CONFESSIONS OF A HOLLYWOOD STAR
Dyan Sheldon
Candlewick Press
Fiction
ISBN-10: 0763634085
ISBN-13: 9780763634087
208 pages

CONFESSIONS OF A HOLLYWOOD STAR is a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud romp as Lola Cep and good friend Ella Gerard rip through Dellwood trying to get noticed by famous Hollywood director Charley Hottle.

Lucy and Ethel (from the classic sitcom "I Love Lucy") have nothing on Lola and Ella as they try practically everything Lola can think of to get a chance to talk with Mr. Hottle --- all in the hopes of landing small parts in the movie being filmed on-location in Dellwood. This is the first time since moving to the quiet burg that Lola doesn't think of her temporary exile as the town of "Deadwood." Lola is in hyper-mode as she drags Ella all over town trying to get Charley Hottle's attention.

The California film crew is in town only a few weeks working on a new movie with two of stardom's biggest names, but locating them is a bit tricky thanks to some security guards with big arms. It's not necessary to have read the prequel to this book (CONFESSIONS OF A TEENAGE DRAMA QUEEN) to enjoy the often hilarious predicaments the girls get into as they race against time to get movie parts.

It's the summer after high school graduation and everyone has big to mediocre plans until word gets around about the movie. Caustic-tongued Carla Santini had planned to go on a tour of Europe when the announcement is made by Ms. Cep that she has a minor part in the film after talking to the director.

When Ella asks Lola if she really got a part, Lola turns prophetic. "Not exactly. I mean, not yet. But I will. That's why it wasn't a lie. It was just a premature announcement." Just when Lola thinks she has the movie and the summer "Carla-free," the bottom drops out of everything as Carla cancels her trip and has Daddy contact Charley Hottle to offer the film crew use of the cottage on their estate. Lola is momentarily deflated, especially since she stretched the truth again by telling everyone she was cast in the movie when it hasn't happened...yet.

Author Dyan Sheldon writes snappy dialogue and frisky scenes chapter after chapter in this enjoyable read. Sheldon provides often hilarious commentary in the form of Lola's inner thoughts, which keeps readers in constant touch with the frenzied, one-track mind of a consummate drama queen. In the hands of Sheldon, Lola is bullheaded once she makes up her mind. Sometimes the stubbornness clouds Lola's vision, however, and she misses the chance of a lifetime. Youth and good friends are always around to help Lola out of a jam when she can't see the truth for the lies she's perpetuated. Some real-world lessons help Lola learn that sincere honesty is rewarding and refreshing for everybody.

   --- Reviewed by Joy Held

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