The Tribes of Palos Verdes* By: Joy Nicholson

Medina Mason and her family are newcomers to the beach community of Palos Verdes. This community is all about fitting in and sadly Medina doesn't seem to be fitting in well with the other people at her school. Escaping from the life that she has at school, Medina comes home to an even more stressful environment. The relationship between Medina and brother seem to be deteriorating due to the drug based life Jim, her brother, has been getting into and the demanding emotions of Medina's mother. Relations between her family are falling apart, but Medina has found herself her Utopia. Surfing has brought a new happiness into her life and it seems right now that it is the one thing that is saving her from insanity. Her new found passion has been bringing Medina to extraordinary heights. She is proving to herself that she is one of a kind and that the input of others doesn't matter. There isn't one girl surfer in Palos Verdes, and since there is none Medina is going to work to be the first girl surfer. By watching the bay boys, a well known group of surfers Medina is gaining the skills that she needs to get to the top.
This book is so captivating. It has me hooked. The character Medina is one interesting person, and her attitude makes me want to read on. I feel as if something is going to happen that is going to have Medina step out and do something bold. The imagery that the author has made is making me feel as if I am along side Medina. I feel as if I am too learning how to surf and having that energy flow through me while I ride the first wave of the morning. Imagery is one of the main parts of the book that gets the reader really involved.
The character's personality is the other thing that seems to get me really into the book. She has this outlook on life that seems true and engaging. The way the author make the character act and think just gets you so involved. I almost feel like an undercover reporter getting the big scoop on Medina's life. Although her life isn't all glamorous, it seems more real to me than if it was all glamed up.
One part of the book that I found the most enjoyable was near the beginning. The reason why it was enjoyable is because it made me laugh. The mother and father of Medina seem to be going through a rough patch in their relationship and the mom doesn't seem to like it all too much.

"On the plane, coming to California for the first time, my mother sits with my brother, looking out the window. My father talks to me across the aisle, glancing at the red-haired stewardess. He's rubbing his hands together over and over as if washing them.
"Guess what Palos Verdes means in Spanish," he says, "It means green sticks. Don't you think that's a funny name for a place princess?" He looks at the pretty stewardess again, catching her eye and smiling. My mother looks out the window toward Michigan, ignoring my father's cheerful banter. After a few minutes, she flags down the stewardess.
" My husband would like to meet you," she says.

This part of the book really made me laugh. The mother is so sarcastic and funny, but really moody. She kinda adds this little twist to the book and Medina's life.
The Tribes of Palos Verdes is a great book so far and I am very excited to read more tonight. Already on page 42 and ready to finish the book. I would recommend this book already to anyone who wants a few good laughs and who wants to feel as if they were riding a wave in Palos Verdes.

By: Alex Rasmussen