Haters (novel)
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature |
| Founded | 2006 |
| Founder | Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez |
| Products | Young adult novel |
Haters marks the 2006 debut young adult novel authored by Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez.
Plot summary
The narrative of Haters centers on Pasquala Rumalda Quintana de Archuleta (commonly known as Paski), who navigates significant transformations in her life after her father's comic strip is adapted into a film, leading the family to relocate to California. At her new educational institution, characterized by materialistic values and prevalent social antagonism, Paski develops romantic interest in Chris Cabrera, who is currently involved with the antagonistic Jessica Nguyen. Additionally, Paski uncovers her psychic ability to foresee future events, including a grave accident that Jessica faces during a motorcycle contest.
Reception
The critical response to Haters has been largely favorable. Teenreads referred to it as "a charming, gossip-filled chick lit with supernatural elements." Booklist recognized the narrative's "considerable contrivances" but commended the character of Paski for being "amusing, relatable, and resilient." The School Library Journal praised Paski's narration as "vibrant and sincere" in the first person. Kirkus Reviews noted the novel's wide-ranging appeal, although its length might discourage some reluctant readers. Publishers Weekly critiqued the conclusion as leaning more toward wish fulfillment than realism but acknowledged that readers would appreciate the resolution of justice.
Controversy
The novel Haters generated debate at Aliso Niguel High due to a teacher character accused of misconduct bearing a name strikingly similar to an actual faculty member at the school. Valdes-Rodriguez explained that this name resemblance was purely accidental and that she chose the school setting because of her personal history as a former student. Certain students and staff voiced unease regarding the depiction of the school environment as one where financial status dominates and where students, despite ethnic diversity, are portrayed uniformly as unkind.