Absolutely True Lies
A Novel
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5.0 • 3 Ratings
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- $15.99
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- $15.99
Publisher Description
A fledgling entertainment writer stumbles into the gig of a lifetime writing a teenage pop star’s memoir and soon realizes that the young celebrity's squeaky-clean image is purely a work of fiction.
Struggling writer Holly Gracin is on the verge of moving back home to upstate New York when she gets hired to write the memoirs of eighteen-year-old Daisy Mae Dixson, a former Nickelodeon child star who has moved seamlessly into both blockbuster movies and pop music.
Holly quickly realizes that Daisy’s wholesome public image is purely a work of fiction, as Holly finds herself trailing the star as she travels around the world on yachts, gets stalked by paparazzi, and sneaks out of five-star hotels in the dead of night.
As Holly struggles to write a flattering portrait of a teenage millionaire who only eats “nightshades” and treats her employees like slaves, Daisy has a public meltdown—and suddenly, her book is the cornerstone of resurrecting her image. But working at all hours trailing a pop star has taken its toll, and Holly must decide if becoming the ultimate insider is worth losing a starring role in her own life.
Fun, juicy, and inspired by Rachel Stuhler’s own stranger-than-fiction experiences as a celebrity ghost writer, Absolutely True Lies is an entertaining look at how the lifestyles of the rich and famous aren’t always what they seem.
Customer Reviews
One of my favorite reads this year!
ABSOLUTELY TRUE LIES is a book I knew I needed to read from the moment I scanned the description and saw the cover. As someone who lives in L.A., I knew the story of Holly is one that could very plausibly happen. And if you think a non-famous person who doesn't work in the entertainment industry suddenly meeting and working for a big celebrity sounds like it couldn't really happen, live here for a couple of years and you'll probably change your mind. :)
We're introduced to Holly Gracin, a writer who's just barely scraping by in her job at Westside Weekly, which, in spite of its name, is a monthly print magazine that's out of date before it hits the local L.A. newsstands. When Westside Weekly folds, Holly has nothing waiting in the wings… except for, as it turns out, a connection her uncle has that leads her to a ghost writing job for a celebrity autobiography.
The job is supposed to pay more than Holly ever dreamed of. Just a few problems: she's never written a book before, Daisy Mae Dixson sure doesn't seem interested in (or possibly remember) most of the details of her life, and Holly finds herself thrown into a life lived at the whim of her client's world, jetting off across the country and around the world at a moment's notice with Daisy and her entourage. An even bigger problem? That would be the love triangle the previously perpetually-single Holly finds herself in.
ABSOLUTELY TRUE LIES hooked me from page one. I enjoyed the voice, the pace, and the excerpts from the autobiography Holly is writing as "Daisy" that are used to begin different chapters of the book. Most of all, I appreciated one of the major themes: people and situations aren't always as they appear, and even the people you think you know can surprise you.
As for the love triangle, without giving anything away, it's a good one. At first, I wasn't really sure which guy I was cheering for or what the deal with one of them really was, but I was definitely clear on who I wanted Holly to choose by the end.
This was one of my favorite reads this year, and I give it five stars. If you're looking for a good book to read at the beach, by the pool, or to keep you awake at night until you finish reading it, definitely pick this one up.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Fun!!
Super fun summer read. Loved it!!!!
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