Tales from Tinseltown
‘A Star Is Bored’ by Byron Lane
"A Star Is Bored" is a “making it in Hollywood” story peeking behind the curtain at the life of an assistant to the stars.
Byron Lane documents his experience as the right-hand man and main confidant to some of the most famous starlets in Tinseltown, including the late Carrie Fisher. He also allows the reader to understand the struggles that come with playing this unique role.
‘He Put My Buddha in the Freezer’ by Amy Karl
Amy Karl’s memoir "He Put My Buddha in the Freezer" chronicles a decade amid an A-list crowd and the lessons it taught her.
‘Just the Funny Parts’ by Nell Scovell
In "Just the Funny Parts" Nell Scovell calls for gender diversity in Hollywood, specifically recounting her experience as one of very few women in the late-night writing sphere. Following the Letterman sex scandal, the author embarks on providing insights into navigating Hollywood as a woman among mostly men and offers insights on how to thrive in your workplace — even if it’s not a Hollywood soundstage.
‘Girl Walks Out of a Bar’ by Lisa F. Smith
“Girl Walks Out of a Bar” recounts the author’s high-profile life and her struggle with addiction while in the public eye. She also touches on the drama of being a celebrity and the intense challenge of balancing both public and personal lives.
‘Little Miss Little Compton’ by Arden Myrin
In the memoir "Little Miss Little Compton," comedian Arden Myrin documents her transition from life in a small Rhode Island town to rubbing elbows with Hollywood royalty.
‘This Will Only Hurt a Little’ by Busy Philipps
The hilarious autobiography "This Will Only Hurt a Little" follows the life and career of Busy Philipps.
6 books that will leave you haunted, from Russian spies to homicides
‘The Sentinel’
Some things don’t change, even when they do. That’s precisely the case with “The Sentinel” (Delacorte), latest in the Jack Reacher series that has become an iconic staple of pop culture. The difference is Lee Child has now been joined by his brother Andrew as co-author. The proof of that partnership, as they say, lies in the pudding. Or, in any Reacher novel, the body count, which is typically high in the tandem’s debut effort.
Reacher books never disappoint, as our ageless, neo-Western hero once again goes toe-to-toe with all who have the misfortune of crossing him. His character has attained true mythic status, and “The Sentinel” is a butt-kicking, take-no-prisoners thriller that satisfies on every page.
‘Kill Chain’
Dominic Martell’s long-awaited “Kill Chain” (Dunn Books) is one of those thrillers that sticks with you long after the last page is flipped. That’s because Pascual Rose, who we last saw 20 years ago in a three-book series beginning with “Lying, Crying, Dying,” is finally back, only this time it’s personal. A former terrorist until he saw the light, he finds himself flirting with darkness again, only for the (questionably) “good” guys. Living outside Barcelona now, Rose is lured back into his old world, this time populated by a host of German and Russian bad guys with a plot to destabilize the world order. This is a thinking man’s thriller, full of internecine conflicts, power struggles and conflicting agendas, but as smart as it is fast. Not to be missed for fans of serious-minded espionage thrillers.
‘Confessions on the 7:45’
I’m going to bet that Lisa Unger is a big Hitchcock fan, particularly of “Strangers on a Train.” That’s because her latest scintillating, sizzling success, “Confessions on the 7:45” (Park Row), opens with a pair of, well, strangers striking up a conversation while their commuter train is struck on the track.
Almost the moment she and her train mate part company, Selena Murphy’s life begins to systematically deconstruct, starting with the disappearance of the family nanny, who she was convinced had been having an affair with her husband.
This is psychological thriller writing of the highest order. A taut, timely and terrific tale that is exactly the kind of movie Hitchcock would be making today if he was still alive.
‘The Last Agent’
In Robert Dugoni’s latest, the stellar protagonist Charles Jenkins comes back to the page to spectacular results.
Dugoni, more known for his psychological and legal thrillers, seems to be channeling his inner Daniel Silva, or even John le Carre, here. That’s because the latest escapade in which Jenkins becomes embroiled sees him returning to his former spy haunts in Russia, literally going back into the cold as opposed to coming in from it. Espionage writing doesn’t get any better than Dugoni’s shrewd take on the state of U.S.-Russian relations, as he proves to be not just a (writing) jack of all trades, but a master of all of them.
‘The Silent Conspiracy’
Journalistic power couple Jack Logan and Taylor Parks make a triumphant return to the page in L.C. Shaw’s riveting and relentless “The Silent Conspiracy” (Harper), and they’ve really got their work cut out for them this time.
Indeed, after tackling a potential brainwashing conspiracy in “The Network,” they’re facing a rash of murder-suicides that seems to suggest someone is turning ordinary people into homicidal maniacs. Jack and Taylor have come to realize that this latest conspiracy bears a direct connection to a major case Taylor, an attorney, is bringing before the Supreme Court involving a nefarious insurance company.
“The Silent Conspiracy” is just credible enough to be dizzying in its message and prescience. A truly scary tale, the implications of which are even direr because it’s grounded in reality.
‘Assault by Fire’
H. Ripley Rawlings’s “Assault by Fire” (Pinnacle) has a been-there done-that feel to it, but in this case that’s a positive since this latest military thriller to feature Tyce Asher makes for a stellar addition to the subgenre.
This time out, Asher finds himself living out one of the world’s greatest nightmares: a Russian invasion of the Homeland.
“Assault by Fire” reads like “Red Dawn” for a more seasoned and jaded audience; it’s powerful thriller writing that’s not afraid to flex its muscles. Fans of mind snacks by the likes of Tom Clancy and Web Griffin, not to mention more modern masters of the genre like Brad Taylor, Mark Greaney and Jack Carr, will find plenty to chomp on here.
Celebrity cookbooks
‘Back to the Kitchen’ by Freddie Prinze Jr.
The ’90s heartthrob was raised in New Mexico by his mom on home-cooked meals inspired by his Puerto Rican heritage.
In "Back to the Kitchen" the “She’s All That” star shares those dishes, and many more, including tacos and New Mexico-style spicy eggs.
‘The Clean Plate’ by Gwyneth Paltrow
Academy Award winner Gwyneth Paltrow has turned being a lifestyle guru into quite the business. The Goop founder has always been known for being the cheerleader of clean, healthy eating.
Her cookbook "The Clean Plate" takes a deep dive on the topic as she shares more than 100 recipes that heal the body.
‘Cravings’ by Chrissy Teigen
Chrissy Teigen is almost as famous for being a foodie as a model, so it’s no surprise her tome "Cravings" is one of the best celebrity cookbooks out there.
It’s chock-full of recipes for every occasion, from family dinners to date nights to parties.
‘From Crook to Cook’ by Snoop Dogg
If you’ve ever wondered what Snoop Dogg eats when he gets the munchies, now you’ll finally know. Plus, he has probably picked up a culinary tip or two from his friend Martha Stewart.
Snoop Dogg’s first cookbook, "From Crook to Cook," is just as fun as you’d expect. Its 50 recipes cover soul food classics like baked mac & cheese as well as his spin on classics like soft flour tacos and easy orange chicken.
‘The Kind Diet’ by Alicia Silverstone
If you’re a vegan or just trying to cut down on meat, "The Kind Diet" is the best celebrity cookbook for you.
“Clueless” actress, activist and conservationist Alicia Silverstone shares how to make an easy transition to a vegan diet with plenty of advice and recipes. She shares all the health perks of a plant-based diet, such as easy digestion and clearer skin.
‘Stirring Up Fun with Food’ by Sarah Michelle Gellar
In "Stirring Up Fun with Food," “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” star Sarah Michelle Gellar shares more than 100 food-crafting ideas that you and your kids will have a blast making — think brownies on a stick.
The book is organized by month and has ideas for every holiday and occasion, including Valentine’s Day, Shark Week, Halloween and “Star Wars” Day.
‘True Roots’ by Kristin Cavallari
Health-conscious cooks will love that this one ticks off all the boxes since every single recipe doesn’t have a trace of gluten, dairy or refined sugar. Even better, cooking that way can be easy.
That’s one of the reasons Kristin Cavallari's “True Roots” was propelled to the top of the best-seller list. The former star of “The Hills” will leave you with a happy tummy with recipes like zucchini almond butter blondies and rose sangria.
‘The Tucci Table’ by Stanley Tucci
During quarantine, Stanley Tucci’s cocktail recipes won the internet, reminding us that his gifts extend beyond the screen.
His second cookbook "The Tucci Table" focuses on his family’s traditional Italian dishes as well as his British wife’s, Felicity Blunt, all with an American twist. Think pasta alla bottarga, mushroom-stuffed trout and pork chops with onions and mustard sauce, to name a few.
‘Whiskey in a Teacup’ by Reese Witherspoon
It’s hard to imagine that Reese Witherspoon is bad at anything, and that goes for cooking, too. Her best-selling cookbook "Whiskey in a Teacup" is oozing with Southern charm, just like she is.
Sure it has recipes — including how to make the perfect cheddar biscuits as well as fried chicken — but it offers so much more, including her musings on southern hospitality, with tips on how to entertain, decorate and even apply hot rollers to your hair.
