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Editorial Review Product Description
From one of America’s most beloved television actresses: A sharply observed, comedic novel about the flipside of fame—and a fresh take on Hollywood in all its outrageous, entertaining glory.
On the outside, Kate Keyes-Morgan seems to have it all: a starring role on the hit television series Generations, a handsome husband who is also her manager, a stick-thin figure, and a career that, after a Kirstie Alley-style slide, is finally back on track. At the age of thirty, Kate knows what it’s like to have the tabloids turn on you, and she never wants it to happen again. Thank goodness her husband, Hamilton, is there to manage her every move—even if the strict dieting and morning weigh-ins are becoming more than she can manage.
But when Hamilton leaves her for another actress on Generations, the ruthless diva Sapphire Rose, Kate suddenly finds herself in charge of her own life. Now she must decide whether she’s ready to stop playing by the Hollywood rulebook and discover who she really is. With the help of her wise-cracking friend and tough-love hairstylist, Paige, and Michael, a high-powered film agent who secretly dreams of becoming a novelist, Kate begins to question her role in an industry that venerates appearance, money, and fame above all else, and that applies ceaseless pressure on women to always be thinner, younger, and more beautiful, at any cost.
From high fashion to on-set antics to the real-life whispers about celebrities that even the tabloids never tell, Courtney Thorne-Smith depicts the entertainment world as only an insider can. Yet beneath the glamorous facade lies a natural-born writer with a gift for comic timing and shaping memorable characters. If you’ve ever wanted to experience life in the spotlight or wondered what goes on behind dressing room doors, Outside In is your invitation into the glittering world of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
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Terribly written
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!
Fair
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.
1st in a series or unanswered questions?
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.
Not too shabby.
I was pleasantly surprised at Thorne Smith's writing. You just never know what to expect when an actor moves into the writing field (just like when a model says she wants to act... most of the time it's a big "Oh no!")
The story of hot starlet Katie and how her world turns upside down when her emotionally abusive and controlling husband dumps her is not deep or meaningful, but it is a pleasant diversion. The author obviously knows of whence she speaks, dropping names and tart commentary with equal aplomb.
The story follows a predictable path with Katie rising above her circumstances and ending up better off than with her jerk of a husband. She gets a new man, a new job, and a new friend in the bargain -- not too bad!
The biggest complaints I have are that the dialog seems a tad too contrived, with the banter too self-conscious. And I really wanted to see the philandering couple get theirs in the end, NOT get a plum movie role.
All in all, though, you could do a lot worse than Outside In.
Humor ... the book has humor
The book has a cover - it has pages - the pages are even numbered.
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Great story and a fast read
Hooked On Smith