The world’s most successful and celebrated pop star. A Native American making a name for himself in LA. The two collide in a powerful love story torn apart by hatred and racism, all set in the glittery backdrop of Hollywood socialites.
Stevie Pearl is the biggest pop star on the planet. Her earnest Texan roots blend with California idealism to construct a force never before seen in the entertainment industry. The attention surrounding America’s favorite sweetheart is absolute pandemonium, and after a decade of limelight, her stardom is beginning to feel like a prison.
Alex Nopah is an illustrator. The graphic novel he draws for is budding into a super-franchise. Hired as a consultant for the upcoming motion picture, Alex is introduced to Hollywood and the woman that will forever change his life. Born on a reservation, Alex’s humble upbringing polarizes the wealth and attitude of LA, along with the new life he’s trying to construct for himself.
THE BALLAD OF STEVIE PEARL presents itself as a sickeningly sweet tale of a young woman crossed somewhere between the bubblegum pop of Taylor Swift and the glamour of the Kardashian’s. Breakups, drama, and paparazzi act as a smokescreen, shadowing the true genius behind the empire and a powerful businesswoman taking command of her career. Faced with corruption, collusion, and greed within her own organization, juxtaposed against systemic racism, sexism, and classism within society—much like the coy smile of Stevie Pearl, the story’s teeth sinks much deeper into the mind then its glossy exterior.
Once all is won and Stevie Pearl embraces the love she has longed for within Alex Nopah, the final pages take an abrupt and unexpected turn. What can only be described as utterly horrific—tragedy strikes the couple deep within the Mojave Desert. Prolific anguish can’t describe the tear soaked ending, making THE BALLAD OF STEVIE PEARL one of the most unexpected and conscious novels written in recent years.
This novel is supported by a humorous and entertaining ensemble of characters, providing the reader with a deep emotional connection to Alex and Stevie. This drama / tragedy reads as a quirky romantic comedy up until its final pages, combining pop culture references, witty dialog, and a soundtrack for each chapter. Its diverse character selection and provocative undertones makes THE BALLAD OF STEVIE PEARL a modern fish-out-of-water story, Cinderella crossed with Romeo and Juliet.
SW Hammond
