Star Struck: An American Epidemic [Paperback]

Kim L. Dulaney (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 2003

Star Struck follows the longtime relationship between urban socialite Lela Valentine and superstar R&B crooner Benjamin 'Beemo' Moore. Juxtaposing the harsh realities of fame and fortune, Star Struck unabashedly exposes the pitfalls of celebrity and the scandalous relationship between triumph and travesty. The novel balances itself on the crux of a love story while teetering into the realm of spiritual and social commentary. Star Struck: An American epidemic is the most daring novel in recent publication and will undoubtedly be the origin of much conversation.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Unique Expressions (December 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1891636138
• ISBN-13: 978-1891636134
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,855,178 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Deep and Real, January 2, 2004

By 

Raymond Alexander (Detroit, MI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Star Struck: An American Epidemic (Paperback)

I've heard people talk about how books and movies can change you, but I never had that experience. But over the holidays I picked up Star Struck, read it in about four hours, and had my mind blown. And I think that I was 'awakened' more than I was changed. This book is powerful and unrelenting. It made me think about things I had previously glossed over.
The whole story centers on Lela Valentine and her relationship/friendship with a superstar musician. It's all very reminiscent of the R. Kelly scandal. But nothing you've heard about that drama can prepare you for the depth of emotion Kim Dulaney brings to this story. It's almost like getting to look behind the scenes of a media circus. She pulls the curtain aside and you get a glimpse past the spotlights, the news articles and rumors. The book exposes hype, sensationalism and greed for what they are and shows you how the media and the stars themselves can use the phenomenon of being star struck to manufacture 'stardust'-- letting it fall like snow, blanketing our good natures, true identities and common sense. I was amazed at how little consideration I had given to so many of the issues Star Struck brings to light. So often we get caught up in the glitz and glamor of celebrity scandals without taking the time to consider the important issues that lurk behind the scenes.
As a man, I have often thought that books by female authors mostly fit into two categories. Usually they portray Black men as supernaturally kind, almost celestial, or they portray them as completely malevolent creatures, incapable of true love and emotion. I want to thank Kim Dulaney for showing men for who we truly are: human. Star Struck, in all of its truths and consequences, has shown me how to be a more responsible man and a more caring human being.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Right or Wrong?, March 15, 2004

By 

The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers (RAWSISTAZ.com and BlackBookReviews.net) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Star Struck: An American Epidemic (Paperback)

Everyone dreams of being a star, knowing a star, or maybe being "with" a star. Kim L. Dulaney boldly tackles the topics of celebrity success and takes a stand for what's right in her sophomore effort, STARSTRUCK: AN AMERICAN EPIDEMIC. Written in a journal type format, the story flip-flops from past to present, as the author draws a tale of love and loss, friendship and betrayal, and right and wrong.

Lela Valentine is an urban socialite who shares with us her story of meeting and befriending an R&B superstar, Benjamin "Beemo" Moore. She gives a sneak peek inside the lives of the rich and famous at things we may think happen, but aren't really true. As Beemo climbs up the celebrity ladder, things around him start to shake loose and Lela is there to pick up the pieces, make him look good, and get him past his dilemmas. Yet, there comes a time when she must open her eyes; seek the truth and face it head on.

Dulaney seems to ride a very thin line with this fictionalized account of her own friendship and involvement with superstar R. Kelly. Since I'm not overly into television or music, I could've easily read this story without relating it to real people. In fact, it would've actually been better had it not been pointed out that this book was written to help a friend unable to see the pit he's fallen into. In spite of this, the messages ring clear; the implications of wrongdoing, standing up for what you believe in, and challenging the moral standards of those we've placed on pedestals.

STAR STRUCK makes us question our values system and realize just how commercialized our society has become. Dulaney holds nothing back in exposing America in all her glory; the good, the bad, and the ugly. While I understand the need to get the message out, I'm still not sure I agree with ousting a friend in such a public forum--that just doesn't sit well with me. Yet, her words are powerful and passionate, while at the same time protective and pensive.

Reviewed by Tee C. Royal
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars I'd heard it all before..., March 11, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Star Struck: An American Epidemic (Paperback)

While this book does make you wonder why the public tends to put popular stars on a pedestal, this particular book and it's poorly disguised resemblance to another R&B icon said absolutely nothing I did not already know. While it focuses on the relationship between the main character and Mr. Beemo, the publicized stories and gossip about this R&B singer makes this a book that could have been written by anyone who reads the latest gossip magazines and tabloids. I waited for that "WOW" moment, the moment that would blow me away, it never came. Ms. Dulaney is a promising writer, but I'd love to see some real fiction, based on imaginary characters rather than a biography of sorts, misrepresented as 'fiction'.