Customer Reviews

Outside In: A Novel

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I've always been fascinated by the inner workings of Hollywood and now we have a book written by a true insider....I couldn't put it down!! and I can't wait for a sequel...these characters have legs...

What a great read. Courtney Thorne-Smith creates an interesting character in Kate - with all the complexities of a young woman working in 'the business'. It feels like we're getting a little inside scoop about the ups and downs of working in Hollywood - very enjoyable!

Courntey Thorne-Smith's novel is a great read. A bright and talented actor who has written an engaging novel. A must read for all.

This was a fun book to read mostly because it was written by a Hollywood insider. I enjoyed the book very much, but felt disappointed at the end, because I wanted to know what happens to the characters other than Kate. It was tremendous fun to get inside of Courtney Thorne-Smith's head and I recommend it to all of her fans.

Norm Lehmeier Hartie, author of Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify & Energize Your Life, Your Home & Your Planet.

A funny and often times piognant story about the struggles of trying to be perfect. Kate has such a perfect life on the outside but has such struggles on the inside it is so hard not to root for her. Her best friend Paige seems to be the only one that gets her and her humour is what really brings Kate out of her bubble. I loved this book and it was very inspiring and easy to read. Hope she writes dozens more!!

I am not a literature snob and love a good chick-lit novel and took it out of the library. I realize that the author really wanted to give this a go and had something to write about... but where were her editors??? Before the author attempts to write another novel, (1) she needs to learn how to write (2) needs coaching from an editor

Courtney Thorne-Smith's long-awaited novel tells the story of Kate, a vulnerable TV star whose life takes a dramatic turn when her husband/manager leaves her for her diva co-star, Sapphire Rose. At her lowest emotional point, Kate finds solace in the friendship of makeup artist Paige and ends up, after going through more humiliating experiences, finding her own inner strength. Introducing a fresh approach to the scene and using her gift for funny dialogues and stereotypical descriptions (Sapphire's whiny moments are absolutely hilarious), Courtney exposes the downsides of Hollywood and isn't afraid to take the industry to task for its superficiality. As a fan who has been following Courtney's career for more than a decade now, I must say that I read on, page after page, chapter after chapter, and kept saying to myself "oh my God!". I promise this book will have you glued! A musthave for anyone who enjoys stylish writing.

I'm giving this 2 stars because it did amuse me, but is so terribly written I considered giving up on it several times. Way too much annoying banter between the characters and too many cliches and colloquialisms. I found myself rolling my eyes frequently and was overall just annoyed by this book, despite the somewhat-interesting storyline. Courtney, don't quit your day job!

The first chapter of this book caught my interest. I read it morbid fascination - feeling deeply sorry for the main character and hating the "perfect" husband who basically tells his own wife that she is "getting fat" and "haven't we talked about this already".

Yeah, I know its all set in Hollywood and I guess these types of conversation are normal - but boy did I hate that guy! He sounded wayyyy to pompous and obviously thought of himself as perfect.

Author Thorne-Smith does a good job of showing the sleezy, morally bankrupt side of Hollywood - I assume she must know of what she speaks since she probably is stuck living these types of nightmares every day.

Although I like to read an "insider look" at Hollywood, for some reason, this book started to grate on me after a while. I felt as though every women in the book was put down and that because its Hollywood it was somehow acceptable.

Also, the printing in my book was soooo tiny, I was pulling my eyes out trying to read this book.

Although I wanted to really adore this "dishy" book, all I can say about it is that its a fair read.

If this is the first in a series, I wish we'd been told. Otherwise, we're left w/ burning, unanswered questions. Did Michael finish his script and was it used in the Vivian Leigh movie? Did he still get a commission for Sapphire's involvement in it? Does Kate still keep her soon-to-be ex-husband on as a manager? (If so, the logic of that is teetering on nonexistent.) I was SO disappointed that her husband's reaction to Kate owning half of his business wasn't addressed. His reaction probably would have been the high point of the book. We kept hoping he'd get his due but were denied that pleasure.

It was very difficult to read (for those of us who don't understand the abused wife/daughter who continues to stick it out). I kept screaming for Kate to grow a backbone already.

One of the previous reviewers summed it up nicely in pointing out that Ms. Thorne-Smith is obviously a neophyte in the writing genre. Her constant use of `that' when unnecessary and her refusal to use contractions are dead giveaways. Her editor should work a little harder for his/her salary.