Customer Reviews

Hollyhood

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

I can't lie. Half my time I spent hysterically laughing and the remaining time wondering which Hollyhood star might this be? Ahhh... the joys of fiction! If you like The Game, this you'll love a sitcom based on this wonderful piece of writing by Valerie Joyner. Reality TV ain't never this good... trust me.

It was a good book where we get to follow a journey of a young African-American man who succeeds in Hollywood. We get to see what goes around behind the scenes of a TV show production, how important the rates are, the money, the business and of course how it is to be african-american in show business.
Overall Valerie Joyner did a good job in writing a book that is related to something she knows since she worked behind the scenes in Hollywood.

By: Paula Espinoza

Valerie Joyner offers prose so crisp it practically crackles in this hard-hitting portrayal of life behind-the-scenes in Black Hollywood. Her characters are well drawn and the storyline sizzles. Summer reading at its best.

Ms. Joyner takes time to create these vivid and deeply developed characters that will linger with you long after putting the book down.

Written from a "fly on the wall" perspective, Joyner hilariously welcomes us into the world of Hollywoods secret neurosis' - from ego's, to eating disorders, to those willing to do anything to get ahead. One can't help but wonder what is truly fiction. Joyner feeds off of her varied experiences working in the industry for many years.

Warning: If reading on a subway, you will laugh out loud!

Can't wait for this author to give us another fun read... QUICKLY!

I really enjoyed HollyHood... It's been awhile since I have read a decent book and wasn't tempted to put it down. I loves how the Main character handled pressure in his day to day life and still was able to keep it together.

From the first page, this book had me hooked. It has it all -- well-developed, believeable characters; snappy and funny dialouge; an interesting story and plot; and, most of all, excellent writing.

Ms. Joyner uses her first-hand experience of life at a network, to take the reader deep inside the inner workers of a studio -- and its not a pretty picture. There's back-biting, drug use, sex, and lies.

If you are looking for a story that moves fast and makes you laugh, then this is it.

The entire time I was reading Hollyhood I felt as if I knew the characters...or someone like them. The author does an amazing job of making the people in this book seem very real. I enjoyed the realistic structure and development of the plot, as well as the down to earth dialouge throughout the book. Although I am more of a literature reader this was a nice change of pace for me. Great beach read for the summertime!