Schooling Carmen

by Kathleen Cross

Book Overview

Desperate to stand out in a family of overachievers, beautiful, bigoted, and bitchy Carmen DuPr will do anything to leave the "hellhole" high school she works in-even if it means getting groped by a... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060936452
• ISBN13: 9780060936457
• Release Date: September 2004
• Publisher: Avon Books
• Length: 341 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

True beauty is more than skin deep.....

This was a satisfying read! Carmen is a woman who is beautiful and knows it. She uses her looks to get what she wants from two men in particular who have fallen under her spell. Although less than happy with her job as a school counselor to incorrigible teens, she uses her femininely wiles to live beyond her means. She has a plan to also use her looks to get the promotion she believes she deserves. Unexpected bad news about her health along with an encounter with the wrong man sends Carmen into denial and her life into a tailspin. Watching the drama of her life unfold and the compassion of family and friends impact her makes for an enjoyable read!

A Superlative Novel with a Sublime Message!

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

deep read reminding the audience to remember what really cou

Drop dead gorgeous Carmen DuPre cannot understand why someone as beautiful and connected as she is has to work in the abominable Eastside of Los Angeles rather than the Westside where she feels she belongs. If daddy still lived that "mistake" would never have occurred. Carmen struggles to breath in a sea of Spanish speaking Mexican-American students as a guidance counselor at Overton High School. Spelman never prepared her for these lowlifes. Carmen is stunned when she learns that she has breast cancer that will require deforming her perfect figure. Since her looks is everything to Carmen, she leans towards doing nothing as she figures death is preferable to deformity. Mexican-American automobile mechanic Pedro Camacho works on Carmen's Lexus while trying to get through to this material girl that there is more to living than looks; he knows first hand having lost his beloved son to cancer. Dedicated math teacher Eugene Timms also keeps her off balance, but he is a geek and she only goes with hunks for Carmen sees the world as SKIN DEEP, but if she does not obtain an epiphany soon she will see the world from underground. In some ways the tale wraps up to easily yet fans will appreciate this powerful vigorous look at what matters, which street corner philosopher Pedro knows is obvious yet so many fail to see it. Readers will appreciate the powerful cast even the snobbery of Carmen as she struggles between disfigured living and being perfect until death. Well written and fun to follow, the simplicity of SCHOOLING CARMEN makes for a deep read reminding the audience to remember what really counts. Harriet Klausner

Deep Insights and Great Drama - A MUST READ!

I read Kathleen's first book, Skin Deep, when it came out a few years ago, and absolutely LOVED it. I waited patiently for her second novel, hoping she would be able to write something as deep, provocative and entertaining as Skin Deep was -- Schooling Carmen is ALL THAT and then some! Though I have to say I miss the two character style she used in her first book, (Maybe I just miss Ahmad heh heh) Schooling Carmen's main character, Carmen DuPre manages to bring enough attitude (and all her DRAMA) to hold it DOWN. I loved all the characters in this book (except nasty old George Browning). Just like with her first novel, this book offers deep insights right along with the drama --- even when Carmen's learning a hard lesson about herself, the dialogue is REAL and not at all preachy. (Like when Pedro Camacho tells Carmen "The worms are going to get that" ) I really enjoyed this book, and I especially liked the ending. All in all, Schooling Carmen is a sassy, intriguiging and satisfying read. I'd recommend it for anyone wanting to learn more about how you learn the lessons you need most in this world! You'll enjoy every page even when your mad at Carmen...

Not only is Carmen schooled but the reader is also

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!