Customer Reviews

Divas Don't Yield: A Novel (Many Cultures, One World)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

A fan of the first two Black Artemis books, I was eager to read Sofia's first novel written under her real name--DIVAS DON'T YIELD. I found this book entertaining, thought provoking and very well written. This book is a page turner, I completely disagree with the PUBLISHERS WEEKLY review and from the sounds of it, the critic must not have read the book. Quintero's voice is fresh and she speaks to an entire generation of Latinas and non-Latinas that have yet to see our experience reflected on the page. Her characters are rich. I love Jackie's pit bull vision, Hazel's identity crisis, Irena's quest for voice and Lourdes' quest to be loved for more than her money. Thank you Sofia for creating smart and funny Latinas that transcend the typical Latina sabor stereotypes we see in much of the Entertainment Media.

This book has something for all Latinas. Although it is not only limited for Latinas it has something for every female. One is bound to relate to at least one of the characters in the book. This is a real chic lit and a must read. There is a lesson to learn amongst the characters in the novel. Sofio Quintero will be one of the breakout authors of 2006. Don't miss out.

Although this novel focuses on a road trip between four Latinas that is more or less a metaphor for their own personal journeys, I don't believe that this is what makes the novel poignant or worth reading. Unfortunately all of the characters feel contrived and because there are so many issues surrounding each character, there is very little depth given to anyone person. What is refreshing about this novel, however, are the brief, but important discussions on violence against women, the factions amongst both queer and latina identities/organizations, and the complexity race, class, and sexuality play in our daily lives. These are topics left untouched by many writers of literature and there are even fewer women of color being published let alone being published with works that remind us race is still very real in America. Although this novel lags at times and lacks depth, one cannot help but appreciate the light it shines on contemporary women's issues.

I was more than happy to read another book written by Sofia Quintero I have read several of her books and this one has been my favorite. It was great how Sofia had these women all of different personalities and nationalities come together. They very much reminded me of my group of girlfriends. Each person had their strengths and weaknesses which made it easy to relate to the characters. The road trip they went on was not just about the cities they drove through or making it to the woman's conference but it was also about a journey of revelations and self discovery for Hazel, Jackie, Lourdes & Irena and the bonds of their friendship. I really enjoy reading books like Sofia's where the woman have strength and dignity, they may have flaws but she really breaks the mold when it comes to her characters by making them woman of substance. It is easy to read and believe other books that have their characters be young, hip and successful yet for some reason it's hard for some to grasps that latinas are having the same success's. I thank Sofia for being of strong character herself and for sharing her great works with us! I would highly recommend this book and can't wait to read more of her books.

I was immediately struck by the similarity of the storyline to that of the movie "To Wong Foo..." New York divas (black, white, hispanic) on a cross-country road trip full of self-discovery. I could change a few words in this book's description and not be too far from the movie's.

Divas Don't Yield draws you in from the start. I could barely put the book down - even on a ski vacation with my family!! A mixed blessing ot be sure. But I just loved hanging with Jackie, Hazel, Irena, and Lourdes, and so will you, I can promise you that. Sofia deals with hard hitting issues like sexuality, spirituality, and racism with honesty, friendship and devotion. This is much of a fun read as a book that will make you cry and think about what you can do to improve the worls, even just a little. I highly recommend this book.

Where can I begin. Sofia Quentero's book is a show stopper.

As a Puerto Rican female reader, I enjoyed Ms. Quintero's fresh outlook on self-awareness of four multi-cultural divas, including her down to earth, fresh look of a road trip that turned into lasting friendships that only multi-cultural friends could realize. This is a road trip you will never forget. You have to read this book from cover to cover to enjoy every last tasty morsel.

This kind of book is desperately needed in the genre of chick or chica lit: smart, funny, and wonderfully devoid of stereotypes and commercialism. Quintero deals with serious issues, such as the subtle bias from without and within the girls' communities of skin color, sexual orientation and religion, but it is all wrapped in an engaging and well crafted tale. Their conflicts feel real, and the message that their friendship supports them through all of life stresses is so important.

I look forward to the next offering from Sofia Quintero.

If I didn't have a demanding one year old child, I would not have put this book down until I finished it! I could relate to all of the characters, whether personally or because I know someone so similar! The author is so conscientious about the issues discussed, I felt like she was speaking right to me through the story. I can't wait to read another of Sofia Quintero's books! I will miss Lourdes, Hazel, Jackie, and especially Irena!

I really enjoyed this book! This is a book about friendship, relationships, honesty, spirituality and the many controversial issues Latinas face. Four, educated, diverse Latinas come to terms with their inner struggles on a road trip across the country. The characters, Jackie, Hazel, Lourdes and Irena became so real to me it was sad to part ways. Sofia's descriptions are so vivid it makes you feel like another chica on the road trip to Frisco, empathizing with the dilemmas that arise. I had to stop a few times to reflect and compare my own ideas and beliefs on the topics addressed. I definitely recommend this book!