Gotham Diaries : A novel

Rating:
Summary: Gotham Diaries
Review: This book was a quick and amusing read, but I have to agree with the reviewer who wondered what happened to the editing. It is choppy with poor set ups and flashbacks. It never delves deeply into character motivation and background, thus making it hard to empathize with, connect to or be really intrigued by any character. For example, Ed Thomas, by the conclusion of the book, was reduced to a sniveling idiot -- totally unrealistic for a man as powerful as he is portrayed to be. Though the authors are part of the black New York City plutocracy, they offer few meaningful insights regarding the true complexitiy of this group. Instead there are merely stereotypes, particularly of the sports and entertainment nouveau riche(ironically the two areas from which the authors derive their wealth and position). Mrs. Lewis Lee said in a recent Wall Street Journal article that spoke to the inclusion of the African American upper class in the social bible, Town and Country, that the magazines treats "people of color in a way that seems effortless"; unfortunately, she was unable to do the same in her book. While it's a good beach read, borrow, do not buy this book.

Rating:
Summary: Feeling the characters....
Review: This book was a wonderful read. As a black woman, independent and struggling with similiar issues - such as friendships, marriage, family - I found myself relating to the characters, and sympathetic to their feelings. The writers did a wonderful job in bringing the characters and settings alive. Thank you for the wonderful entertainment.

Rating:
Summary: FABULOUS!!! A Delicious and Edgy Read
Review: This is the next wave of fun and satirical fiction. It offers a glimpse into the world of high society, but should not be boxed in with labels such as chick lit or African American literature. It transcends these boundaries and I think a broad audience will like it from the young, middle age, to mature women and men. The characters are richly defined and the culture of New York society is so well written it left me laughing and surprised at the same time. A must read for anyone who wants a page turner.