You should read this fresh screwball comedy with a hundred shades of black humor. It is called A Star is Falling and in Hollywood shorthand is Emmanuelle meets Sleepless in Seattle. It will thrill fans of Dave Barry and shock and/or delight people who read Movie Star by Lizzie Pepper. The book is a postmodern twist on A Star is Born in that the ingénue is the substance challenged one and the older guy is the one that is brought out of obscurity. It's somewhat disturbing, a bit twisted, and very funny. Ruthy Ronin, a fading A-Lister and latter day Candide has a publicity date that goes horribly wrong and sends her to prison and then rehab. While she undergoes the Torments of the Morally Challenged she recalls the low points of her paparazzi documented romantic history. In rehab she finally confronts her addiction, has many unsavory adventures, obtains a contraband Kindle, and stumbles on the self-published works of Waldo David, historical novels with a pop-philosophic undertones. She loves the books immensely and resolves to go meet him after she is released.
Plot/Idea: 7 out of 10
Originality: 5 out of 10
Prose: 7 out of 10
Character/Execution: 8 out of 10
Overall: 6.75 out of 10
Assessment:
Plot: The exciting, energetic, and rigorously-paced plot immediately draws curious readers in, and the shenanigans don’t slow down until the audience is left hanging—and eager—for a sequel.
Prose: The author's prose is honest and playful—even erotic, at times—and the use of flashback is both effective and allows the reader to peer into the lives of the characters. The use of humor throughout the storyline is well-executed.
Originality: A star in trouble is not a novel concept for a book, and A Star Is Falling: Part I relies a bit too heavily on this cliche foundation to keep its head above water.
Character Development: The book focuses on a hardcore, memorable protagonist who proves that when something goes awry, a person can successfully—if painfully—pick up the pieces and redirect herself. The author effectively introduces the protagonist in the first sentence, immediately letting us know that what she lacks in sophistication, she proudly flaunts in entertainment value.
Date Submitted: August 22, 2018
