Schooling Carmen [Paperback]

Kathleen Cross (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 17, 2004

Learning the Hard Way

Carmen DuPr#232; knows she's one fine-looking woman -- and any man who insists on making a fool of himself over her deserves the heartless treatment she's so good at dishing out. As far as Carmen's concerned, being gorgeous entitles her to anything she wants: an undeserved promotion, expensive gifts, courtside Lakers tickets, and more. But the results of a routine medical exam threaten to knock this beauty off her pedestal -- she might have to trade her looks for her life. Is a life without beauty worth living? Carmen's not so sure -- which is why she's risking hers by ignoring her doctor's advice. Then one day a very sexy stranger walks into her world, insisting there's a whole lot more to Carmen Dupr#232; than what's on the surface -- and he's dishing out some serious schooling in a few subjects Carmen knows little about -- like faith and hope ... and love.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...a great read." -- Jack Roberts, Host, Public Radio Network

"A rare blend of rich urban story-telling with a sensuous touch into the mind, body and soul." -- Trisha Thomas, Author of Nappily Ever After

"Beauty isn’t what we see in the mirror...what one woman sacrificed to learn that powerful lesson. Inspirational." -- The Romance Readers Connection

"Cross quickly pulls her readers in...It's not Cross' style to do anything ordinary, or expected" -- Detroit Free Press

"Energetic..." -- Kirkus Reviews

"I recommend this book highly...I loved the way the author told this story...look forward to her next offering." -- RomanceInColor.com

"Inspiring. Kathleen Cross is an exceptional author who really brings her characters and novels to life." -- RomanceReaderAtHeart.com

"Moved me to more than tears...changed my outlook on life. Kathleen Cross will be added to my top-ten list." -- Tina Burns for The Road to Romance

From the Publisher

An unforgettable story of hard life lessons, renewal, and new love from an important new voice in African-American fiction. Cross is a gifted, intelligent writer who creates extraordinary characters.

Schooling Carmen is sexy and smart, yet also thought-provoking and timely--with an intriguing touch of mystery.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Avon A (August 17, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060936452
• ISBN-13: 978-0060936457
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,188,136 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Kathleen Cross is an author, educator and speaker who has been a guest on numerous television and radio shows including Oprah, Montel and Dr. Phil to discuss ethnic identity and cross-cultural communication.

Ms. Cross is the author of Skin Deep (Avon, 1999) an award-winning novel that has been required reading in several U.S. colleges and universities, and Schooling Carmen (Avon, 2004) the story of an East L.A. high school counselor whose survival depends on her ability to embrace change.


Cross has taught at the elementary, secondary and university levels, and after over a decade of work as an education consultant working to improve teaching and learning for urban students of color, she now divides her time between writing, speaking and community service.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Superlative Novel with a Sublime Message!, November 13, 2004

By 

LottaHoney "Lotta's Bookshelves" (Detroit, MI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Schooling Carmen (Paperback)

Carmen DuPre is a stunningly, beautiful woman and knows it. All heads turn when Carmen crosses your path. To our dismay, Carmen is aware of her beauty and is a Supreme Diva with a belligerent attitude. Carmen has two sisters, Della and Lindsey along with a brother Maxwell, and the family's mother, Mavis who is a simmering stew of hatred toward Carmen. Carmen's father died in a tragic auto accident, and Mavis feels that Carmen is responsible.

Carmen is a guidance counselor on the rough side of town at Overland High School and she will do anything to get promoted to Beverly Hills' Talented and Gifted Academy. Carmen manipulates her looks to get what she wants, and when she is nearly raped by the school superintendent, she seeks legal action. Meanwhile, Carmen is devastated by receiving news of a debilitating, disfiguring disease that will destroy her looks. Instead of arranging for surgery, Carmen delays the inevitable until....Twists of fate and magical coincidences occur that change Carmen and the world as Carmen sees it for the benefit of everyone.

For me, Schooling Carmen is a Magical, `Feel-Good' inspiring novel that will touch the hearts of those who read it. It will certainly cause one to stop and reflect on what makes one happy.

Schooling Carmen - My Best Read of 2004!!! A thoroughly wonderful novel that reflects faith, hope, love, and magical blessings found abundantly and all around us in unexpected coincidences. This is a Must-Read!!!! This is a novel that will change your heart to make a positive difference in your world.

"Lotta Honey"

Lotta's Bookshelves

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not only is Carmen schooled but the reader is also, August 20, 2004

By 

Zamaih (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Schooling Carmen (Paperback)

SCHOOLING CARMEN is a great read for Men and Women.

Carmen is a character that you can sympathise with although her actions and beliefs are not the best. I think young women everywhere will be able to relate to Carmen's experiences and the way she thinks.

One thing that I loved about this book is that it shows you that no matter how bad things get or how lost you are there is always something positive to look to whether you see it or not.

After reading this book I was able to look at my own life and examine what is really important.

Everyone can relate to this book, men and women, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars LEARNING THE HARD WAY, October 2, 2005

By 

deenice (BROOKLYN, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Schooling Carmen (Paperback)

As I was reading this book, I realized that Carmen was not the the only one being schooled. This book really shows the importance of meditation and being in tune with yourself. It shows how we can solve many of our problems just by being in tune with ourselves.

Sometimes we have to lose a little in order to gain some. In Carmen's case she finally found true love after she lost part of her beauty.

With the exception of the cover, I'd have to say that I really enjoyed this book. I hope the author is working on something else.