The Buzz: when celebrity gossip goes wrong author Stefanie Newell debut novel writes about a life full of drama, which for some in the real world can be an everyday thing. The main character Ebony is the perfect example of the girlfriend we all have, the one who can tell you everything in the gossip world.
The books events, people, and places which are set in Chicago are familiar and welcoming to Chicagoans. For those readers not familiar with ‘The Chi’ the book has intriguing details that pulls them in.
The entire book is full of twists and turns that reads like an urban soap opera. The book is written to keep the reader on edge. Ebony elevates gossip to a whole new level when
She decides that a local artist isn’t deserving of her fame and plans to take her down. Ebony’s addiction to gossip, the internet, and living the glamorous life affects her life with her boyfriend, friends, and even her young child. While attempting to destroy the lives of others, she learns a hard and valuable lesson about reality.
The book gives deep insight into all sectors of the entertainment world as well as the past of the characters which shape their futures. Drama is represented in the book in the form of family, friends, business partners, and professional haters in entertaining and surprising ways. As an added bonus to readers, the author supplies dialogue from gossip and urban message boards to show what goes on behind the scenes of popular gossip sites. Also, Stefanie details how fans and foes start rumors and what fuels some of these readers to become obsessed.
The book is divided into separate chapters dedicated to all the main characters. Through these chapters the reader gets a true feel for each character through their own words and thoughts. There is the salon owner, the self-proclaimed fashionista, and the ‘big baller’. Ebony. She is one manipulative, cold, calculating, and self-absorbed drama queen. I love the portrayal of her as she pushes forward the story with her lies, delusions and jealousy.
Other characters that influence Ebony’s world are rapper Buzz (Ebony’s boyfriend) and singer Arika (Ebony’s archenemy) who are the Jay-Z and Beyonce of Chicago. Buzz has handsome good looks, a motivation to succeed and a kind hearted nature. He represents the man that real women are looking for. Arika is the sista living a dream life that is self-financed, and self-promoted. She has dreamed of this life since she was a young and extremely privileged child. Her parents provide the backdrop for an example of how a strong support system can take a performer to the top.
What seemed to be missing from the book, chapters dedicated to Ebony’s best friend Trina. According to Ebony’s perspective Trina is a weak person without any definite future or goals. Questions surrounding Trina with her low confidence and her feelings about Ebony’s lifestyle and decisions were much needed. Towards the finale of the book the audience gets some insight into how Trina felt behind the friendship and what drove her ulterior motives towards Ebony.
In the end, for a debut novel this is a must read. It was refreshing to read because it does not fit the same cookie cutter mold of the other ‘hood ‘ themed novels. It is light hearted and entertaining, this book holds true to the phrase, what goes around comes around.