Ebony Jenkins has exactly what most women are seeking - a good looking devoted boyfriend, a flourishing business and a beautiful little girl. But what people don't know is how she mixed hard work and deception to maintain the celebrity lifestyle she tries to emulate. Brought on by her desire to over-compensate for what she didn’t have as a child, Ebony has become an Internet addict obsessed with pop culture and their riches. Endless taunts by classmates for wearing hand me downs echoes in her mind and motivates Ebony to provide for herself and her daughter. She's determined to do better than her mom did for her. But at what cost? An insurance settlement left by her deceased father helps her to open a thriving hair salon in Chicago's Bronzeville community. While her business is successful, it’s just not enough for Ebony. At twenty-five with a business and a condo shared by her boyfriend and an impressive bank account, Ebony desires to live the lifestyle of the rich and famous by any means necessary. She dreams big and refuses to be content with what would be considered a fulfilling life for most. She fashions herself to be the baddest chick in the “Chi” and no one including her best friend Trina can share the spotlight with her. Things are going great for Ebony until she suspects her up and coming rapper boyfriend Buzz could be dating the newest R&B phenomenon Arika. Ebony’s obsession with celebrity gossip and dislike of all things popular in the media fuels her hatred for Arika and sends her on an all out Internet mission to ruin Arika’s blossoming career. But as she's swept up in exposing Arika’s flaws and maintaining her faux celebrity lifestyle, Ebony uncovers some skeletons of her own. This novel shows that attaining fame and riches is not always what it’s cracked up to be!
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
What's the Buzz All About,
By OOSA Online Book Club "O.O.S.A. Gets It Read!" (World Wide Web, USA) - See all my reviews (VINE VOICE)
This review is from: The Buzz (Paperback)
That's the question everyone is going to want the answer to. "The Buzz" is a story that focuses on Buzz, an up-and-coming rapper who's trying to get a record deal; his live-in girlfriend, Ebony, who is the owner of an upscale beauty salon in a trendy Chicago neighborhood; their daughter, Shonda; and rounding out the mix is Arika, the latest R&B sensation. Buzz is a devoted father and works hard to keep his family's home life as comfortable as possible. On the other hand, Ebony is a diva and dislikes anyone who can outshine her, celebrities included. Arika has worked hard to achieve her success. She's pretty and talented, just the right mix of things to make Ebony dislike her.
Ebony lives for gossip and she's addicted to some of the Internet chat rooms. She's not above starting celebrity rumors herself. Ebony thinks she's a celebrity and she's determined not to let anyone, even her best friend Trina, share her spotlight. "The Buzz" is a very enjoyable book. The plot grabs you, and then the interaction between the characters draws you in. The author gives us the background on each character in detail. This helps you understand each character's personality and why they behave the way they do. This is what makes the book outstanding. "The Buzz" is a must read. Solid debut. Reviewed by: Anna
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Internet, Lies & Scandal,
By
This review is from: The Buzz (Paperback)
The Buzz by Stefanie Newell showcases the insecurities of an unfortunate girl who is willing to do damage to anyone else in order to make herself appear what she is not. Meet Ebony Jenkins, an independent salon owner, mother and girlfriend to an up-and-coming rap star, Buzz. Ebony appears to have it all but at what cost will she go through to maintain the façade that she shows the world?
Ebony grew up deprived and starving not only for attention, but for the finer things in life that her mother just could not provide for her. Flashing back to her childhood she reminisces about the humiliation she had to endure from her peers. Constantly facing ridicule she was forced to wear hand-me-downs and low-budget clothes. Vowing to grow up and be independently wealthy and always be in fashion, Ebony pursued her goals and opened a hair salon. Her six year-old daughter, Shonda, is laced in the latest fashions and wants for nothing. But Ebony is hiding a secret, several of them matter-of-fact. Ebony is a sneaky, conniving woman who constantly talks about everyone behind their backs, online and to anyone who will listen. She refuses however to divulge any of her own faux pas, but with her constant blogging, brow beating and rumor spreading, she believes her life's goal is to make celebrities feel at their lowest. When Buzz gets the deal of a lifetime and gets to work with, Arika, a new R&B diva; Ebony hits the roof. Not only can she not stand Arika but Buzz is just no longer paying her any attention. Set to ruin Arika's fame, before she gets started, Ebony plots the demise of all who love and worship her. Putting her all into destroying these peoples' lives only forces them closer together and poor little Ebony is left fighting for her life. The Buzz was interesting and entertaining. It made me laugh, cry, and think about what celebrities face everyday with crazed fans. I loved this book and recommend it to readers of all genres. Kudos to Ms. Newell. I look forward to her next book. Reviewed by: Cheryl Hayes APOOO BookClub
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent book with lots of twists and turns to keep you interested,
By Bquick2 "David" (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Buzz (Paperback)
The ingredients for a great novel are interesting and developed characters as well as clever story telling. This debut novel delivers all the above. The reader journeys via chapters written from the perspectives of the main characters. What makes the book convincing and interesting is that the writer builds the characters' stories with a crafted pace that is best described like a train leaving the station. As this story gets on course the action (train) get faster and furious. Also notable is the writer's ability to get in to the main characters' heads (male and female) and write believable thoughts and actions.
This book also is suggested reading if you are curious about the inside workings of the entertainment industry. Couple this with the intersecting story arc of how the artist's life is impacted by a hating stranger and you got an interesting story. Do not, I repeat, do not miss out on this book! I highly recommend this book and expect this writer to carve a seat along the side of other well-known African-American writers.
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