Starstruck

Reading this story, I paused more than once to do some research online to try to determine just how much of the plot is inspired by true Hollywood history. The story is just so real, the dialogue between characters is so perfect for the time period, and the characters are so credible that it drops the reader right into the middle of the golden age of cinema. The picture Shukert paints of the time period and world of Olympus Studios is perfect down to the tiniest details: the small town Main Street set on the studio lot, the bungalow where Margo lives after signing her contract, even the glittering nights danced away by Margo, Gabby, and Amanda at the original Trocadero Cafe and the Cocoanut Grove. I love when authors take the time to put a lot of research into historical fiction, and Shukert has taken no short cuts. It's amazing to consider what her characters undergo at such young ages in their pursuit of fame, but then, Lana Turner was discovered at 16, and just like Gabby Preston, Judy Garland spent her entire childhood performing in vaudeville shows before making the switch to movies. Shukert perfectly sets up your curiosity for the next book: Why were Margo's society-darling parents so cruel to her? Was she really their biological daughter, or does the mysterious pin she wears have something to do with her true identity? What will jealous, conniving Gabby do with all of the juicy gossip she's uncovered? Will Amanda find a way to overcome her troublesome past? Like a true pro, Shukert slowly reveals secrets about her starlets in away that leaves you stunned and breathless by the last chapter. It's difficult to select which of the three girls to sympathize with the most: they're all likable and in awful predicaments. Anyone who has an interest in Hollywood, or who has ever dreamed of becoming a famous actress will really enjoy this book.

What I Liked: 1) I don't know how I didn't pick up on this from the summary, but I didn't realize it was historical fiction until I started reading. It's actually set in the late 1930s, right in the middle of the Golden Age of Hollywood. Something about this time period fascinates me, and always has. The 20s and 30s always seem kind of glamorous, the hair styles and the clothes. So to discover that this book was going to explore that setting was very exciting. And luckily it was done very well: events, phrases, clothing, even some of the big players in Hollywood at the time were references. I found it all true to period, and loved that aspect. 2) The plot. Starstruck is a very plot-driven story. As we go through the different storylines, each one has it's own action and breath that brings the story to life. 3) The mystery. At first I didn't think the book was going hold as much mystery as it did. It's not mystery in the suspenseful way, it's more like...a mysterious kind of charm. Like the book itself was a clever character. What I Didn't Like: There was not enough character development among any of the six or seven (six or seven???) main characters. I think that Margo is supposed to be the main Main Character (does that make sense?) But there was so much going on with the other characters that focus was being pulled in several different directions. And with something like that going on, it makes it hard to get to know any of them very well. I would have liked to see a lot more character development in this story. Overall Thoughts: If old time Hollywood settings and mysteries on the edge of film noir intrigue you, then Starstruck might be right up your alley. It's not dark but instead light and funny with a charming mystery and thoughtful plot that has the potential to pull a reader in for hours. The lack of character development creates a slew of secondary characters but an unclear main character, but if you look past that, the plot can certainly keep a reader engaged long enough to enjoy this quick and easy read. My Rating: 3 shots

Just finished reading Starstuck. Truly a book that you are sad when it's over. Starstruck takes you back to a time we all dream about: 1930's Hollywood. It describes it so well, you really feel like you were there...the clothes, the attitudes, and of course the stars. It was really a fun read with great characters and unexpected twists and turns along the way. People of all ages will enjoy this book. Can't wait to read more.

but not a great book. Good for beach reading or on the plane. Nice details of historical Hollywood but some glaring anachronisms.

How did you nail this so well? It's masterfully written, tasteful and compelling. You rip hollywood open for all that it is. Each character and his or her related story is deeply compelling. Thoroughly enjoyed this book.

I was interested in real stories...clearly i didn't read the fine print. I read a few pages and put it down.

That Rachel Shukert is writing novels for young adults--a trilogy, even!--is yet another reason to be depressed I'm an old adult.