Old Hollywood Books
There is something about stories set in the back lots of Hollywood that spark such imagination. Old Hollywood books are filled with the glitz, glamour, and mystery that seems to elude Hollywood nowadays. No social media, no insane costumes, just elegance, and luxury.
Perhaps it’s no surprise that I was enthralled by Taylor Jenkins Reid’s The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. Evelyn Hugo embodies luxurious, Old Hollywood style with unexpected twists and turns sprinkled throughout. After reading that story, I was on the hunt for more Old Hollywood books. This post fulfills a prompt for the 2025 reading challenge
While Evelyn Hugo may be one of my favorite Old Hollywood books, I think you will enjoy each of these stories about life on the back lots of Hollywood!
The Best Old Hollywood Books
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. 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.
The Best Old Hollywood Book About a Starlet
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid – Jump to section
The Best Biographical Fiction Old Hollywood Book
The Girl in White Gloves by Kerri Maher – Jump to Section
The Best Book About an Old Hollywood Movie Studio
The Great Pretenders by Laura Kalpakian – Jump to Section
The Best Old Hollywood Book Set on Location
Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter – Jump to Section
The Best Nonfiction Old Hollywood Book
The Queens of Animation by Nathalia Holt – Jump to Section
*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.
Old Hollywood Books about Pretend Starlets
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
The Goddess of Warsaw
Author: Lisa Barr
Year: 2024
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
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
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
When We Chased the Light
Author: Emily Bleeker
Year: 2024
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Vivian Snow’s rise to Hollywood stardom from her modest start as a showgirl for the USO was captured in vignettes of time broken up by postcards sent to her from Italy by her friend and confidant, priest Antonio.
Her tumultuous relationships are explored, as is the Hollywood studio system as she tries to be a single mother to her daughter, Grace.
Trigger Warnings
Domestic Abuse
Why Kirsten likes it
I find Old Hollywood stories fascinating and Vivian’s life story was a compelling one. I can’t say I agreed with all her decisions, but I understand how trapped she felt in a world made of men. Really, her relationship with Antonio made this book sing.
Find this book in: Old Hollywood Books
Old Hollywood Biographical Fiction
The Girl in White Gloves
Author: Kerri Maher
Year: 2020
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
The storyline is split between Grace’s rise to Hollywood stardom and her future as a settled princess. Kerri Maher brought Grace Kelly to life in this biographical fiction book about her life. I had no idea about her home life struggles, her many romances, or the state of her marriage to Rainer.
Why Kirsten loves it
I adored this royal read about Grace Kelly and had trouble putting it down. The writing was so captivating that I found myself sneaking pages on my Kindle all over town.
Find this book in: Biographical Fiction / Books Like Evelyn Hugo / Books with a color in the Title / Books Like the Crown / Old Hollywood Books
All the Stars in Heavens
Author: Adriana Trigiani
Year: 2015
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
The fictionalized book about Loretta Young’s life was captivating. If you are like me, you might not have known much about Loretta Young’s life, but my parents knew and loved her. This biographical fiction spins a wonderful tale of Young’s life growing up in Tinseltown. Meeting and falling for Clark Gable, taking on a former nun as a secretary, and rising to Hollywood stardom are just some of the highlights of this larger-than-life depiction of Loretta’s story.
Why Kirsten loves it
To me, the best kind of historical fiction is about people that really lived. I could see this book as being a perfect story for an intergenerational book club, especially if your fellow readers love Old Hollywood books.
Find this book in: Old Hollywood Books
Books about Old Hollywood Movie Studios
The Great Pretenders
Author: Laura Kalpakian
Year: 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
What a ride!!! I was expecting a light-hearted story about the glamorous world of 1950s Hollywood with Cary Grant, Ginger and Fred, Rock Hudson, and the like. I got them, but this old Hollywood book had meat on its bones. Roxanne is a granddaughter of a movie studio head but she decides to strike out on her own as a Hollywood agent. Upset with her grandfather’s callous treatment of his loyal writers with former communist ties, she begins representing blacklisted writers under pseudonyms.
As if this plotline wasn’t compelling enough, she then begins a deep, meaningful romance with a young black journalist covering the emerging civil rights movement. The author brought to light so many issues of the time in such a thoughtful way.
Trigger Warnings
Racism
Why Kirsten loves it
I had never considered how the shifting politics of the time would affect the film industry. The glamour of Hollywood was present and the book was overflowing with old movie references, but it was the love and personal growth at the heart of this story that I found most compelling.
Why Jackie loves it
I read this for my real-life book club and I loved it. So did everyone else! Check out our Old Hollywood book club to see pictures from the night!
Find this book in: Old Hollywood Books / Books Like the Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo / Best Books of 2019
Table for Two
Author: Amor Towles
Year: 2024
Genre: Historical Fiction Short Stories
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
With Table for Two, famed author Amor Towles re-released his novella, Eve in Hollywood, along with a brand new collection of short stories set in New York City. Each story is an ode to a different part of life in New York, telling the stories of a Russian immigrant, a rare bookseller, an opera bootlegger, and a stranded traveler, among others.
And for Rules of Civility fans, Eve is a character from that novel who was last seen boarding a train to Hollywood. Her adventures out west were an absolute delight!
Why Kirsten loves it
Though I am not typically into short stories, Amor Towles is a favorite of mine so I had to read this collection. Each short story could have been a novel of it’s own, but the novella about Eve was the shining star for me.
Find this book in: Old Hollywood Books / Summer Read 2024 / Books Set in NYC / New Historical Fiction Books / Giftable Books
Mercury Pictures Presents
Author: Anthony Marra
Year: 2022
Genre: Literary Historical Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I was swept into Maria’s life as a producer in Hollywood during WWII. Having escaped from Italy after her father’s arrest, she is well on her way to carving a new life for herself. Her new life includes her lover, a Chinese-American actor struggling with being forced to portray the enemy in films, a crazy boss hellbent on competing with the big studios, and a tepid relationship with her mother – who she’s never really understood. Soon, a photographer from her past enters her life, the studio is in peril, and her life is messy and complicated.
Trigger Warnings
Racism
Why Kirsten loves it
I found myself rooting for Maria and her friends, even if ultimately their best lives had them on different paths. Marra is a gifted storyteller and he shines in this book.
Find this book in: Old Hollywood Books
The City of Flickering Light
Author: Juliette Fay
Year: 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Irene, Henry, and Millie hop on a train to head West and conquer Hollywood. As newbies to the land of stars, they learn to work the system and rise to fame. But success is not easily won in Tinseltown and once earned, it’s even more easily lost.
Trigger Warnings
Homophobia, Racism
Why Kirsten loves it
A cute, engrossing story about 3 friends who set out to conquer Hollywood during its golden era. Their tale of homophobia, racism, and sexism was balanced by the glamorous Hollywood lifestyle. This was a gritty tale that looked at Hollywood’s underbelly with a frankness that took away some of the sparkle of the scene.
Find this book in: Old Hollywood Books
Old Hollywood Books Set on Location
The Starlets
Author: Lee Kelly & Jennifer Thorne
Year: 2024
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Bitter rivals in both the box office and their romantic lives, Vivienne and Lottie have both been cast in “A Thousand Ships” a movie about Helen of Troy. Filming on an isolated Italian island, the tension they face as on-screen rivals takes a turn when they become embroiled in a deadly scandal and are forced to flee for their lives.
It’s trains, trucks, and boats for these two as they need to put their differences aside to work together and alert the authorities to the corruption on the island.
Why Kirsten loves it
What a fun romp through old Hollywood! I honestly pictured the entire plot of this book as an old black-and-white movie appropriate to the time this was set.
The leaders were perfectly bitchy in whip-smart dialogue reminiscent of the Golden Age of Hollywood flicks. I loved watching these rivals tear each other down before turning into allies and close friends. I was rooting for them and you will be too!
Find this book in: Old Hollywood Books
Beautiful Ruins
Author: Jess Walter
Year: 2012
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I adored this second-chance love story that wasn’t too girly. There was intrigue and insight into Hollywood today versus 60 years ago. It’s about a secret love affair revolving around the movie Cleopatra and the small, seaside hotel at the center of the story.
It features family secrets, Richard Burton, modern and old Hollywood, and so many other plot lines in a novel that isn’t very long for all it contains within it’s pages.
Why Kirsten loves it
I guessed the big reveal pretty early on, but it was still a wonderful book set in Italy about how love found, lost, and then found again can impact our lives.
Find this book in: Books Set in Italy / Seaside Books / Hotel Novels / Old Hollywood Books
The Starlet and the Spy
Author: Ji-min Lee
Year: 2009
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info:
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This is one of the Old Hollywood books set on location! It was a short novel about a translator, Alice, working in Seoul when Marilyn Monroe came to visit the troops. It was a jarring juxtaposition of Marilyn Monroe’s flightiness and Alice’s story about her life now and during her time in the Korean War. But there was also a thread about Alice’s ties to nefarious people that just distracted from what should have been a meaningful story.
Why Kirsten likes it
I liked the Marilyn Monroe bits but felt like I was reading 2 completely different stories shoved together. I liked it, but didn’t love it.
Find this book in: Old Hollywood Books
Meet Me in Monaco
Author: Heather Webb and Hazel Gaynor
Year: 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I was so excited to get a copy of this story which is set against the backdrop of Grace Kelly’s wedding to the Prince of Monaco. Grace is making her final appearance as a Hollywood starlet at the Cannes Film Festival before her wedding. She’s ready to escape the spotlight and hides in Sophie’s perfume shop. There, the two women bond – but the story is more about Sophie. As Sophie is helping to hide Grace, she bumps into a photographer, James, and sparks fly.
Why Kirsten loves it
It was a second-chance romance, a story of female friendship, and it was fantastic. It’s hard for me to figure out which character I loved the most – possibly Grace herself. Just know that Grace is more of a minor character in the story. I listened to parts of it on audiobook as well, and I can recommend that one too! Gifted by Harper Collins
Find this book in: Old Hollywood Books / Royal Reads / Books about Weddings
Nonfiction Old Hollywood Books
Plot
This nonfiction old Hollywood book sheds light on the talent of Disney’s pioneering female animators and the struggles they faced in a male-dominated field. I loved learning about these incredible women – like Mary Blair who created the art for the “It’s a Small World” ride.
Why Kirsten loves it
I was appalled by the disparate treatment female in the animation field received, but I was also impressed by their gumption. The author does a tremendous job of showing their struggles but also how these women shaped animation as we know it. I was heartened to see just how far they have come. The book ends with Frozen and you can see the studio’s growth.
Find this book in: Good Nonfiction Books for Beginners / Old Hollywood Books / Books like Lessons in Chemistry / Books about Art / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read
My Lucky Life In and Out of Show Business
Author: Dick Van Dyke
Year: 2011
Genre: Memoir
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Dick Van Dyke is an American icon that I’ve loved since Mary Poppins. He’s such a mainstay in the glamourous age of Hollywood and his story is inspiring. I had no idea about so many of the darker parts of his life, including his struggle with alcohol.
Trigger Warnings
Alcoholism
Why Kirsten loves it
Dick Van Dyke’s narration of his memoir brought it to life. I could hear the emotion in his voice as he shared his struggles and successes.
Find this book in: Good Nonfiction Books for Beginners / Old Hollywood Books / Celebrity Memoirs
More Old Hollywood Books
Helpful Tips
- Old Hollywood, sometimes referred to as The Golden Age of Hollywood, is defined as being between 1910 and the 1960s. It’s when Hollywood as an industry and location was just being developed.
- In the mood to understand more of the setting or vibes of these stories? Try watching some classic Old Hollywood Films like Some Like it Hot, Singin’ In the Rain, Rear Window, and Casablanca.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some books about classic Hollywood that you enjoyed reading?
I adored The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid, The Goddess of Warsaw by Lisa Barr, and The Great Pretenders by Laura Kalpakian.
What is the best memoir about a great Hollywood star?
My Lucky Life In and Out of Show Business by Dick Van Dyke is excellent. He gives an inside look at his life and reveals surprising secrets from days on set and his personal life.
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Epilogue
This sub-genre of fiction is one of my favorites, so I’m always looking for new suggestions. Do you have any for me? Which of these Old Hollywood books are you most interested in reading? Let me know in the comments below!
Ultimate List of Historical Fiction
Love Historical Fiction? The Ultimate List of Historical Fiction is the perfect list for you. It is carefully divided by time.
