Walk of Fame

by Sharon Krum

Tom Webster is a dreary nobody; nice enough, but neither a head-turner or a hell-raiser, until he's given the opportunity to become an uber-celebrity.

The A major magazine gives Tom 30-days in which to make himself famous, using any, and they mean any, means necessary.

The Fame, glory, and $100,000.

When the assignment spins out of control, Tom takes a wild ride on the celebrity machine with a B-list film actress who wants to be working on Shakespeare in the Park rather than her buxom physique, her slimy agent, his best friend, (who happens to have stolen his wife), a boss desperate to capitalize on Tom's celebrity, and a fame obsessed magazine editor who wants a finished article from Tom above all else.

As his level of fame escalates, Tom becomes trapped in his own lies and the cult of celebrity - while everyone around him grabs their fifteen minutes. And then, just when everything seems perfect, Tom will make the decision of his life- turning the tables on the paparazzi, the hangers on, and his scheming counterparts.

Genres: Fiction, Chick Lit

320 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 2001

About the author

Sharon Krum is a journalist and author based in New York City. She writes about everything from celebrity profiles to women’s issues, fashion and health for The Guardian, The London Times, The Australian, Harpers Bazaar Australia and The Australian Women’s Weekly among other publications. She has also written for People, The New York Post, Marie Claire and Fitness.

She has published two novels, Walk of Fame (2000) and The Thing About Jane Spring (2005), both have been optioned for movies. She is currently at work on her third novel, The Doctor Will See You Now.

Reviews

[April Queen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book years ago at a local book fair for next to nothing. That's why I bought it - it cost next to nothing and I was willing to pay that for mediocre chick lit. It sat on my bookshelves way too long because I judged it by it's cover and thought it probably was closer to bad chick lit than mediocre. Boy oh boy oh boy was I wrong. (Pun from the book totally intended). First, I fell in love with the main character. I have a soft spot for nerds like him; especially ones that like baseball. Second, the plot had twists I didn't see coming. And third, whether the author was just trying to tell a good story or was really trying to make a point about fame, I agree with the overall moral of the story - people can become famous for generally no reason at all. Fun read! (Some curse words along the way but relatively clean - no sex, drugs, etc. which makes me like it even more).

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, I've never figured out why the Kardashians are famous. Other than the former Bruce Jenner, none of them have actually done anything. And that is the whole point of this book and our culture of obsessing over "celebrities". The author directs an unflattering and very accurate lens on U.S. media, bringing new meaning to the phrase "don't believe everything you read". The denouement is not unexpected and that is probably the one weakness in this book--not enough tension, conflict, or surprises. But an enjoyable read, especially the sarcastic humor.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute, quick read. The plot certainly stretched the boundaries of believability, but based on the book description, I knew it would.

This book can be best summed up by listening to Brad Paisley's song "Celebrity".

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the way this book fed my want of being famous. Made me see the picture for what it's like so I didn't have to worry about trying to become famous. Haha. I'm weird I know

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've never seen so many commas in a book before. Still, a good read.

[Pam]

11/26 rec via bookmooch

[Gaurett · Rating 3 out of 5]

full book to read, all about the illusion of the media