When the Black Girl Sings (pg. 65-120 Chapters 8-16)

Summary
Chapter eight starts out with Lahni's parents having arguments and as a result, their marriage is failing. Ursula thinks that Tim has a girlfriend and that's why he doesn't stay home and travel a lot because of "work". But Tim kept telling Lahni everything is going to be fine. but she really knows it won't be and smells a divorce coming in her direction. And the divorce came to break this family apart. One day, while Lahni was riding her bike to school, she felt someone stalking her and she called that person "Red High-Tops" because when she saw that same person the first time, he was wearing red high top sneakers. Red High-Tops has been stalking Lahni for a long time and she does not know why. Then, she later learned that his real name is Harry Tiboldt, known by Onyx 1. He is a junior, loves hip-hop and think that he is a black guy and tries to act black.One Sunday morning, after church, Lahni wants to meet the soloist of the choir, Carietta Chisolm so she can give her singing lessons to get ready for the competition. Carietta said no to the request but suggested that Lahni join the choir lead by Marcus Delacroix, the choir director and organist of the church. Marcus gave her a chance to join the choir as a soprano and gave her her first solo for next Sunday. When Lahni told her mother, Ursula was thrilled by the fact that her daughter is going to be in choir. That Sunday, when it was time for the choir to sing, everyone, especially Marcus and Cartietta was surprised at Lahni's voice. The problem was she was very loud and she has to share the sound because this is a choir, a group.Next, Tim called Lahni and asked of they can talk face to face about the divorce. Lahni agreed to meet him. The first thing that Lahni asks is if he has a girlfriend. Tim said no and he would like Lahni to visit him at the hotel where he is staying. Lahni said yes, but it is not clear if she is really going to visit him. Then, Donna gave Lahni a note from Onyx 1 saying: Onyx1 +U.U.=MINE, but Lahni didn't think much of it.

Quote:

"Why would you marry somebody who wants everything around her to be perfect, if you knew you couldn't live up to it? Sure maybe nobody could. But knowing you-you probably made her think you could pull it off, you big fat liar. And now look at her" (Wright 90).

Reaction:
Lahni said this quote. This is supposed to be said to her father, but this is only her inner thought. She said that because her father ruined her mother's life and made it worse; one example being that Ursula is tired and stressed all the time because of the divorce. I can tell that Lahni favors her mother more than her father because of the divorce. The tone from this quote is angry, and generally, a negative tone. The hatred of Tim from Lahni is growing stronger and stronger. In fact, she called him "a big fat liar". I wonder if she is going to say that to her father or even have the courage to reveal her inner thoughts. If she does, I think that will hurt Tim's feeling deeply and as a result, he will feel guilty.

When the Black Girl Sings (pg. 1-64 Chapters 1-7)

Summary:
Lahni Schuler is an African American girl attending Darby Prep. She is adopted by two, loving, white parents. She has a best friend named Katie. The novel starts off with Lahni, the protagonist taking a shower after she had P.E. After she finished, she could not find her towel. So, she had to walk out out of the shower stall being nude and embarrassed in front of the other girls. Later on, Lahni complanied to her mom asking why that she has to go to a school like Darby. She really does not like the school at all. Her mother said that her and Lahni's father did research and the saw that it was the best school for them. Then, she brought up the race comment that why did 2 white parents picked a black baby to adopt. Ursula, Lahni's mother replied that she didn't care what color the baby was, she loved Lahni and that is what matters. Now, During the time that Lahni was graduating from middle school, Ursula and Tim's (Lahni's dad) marriage was falling apart and may result in divorce. Coming up was the Kent-Darby middle school mixer but the narrator which is Lahni herself didn't really say what it was about. Then, back at home in chapter four Ursula and Tim continues to argue with each other until Tim leaves the house. Then, we shift over to the scene in the music room. Mr. Faringhelli announces that there will be arts awards given to students through nominations of their peers. Lahni was nominated but declined it. Lahni said to Mr. Faringhelli later on she is not the competition type. Mr. Faringhelli replied that she doesn't want to let people recognize her talent. Lahni asked if that will have a problem. He said that won't be a problem for him but it will be for her. So, Lahni gave in and entered in the competition with 2 others Amber and Lisa. Then, Ursula suddently wants to go back to church and Lahni comes with her. The church's name is the Good Shepard. It is an interdenominational church. They noticed that they are many races attending the church and Lahni was surprised that a Black man named Marcus Delacroix III was playing Bach on the organ.

Quote: 

"I wondered how soon it would be before it was obvious to her that the whole thing has been an awful, stinking mistake" (Wright 24).

Reaction:
What Lahni is referring to her mother soon realizing that adopting a black girl has been a big mistake. She used 2 adjectives to describe the mistake as being awful and stinking. I don't think that she should feel that way. In fact, she should be grateful for what her parents have done for her. They want her to have the best education. Nothing is wrong with that. However, I do feel her pain in being the only black girl in the school but she can deal with it. Also, Lahni should be thankful for having parents that love her and care for her. Race should not matter to her anymore. She should stop complaining and love her life.