Aaliyah

The Divas #4

by Victoria Christopher Murray

From the bestselling author of The Personal Librarian comes the fourth book in the The Divas series.

Diamond, India, Veronique, and Aaliyah are fifteen-year-old high school sophomores on their way to becoming the hottest new group to hit gospel music—The Divas. That is, if they win the team talent competition. Now, the fourth book in the series follows Aaliyah, as she comes face to face with a secret from her past..

Straight-A student and “brainiac” of the group, Aaliyah is an only child living with her father, the deputy Chief of Police in Los Angeles. Even though Aaliyah isn’t interested in singing, she’s shown a remarkable, natural talent since childhood. It takes a bit of persuading to get Aaliyah to be a part of the Divas, but she gives in, and joins the group to be close to her friends. During one of their rehearsals, the girls hear a song by Zena, a successful African American singer. All the other girls are inspired and imagine themselves being as successful one day—except for Aaliyah, who turns off the CD and grumbles that they can find a better role model. Then, when Aaliyah learns that Zena will be attending their performance—accompanied by her father—her whole world comes crashing down. And all of her friends, who’d been told that Aaliyah’s mother died when she was a baby, suddenly realize where her natural singing ability came from…

Genres: Christian Fiction

208 pages, Paperback

Published October 20, 2009

About the author

Victoria Christopher Murray is the author of nine Essence bestselling novels, including The Ex Files; Too Little, Too Late; and Lady Jasmine. Winner of the African American Literary Award for Fiction and Author of the Year (Female).

She has received numerous awards including the Golden Pen Award for Best Inspirational Fiction and the Phyllis Wheatley Trailblazer Award for being a pioneer in African American Fiction. Since 2007, Victoria has won nine African American Literary Awards for best novel, best Christian fiction and Author of the Year — Female. After four nominations, Victoria finally won an NAACP Image Award in Outstanding Literary Work for her social commentary novel, Stand Your Ground.

Victoria splits her time between Los Angeles and Washington DC.

Reviews

[Mya · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's not that I didn't like it.
It's just, I didn't like how her mother was added into the story.

[Gizelle Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book because when Aaliyahs mother comes back all her girls abandon her for Zena.Also when Veronique shows Aaliyah how lucky she is to even see Zena Aaliyah gets her act straight.For example,on pages 118-119 Zena barges in on Aaliyahs sweet sixteen and then everybody started asking Zena for her autograph.Another example is on pages 108-109 Veronique tells Aaliyah about how her cousin never saw his father,and when he did see him he was getting ready to be buried 6 feet under. You would like this book if you like on going drama.I say this because Aaliyahs mother came back as her music instructor for the Glory 2 God Teen Talent Search,which made Aaliyah faint.Also Aaliyah started to like Troy (a background dancer for the Divine Divas),who she only saw as a friend. One challenge of this book was the way the story started.It started out in the middle where the judges anounced that the Divine Divas made it to the final round of the Glory 2 God Teen Talent Search.Another problem in this book was that everyone was telling their stories of how they reacted to Aaliyahs mother being Zena at the same time and in the same book. A lesson I learned from this book was to spend every moment of my free time with my parents as much as possible and to always appreciate what i have.For example,on page 109 when Veronique told the horrible story of when her cousin finding his father being burried 6 feet under.Another example is on page 119 when Zena baught Aaliyah a brand new black BMW.Aaliyah admitted she wanted a car but not a car from Zena.Also Aaliyah should have been happy that she even got a car at 16.

[Arielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this book yesterday and it was really good. It was inspirational and very well written. I am recommending this book to anyone willing to read about a mother reuniting with her daughter and a few words about God. Trust me you'll love it.

[Evan · Rating 2 out of 5]

The worst book in the series. I was SO excited to read about Aaliyah, but literally, all that she talked about was her mother. Honestly, so annoying, and boring...2 stars. I loved the rest of the series though!

[T.A. Beasley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book will help young adults learn the power of forgiveness. It is harmful to yourself as well as the other person to hold grudges. I recommend this to all yound adults who want to learn how to forgive.

[Gigi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I personally loved it. I loved the drama in the book, plus I loved the ending, it was absolutely fantastic. Though I do not know anyone who will not accept a car. There should be a sequel on how their lives are now.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

the best in the series