If you, like me, love all things film industry-related and books, then this will be the article for you! Personally, I love reading books centered around Hollywood and the film industry, and I have curated a list of some of my favorites. I love the escapism of these particular books and appreciate that they are often written by people with firsthand knowledge or experience working in the industry. Along with this usually come lots of fun behind-the-scenes insights and information on the inner workings of Hollywood that you might not get otherwise.
Something to Talk About
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Something to Talk About follows a screenwriter, Jo, and her assistant, Emma, who spark romance rumors after being photographed together at a red carpet event. The unwelcome press threatens to affect both their careers, along with the release of Jo’s upcoming movie. It also forces the duo to question: How much of their feelings are real, and how much are audience projections?
The book highlights a beautiful LGBTQ+ story that centers on the flourishing relationship between these two women. Will the pair be able to balance their high-profile careers with their blossoming love story? How will the power dynamics of the industry impact their personal and professional relationships? A lighthearted and quick read, Something to Talk About will warm your heart and leave you rooting for Jo and Emma both individually and as a couple.
How to Fake It in Hollywood
In classic romance genre fashion, this book follows the popular format of fake dating versus a real dating trope. Per Goodreads, How to Fake It in Hollywood centers on “A talented Hollywood starlet and a reclusive A-lister enter into a fake relationship… and discover that their feelings might be more than a PR stunt.” This debut novel, from author Ava Wilder, is marketed towards fans of Emily Henry and Sally Rooney. If that sounds like the right fit for you, be sure to check out How to Fake It in Hollywood! Personally, I can’t wait to read it!
Funny You Should Ask
When twenty-something writer Chani Horowitz is hired to ghostwrite the profile of prolific movie star Gabe Parker, she can’t believe her luck. Not only is Parker her celebrity crush, but he’s an actor whose star is on the rise. Surely, the profile will skyrocket Chani’s career as well. But will the assignment turn out to be more than she bargained for?
Told through the lens of a dual timeline, the first timeline focuses on a time in the past when Chani first got the job. The second timeline takes place ten years later after the profile should be a thing of the past. But Chani still finds herself being asked about Gabe Parker at every turn. So, when Gabe’s PR team approaches Chani about reuniting for another interview almost a decade after the first, Chani is conflicted. Will she ever be able to move on from that point in her career? Or will it become all that she is known for? And does Gabe even remember who she is?
According to the synopsis, “A restless young journalist with big dreams interviews a Hollywood heartthrob—and, ten years later, it’s clear that their time together meant more than meets the eye in this sexy, engrossing adult debut novel.” If you’re a fan of slow-burn romances, Funny You Should Ask would be a good one to check out. I’ve already added it to my list!
The Actress
Per the description, The Actress is “a romantic, literary page-turner about Hollywood fame, the treachery of love, and the pleasures and pains of female ambition.” It centers on the life of young actress Maddy Freed, who begins dating her co-star despite rumors that he is gay beginning to circulate in the media. As Maddy falls more and more in love with Steven, she can’t help but wonder: Does he feel the same way about her? And can we ever truly know another person?
There are definitely some psychological elements to this one, as Maddy and Steven both grapple with some big questions throughout the course of the story. If you’re looking for a lighter read, this might not be the best one on this list for you. Although I am intrigued, this is probably going to be the last one on this list I read in terms of how much it piques my interest. Nevertheless, the book has an average of 3 stars on Goodreads!
Nora Goes Off-Script
After her marriage collapses, successful screenwriter Nora Hamilton pens what has to be the best script of her life. And when the script is inevitably optioned into a feature film, Nora can’t believe who is cast to play her ex-husband: Hollywood heartthrob Leo Vance. As Nora and Leo grow closer throughout the course of filming, she grapples with the concept of him playing a version of her ex. Despite it all, does the duo have a chance at love? A complicated look at love, Nora Goes Off Script is a story of moving on, second chances, and overcoming emotional obstacles.
Are these fictional tales of the film industry for you?
If you’re looking for easy, lighthearted reads surrounding the entertainment industry, I highly recommend checking out some of the books on this list! If you’ve always been fascinated by stories of perseverance, romance, and making a name for yourself, look no further! These stories remind us that there is a story inside us all, and it’s not just the big screen that can evoke the best emotions from us.
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