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Drama Is Her Middle Name
Shock jock extraordinaire Wendy Williams lets loose with the first in a series of novels based on her alter ego, the divalicious radio DJ Ritz Harper. Ritz puts the s in shock and the g in gossip, and Drama is her middle name.
Ritz is a suburban girl on the outside, but inside she’s a hustler’s hustler who’s masterfully maneuvered her way into the spotlight after ruining the career of a well-respected newswoman (and former college friend). Ritz’s “exclusive” rockets her to the top of the ratings, and she’s rewarded with her very own show. Like a talking Venus flytrap, she verbally seduces her on-air guests, only to have them for lunch as she spews gossip about their lives.
Ritz becomes the darling of the station’s afternoon slot. But when Ritz goes from drive-time diva to drive-by victim, all she can think as she struggles to maintain consciousness is “Who did this to me?" Has Ritz bad-mouthed the wrong person? Has her signature cat-and-mouse “bomb drop” been dropped on her instead? Readers will salivate as they try to figure out where the fictional Ritz ends and the real-life Wendy begins.
Ritz is a suburban girl on the outside, but inside she’s a hustler’s hustler who’s masterfully maneuvered her way into the spotlight after ruining the career of a well-respected newswoman (and former college friend). Ritz’s “exclusive” rockets her to the top of the ratings, and she’s rewarded with her very own show. Like a talking Venus flytrap, she verbally seduces her on-air guests, only to have them for lunch as she spews gossip about their lives.
Ritz becomes the darling of the station’s afternoon slot. But when Ritz goes from drive-time diva to drive-by victim, all she can think as she struggles to maintain consciousness is “Who did this to me?" Has Ritz bad-mouthed the wrong person? Has her signature cat-and-mouse “bomb drop” been dropped on her instead? Readers will salivate as they try to figure out where the fictional Ritz ends and the real-life Wendy begins.
225 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
10 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Williams
8 books133 followersWendy Joan Williams is an American media personality and New York Times bestselling author. She hosts her own syndicated talk show, The Wendy Williams Show. Williams is known for being a former DJ in New York City, where she gossiped about entertainers and conducted celebrity interviews. Williams gained notoriety for her on-air spats with celebrities. Her books include the New York Times bestseller The Wendy Williams Experience, and she writes a weekly column for Life & Style magazine.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 19, 2018
Well what can I say, what comes around goes around. This is a middle shelf read.
August 6, 2020
This was the first book I read by Wendy Williams and, although I love her show, her book was just ok for me. Shock Jock extraordinaire, Ritz Harper, seemed to have it all, but did she really? Her mother had hopes and aspirations for Ritz when she was a child, but fate would soon change both of their destinies. Having been raised by her aunt and uncle, Ritz did relatively well in school and had a bright future ahead of her, but her dreams of going to the top didn’t happen fast enough.
While working the evening shift at WHOT radio station, she had a great following, but all the movers and shakers in the industry seemed to have that special niche that Ritz would die for. She was tired of playing second best to DJs that didn’t really have the it factor. Perusing magazines and catching up on all the latest gossip in the entertainment world, Ritz realized that an old school friend of hers was a top media sensation. But what the world didn’t know was the real story behind her friend’s rise to the top. Since her producer of the radio show kept making promises to give her better, Ritz took matters into her own hands and decided to dish some rather nasty dirt on an old school friend. Needless to say, the phone lines lit up like standing in the middle of Times Square, and Ritz’s new-found fame was born.
Ritz became known for spilling the ish on all the top celebrities and for exposing the fake entertainers for who and what they really were. Eventually, as Ritz’s fame became greater and she took over the daytime spot on WHOT, so did her list of evildoers who wanted nothing better than to see Ritz dead. As the story matures, so did the antics of Ritz Harper. There’s no doubt that this book certainly was ripped from the real Wendy Williams’ life of sorts. Lord knows I pray she really didn’t expose a personal close friend’s dirty laundry much like Ritz Harper did? But knowing Wendy like I do from watching her show, only one can surmise.
For me, there was too much emphasis on Ritz’s material things and the things around her. It was like the character was bragging about all she had at the expense of other’s shortcomings. I wasn’t feeling that, but it was a story, and it was quite entertaining where the callers were concerned. I can’t imagine walking in Ritz Harper’s shoes, nor would I want to. She had quite a bit to answer for, which I assume she will in the next book in the series. I’m pretty sure this book is old, and I got it at a good deal on BookBub, so I decided to read it to see if I liked Williams’ writing style. Eh, it was typical Wendy just written in words. There was quite a bit of humor in the story as well, and that kept me turning the pages.
The Sexy Nerd gives Drama is Her Middle Name three How YOU Doin’s? This is a short read and quite entertaining. If you’ve never watched Wendy Williams’ show, reading this book will most definitely give you a glimpse into her humble beginnings, if you can call it that? (chuckle). Anyhoo, until next time, Intellectual Minds, Keep on Reading!
Thank you.
While working the evening shift at WHOT radio station, she had a great following, but all the movers and shakers in the industry seemed to have that special niche that Ritz would die for. She was tired of playing second best to DJs that didn’t really have the it factor. Perusing magazines and catching up on all the latest gossip in the entertainment world, Ritz realized that an old school friend of hers was a top media sensation. But what the world didn’t know was the real story behind her friend’s rise to the top. Since her producer of the radio show kept making promises to give her better, Ritz took matters into her own hands and decided to dish some rather nasty dirt on an old school friend. Needless to say, the phone lines lit up like standing in the middle of Times Square, and Ritz’s new-found fame was born.
Ritz became known for spilling the ish on all the top celebrities and for exposing the fake entertainers for who and what they really were. Eventually, as Ritz’s fame became greater and she took over the daytime spot on WHOT, so did her list of evildoers who wanted nothing better than to see Ritz dead. As the story matures, so did the antics of Ritz Harper. There’s no doubt that this book certainly was ripped from the real Wendy Williams’ life of sorts. Lord knows I pray she really didn’t expose a personal close friend’s dirty laundry much like Ritz Harper did? But knowing Wendy like I do from watching her show, only one can surmise.
For me, there was too much emphasis on Ritz’s material things and the things around her. It was like the character was bragging about all she had at the expense of other’s shortcomings. I wasn’t feeling that, but it was a story, and it was quite entertaining where the callers were concerned. I can’t imagine walking in Ritz Harper’s shoes, nor would I want to. She had quite a bit to answer for, which I assume she will in the next book in the series. I’m pretty sure this book is old, and I got it at a good deal on BookBub, so I decided to read it to see if I liked Williams’ writing style. Eh, it was typical Wendy just written in words. There was quite a bit of humor in the story as well, and that kept me turning the pages.
The Sexy Nerd gives Drama is Her Middle Name three How YOU Doin’s? This is a short read and quite entertaining. If you’ve never watched Wendy Williams’ show, reading this book will most definitely give you a glimpse into her humble beginnings, if you can call it that? (chuckle). Anyhoo, until next time, Intellectual Minds, Keep on Reading!
Thank you.
June 24, 2025
I really recommend this book for Wendy fans. For the avid listener, it will be very fun to connect the pieces from the fiction to what we know about Wendy's real life. It's also fun to think about what real life stuff she might have put in this book that she can't say on the air because of slander. Don't expect a literary masterpiece by conventional standards, but still I enjoyed it just as much, probably more. I liked the way the story is told, where it gets spoiled in the first chapter, and we are backtracking and reminiscing. It was very engaging in my opinion. LOVE YOU WENDY
November 7, 2010
I read the series out of order. I read the 2nd book, Is the Bitch Dead or What? first, this book second and the third book, Ritz Harper Goes to Hollywood! third. I read Is the Bitch long ago enough that I really can't remember much other than that I liked it. I obviously liked it enough to get the other two books.
I can say that this and Hollywood can be read by themselves or out of order. The backdrop is there and it's worthy all on their own. They're better together, but it's not necessary.
If I had been asked if I thought a Wendy Williams novel would be any good I'd have probably shaken my head. I read The Wendy Williams Experience and liked it but a novel is a whole different story.
The Ritz Harper books are FAST. Super fast. Think an hour or two of uninterrupted reading, if that. They keep you turning the pages. Any Wendy fan won't be able to help but wonder, just like the description or blurb (I forget which) says, how much of this is following Wendy's own story? Personally, I don't think much. I think it's maybe a little more than a outline of Wendy's own experiences. I think she's smart enough to save all of the "real" stuff for a memoir later on down the road. I know I would.
While the celeb "names" are tacky as all hell it's kind of fun to pick and point and try to figure out who she had in mind while writing. 'Big Fun'? :-)
Ritz Harper, for all her flaws, is an awesome main character. I feel like I could go on reading about it for at least a few more books.
I can say that this and Hollywood can be read by themselves or out of order. The backdrop is there and it's worthy all on their own. They're better together, but it's not necessary.
If I had been asked if I thought a Wendy Williams novel would be any good I'd have probably shaken my head. I read The Wendy Williams Experience and liked it but a novel is a whole different story.
The Ritz Harper books are FAST. Super fast. Think an hour or two of uninterrupted reading, if that. They keep you turning the pages. Any Wendy fan won't be able to help but wonder, just like the description or blurb (I forget which) says, how much of this is following Wendy's own story? Personally, I don't think much. I think it's maybe a little more than a outline of Wendy's own experiences. I think she's smart enough to save all of the "real" stuff for a memoir later on down the road. I know I would.
While the celeb "names" are tacky as all hell it's kind of fun to pick and point and try to figure out who she had in mind while writing. 'Big Fun'? :-)
Ritz Harper, for all her flaws, is an awesome main character. I feel like I could go on reading about it for at least a few more books.
March 1, 2017
In this extremely dramatic novel we finally get a taste of Wendy Williams' alter-ego, Ritz Harper. Written by the shock jock diva herself, DRAMA IS HER MIDDLE NAME is all entertainment and no discretion.
WHOT radio station's most desirable slot has been taken over by the audacious Ritz Harper. Ever since she's come to realize that bringing down celebs and well-respected individuals brings forth fortune and fame, she will do whatever it takes to make sure her career and name keeps rising to the top.
Ritz Harper is a piece of work. You're either with her or against her, but no matter what you're tuning in. Even though Ritz is aware of the very shady side of this ruthless business, she manages to always take it just one step further. With all of that said, a person like this will have many enemies. So when she is found shot and left to die, there is no telling who is after her. This book, though not a literary masterpiece, drew me in. I am very interested to see where Wendy will go with this series and can see myself picking up book two when in the mood for a guilty pleasure.
3 ½ stars.
WHOT radio station's most desirable slot has been taken over by the audacious Ritz Harper. Ever since she's come to realize that bringing down celebs and well-respected individuals brings forth fortune and fame, she will do whatever it takes to make sure her career and name keeps rising to the top.
Ritz Harper is a piece of work. You're either with her or against her, but no matter what you're tuning in. Even though Ritz is aware of the very shady side of this ruthless business, she manages to always take it just one step further. With all of that said, a person like this will have many enemies. So when she is found shot and left to die, there is no telling who is after her. This book, though not a literary masterpiece, drew me in. I am very interested to see where Wendy will go with this series and can see myself picking up book two when in the mood for a guilty pleasure.
3 ½ stars.
March 4, 2009
I have been wanting this book for the longest I am so glad I borrowed this book. I made myself finish this book just to get it over with.
Book was on Ritz she talks on the radio giving away way to much information on people either they are famous people or something she just came across in newspapers. She spills everything from drugs dealers to rappers, to actors, R&B singers to gays, marriages anything that comes to her.
Chas is the man that helps her get all the information she needs she runs into in a a party. He is a somewhat gay big shout that knowns a lot of information due to his club.
Ritz starts off in the book as a good girl that just trying to make it in the radio but, next then you know she think she is a ms. know-it-all and her ways changes.
Book was just ok but, I don't think I want to read part 2 to this book.
Book was on Ritz she talks on the radio giving away way to much information on people either they are famous people or something she just came across in newspapers. She spills everything from drugs dealers to rappers, to actors, R&B singers to gays, marriages anything that comes to her.
Chas is the man that helps her get all the information she needs she runs into in a a party. He is a somewhat gay big shout that knowns a lot of information due to his club.
Ritz starts off in the book as a good girl that just trying to make it in the radio but, next then you know she think she is a ms. know-it-all and her ways changes.
Book was just ok but, I don't think I want to read part 2 to this book.
January 25, 2015
Ah, I was disappointed and this is why I put off writing this review.
I love Wendy Williams a lot and I think she's fantastic but this book was just not good enough. There were many loopholes that just seemed off. I liked the idea of the plot and the very core of the story but I didn't like how it was told. The story didn't seem coherent - I felt like I was driving on a road with many potholes and I was rattled all the time. The plot just didn't flow and I couldn't loose myself in it completely. While I enjoy information a lot (this must be an understatement), some things that were written seemed unnecessary and the story line could have been more "flowing", if there weren't those potholes of information (I appreciate them though :) ).
I'm not sure whether I'll give part 2 a chance. Most likely not.
I love Wendy Williams a lot and I think she's fantastic but this book was just not good enough. There were many loopholes that just seemed off. I liked the idea of the plot and the very core of the story but I didn't like how it was told. The story didn't seem coherent - I felt like I was driving on a road with many potholes and I was rattled all the time. The plot just didn't flow and I couldn't loose myself in it completely. While I enjoy information a lot (this must be an understatement), some things that were written seemed unnecessary and the story line could have been more "flowing", if there weren't those potholes of information (I appreciate them though :) ).
I'm not sure whether I'll give part 2 a chance. Most likely not.
December 12, 2013
DRAMA IS HER MIDDLE NAME is the first book in a series that features Ritz Harper. The character is based loosely on Wendy Williams. The similarities are uncanny down to the honey-blond hair and breast implants, but she brought the drama with the main character being shot. The novel is a classic "who dunnit" which keeps the reader in suspense. The combination of Wendy’s experience and Karen’s story telling works very well. The book lulls at points while sharing the backgrounds on each of the characters but the pace increases with several dramatic moments and a climatic ending which will have fans running to bookstores to purchase the second book in the series.
July 3, 2008
I wasn't exactly thrilled with the style of writing, I felt there were way too many redundancies, not to mention a few time line inconsistencies. That Ritz Harper sure was a mess though, I can't front. I also enjoyed the many insights Ms Williams gave us into the world of radio and popular music. All in all it was a good read; very entertaining.
July 30, 2007
I love Wendy! Anything she promotes and I will go out and buy. I even use the same dermatologist she promotes on her radio program (Love Dr. Downie!) I didn't love the book. It was ok, I read it on the beach in Puerto Rico.
June 21, 2021
I don't really know what to say about this. I had high hopes because I'm borderline obsessed with Chelsea Handler and ended up loving her first book and Wendy Williams reminds me of her a bit. A big let-down. This is another book I was given for free.
Read
August 2, 2011Wendy Williams is a famous New York City DJ, and has translated all the drama and glamour of that lifestyle into the Ritz Harper series. In the first book of the series, Ritz Harper’s successful formula of celebrity gossip may have gotten her in over her head.
April 17, 2014
I may not like her show but I sure do like her books. Just saw her on the Today Show and realized I have to get back to finishing her series. May have to reread this one to refresh before I jump back in.
February 28, 2007
This is a surprisingly good story.
November 21, 2009
Despite how one might feel about Wendy Williams, this was actually a good book, a mystery. Not sure if there is a sequel yet or not, but I'm searching.
Want to read
July 18, 2011RIGHT NOW IM REDING THIS BOOK ON MY LAST CHAPTER THIS BOOK IS VERY GOOD I REALLY LIKE ACTION BOOKS BUT THIS BOOK IS STILL GOOD
August 13, 2012
I enjoyed it. It's Wendy!!!
September 27, 2012
Decent read. No real climax however.
January 11, 2013
Loved it, suspense!
November 26, 2018
At first I was wondering where was she going with this book and the story line was a little off but I keep reading then boom all the drama came together. WOW!! I wonder who she was talking about in real life. Anywho. Not that bad not that good but it is entertaining.
October 13, 2017
I can't wait to know .......
Loved it. Well written, great insight into the world of entertainment and the drive for ratings. If you love the dramatic, this book delivers!
Loved it. Well written, great insight into the world of entertainment and the drive for ratings. If you love the dramatic, this book delivers!
June 12, 2020
Lot of Drama
The character, Ritz, was exactly like Wendy Williams when she was on the radio. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
The character, Ritz, was exactly like Wendy Williams when she was on the radio. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
July 12, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It drew me in from the first pages, and, as someone with an M.A. in French literature, am kind of embarassed to admit that I could not put it down. Has she published the sequel? Actually looked for it at the public library today...hanging by my nylon nails to cliff's edge! : )
August 22, 2016
As much as I hate to admit it, this was an enjoyable read. I liked the build up and the individual stories. The writing itself needs more work. Hopefully it improves in Book 2, which I am currently reading.
Read
August 30, 2021Don't bother. Really.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews