Secrets of my Hollywood Life

by Jen Calonita

256pp. Poppy.

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Related Links:

Jen Calonita's web site

See inside (Barnes & Noble)

Secrets of My Hollywood Life, by Jen Calonita, is a read for teenage girls who keep up with the latest dish in People or posh couture in Vogue. If you are addicted to Mayer and Aniston’s relationship status or can’t complete an outfit without your beloved Jimmy Choo’s, you’ll devour this book.

If anyone could write about these subjects correctly, Calonita could. Serving previously as the Senior Entertainment Editor at Teen People and a writer for Glamour, she knows Hollywood like the back of her hand. Her knowledge serves her well as she elaborates on the red carpet stunners and fashions they model. Readers will eat up references to real-life celebs and designs, from Tom Cruise to Chanel.

The plot begins with Kaitlin Burke, your average, everyday, jet-setting “It Girl.” America adores her character, a goody two shoes on the soap opera “Family Affairs.” She has everything; a bathroom overflowing with Fred Segal products, a chic closet, and Hollywood at her fingertips.

Tired of the spotlight, Kaitlin decides enough is enough and demands a shot at normal life. She has everything a diva could demand, but hungers for something deeper than fame and fortune. With the reluctant consent of her parents, she enrolls in Clark Hall high school with best friend, Liz. Operation Clark Hall becomes Kaitlin’s toughest role yet, as she disguises her celeb identify and fakes a British accent. If she blows her cover the press would have a field day! After establishing an agreement with the principal, she registers under the name Rachel and tries her hand at normal life. The hardest part for Kate? Ditching the couture and completing homework, of course!

At Clark, she meets a lacrosse hunk, Austin, who falls head over heels. There’s just one problem: he admires Rachel’s down to earth, tortoise shell glasses-wearing self, not the real deal. To top it all off, she’s biting her nails off in hopes of landing a lead role in a new flick by her favorite director, Hutch Adams.

To make matters worse, once back-stabbing “Family Affairs” co-star, Sky, learns of Kaitlin’s escapade, her double life is in danger. Kaitlin knows that this knowledge could butcher her career and even worse…hurt the one she loves. After her identity is revealed to Austin, he is infuriated. (I don’t get it. If I found out my love interest was really Shia Labeouf, I wouldn’t be complaining!) This news could even ruin her shot for the Hutch Adams film. With her relationship, friendships, and career at stake, Kaitlin faces the music…all while dealing with the paparazzi.

All in all, Secrets is a well written, flowing, page turner. Fans of “The Hills” and “Laguna Beach” won’t be able to get enough of it. Calonita achieved a behind the scenes, inside-look at stardom. Always wanted to be an “It Girl”? Kick off your Superga’s and settle in for Secrets of My Hollywood Life!