Ghetto Superstar: A Novel (Many Cultures, One World) [Paperback]

Nikki Turner (Author)

Book Description

Series: Many Cultures, One World | Publication Date: April 21, 2009

The reigning queen of hip-hop lit, Nikki Turner, takes on the music biz in this tale of a young woman who risks everything to be a superstar.

Fabiola Mays was born to sing. She has a voice like honey and a body to match, but one heartbreaking setback after another threatens to derail her dreams of a recording deal. To make matters worse, it’s Christmastime, rent is past due, and the cops intend to kick her tight-knit family to the curb–until a small-town gangster comes to the rescue and offers them a place to stay.
Years pass, and Fabiola continues to play gigs and travel around the country hoping for another shot at fame. She’s long forgotten the gangster named Casino who bailed out her family once upon a time. But when Casino is shot, Fabiola feels that she must help the man who helped her family during their lowest point.

As Fabiola climbs the ladder of success, she is pulled between the spotlight and the street, trying to resist industry moguls who find the allure of fresh meat irresistible and the thugs from the shadowy side of the ghetto who threaten to keep her close.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Another vivid slice of street life from Nikki Turner. You can’t go wrong with this page-turner!”—T.I.

Turner’s fans will be riveted by this fast-paced tale of redemption and betrayal, and will be left gasping at the cliffhanger ending.”—Booklist

About the Author

Nikki Turner is the author of the New York Times bestseller Black Widow, the #1 Essence bestseller Forever a Hustler’s Wife, and the Essence bestsellers A Hustler’s Wife, The Glamorous Life, and Riding Dirty on I-95. The first two books in the Nikki Turner Presents line were published in 2008 by One World/Ballantine Books.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: One World/Ballantine (April 21, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345493893
• ISBN-13: 978-0345493897
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.6 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (43 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #696,592 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars My First Nikki Turner Original, April 25, 2009

By 

M. T. Pope (Baltimore, Md) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ghetto Superstar: A Novel (Many Cultures, One World) (Paperback)

Well let me say I was a little apprehensive when I picked it up because I read one of the reviews that was not favorable at all. But since I am one to have to see it for myself I picked up the book and I am glad I did. Now the reviewer did have some valid points that I saw as I read the book.

The Pros:
1.She is an excellent story teller.
2.She know how to make the characters come to life and have distinct personalities.
3. She kept you into the story(most of the time).
4. The main character in this book did have some self respect and that was the best part of the book.

The Cons:

1. Why is the main character always so damn flawless almost all the time. I just don't get it. Not a scratch on her. She's always superwoman.She always have 10 lives she gets shot up, beat up and thrown out windows and still walking around looking like "Beyonce". Imma need to see a brokedown !itch get her turn in a book. My bad i'm babbling on. Just a vent. I just read too many books with the same chick. I saying to myself i know this chick is tired from showing up in all these books. Please somebody let the chick take a break.
2. 50 more pages and she could have wrapped the ish up and been done with the story. I don't think it warrants another book. But hey who am I. Just a reader!


Thanks you Ms. Turner for an interesting read. I will be recommending this one and reading the second part. One

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Mama, I wanna sing..., June 13, 2009

By 

Urban Reviews "Your Source for the Best in AA... (Online) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Ghetto Superstar: A Novel (Many Cultures, One World) (Paperback)

Fabiola Mays is a superstar waiting to be discovered. Her mom has the tenacity and business savvy to help her further her career and her sister can make a stack of brown paper bags into a fashion line. This trio personifies the whole package. Encouraged by her mom and sister, Fabiola is working and giving it everything she has to attain that fame and fortune that is within her grasp. Working with Ricky Chunnaly's band, she accepts his unfair treatment because she gets exposure with his gigs.

Fabiola wins a contest in New York City that includes a $50,000 grand prize and a $150,000 record contract with Hot Soundz. When the trio attempt to collect the prize money, they are met at the door of Hot Soundz with the news that the company's assets have been frozen by the IRS, so they return home penniless and disillusioned. To make matters worse, the landlord is there to evict them, and now they have nowhere to go and no money. Luck happens to be across the street in the form of an old gangster named Casino, who offers them a place to stay with no strings attached.

This Nikki Turner original is a mediocre read. In reading Ghetto Superstar, I kept waiting for some excitement and some interesting drama, but unfortunately Ms. Turner never delivered. The relationship between Fabiola and Casino needed more development to indicate a physical attraction or chemistry. Editing problems throughout the novel didn't help the situation either. The ending was like a magic trick that the magician pulls out of a hat...puzzling. Overall, I found the storyline in Ghetto Superstar lackluster at best.

Reviewed by Tazzyt2bossye
for Urban Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars ?????????, May 23, 2009

By 

Chicago's Finest (Chicago, Memphis) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ghetto Superstar: A Novel (Many Cultures, One World) (Paperback)

I was very suprised that this book didn't do anything for me. I love all nikki turner books and i waited so long for this one to come out. the book started of really slow for me and as soon as the book started to get good it was over! i hated the ending, it didnt make any sense. the book just left you with alot of unanswered questions.