Actress of a Certain Age
By Jeff Hiller
Hiller gained prominence as a close friend of Bridget Everett in the TV series “Somebody Somewhere,” but prior to that, he was well-known within the New York comedy scene centered around Joe’s Pub. Before that, he was a teenager growing up gay in 1980s Texas. In his collection of essay-like memoirs, Hiller shares his experiences from his small-town Lutheran church days and his journey into show business. Using his trademark spunk and humor, he shares with readers about his past self and his current identity.
On shelves now
Atmosphere
By Taylor Jenkins Reid
Following numerous novels lingering in adaptation limbo, with “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” initially optioned as early as 2019, Taylor Jenkins Reid ultimately brought her work to the big screen with the Prime Video hit “Daisy Jones & The Six”. As fans eagerly anticipate her next book-to-screen project, Jenkins Reid keeps producing charming, bubbly novels. This summer’s offering is “Atmosphere”, a story about a female astronaut who discovers love during space training.
On shelves now
Clint: The Man and the Movies
By Shawn Levy
Renowned author Levy, not the one known for directing Deadpool and Wolverine, has penned biographies of notable Hollywood figures such as Robert De Niro and Paul Newman. Given this, it was inevitable that he would eventually delve into the life story of Clint Eastwood. In his first in-depth analysis of Eastwood’s career, Levy balances an examination of the 95-year-old actor-director’s significant film achievements with his personal shortcomings and traditional Libertarian views.
On shelves July 1
Food Person
By Adam Roberts
As “The Amateur Gourmet” in the digital sphere, Roberts has carved out a niche as both a food blogger and screenwriter. Now, he’s transforming his actual life experiences into fictional material. In my eyes, this novel, titled “Food Person“, revolves around Isabella Pasternack, a struggling writer who finds herself jobless after being let go from a digital magazine. In a twist of fate, she lands a gig ghostwriting a cookbook for a once-adored (but now embroiled in scandal) TV star. This intriguing debut work is a blend of humor, satire, and often leaves you craving more – beware, it’s best not to read this on an empty stomach!
On shelves now
In Pursuit of Beauty
By Gary Baum
At The Hollywood Reporter, senior writer Baum delves into topics ranging from entertainment industry scandals to the restaurant world (his 2017 feature on Hollywood figure Angelyne was later adapted into the Emmy Rossum-led Peacock limited series). In his debut novel, he explores the shadowy aspects of his hometown and his profession. The book, titled “In Pursuit of Beauty”, follows a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon whose unorthodox practices lead to her imprisonment, and the unsuspecting journalist who takes on the task of penning her story from behind bars.
On shelves July 1
Loved One
By Aisha Muharrar
Muharrar is well-versed in comedy – her time at Harvard’s Lampoon laid the foundation for her breakthrough in the writing room of Parks and Recreation, followed by stints on The Good Place and Hacks (for which she won an Emmy in season three). However, her highly anticipated novel, titled Loved One, veers towards melancholy, departing from her usual comedic works. In this story, a young woman journeys from Los Angeles to London following the demise of a close friend and past lover. Upon arrival, she confronts his latest ex-girlfriend over the deceased man’s belongings, leading to conflicts as they both grapple with the grief they are trying to suppress.
On shelves Aug. 12
God and Sex
By Jon Raymond
Raymond, a seasoned screenwriter who often works alongside Kelly Reichardt and Todd Haynes, has contributed to films like “First Cow”, “Showing Up”, “Mildred Pierce” and the aborted (unnamed) collaboration between Haynes and Joaquin Phoenix. His latest book is set in the Pacific Northwest, a region grappling with the harsh realities of the climate crisis, which significantly impacts the lives and livelihoods of its inhabitants. The story revolves around Arthur, who embarks on an affair with a friend’s wife and seeks solace in God and prayer as a catastrophic climate event looms over her life. The narrative is both strikingly relatable (with a chilling forest fire) and captivating.
On shelves Aug. 5
That’s How They Get You: An Unruly Anthology of Black American Humor
Edited by Damon Young
Through his first memoir “What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Blacker“, his blog “Very Smart Brothas” and his Crooked Media podcast “Stuck“, Young has constructed a multifaceted media platform, delving into the enduring impact of African-American culture. For this anthology of essays, short stories, and letters that investigates humor within and surrounding Black communities, he enlisted top literary talent such as Hanif Abdurraqib, Kiese Laymon, and Roy Wood Jr.
Young has created a powerful media empire by discussing the lasting influence of black culture through his memoir, blog, and podcast. To create this book filled with essays, short stories, and letters about comedy in Black communities, he enlisted well-known authors like Hanif Abdurraqib, Kiese Laymon, and Roy Wood Jr.
On shelves now
You can find this article in the June 11 edition of The Hollywood Reporter periodical. If you’d like to receive future issues, consider subscribing by clicking here.
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2025-06-14 21:24