Customer Reviews

Fabulous (Kimani Tru)

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

 

 

Ever wonder exactly what happens in private schools that cater to the rich and famous? Do the rich kids have the same issues that kids in the neighborhood public schools have? Fabulous by Simone Bryant is the first book in A Pace Academy series and the answer to the questions asked.

Dionne's father is new to the music scene. She is able to attend Pace Academy because her father provides her with a driver, who takes her from the hood. Neither of her two friends knows about her secret life.

Marisol's father is a big-time baseball player. He gives his family every thing they need and more. So much more that one bit of information sends Marisol's mind into overdrive. Her plan to save her family from destruction may cause her to lose her fabulous status and one of her best friends.

Starr is the daughter of a music producer and slightly spoiled. She wants it all and wants to shine brighter than even her best friends. The best way to attempt being the best is having the birthday party of the year. Starr is turning 15 and wants a party equally as good as the ones seen on "My Super Sweet 16" on MTV. Will she be able to pull off her fabulous party without a hitch? Or, will the anonymous blogger, who dishes the dirty and secrets of Pace Academy, have much to talk about?

I read Fabulous in less than 24 hours. The girls were trendsetters and true friends at heart. One thing I wanted to know was not revealed; of course I understand it was to leave me hanging for the next book to come in the series. I believe teen readers would appreciate this book; a few adults may enjoy it as well if they like reading about expensive name brands.

The publisher provided a copy of the book for review.

Jennifer Coissiere

APOOO BookClub

I picked up this book at random at the public library, wanting to curl up with a teen read. What a waste of time! Most of the book suffers from information vomit, which means the physical details completely overwhelm the tiny scrap of a plot. I found the characters (if you call it that) to be stereotypical, shallow, and poorly fleshed out-the author wordily states they are so rich they diarrhea money. Despite the fact it was written only in 2010, the overkill of pop-culture references already severely date the book. The book has the feel of a author trying too hard, and also the feel of a novel posted online be someone who desperately wants to be published (but shouldn't!! I have a lot of words for this book, and Fabulous is not one of them. But not to be too harsh, if the story was given a very serious overhaul, it just might make a fun teen read. But only after a through, serious and complete overhaul. If you want a typical teen read, RUN. But if your cable breaks down and you really, really, really need your lifestyles of the rich and famous fix, maybe, just maybe, it could suffice.

At first I thought the characters in "Fabulous" were stuck-up rich girls. But after reading the entire book, I discovered the girls in the book have the same problems that most teenagers go through. What makes this book strong is the bond of friendship that the girls shared. Friendship is much more important than designer clothes and the latest cell phone.

I can't wait 'till the next book comes out.

This book is the first in a series about three girls who are best friends and attend a private school. But the problem I had with it is this: why do the black students who are rich have to get their money stereotypically? You know their dads have to be some kind of singer or athlete! I remember one line at the beginning of the novel that said the white kids at their school parents were into finance or artistocarcy, but the black kids weren't. What??? There are PLENTY of sucessful blacks who get their money like that as well and NOT through pipe dreams and the fact that this book is for teens makes it worse. Since that is what black teens will believe: they can't be rich unless them or their parents are successful in sports or music, which isn't true. Not to mention that the blog in the book is just a carbon copy of the one in the Gossip Girl books. I usually like Ms. Bryant's books but this one is an insult!