maybe Ms. V-R thinks it necessary to include mystical claptrap to get the teen-female's attention but it's a literary crime to put this in an otherwise "realistic" story. Notes:
- The party scene was pretty good but expected... OF COURSE it was going to be some kind of disaster as the approval-seeking Paski needs to learn her lessons the hard way. Then there's a paragraph or two straight from Polonius. Preachy, obvious crud...
Do we need to hear "normal" teen-age girls semi-bragging about sex as if it's normal/acceptable?
- What's with the cosmetics obsession. Is this a Latino female thing? Obnoxious... Beautiful(i.e. all) young women should NOT wear makeup. Period.
- The words "sexy", "hot", "cool", "amazing", "baked" and more are repeated endlessly. Some of the kids(Tina and Chris) have vocabularies but Paski does not. And she's a writer????
- Endless product and song/artist placements.
- The relentless Dad-dissing continues to be an irritant.
- What are "bad spirits"?
And done after skimming the last 50 pages or so. All in all it's the worst YA book I've read and I have read enough for that to mean something. S.E. Hinton's stuff is much better. As other G'reads reviewers have noted Paski is pretty much a generic cipher of a teen-human. She's all about the shallow path(so far) in her life. Ultimately a very uninteresting person. Her environmental "awareness" is a joke. She wears ear buds while riding her bike in a wilderness park and can't wait to get aboard a noisy, polluting motorbike. More negatives:
- Paski is a liar - not much is made of this.
- Boy-craziness is off-putting in girls/women of all ages. How about growing up?
- The sex presentation is inappropriate for a YA book. In my opinion...
- The main kid characters are all boring(except Trina, and she brags about her sex too) or unbelievably crazy - Jessica.
- Paski apparently doesn't see the ocean until near the end of the book... REALLY?!?!
- The prose organization of Paski's blueberry pancake breakfast is butchered.
- On and on and on about clothes, makeup, hot guys, amazing this and that. Blechh...
- More spirit BS with the amulet. And what happened to those buffalo and coyotes????
At the end Paski's off to her new and apparently ideal American life-style of competion, achievement sex, motocross and consuming. BARF! Barely 2* for this apparently cobbled-up money-grab by the author.
January 12, 2009
This is a truly excellent coming-of-age/finding-self story.
Paski Archuleta's world goes topsy-turvy when her dad returns to Taos from a trip to LA looking, acting, and behaving like a person gone insane. He's dressing like an idiot, he's acting like an idiot, and to top it all off, he tells her they're moving to LA. Like, immediately.
Paski loves her life in Taos. New Mexico is the only home she's ever known. Her friends are here. Her mountains are here. Not that she has much choice.
The U-haul gets loaded, Paski makes the rounds to say goodbye to her best friends and to Ethan, and off they go.
Her first impressions of California are mixed. On the one hand, there's a lot more nature to Southern California than she was expecting. On the other, everything seems inordinately huge, and everyone drives nice, expensive cars way too fast.
Her first order of business is to ride over to her new school and check it out. Once there, she can't help herself, and shows off her mountain biking skills by going straight down a hill to get to the school yard. This earns her the attention of Chris Cabrera, who takes an immediate liking to her. A feeling which happens to be oh so very mutual.
The Chris Cabrera story line is one of my favorites, as it reminded me a lot of when I met my "one."
Chris is, however, taken by the school's richest, meanest girl. At least, according to Jessica he is. And not only is she the most popular girl--Paski has heard of her, in a roundabout way. Maybe not that she's the National Motocross Champion. But the line of clothes her mom made? Paski's heard of JessWear.
Things go from bad to worse, as her father trades in their Corolla for a huge boat of a car he plans to turn into the Squeegee Mobile, after the character he's come to LA to make into a movie. Now not only is she an apartment girl, she has a vehicle she absolutely can not be seen in.
Her first party goes wrong in about 5 minutes. First with the forced kissing of a girl she doesn't know, then with the drugged drink which turns into a but of a murder attempt as Jessica pushes her into the pool and she finds herself unable to get out. Luckily, Chris dives in to save her, and though her head and face are a bit of a mess, she'll be fine.
Just about her only solace is her bike. And after her first friend, Tina, points out the path near the school, Paski is back in riding heaven. This trail rocks.
She also joins the school paper, an activity she was part of back at home. Much to her chagrin, her first assignment is to cover Jessica's upcoming race. A fact exacerbated by the vision she's been having ever since she first saw Jessica. A vision of her broken and crumpled under her motorbike.
This is definitely a book with a lot of tension and suspense--I think I was actually holding my breath in parts, which isn't so good for an asthmatic with allergies. But I suppose it's good for the author.
Despite all the drama, danger, and insanity of her new life in Aliso Viejo, Paski manages to navigate through and come out on top. It's definitely an incredible ride.
Paski Archuleta's world goes topsy-turvy when her dad returns to Taos from a trip to LA looking, acting, and behaving like a person gone insane. He's dressing like an idiot, he's acting like an idiot, and to top it all off, he tells her they're moving to LA. Like, immediately.
Paski loves her life in Taos. New Mexico is the only home she's ever known. Her friends are here. Her mountains are here. Not that she has much choice.
The U-haul gets loaded, Paski makes the rounds to say goodbye to her best friends and to Ethan, and off they go.
Her first impressions of California are mixed. On the one hand, there's a lot more nature to Southern California than she was expecting. On the other, everything seems inordinately huge, and everyone drives nice, expensive cars way too fast.
Her first order of business is to ride over to her new school and check it out. Once there, she can't help herself, and shows off her mountain biking skills by going straight down a hill to get to the school yard. This earns her the attention of Chris Cabrera, who takes an immediate liking to her. A feeling which happens to be oh so very mutual.
The Chris Cabrera story line is one of my favorites, as it reminded me a lot of when I met my "one."
Chris is, however, taken by the school's richest, meanest girl. At least, according to Jessica he is. And not only is she the most popular girl--Paski has heard of her, in a roundabout way. Maybe not that she's the National Motocross Champion. But the line of clothes her mom made? Paski's heard of JessWear.
Things go from bad to worse, as her father trades in their Corolla for a huge boat of a car he plans to turn into the Squeegee Mobile, after the character he's come to LA to make into a movie. Now not only is she an apartment girl, she has a vehicle she absolutely can not be seen in.
Her first party goes wrong in about 5 minutes. First with the forced kissing of a girl she doesn't know, then with the drugged drink which turns into a but of a murder attempt as Jessica pushes her into the pool and she finds herself unable to get out. Luckily, Chris dives in to save her, and though her head and face are a bit of a mess, she'll be fine.
Just about her only solace is her bike. And after her first friend, Tina, points out the path near the school, Paski is back in riding heaven. This trail rocks.
She also joins the school paper, an activity she was part of back at home. Much to her chagrin, her first assignment is to cover Jessica's upcoming race. A fact exacerbated by the vision she's been having ever since she first saw Jessica. A vision of her broken and crumpled under her motorbike.
This is definitely a book with a lot of tension and suspense--I think I was actually holding my breath in parts, which isn't so good for an asthmatic with allergies. But I suppose it's good for the author.
Despite all the drama, danger, and insanity of her new life in Aliso Viejo, Paski manages to navigate through and come out on top. It's definitely an incredible ride.
December 5, 2013
A few weeks ago, one of my best friends at work lent me a book that she really enjoyed. She mentioned it was very cute but yet naughty at times and that it made reference to the Mexican culture quite often. She also told me that she read it with a Spanish dictionary by her side as she took some lessons in high school but she still wanted to make sure that she fully understood what all the terms meant. Needless to say I was intrigued at that point.
It had been a while since I last picked up a novel and the title of this one immediately caught my attention. The book I am referring to is called Haters, and the author is Alisa Valdes. This novel depicts the story of an adolescent girl who moves from the quaint town of Taos New Mexico to the glamorous and often plastic Orange County, in order for her dad to make a mark in the animation industry. As one could expect, once in the OC, the protagonist found some extremely beautiful and well put together girls who unfortunately had twice as much malice as they did beauty. But not all is bad - she also happens to meet an "ultra hot" guy who is gorgeous enough to soothe her frustration.
I must admit that for the most part I enjoy literary creations that are more on the girly side of things. I don't know a lot of other guys who could often find themselves roaming around the "Books For Girls" section at Chapters :) - but I know I do, and I must say I have found some treasures there lately. When it comes to Haters, my friend was absolutely right. I immediately felt immersed in the storyline as I could easily relate to the main character "Paski". Both Paski and I have experienced what it feels like to move from one city to another without knowing what to expect or what kind of people you would find there. We both have a Mexican heritage that automatically made us different from the majority - and in both of our cases it actually worked to our advantage. I could also relate to the way in which Paski interacted with her dad, as we often take the goodness of our parents for granted during adolescence.
Overall, I would seriously recommend this book to anyone who enjoys this genre of literature. It will make you reminisce of your younger years when love and lust took over your body and when bullies and popularity were on everyone's mind. I truly enjoyed Alisa's use of language as it was both comical and powerful. Also, the fact that she incorporated and exalted the Spanish language and culture in her book made me love it even more. I am very happy to see that someone as influential as Alisa Valdes is making sure that our background and folkways are not forgotten or stereotyped. To sum it all up - there is no way one could hate Haters. Happy reading.
It had been a while since I last picked up a novel and the title of this one immediately caught my attention. The book I am referring to is called Haters, and the author is Alisa Valdes. This novel depicts the story of an adolescent girl who moves from the quaint town of Taos New Mexico to the glamorous and often plastic Orange County, in order for her dad to make a mark in the animation industry. As one could expect, once in the OC, the protagonist found some extremely beautiful and well put together girls who unfortunately had twice as much malice as they did beauty. But not all is bad - she also happens to meet an "ultra hot" guy who is gorgeous enough to soothe her frustration.
I must admit that for the most part I enjoy literary creations that are more on the girly side of things. I don't know a lot of other guys who could often find themselves roaming around the "Books For Girls" section at Chapters :) - but I know I do, and I must say I have found some treasures there lately. When it comes to Haters, my friend was absolutely right. I immediately felt immersed in the storyline as I could easily relate to the main character "Paski". Both Paski and I have experienced what it feels like to move from one city to another without knowing what to expect or what kind of people you would find there. We both have a Mexican heritage that automatically made us different from the majority - and in both of our cases it actually worked to our advantage. I could also relate to the way in which Paski interacted with her dad, as we often take the goodness of our parents for granted during adolescence.
Overall, I would seriously recommend this book to anyone who enjoys this genre of literature. It will make you reminisce of your younger years when love and lust took over your body and when bullies and popularity were on everyone's mind. I truly enjoyed Alisa's use of language as it was both comical and powerful. Also, the fact that she incorporated and exalted the Spanish language and culture in her book made me love it even more. I am very happy to see that someone as influential as Alisa Valdes is making sure that our background and folkways are not forgotten or stereotyped. To sum it all up - there is no way one could hate Haters. Happy reading.
January 27, 2010
When 16-year-old Paski is whisked away from her beloved hometown in New Mexico, she struggles to fit in and find her place in her new Orange County high school. Topmost of her problems is ultra popular and ultra mean Jessica Nguyen. Facing potential romance, a twist of psychic ability, and adult issues than she’s ever faced before, Paski rides mountain bikes, makes friends, and figures out where she wants to stand in the social world of her new school.
I liked the first half of this book. Paski is a refreshing character–she’s tough, she’s smart, and she’s unique. I also liked how the author tackled some very “growing up” issues like birth control, awkward (but so necessary) sex talks between Paski and her father and peer pressure. I also liked the way there’s just a touch of a supernatural story here, with Paski’s psychic ability. The problems I had with this book had to do with the ending. For all Valdez-Rodriguez’s realism at capturing the evils of the high school social world, the ending pushed way too far and felt tacked on and hard to swallow. That said, it was still an enjoyable book…just quite disappointing in its end.
I liked the first half of this book. Paski is a refreshing character–she’s tough, she’s smart, and she’s unique. I also liked how the author tackled some very “growing up” issues like birth control, awkward (but so necessary) sex talks between Paski and her father and peer pressure. I also liked the way there’s just a touch of a supernatural story here, with Paski’s psychic ability. The problems I had with this book had to do with the ending. For all Valdez-Rodriguez’s realism at capturing the evils of the high school social world, the ending pushed way too far and felt tacked on and hard to swallow. That said, it was still an enjoyable book…just quite disappointing in its end.
July 16, 2011
I fell in love with this book by accident. I think I was in the 9th grade when i first read this book, and i picked it up, cause i was feeling kinda down about some of the people in my school, and it was called "Haters" and that's what made me check it out of the library, not even reading what it was about. When I started this book, I fell in love immediately Paski was just a really great protagonist, and I looked her dad, no matter how child-like he could be.
I'm not really sure why I really, really love this book, maybe it was because Paski was strong, and not easily intimidated, like I am myself, cause I hate when the female protag gets embarrassed by everything, or gets intimidated easily. Paski was just about doing her own thing, and making it through life doing what she loved. And strangely the whole "Psychic" thing didn't bother me either, i thought it would but it didn't. It's not like some of the story was filled with psychic lessons or anything, but I thought this was a great story, and I could read it over and over again.
I'm not really sure why I really, really love this book, maybe it was because Paski was strong, and not easily intimidated, like I am myself, cause I hate when the female protag gets embarrassed by everything, or gets intimidated easily. Paski was just about doing her own thing, and making it through life doing what she loved. And strangely the whole "Psychic" thing didn't bother me either, i thought it would but it didn't. It's not like some of the story was filled with psychic lessons or anything, but I thought this was a great story, and I could read it over and over again.
September 11, 2017
I'm a fan of the author but had never read Haters, her first YA book. It's pretty good, and written with her usual dose of good humor. Valdes creates Paski, a strong character who experiences the angst, hopes, and self-absorbed concerns of a normal teen. I like the author's depiction of Taos, New Mexico and then Orange County, California. I like the ethnic diversity of her characters. I especially like Paski's father and even resented her for not appreciating what a good dad she has. But, she's a teen, so I guess it's normal for her to be embarrassed by her father.
The story moves along quickly, but the ending seems abrupt. Paski's ultimate triumph seems a little contrived. One other shortcoming is that one character's illegal action is never brought to the attention of the authorities. But, in general, the story's message is a good one, about trusting one's better instincts and learning to trust the right people.
The story moves along quickly, but the ending seems abrupt. Paski's ultimate triumph seems a little contrived. One other shortcoming is that one character's illegal action is never brought to the attention of the authorities. But, in general, the story's message is a good one, about trusting one's better instincts and learning to trust the right people.
May 10, 2010
I bought this book hoping i would be able to have my kids read this book since it is about a girl who moves from New Mexico to California and her anguish of moving, well little did i know...
This is written for YA and my kids will not be reading it! I dont understand why the author felt she needed to have the main Character Paski of 16 fool around with her boyfriend and then ultimately decide she would sleep with him because he was "the one," after visitng Planned Parenthood.
How do we get ratings on books so that kids who don't want to read about sexual activity don't have to?!
I shouldve known better when the author's adult books series is call "The Dirty Girl's Social Club." just thought a YA book would be cleaner.
Good thing I only paid $.99 for this book!
This is written for YA and my kids will not be reading it! I dont understand why the author felt she needed to have the main Character Paski of 16 fool around with her boyfriend and then ultimately decide she would sleep with him because he was "the one," after visitng Planned Parenthood.
How do we get ratings on books so that kids who don't want to read about sexual activity don't have to?!
I shouldve known better when the author's adult books series is call "The Dirty Girl's Social Club." just thought a YA book would be cleaner.
Good thing I only paid $.99 for this book!
June 5, 2009
I really liked this book! It's about a girl who loves to mountain bike and lives in a small town called Taos. Shes got the man of her dreams, awesome friends and a great life. It seems everything is going perfectly...until her crazy wannabe-teen father announces theyre moving. Not only does she have to cope with her embarassing father but she has to keep up with the popular group in her new town called the haters while getting humiliated by them.
It seems like another girly book that are sometimes fun to read but the author puts an intresting twist on the main character and makes her phsycic which she struggles to keep a secret about.
It seems like another girly book that are sometimes fun to read but the author puts an intresting twist on the main character and makes her phsycic which she struggles to keep a secret about.
January 21, 2018
I originally read this in early high school and apparently enjoyed it enough to buy it. I re-read this to see if it was still worth keeping even though I was already leaning toward no. There were things that I did like about this book. Paski wants to be a kickass female but is falling short but at least she tries unlike many female protagonists in YA contemporaries and especially ones written in the mid-2000's. I loved Paski's descriptions of riding her bike on wilderness trails as I wish I had those near me. Needless to say I wanted more epic bike rides and less boy/popular girl obsessions.
January 27, 2020
I gave haters 5 stars because at the beginning of the book pasquala rumalda quintana de archuleta talks about how her and her dad lives in a lopsided two bedroom Adobe and she also goes to school with alot of girls who does not like her her father thinks he's rich but he's really not his daughter knows the truth and pasquala rumalda quintana de archuleta also has a crush on a boy but she knows something is up but she just goes with the flow to see where it gets her and at the end of the book the girl learned the friends she thought she had was real fake and talks about her behind her back and the girl who tries to warn her becomes her friend at the end
Read
January 28, 2011terrible. bad writing, unrealistic plot.
at least the cover's pretty
at least the cover's pretty
August 10, 2022
Super CUTE!
October 29, 2010
This was just what I needed since I've been in a back-to-school funk (well I've been in it since school started but it's getting worse). It's not cotton candy light but it didn't make me pause at any revolutionary/extraordinary thoughts. I would like to state however that this book could be a lot shorter. There seemed to be a lot of excess information and while it didn't take away from the plot per se, it wasn't something I needed to know. I found the dialogue to be repetitive and too much TELLING and not enough SHOWING. Furthermore, the author tells you what conclusions she wants you to draw through Paksi or she explains something through her. For example, "'Wow' he [Andrew] says. 'Hi I say. I blush because I can tell he likes what he sees." (pg. 155). I hope I'm not coming off as picky, but I think based on the wow and just hearing that Paksi blushed we could figure out what Andrew meant by 'wow'.
Other than what I listed above, I really enjoyed this novel. I love that the most popular girl in school (head of the Haters) is Vietnamese and that it's a diverse little clique at the top (Brianna is Greek, Haley is bi-racial). In addition to the popular girls, the popular boys vary in cultural backgrounds as well. It was quite refreshing because it's so effortless, the author doesn't overstate the character's ethnicity, but you know their cultural identity. The book moves at a fast and fun pace and what helps it stand apart from standard chick lit is its diversity and Paksi's supernatural abilities. Paksi only wants to be normal so she tries to ignore her visions in the hopes that they will leave her, but that is usually not the case. The question is not whether or not Paksi will act on these visions, but how far will she go to tell the person that is concerned? Perhaps what draws me to Paksi the most is that she is an athlete. She rode on her grandmother's Harley back in Taos but not very often and in this book she learns how to race motocross (which is on a motorcycle so I didn't totally get the difference. But that's what Google is for. haha). She's not afraid to work up sweat whether on her bike or a motorcycles and that's awesome.
Haters avoids being dismissed as mere 'chick lit' (not that there's anything wrong with chick lit!) by having an extra layer of supernatural occurrences and motorcycles. A competitive Latina motocross racer is enough of rarity for me to get excited about reading it. The predictability does not run rampant throughout. There's a lot going on this novel and at times it does seem to be like the author wants to talk about too many different things at once (Taos vs. Los Angeles, Japanese internment camps, motocross, date rape drugs, etc.) but the story has many unique moments to capture (and hold) your attention. The dialogue is realistic of teenagers, although I did want fewer explanations. Paksi is the quintessential teenager; embarrassed by her father (her mother is not around), torn between her desire to fit in and be unique to herself, confused about boys and a strong urge to ride a motorcycle (and do it well). And it doesn't hurt that the book has one of the cutest love interests.
Other than what I listed above, I really enjoyed this novel. I love that the most popular girl in school (head of the Haters) is Vietnamese and that it's a diverse little clique at the top (Brianna is Greek, Haley is bi-racial). In addition to the popular girls, the popular boys vary in cultural backgrounds as well. It was quite refreshing because it's so effortless, the author doesn't overstate the character's ethnicity, but you know their cultural identity. The book moves at a fast and fun pace and what helps it stand apart from standard chick lit is its diversity and Paksi's supernatural abilities. Paksi only wants to be normal so she tries to ignore her visions in the hopes that they will leave her, but that is usually not the case. The question is not whether or not Paksi will act on these visions, but how far will she go to tell the person that is concerned? Perhaps what draws me to Paksi the most is that she is an athlete. She rode on her grandmother's Harley back in Taos but not very often and in this book she learns how to race motocross (which is on a motorcycle so I didn't totally get the difference. But that's what Google is for. haha). She's not afraid to work up sweat whether on her bike or a motorcycles and that's awesome.
Haters avoids being dismissed as mere 'chick lit' (not that there's anything wrong with chick lit!) by having an extra layer of supernatural occurrences and motorcycles. A competitive Latina motocross racer is enough of rarity for me to get excited about reading it. The predictability does not run rampant throughout. There's a lot going on this novel and at times it does seem to be like the author wants to talk about too many different things at once (Taos vs. Los Angeles, Japanese internment camps, motocross, date rape drugs, etc.) but the story has many unique moments to capture (and hold) your attention. The dialogue is realistic of teenagers, although I did want fewer explanations. Paksi is the quintessential teenager; embarrassed by her father (her mother is not around), torn between her desire to fit in and be unique to herself, confused about boys and a strong urge to ride a motorcycle (and do it well). And it doesn't hurt that the book has one of the cutest love interests.
November 20, 2008
The book Haters is about a 16 year old girl named Paski. She had to move from New Mexico to California because of her dad’s job. She has to go to a new school and make new friends which she hates. The day before she goes to her new school she meets a new boy called Chris and she finds him very attractive. The first day of school she finds this group of girls and she can tell that they are the popular group. Then see finds out that chris is toghther with a girl named Jessica. So a few days have passed and she gets invited to the popular party. The day of the party she was talking to Chris and then Jessica asked to talk to her alone by the pool. So Paski goes alone by the pool to talk to Jessica and unexpctingly out of anger and jelousy,Jessica therw Paski in the pool. Falling helplessley in to the guzzling pool water, just waating to sawallow her, she banged he head on the side hit her chin and nose. As she closed her eyes and sank into the water , drowning , Chris bravely jumped in to save her. As a person called 911.
.Paski is a very smart and caring girl. She also does not stick up for herself very much. I grew with Paski as she started to stick up for herself. Also how she grew in choosing her decisions and smartness.
.Alisa Valdes Rodriguez is the author of the book Haters and is also on the New York bestselling list for her book the dirty girl’s social club.
.I really liked this book because I liked how the author of this book was putting you at the edge of your seat!
.I would recommend this book to a lot of girls. If you like to get lost in a great realistical fiction book, then this book haters is for you!
October 31, 2008
Alana Hernandez October 31, 2008
English 11 Mary
The book Hates is book that I couldn’t put down at all. Haters is by Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez. Haters is the type of book that it has a girl’s everyday problem but with a little twist to it. Haters is a book about a girl named Pasquala Rumalda Quintana de Archuleta or Paski just for short. Paski is living in New Mexico with her loving artistic father. Paski’s father decides to surprise Paski and tell her that they are moving to California. Paski at this point was very much sad and upset because she was leaving her friends and Ethan her crush. When Paski and her dad arrive to California she had mixed impressions on Cali. She didn’t expect there to be so much nature in California but she had to learn how to live with it. Paski wanted to see her new school and when she saw it Paski decided to show off her mountain biking skills. Little did she know Chris Cabrera the popular cute guy was watching her. Chris automatically attracted to Paski. Chris is, however, taken by the school's richest, meanest girl. Jessica is one of the meanest girls throughout the book. While in California Paski goes through trials and tribulations. At her first party that she throws she is forced to kiss a girl, she becomes drugged up because someone spikes her drink and last gets pushed into the pool. Another unexpecting twist is that Paski is psychic. Paski just wants the vision of Jessica falling of her mountain bike to come true. Eventually at the end Paski gets the guy and likes Cali. I enjoyed this book because its is a book for us young adults. This book had me at some points it left me in suspense but then I picked up really fast. I recommend this book to all young adults.
English 11 Mary
The book Hates is book that I couldn’t put down at all. Haters is by Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez. Haters is the type of book that it has a girl’s everyday problem but with a little twist to it. Haters is a book about a girl named Pasquala Rumalda Quintana de Archuleta or Paski just for short. Paski is living in New Mexico with her loving artistic father. Paski’s father decides to surprise Paski and tell her that they are moving to California. Paski at this point was very much sad and upset because she was leaving her friends and Ethan her crush. When Paski and her dad arrive to California she had mixed impressions on Cali. She didn’t expect there to be so much nature in California but she had to learn how to live with it. Paski wanted to see her new school and when she saw it Paski decided to show off her mountain biking skills. Little did she know Chris Cabrera the popular cute guy was watching her. Chris automatically attracted to Paski. Chris is, however, taken by the school's richest, meanest girl. Jessica is one of the meanest girls throughout the book. While in California Paski goes through trials and tribulations. At her first party that she throws she is forced to kiss a girl, she becomes drugged up because someone spikes her drink and last gets pushed into the pool. Another unexpecting twist is that Paski is psychic. Paski just wants the vision of Jessica falling of her mountain bike to come true. Eventually at the end Paski gets the guy and likes Cali. I enjoyed this book because its is a book for us young adults. This book had me at some points it left me in suspense but then I picked up really fast. I recommend this book to all young adults.
February 15, 2011
Haters was about this girl named Paski Archuleta and she originally lived in New Mexico, but her dad got a new job in California and she had to leave all her friends in New Mexico and move into the OC (Orange County). In New Mexico at her first school she was really popular and everyone knew her and wanted to be her friend. But at her knew school, Padre Loma High, no one wants to be friends with the new girl. After a little “accident” Paski is known as that girl. She has problems with Jessica, Bianca, and Haley. The most popular and rich girls in the school. Paski has her eye on Jessica’s boyfriend Chris, and he has his eye on Paski. Jessica gets jealous and does something she regrets doing. And that leads to Jessica getting into a real accident.
I really liked this book because it made you feel like you were really in the book. It was told in first person and had lots of detail. It told about a girl in high school, even though I couldn’t relate to the things that happened in the story I still could relate when I get older. I liked when the author described what the mean girls looked like. It was so descriptive I could really picture what they looked like. Paski had to get over many problems, but they were all related together so I liked how the author did that. The only thing I didn’t like and got confused on was when Paski left New Mexico, I was confused if she was dating the guy she has liked. The author didn’t really make it clear but I figured they weren’t dating because Paski was saying mean things about him.
I really liked this book because it made you feel like you were really in the book. It was told in first person and had lots of detail. It told about a girl in high school, even though I couldn’t relate to the things that happened in the story I still could relate when I get older. I liked when the author described what the mean girls looked like. It was so descriptive I could really picture what they looked like. Paski had to get over many problems, but they were all related together so I liked how the author did that. The only thing I didn’t like and got confused on was when Paski left New Mexico, I was confused if she was dating the guy she has liked. The author didn’t really make it clear but I figured they weren’t dating because Paski was saying mean things about him.
September 23, 2011
I've been reading this very interesting book called "HATERS" & so far so good , i really like it! :) Thats a good thing .. I can also relate to this book! This book is about a 16 year old lady , Her mom abounded her when she was 10 , Her mom preferred drinking & boyfriends , she never really cared about her daughter , so she had this good father that helped her out , So she lived with her dad .. Her dad went out for a vacation to Los Angeles, He went out there for a job. He came out trying to look cool & stuff.. his daughter thought it was very stupid of him , she thought he looked very funny :) they went out to eat in a restaurant! & he gave her the news that they were moving to Los Angeles , she was so mad & stuff , she did not want to leave her friends & she was also planning to celebrate her sweet 16 with her friends , She explained to her dad that she did not want to move because she did not know what to do with out her friends , She cant imagine herself with out her friends , & her Bff's , She tried to convince her dad .. So far I'm only till that part :) I think that her father is going to make her leave with him , She is going to be really upset & be mad at her dad for a long long time! maybe she will stop talking to her father for like about a week or so! & then she will probably get over it & meet new people! she will still miss her friends & her best friends though.
January 25, 2011
I think Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez did an amazing job with her first young adult book, "Haters. " This book is about a girl named Paski who moves to Viejo, California from her comfortable hometown of Bohemian Taos, New Mexico. She has a tough time being away from the mountains in New Mexico on which she loved to bike. Her new school, Aliso Niguel High School, is home to the beautiful but viscious Jessica Nguyen , the leader of "the haters". Aliso Niguel High School is also home to Chris, Paski's new love interest. There's just one problem. Chris just happens to be Jessica Nguyen's boyfriend. Jessica soon senses something suspicious going on between Paski and Chris, and makes it clear she's not someone you want to mess with. There are so many books with the same concept. A normal teen girl switches high schools only to make enemies with the most popular girl in school while falling for a cute, mysterious boy at the same time. However, this just has something to it that left me hooked until the very last word. I know it can be scary moving to a whole new school, yet alone a whole new state! I loved reading about Paski's perspective on the highs and lows of the whole situation and her emotions. I'm hoping this won't be the last young adult novel by Alisa Valdes- Rodriguez.
November 29, 2019
I was looking for an audio (cd) book for my car. I found this in my mom’s house. Therefore, I didn’t have any expectations; I was only looking for some mindless entertainment during a long 7-hour drive. And that is exactly what I found. I enjoyed it as a light silly story to listen to. However, I’m not sure that I would have had the patience to read it.
Haters is Young Adult novel, but a quite entertaining one. It was a nice balance of humor, trials and mystery. I think I could have done without the physic / voices part of the story, but it added something unique I suppose. If you’re looking to take a trip down memory lane of high school drama, then this is the book for you.
Haters is Young Adult novel, but a quite entertaining one. It was a nice balance of humor, trials and mystery. I think I could have done without the physic / voices part of the story, but it added something unique I suppose. If you’re looking to take a trip down memory lane of high school drama, then this is the book for you.
August 3, 2016
4th book for my 2014 48 Hour Book Challenge weekend.
"So Haters is a boys-boys-I-like-cute-boys, shopping-and-clothes, and mean-girls book with ethnic characters. It's also a kind of teenage fairy tale with all good things coming to main character Paski."
Excerpt from Original Content
"So Haters is a boys-boys-I-like-cute-boys, shopping-and-clothes, and mean-girls book with ethnic characters. It's also a kind of teenage fairy tale with all good things coming to main character Paski."
Excerpt from Original Content
December 7, 2017
I thought the book was amazing. The main character Paski had a major impact when she moved from Taos to Los Angeles. She wasn't prepared mentally. Paski was sad that she was movin. I can relate to moving to a new area. It is really scary cause you will meet new people and there will be multiple styles that you will have to change.
Read
March 25, 2009This book talks about life for a tennge girl who transfered to a highschool in california. She was the popular girl at her old school. But as she goes to this new school she meets a boy that she likes. This boy turned out to be a boy friend of one of the popular girls and a flame is then born.
February 25, 2017
This was light and fluffy like Mean Girls, but surprisingly deep and spiritual. A quick read one you get started.
February 11, 2018
It was nice and fluffy at some moments and surprisingly deep and spiritual in others. I like the leads attitude so much.
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