Hollywood Novels
Hollywood novels are so much fun to read. It is almost ironic to read a book about Tinsel Town. All the books on this list are about movies or movie stars and Jackie and I read and loved all of them.
I love books about Old Hollywood so much that I got Jackie hooked after prodding her to read them. I realized that we had read other great books about Hollywood that were not set between 1910 and 1950. I wanted to ensure these books have a place on Beyond the Bookends because they are so much fun to read.
You will find some great new books, fiction, historical fiction, thrillers, and mysteries in addition to some Old Hollywood books and I hope you love them as much as I do.
The Best Hollywood Novels
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre of Hollywood Novels. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
Best New Hollywood Novel
The Guncle by Steven Rowely – Click to read the description and see more books in this category
Best Fiction Hollywood Book
Advika and the Hollywood Wives by Kirthana Ramisetti – Click to read the description and see more books in this category
Best Historical Fiction Hollywood Novel
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid – Click to read the description and see more books in this category
Best Thriller/ Mystery Hollywood Novel
The Daydreams by Laura Hankin – Click to read the description and see more books in this category
Best Old Hollywood Novel
The Goddess of Warsaw by Lisa Barr- Click to read the description and see more books in this category
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
New Hollywood Novels
The Guncle
Author: Steven Rowley
Year: 2021
Genre: Fiction
More info: National Bestseller • Wall Street Journal Bestseller • USA Today Bestseller
An NPR Book of the Year
Finalist for the Thurber Prize for American Humor
Finalist for the 2021 Goodreads Choice Awards
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Steven Rowley is a writer who has mastered the art of storytelling. With his signature wit and humor, this book tackles love, loss, and growth.
When Patrick’s sister-in-law dies and Patrick’s brother needs to go to rehab, Patrick takes custody of his niece and nephew for 90 days. Patrick is basically David from Schitt’s Creek with snark and sass. He treats the kids like mini-adults in the most delightful way.
Trigger Warnings
Death of a spouse/ mom
Why Kirsten loves it
I am such a fan of Steven Rowley and each book provides depth and insight into people at their best and worst. While this is a book about grief, you will find yourself laughing out loud multiple times throughout. It’s a poignant reminder of the importance of family.
Why Jackie loves it
There is humor and love in this book that is essentially about a family learning to deal with profound grief and loss. Rowley writes with sensitivity and humor.
Find this book in: Books About Grief / Best Beach Reads of All Time / Poolside Novels / Popular LGBTQ Novels
Interior Chinatown
Author: Charles Yu
Year: 2020
Genre: Fiction
More info: National Book Award Winner 2020
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
A satirical look at being a bit player in Hollywood, this novel had me laughing while also contemplating racism, typecasting, assimilation, and the machinations of the film industry.
Willis Wu is “Generic Asian Male” – a living prop in the continuous Hollywood machine. As he tries to climb the ladder and make it big, we see how his journey is similar to those who have come before him. The writing style sets this story apart – I’m eager to see the upcoming adaptation.
Trigger Warnings
Racism
Why Kirsten loves it
I’ve always been fascinated by Hollywood, but previous books I’ve gravitated toward feature sparkling starlets or cute romances. Yu’s novel had me contemplating the darker, more exclusionary side of Hollywood, including it’s racist under belly and typecasting.
Find this book in: Hollywood Novels
Advika and the Hollywood Wives
Author: Kirthana Ramisetti
Year: 2023
Genre: Fiction
More info: A Cosmopolitan Best Book of 2023
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range:
Plot
Advika Srinivasan is trying to overcome the death of their twin sister and working as a bartender when she meets Julian Zelding, a film producer who is 41 years older than she is. After a whirlwind romance, she becomes Julian’s fourth wife.
But when his first wife dies and leaves Advika $1,000,000 under the stipulation that she divorces him, she starts to question her feelings for him and his sudden desire to start a family.
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved Ramisetti’s first family drama and this one was fun too, though not quite as wonderful as Dava Shastri. Still, I enjoyed the mystery as it unfolded and the way Advika finally started to come into her own. It was such a fun celebrity fiction tale – a perfect Hollywood novel for the beach.
Find this book in: 28 Faux Celebrity Fiction / Hollywood Novels
Fiction Novels About Hollywood
Stay up with Hugo Best
Author: Erin Somers
Year: 2019
Genre: Fiction
More info: Vogue Best of 2019
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
The book takes place over the Memorial Day weekend after the famed comedian, Hugo Best, retires from his late-night comedy show. June, a former writer’s assistant on the show (and a stranger) is invited by Hugo to stay with him for the weekend.
The book is told entirely from June’s perspective as she spends the weekend with the man she’s idolized since childhood. Despite the 30-year age difference, June is prepared to spend the weekend enjoying Hugo’s splendid mansion as well as his bed. But all doesn’t go to plan.
Why Kirsten loves it
What could have been simply a fluff read, turned into a commentary on what the pursuit of fame does to a person, his family, and his values. Instead of a riotously fun weekend, June is at the epicenter of Hugo’s downfall.
This celebrity fiction book is fun but complicated, the characters are richly drawn, and the writing kept me flipping the pages and laughing out loud numerous times.
Find this book in: Hollywood Novels / Best Poolside Reads for Summer / 28 Faux Celebrity Fiction
Movie Star by Lizzie Pepper
Author: Hilary Liftin
Year: 2016
Genre: Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This is a fictionalized account of the TomKat relationship that was the talk of the town for quite a few years. Lizzie Pepper, our narrator, is a typical girl-next-door actress who marries Hollywood superstar, Rob Mars. While their love was a whirlwind, she didn’t expect the strings attached to Mars or his cult-like religion.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love that Pepper’s story gives us a faux look at the world of Scientology and Hollywood. It’s over the top in the best way possible. I adore this celebrity fiction book.
Find this book in: The 14 Best Poolside Reads for Summer / 28 Faux Celebrity Fiction / Hollywood Novels
A Star is Bored
Author: Byron Lane
Year: 2020
Genre: Fiction
More info: People Magazine Best Book of Summer 2020, Named a Must-Read Summer Book by Town & Country
Age Range: 15+
Plot
A Star is Bored is a funny, yet poignant look at the life of a celebrity personal assistant. Charlie hates his life working on the graveyard shift as a writer for the news. When he miraculously lands his dream job as a personal assistant to Kathi Kannon, Hollywood royalty, he is sure that he is set for life.
Kathi is known for her last roles and her current crazy life. As Kathi and Charlie embark on trips and shopping sprees, they become more than just an employer and her enamored employee. Charlie must eventually come to terms with his life as his own leading man.
Why Jackie loves it
What a great first book by Byron Lane who was once a personal assistant to Carrie Fisher. This book is based on the author’s time in that job. Crazy, funny, and at times sad, I really enjoyed this celebrity fiction book.
Find this book in: Hollywood Novels / 28 Faux Celebrity Fiction / Ultimate Beach Reads 2021
Historical Fiction Hollywood Novels
Malibu Rising
Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid
Year: 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: June 2021 Read with Jenna Book Club Pick,
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Nina Riva is having her annual summer party which is famous for its epic scale and exclusivity. But this year, the party will end with devastation. Nina and her siblings are famous children of one of the biggest rock stars of all time and they each have their secrets. Perfect for a list of books about music, right?
Why Kirsten loves it
I have loved the last two books by Taylor Jenkins Reid so much that I often recommend them to friends for their universal appeal. I had high hopes for this family saga but it didn’t quite live up to my expectations.
Why Jackie loves it
I enjoyed the book but I felt that it was a little drawn out at times. Still, I loved Nina’s character and her ability to surf puts her on our list of books about women in sports!
Adaptation Information
The same team that adapted Little Fires Everywhere is set to adapt this book to TV for Hulu. Liz Tigelaar will produce it and Amy Talkington will be the writer.
Find this book in: Books Becoming Movies and TV Series / Taylor Jenkins Reid Books in Order / Books like Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo / Novels About Music / Family Sagas / Hollywood Novels
The Sunset Crowd
Author: Karin Tanabe
Year: 2023
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This fashion book set in Hollywood in the 1970s is perfect for fans of Daisy Jones and the Six. In the backdrop of Hollywood, three women with ambition try and stay on top with their unrelenting ambition in a time when men ruled the industry.
Why Kirsten loves it
I learned so much about the world of fashion, film, and music in the 70s. I was so intrigued by the cast of characters who ruled the Sunset Strip and the con artist in their midst. This 70s book swept into their world and I never wanted to leave.
Find this book in: Hollywood Novels / Novels About Fashion / Books Set in the 70s / Books like Daisy Jones and the Six
Thriller / Mystery Hollywood Novels
Plot
With all the reboots of hit classic shows happening in real life, it’s no surprise that someone finally wrote about it!
The Daydreams was a hit TV show in 2004 with a cast of teenagers who had it all until everything was ruined during the live season finale. Now, the fans are demanding a reunion but, will old secrets threaten everything they have worked for?
Trigger Warnings
Drug Abuse
Why Kirsten loves it
This is one of the juicy celebrity fiction beach reads for 2023. The secrets of the three former stars unravel in the present day and flashbacks had me nostalgic for my childhood. It was a wildly entertaining story that had me on the edge of my seat.
Find this book in: Hollywood Novels / 28 Faux Celebrity Fiction / Ultimate Beach Reads 2023
The Star and the Strange Moon
Author: Constance Sayers
Year: 2023
Genre: Historical Fiction/ Thriller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This is a dual timeline book that crosses the genres of magical realism with historical fiction and thriller. In 1968, Gemma Turner believed she was on her way to stardom when she landed the lead role in a new horror film, L’Estrage Lune. When Gemma Disappears, everyone thinks she has died, but she actually disappears into the film where she is alive.
In 2007, Gemma is a mystery that is talked about in Hollywood as one of the greatest mysteries. Every decade, there is a screening of the film that somehow has new footage. Christopher Kent wants to unravel the truth but it might be his undoing.
Why Jackie loves it
Sayers is such a great writer and this book was unlike anything else that I have ever read. It is page-turning, creepy, and so much fun. I was not sure how the book was going to end and how the story would develop.
Find this book in: Hollywood Novels
Old Hollywood Novels
The Goddess of Warsaw
Author: Lisa Barr
Year: 2024
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info:
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range:
Plot
The story opens in 2005 with legendary actress Lena Browning, telling her dark, daring past to an actress who wants to star in and direct a biopic about Lena. It then flashes forward to Lena’s time in the Warsaw Ghetto.
There, Bina Blonski as she was known at the time, narrates a story of persistence and sacrifice within the Ghetto walls. Torn between two brothers and with a survival instinct, Bina uses her Arayan looks and skills as an actress to work for the resistance.
Eventually, the story returns to 2005 and post-war Hollywood where we learn how Bina became Lena and how Lena has always continued the fight against those who seek her annihilation.
Trigger Warnings
War, death
Why Kirsten loves it
This is the best story I’ve ever read about the Holocaust because it depicts Jewish people, particularly women, as fierce fighters determined to prove their right to exist. I was inspired and awed by both the writing and the characters.
I laughed, cried, screamed in frustration, and was on the edge of my seat throughout. The tension was so high at times I found myself fidgeting, walking around, and wringing my hands. I’ll be recommending this book for years to come. It’s an absolute must-read. #Gifted
Why Jackie loves it
I love that this story takes place in multiple time periods. Lena is a great character and I loved reading her story. I called Kirsten yelling and needing to know the ending- which she would not spoil for me. At the end of the book, I was yelling with joy.
Find this book in: Books about the Holocaust / World War II Books / Best Historical Fiction Books of 2024 /Ultimate List of Best Historical Fiction Books/ Best Books for Book Clubs to Read / Nonlinear Narrative Novels / Old Hollywood Books / Hollywood Novels
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid
Year: 2017
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
A tell-all about a fictional Elizabeth Taylor-
Evelyn Hugo has asked an unknown reporter, Monique Grant, to write her life story in a no-holds-barred book. There is a bit of mystery around why Monique was chosen and Evelyn certainly has her fair share of hardships as she claws her way to the top.
The drama and suffering add dimension to the story that makes it so much more than fluff, though the inner workings of Hollywood were fun to read too. The story seems so candid that I forgot that Evelyn Hugo was not a real celebrity.
Trigger Warnings
Domestic Abuse, Homophobia
Why Kirsten loves it
Taylor Jenkins Reid slays with this story finding the perfect balance of glamour and grit. Evelyn seeks to change her life and in doing so, changes for the better. Every person who has read this book at my recommendation has loved it
Adaptation Information
Not much is yet known about the movie adaptation except that Leslye Headland is set to direct while Liz Tigelaar is working on the script.
Find this book in: Best Romance Novels of All Time / Books Like A Man Called Ove / Best Books to Read on Beach / Old Hollywood Books / Taylor Jenkins Reid Books / Epistolary Novels / Books Becoming Movies / Hollywood Novels
Find books similar to this in: Books like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Did You Hear About Kitty Karr?
Author: Crystal Smith Paul
Year: 2023
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: May 2023 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Upon her death, White silver screen star, Kitty Karr, leaves her entire estate to three young Black women. It results in a lot of questions, which Elise St. John, one of the recipients intends to find the answers to.
As Elise digs into Kitty’s past, she uncovers truths that could unravel Kitty’s legacy, Elise’s career, and the entire Sr. John family.
Trigger Warnings
Rape, Racism
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved this story about Kitty’s past. It starts with how she had to leave her family behind to pass as white, covers her career, and explores the choices she made to keep her secret. It was both thought-provoking and entertaining, making it a perfect pick for ultimate beach reads and also for book clubs.
Find this book in: Old Hollywood Books / Books Like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo / Faux Celebrity Fiction / Hollywood Novels
Expert Tip
Many books written about Hollywood are Old Hollywood books. There are so many books written about this golden era of movie-making. For this post, I wanted to include a few books from that time, but I also wanted to include books from the modern era as well. If you are trying to pick a book for the reading challenge here are a few things to consider:
- Do you like fiction or historical fiction
- If you like fiction, what time period do you love to read about
- Do you love to read thrillers? Consider picking a book from that subgenre of Hollywood Novels
- This list is novels, they are all fiction. If you love nonfiction books, consider heading to my Celebrity Memoir Book List instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Hollywood Novel?
There are a lot of books set in Hollywood and Jackie and I have read more than a few. The List of Hollywood novels is divided by genre to give you the best books about movie stars and movies set in Hollywood.
What is the difference between a Hollywood novel vs. Old Hollywood
On this list of Hollywood novels, you will find historical fiction books as well as Old Hollywood novels. The difference between the two is the time period. Old Hollywood is a very specific time period between 1910 and the late 1950s. The historical fiction novels on this list take place during different time periods,
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Epilogue
What are your favorite Hollywood novels? Did I include them on this list?
