Customer Reviews

The Buzz

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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

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

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.

This novel differs from the typical book about jealousy and revenge. It is a clever take on real-life situations and the way that different types of people choose to deal with them. As I read on, I felt close to the characters and really wanted all of them to succeed even though that wasn't possible. The format also varies making this not only an interesting read, but one that keeps a reader's attention at all times.

All the elements of everyday family life with friends and family. Excellent anecdotes and stories. An enjoyable read. Write more.

Ebony Jenkins is a beautiful, sassy young woman who knows what she wants and does exactly what it takes to get it. Her plush, upscale salon, designer clothes, and flashy jewelry are testaments to her determination to live the high life. Ebony makes sure that her daughter, Shonda, has the best of everything and her boyfriend is groomed for success. But, this boastful beauty has a dark side and those that are closest to her suffer the most.

With an internet addiction, only matched by her obsession with material processions, Ebony allows the luring world of celebrity gossip to rule and ultimately ruin her life. As Buzz, Ebony's boyfriend and surrogate father to Shonda, begins to focus more on his career, Ebony becomes increasingly acrimonious and jealous. With misguiding advice from her best friend, Trina, she destroys her relationship with her jealousy, selfishness, and greed.

When Buzz meets Arika, a hot new R&B singer on the Chicago scene, they spark an immediate connection, despite Ebony's compulsive hatred of the young star. Ebony, determined to get her man back and end Buzz's newfound love, constructs an elaborate scheme to destroy Arika's career using the internet message boards and pop culture's undeniable thirst for celebrity dirt. But just when she thought her plan would succeed, some of her deepest secrets reach the surface and her life quickly spirals out of control.

Stephanie Newell's, THE BUZZ, is a quick and entertaining debut. It succeeded in holding my attention with well-defined characters and an underlying message about life's values. The characters were believable and the story was engaging. At times I felt the author was a bit verbose in explaining the story, giving more information than was needed, which in turn caused some repetition. Additionally, the novel may have benefited from more dialogue from the characters and less narration. Overall, I recommend this novel to those looking for a light and somewhat humorous read.


Reviewed by Monique D. Mensah
for The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers

Ebony enjoys talking about celebrities. The cover carefully lays out a precise depiction of what her reaction could have easily been as she gets into the dirt of the stars. Not only does she need to know it all, but she wants to have it all as well. Everything has to be her way or else... that is until things take a turn for the worse.

I really enjoyed the flow of the book and the very descriptive details. I appreciated the fact that the storyline was different making this book unpredictable which I loved! The climax was amazing! Great job! The twist was wonderful.

The only thing I didn't enjoy was the cliff hanger at the end. I was a little disappointing but the book was still good. The only other concern I have is the excessive information I feel was not needed. Some things could have been left out. Other than those two things the book would be great.

Reviewed by:
Nateche
[...]

The internet is the greatest invention alive to some. Put to others mainly celebrities, athletes and anyone in the spotlight, the internet can destroy an career in a keystroke. Blogs, websites are updated every second with rumors, pictures, and stories that can shatter the lives of many.

Ebony Jenkins is rags to riches story. Coming from hand me downs and nothing, she is a successful business owner and has a good man named Buzz by her side, and a beautiful little girl. Who could want more? But Ebony always wants the best. The clothes, latest vehicle, and the lifestyle. She has to compete with celebrities we see everyday on the TV and music videos. Some would call it compulsive, but Ebony has no problem with the way she lives. The internet is Ebony's best friend, latest blogs, and rumor mills gives her that rush she needs to make it during the day. Ebony had it rough growing up, teased and taunted by classmates for wearing hand-me downs. She swore she would give her daughter every thing she didn't...but at what cost? Plots, scheming, and manipulation has no bounds on what Ebony is capable of. When Ebony secrets are revealed, will Ebony lose it all over being materialistic?

Buzz is Ebony's boyfriend since high school. He is an up and coming rapper who is on the path to success. Buzz has been through thick and thin with Ebony. Cheating that resulted in a child that he was taken on the responsibly as a father, even though biologically the child wasn't his. Ebony's excessive spending, and accusations of cheating pushes him away. When Buzz meets Arika another local R &B artist, the chemistry is undeniably between the two. But when secrets are revealed, Buzz finally sees Ebony in a new light. Will Buzz fall into Ebony's trap, or will he take the new relationship with Arika to the next level?

Arika dreams are finally come true. Arika is an upcoming R&B singer and new sensation. With her new single hitting the airwaves, she has a great new staff & manger helping her become the next big thing. But as Arika prepares for the superstardom, she is not ready for the vicious lies and rumors starting to spread about her on the internet. With her developing relationship with Buzz, could Arika lose it all before she gets it, or can Arika hold her head above water and maintain her career?

The Buzz was an excellent read by Stefanie Newell. It showed throughout the book that everything that glitters is not always gold. The novel is a good insight to what the celebrity life is, and what challenges and obstacles they face. Stefanie Newell did a good job of showing how celebrity gossip goes wrong, and how lies and rumors can lead to devastating consequences.

Reviewed by Kristin
for Urban Reviews

GREAT READ!!!! EXCELLENT!!!!
This book is thoroughly entertaining. I found myself constantly picking it up to read at every opportunity I could find. The way the story was written, you were allowed to know the characters every thought, whether you agreed with those thoughts or not. "The Buzz" is more than a story about the entertainment business. It is also a story of how perception can lead one into making decision that is both hurtful and vindictive. The main character, Ebony's has a desire to be better than those around her, even though the life she has now is fulfilling (she has a wonderful boyfriend, a beautiful daughter and a successful business). But it is her obsession with celebrity lifestyle and her desire to have that lifestyle that leads her into making decisions to an outcome she was not expecting. This book is a page turner.

If you are a fan of celebrity gossip the BUZZ is a great read. it is a story about Ebony Jenkins a celebrity hound, and internet addict, who pretty much dislikes every celebrity in the media. Her life ironically crosses paths with Arika the newest R & B star. Imagine the chaos! Ebony's personality is abrasives at times but, you still want the best for her. The plot twists were unique. The book includes message board, and text messasge postings. If you have ever passed on an unfounded rumor,or listened to celebrity gossip , this is your book! Stefanie Newell is a brillant writer that you will hear from again. I give the book 5 stars, and I definetely recommend it.