Hollyhood [Paperback]

Valerie Joyner (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 5, 2009

There are three things you need to know if you're gonna survive in Hollyhood

Money rules the day

Tyrone Hart clawed his way up from DC's drug-infested streets to the rich and glamorous world of Hollywood. A producer and Tinseltown heavyweight, he's got the cash to burn . . . but what happens when the ratings drop?

Lies rule your life

To the public, Ty's best friend, Maxwell, is a Zen-influenced writer who never lets anything ruffle his cool demeanor . . . but in private he has a secret that makes him rehab-bound. Sitcom star Leede will kill to keep his status, while his leading lady, Naja, could never love anyone who isn't her . . .

And sex rules your nights

Ty's girlfriend might pressure him to get married...but she's not about to give up her extracurricular playdates! And it's hard to stay faithful when there are ten gorgeous women for every step Ty takes.

Determined to live his dream, Ty uses his street-sense and savvy instincts to keep control of his career, his show, his life . . . and his friends. Hollywood might be the land of dreams, but in Hollyhood the only dreams you get are the ones you make yourself.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“In Hollyhood, Valerie Joyner delivers all the juice that’s fit to print. She craftily untangles the lives of Hollywood’s rich and so-so famous with enough sass, smarts and savvy to make you care for these sometimes twisted souls from beginning to end.” (Cori Murray, Entertainment Director, Essence )

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks; 1 Original edition (May 5, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061662445
• ISBN-13: 978-0061662447
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,128,907 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars First time author hits the ball out of the park-fantastic read!, July 11, 2009

By 

Dragon Fly 8 (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hollyhood (Paperback)

Valerie Joyner has a quality in her writing that any great author strives for-to pull the reader into the story with colorful characters that we my recognize ourselves in them.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very interesting look at Hollywood, July 5, 2009

By 

Tina "Tina" (Montreal, Quebec) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Hollyhood (Paperback)

Reading Hollyhood reminded me of the books I use to read in the 80's when the subject matter focused intently on Hollywood and the inner workings of the studios, etc.

Hollyhood is written from the point of view of a young African-American man who has made it big in the Hollywood studios - behind the scenes and behind the camera.

Valerie Joyner has a good take on Hollywood and writes very, very well about the inside goings on of producing a successful tv show. As I was reading the table reading scene in the beginning of the book, I could almost feel as though I was there. I love getting the "dirt" on what really goes on behind the scenes of my tv shows and Joyner pulls no punches as she shows us just how much BS there is going on.

This book is extremely character driven and I have to say, at the beginning, I was a tad confused with all the players - who, thank goodness get clearer as the book develops.

There is the pre-requisite amount of jealousy, sex, romances and what passes for schmoozing in Hollywood.

The storyline was a tad slow, it took the author a whole chapter to introduce us to the players, I felt as though it could have been hasten a little bit, yet, the storyline is compelling and interesting.

Its been a long time since I have read such a fun book on the Hollywood insiders and this book is an easy and fun read.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hollyhood Delivers!, July 10, 2009

By 

A.A. (Dallas, Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hollyhood (Paperback)

Valerie Joyner tells it like it is in this novel, revealing the often bizarre, not-so-glamorous world of Hollywood.

It's all here, the famous Hollywood egos, larger-than-life personalities, the pressure to stay on top and the desire to get ahead. But Joyner doesn't offer superficial Hollywood caricatures, she skillfully develops each character into a person with human frailties and beauty, playing their roles in the often complex and politically charged arena of showbiz.

With comedy and brutal honesty, Joyner gives us an inside look behind the scenes of network television. And I love every page of it!

It's a quick, easy read that is fun, funny and engaging.

If you're looking for a great book to read this summer while you're poolside, at the beach or backpacking thru Europe, Hollyhood is it!