cottonquilts's review
5.0
While Tai couldn’t wait for Mila to return to the Cove, she could feel that something was different, something was shifting but she wasn’t sure about her feelings. When Mila returned and asked her to stop calling her “Bean”, Tai knew something was up. She dug in and continued to be Tai. She’d try out for the new dance school because everyone else was, she’d keep crushin’ on Rollie and she’d always be the one on top in every conversation.
Mila wanted to attend the new dance school as much as she wanted to leave Pirate’s Cove. There could be a difficult decision ahead for her. Mila was changing. She was so done!
Chase seems to be writing for those who share her cultural experience, never stopping to define slang or overly describe situations, hair or clothing styles. She assumes readers know, are able to figure things out or that they’ll be interested enough to find out.
The fathers in the story, Bryant Johnson and Jamal Phillips couldn’t be more different as they represent the polar opposites of fatherhood. These characters are critical to one of the topics of the books: the safety of black girls. In keeping black men safe black men are either perpetrators or protectors. Even Tai’s older brother Jamal Jr (JJ) understood this when he provided her with warnings and information to keep her safe. These males knew this neighborhood (this world!) is not safe for black girls and they could choose to protect them or do them harm. There really is no in between. So Done has strong messages for black men.
So Done is a relationship based story; relationships between friends, siblings, parents and children and neighbors. It’s about a group of young people trying to learn how to create their own space in the world. I strongly recommend this book!
Full review is on my blog https://campbele.wordpress.com/2018/08/18/review-so-done/
Mila wanted to attend the new dance school as much as she wanted to leave Pirate’s Cove. There could be a difficult decision ahead for her. Mila was changing. She was so done!
Chase seems to be writing for those who share her cultural experience, never stopping to define slang or overly describe situations, hair or clothing styles. She assumes readers know, are able to figure things out or that they’ll be interested enough to find out.
The fathers in the story, Bryant Johnson and Jamal Phillips couldn’t be more different as they represent the polar opposites of fatherhood. These characters are critical to one of the topics of the books: the safety of black girls. In keeping black men safe black men are either perpetrators or protectors. Even Tai’s older brother Jamal Jr (JJ) understood this when he provided her with warnings and information to keep her safe. These males knew this neighborhood (this world!) is not safe for black girls and they could choose to protect them or do them harm. There really is no in between. So Done has strong messages for black men.
So Done is a relationship based story; relationships between friends, siblings, parents and children and neighbors. It’s about a group of young people trying to learn how to create their own space in the world. I strongly recommend this book!
Full review is on my blog https://campbele.wordpress.com/2018/08/18/review-so-done/
danyell919's review
This was a great story about navigating friendships and how trauma can affect your whole life.
karibaumann's review against another edition
3.0
Wanted to like this more than I did. I kind of wish the subplot about Tai’s dad had not been in this book because outgrowing your friends in middle school is a great topic that there should be more books about.
mmoreno42892's review
4.0
This book had been sitting on my bookshelf for well over a year, because the title and cover did not draw my attention. I am glad that I finally picked it up.
"So Done" is a story based on the strain that growing up puts on a childhood friendship that is also fostering a dark secret. The turmoil that erupts when two friends begin to grow apart is very relatable to kids who are entering middle school, because it happens to so many as the kids they come into contact with begins to grow.
I would recommend this book be added to classroom libraries. There is a mention of child molestation, but it is appropriately structured and well handled.
"So Done" is a story based on the strain that growing up puts on a childhood friendship that is also fostering a dark secret. The turmoil that erupts when two friends begin to grow apart is very relatable to kids who are entering middle school, because it happens to so many as the kids they come into contact with begins to grow.
I would recommend this book be added to classroom libraries. There is a mention of child molestation, but it is appropriately structured and well handled.
answertherairai's review
3.0
Don't let the rating throw you, I enjoyed this book. Even though I'm WAY older than the demographic intended. It is a charming, interesting tale about the complexities of friendships - how they change and develop with growth and the impact of trauma. It was a fast read, though everything ended up pretty neatly given some of the heavier subject matter.
Nonetheless, I was interested in the perspectives of both protagonist - initially I found Tai's POV annoying, but that's part of the genius of watching that unravel as she she wrangles with being vulnerable.
I feel like there'll be a lot of teens out there who need books like this one, so I'm grateful that Paula Chase is doing the good work by penning them. I look forward to reading the companion novel [b:Dough Boys|43131603|Dough Boys (So Done, #2)|Paula Chase|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1544525970l/43131603._SY75_.jpg|66934698] soon.
Nonetheless, I was interested in the perspectives of both protagonist - initially I found Tai's POV annoying, but that's part of the genius of watching that unravel as she she wrangles with being vulnerable.
I feel like there'll be a lot of teens out there who need books like this one, so I'm grateful that Paula Chase is doing the good work by penning them. I look forward to reading the companion novel [b:Dough Boys|43131603|Dough Boys (So Done, #2)|Paula Chase|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1544525970l/43131603._SY75_.jpg|66934698] soon.
heykellyjensen's review
When Mila comes home from a summer spent away from the trailer, she puts a wedge between her and former best friend Tai. She no longer wants to be called by her old nickname, and Tai doesn't take to that -- nor the distance -- well. But Mila has her reasons: she wants more than she thinks she can achieve, and she's leery of Tai's father after what he did to her a few months ago.
Chase writes a really compelling and realistic look at the complex dynamics of friendship. This book lands in the upper middle grade range, and it's true to what happens between friends at that fragile age before high school. Further complicating this story are issues of poverty and access, as well as families challenged by issues of addiction. Neither Tai nor Mila has a rosy home life, but neither lacks love or support needed to grow into the people they can become.
One of the interesting pieces of this is what overlays the story: the school is getting a Talented and Gifted program, which will give access to more lessons and education within the fine arts. Both Tai and Mila have been dancers and plan on trying out for TAG. Tai doesn't take it as seriously as Mila does, in part because she's less invested in ballet than she is in other styles of dance. But she also feels compelled to do so so she doesn't lose her best friend. Near the end, we find out the fate of both girls, and we see Tai confront the truths behind her motivations, and these big moments are well-earned and serve to flesh out the girls even more. Neither is better or worse than the other, and Chase is careful in exploring what drives each of them and what it is that might drive them apart.
This one will appeal to middle grade readers, especially those who care about friendship stories. The modern slang and language will make it even more accessible and relatable.
Chase writes a really compelling and realistic look at the complex dynamics of friendship. This book lands in the upper middle grade range, and it's true to what happens between friends at that fragile age before high school. Further complicating this story are issues of poverty and access, as well as families challenged by issues of addiction. Neither Tai nor Mila has a rosy home life, but neither lacks love or support needed to grow into the people they can become.
One of the interesting pieces of this is what overlays the story: the school is getting a Talented and Gifted program, which will give access to more lessons and education within the fine arts. Both Tai and Mila have been dancers and plan on trying out for TAG. Tai doesn't take it as seriously as Mila does, in part because she's less invested in ballet than she is in other styles of dance. But she also feels compelled to do so so she doesn't lose her best friend. Near the end, we find out the fate of both girls, and we see Tai confront the truths behind her motivations, and these big moments are well-earned and serve to flesh out the girls even more. Neither is better or worse than the other, and Chase is careful in exploring what drives each of them and what it is that might drive them apart.
This one will appeal to middle grade readers, especially those who care about friendship stories. The modern slang and language will make it even more accessible and relatable.
amyjoy's review against another edition
3.0
These girls reminded me of me and my best friend when we were their age. We often had disagreements and squabbles, but, just like Tai and Mila, too much history to stop being friends. I'm glad they confronted what Tai's dad did, and that they were able to find their way back to being friends, even as they found new friends and interests.
summer_19_'s review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault