Cool Like That: A So For Real Novel (So for Real Novels) [Paperback]

Nikki Carter (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 23, 2010 | Series: So for Real Novels

Let the fireworks begin…

Now that she's been accepted into a summer enrichment program in New York City, Gia knows she's going to have the flyest summer ever. Especially since her mom and her annoying stepsister won't be around. And best of all? Her best friend, Ricky, is joining her so they're going to spend the entire summer together. Gia hopes Ricky's finally going to make a move on her, but it seems like Ricky's bent on playing it safe—too safe, as far as Gia's concerned. So when Rashad, a cutie from the summer program, starts to get his flirt on with Gia, she's got a new crush—and Ricky's so not cool with that.

"Gia makes me want to holler out loud—she knows how to think for herself and she definitely has enough drama to fill a thousand pages!"—Michelle Stimpson, Essence© bestselling author on the So For Real series

"Nikki Carter is a fresh, new voice." -- ReShonda Tate Billingsley, Essence bestselling author

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Gia is ready to spend the greatest summer ever in New York with her best-friend-turned-hottie, Ricky, while attending Columbia’s summer enrichment program. But Ricky puts the kibosh on their budding romance out of respect, leaving Gia more than a little confused and definitely heated. She is quickly distracted when she meets Rashad, a gorgeous and well-traveled fellow writer, on the plane. Before long she finds herself in drama central with two boys fighting over her—what’s a girl to do? This is the fourth title in the So for Real series, which focuses on contemporary African American teens, but the book easily stands alone. Readers will feel as if they’ve known the characters for ages, and the playful, conspiratorial tone will keep them engaged. Gia is a conflicted, spirited, and charming main character, and Carter’s development of the group dynamic among Gia’s friends makes the secondary characters realistic. Although briskly paced, the plot skips around and fumbles a bit toward the end, but this is easy to forgive when the rest is so much fun. Grades 7-10. --Courtney Jones

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: K-Teen/Dafina; 1 edition (February 23, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0758234422
• ISBN-13: 978-0758234421
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,132,792 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars engaging young adult romance, February 27, 2010

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Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Cool Like That: A So For Real Novel (So for Real Novels) (Paperback)

Her mom Gwen has some doubts about Gia spending the summer in New York City especially since Ricky is going to attend the same enrichment program although the pair are just best friends. Gwen and her spouse Gia's stepdad LeRon set rules for the two high school seniors as does Ricky's mom.

Gia desperately wants her crush Ricky to make a move on her, but so far he has not so she prays the summer with no parents or siblings will encourage him as she wants to be his squeeze and not just his BF. When he does not and another cutie Rashad makes a move, Gia apparently adopts a new crush. Ricky is crushed as he wants her to be his girl.

This is an engaging young adult romance starring a teen drama queen and the two hunks in her life. Once Rashad forms the triangle, the fun begins and never slows down until the final beach scene. Readers will enjoy Cool Like That as Gia's soundtrack in her head includes Chrisette Michele, Beyonce, Ledisi and Mraiah Carey, etc, but should also have her singing ancient history's Did You Ever Have to Make Up Your Mind? (Lovin' Spoonful)

Harriet Klausner

5.0 out of 5 stars An Urban Teens Book Review, January 9, 2011

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Urban Teens Read - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cool Like That: A So For Real Novel (So for Real Novels) (Paperback)

Cool like that was an amazing book. Gia is going to a program in New York City with her best friend who she has a crush on named Ricky. Ricky seems to not be ready for more than just friends. But then Rashad comes around and Ricky finally thinks he is ready to make a move. Yet, Rashad is not ready to let Gia go that easy. Now it's up to Gia to make her decision! Join Gia on a journey of two hot boys fighting over her and see who she picks! Nikki Carter has really done it with the So For Real novels.

5.0 out of 5 stars Maybes, June 27, 2010

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Nardsbaby "Connoisseur of the written word™" (Westside Chi-town, IL United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Cool Like That: A So For Real Novel (So for Real Novels) (Paperback)

Gia is overly excited. She and Ricky, her bff and crush, are headed to New York City for six weeks for an enrichment program at Columbia College. All Gia can think about is how much fun and freedom they will have away from her mother's watchful eye and the drama that seems to follow her.

Unbeknownst to Gia, Rashad Moore, from Atlanta, Georgia, is going to stir up emotions that she's never had before. Ricky and Rashad instantly bump heads as he's openly pursuing Gia. Flattered, Gia finds herself craving the maturity, wisdom and attentiveness that is Rashad. She also has to come to grips with the fact that with Ricky there is history and Rashad lives in another state. Is it okay to crush on more than one guy at a time? Is it possible that her mom, Gwen, may possibly know what she's talking about?

COOL LIKE THAT is the fourth book in the SO FOR REAL SERIES. It's funny, explorative, and filled with forgiveness. I love that the story embraces new characters, while keeping you abreast of past characters. Definitely recommended reading.