Tuesday, February 12, 2019

How to Be a Movie Star by TJ Klune


Josiah Erickson wants to be a movie star. The problem with that is so does half of Los Angeles. But he’s on his way, what with memorable roles as a TV show background cadaver and a guy in a commercial for herpes medication. All he needs is his big break. And that break may come in the form of a novelist who goes by the enigmatic name of Q-Bert.

Q-Bert, who is ready to make his directorial debut in a film Josy would be perfect for. Q-Bert, who Josy may or may not have a friend-crush on, and potentially something more. Being demisexual can be confusing.

From the City of Angels to the small mountain town of Abby, Oregon, Josy will give his all to make sure his dreams come true—even the ones he never thought possible.

Add to Goodreads –


Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo
Dreamspinner Press



Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Sarah☆☆☆☆☆
This was a complete pleasure read. When I think of TJ Klune, I think of the beautiful, lyrical prose of Wolfsong so this story took me completely by surprise. I wasn’t expecting comedy or the witty, observant writing that kept reminding me of my favourite Tom Robbins books.

This book observes everything. Josiah and Casey’s hipster affectations are instantly familiar. Qbert’s cult-like social media following is far more recognisable than it should be and random observations about various characters had me giggling throughout the story. But what I really love about the book is that the humour is never cruel. The story celebrates the quirks that make each human unique while gently prodding at the ridiculous nature of the behaviours we share within our various groups. Josy might be a completely clueless and naive stoner but he’s also a loyal friend whose left field comments help others find clarity in their own lives.

Josy is a bright burst of stoner sunshine. After the first few rambling pages narrated by a slightly vain and eternally optimistic wannabe actor, I was pretty sure I’d hate Josy and I wasn’t sure I’d be able to finish the book. But Josy grew on me. I think of him as the stoner version of Elle Woods. One moment I was overwhelmed by the pink and her plastic persona and the next minute I wanted her to take over the world.

I love the way the author approaches Josiah’s sexuality. He identifies as demisexual but I’m not sure he ever allows the label to define him. Josiah is comfortable with himself and not too fussed about what anyone else thinks. And while I love a steamy read, I think the slow burn friendship caught fire between Quincy and Josy is a beautiful thing.

Quincy adds a somewhat more serious tone to this story. If Josy is sunshine and butterflies, Quincy is all anxiety and self-doubt. I like that the author doesn’t shy from Quincy’s issues and I love the balance that Josy and Quincy find together.


Also Available in the How to Be Series

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Amazon Audiobook  ~  Audible  ~  Dreamspinner Press

For reviews & more info, check out our How to Be a Normal Person Audiobook Review.



When TJ Klune was eight, he picked up a pen and paper and began to write his first story (which turned out to be his own sweeping epic version of the video game Super Metroid—he didn't think the game ended very well and wanted to offer his own take on it. He never heard back from the video game company, much to his chagrin). Now, two decades later, the cast of characters in his head have only gotten louder, wondering why he has to go to work as a claims examiner for an insurance company during the day when he could just stay home and write. He recently went slightly insane and moved to the East Coast from the Sonoran Desert with his fiancé and neurotic cat in tow. He dreams about one day standing at Stonehenge, just so he can say he did.

Connect with TJ

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads


https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com


Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of How to Be a Movie Star (How to Be #2) by TJ Klune to read and review.

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