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The Strange Birth, Short Life, and Sudden Death of Justice Girl
**Publisher's Weekly Starred Review** - "The golden age of television comes to life in this scathingly critical and immensely entertaining novel from Stone. The author ably captures the tension and excitement of live television, focusing on how quickly this medium made and destroyed both careers and lives. This modern fable of fame and failure emphasizes the political and economic agendas that molded the entertainment industry and a generation. This fast-paced and emotionally vibrant satire is a treat for television buffs and general readers alike."
"Fast-moving Yarn" "Lively Reading" "A great take on what it must have been like to be in the business during those formative years, when anything was possible." New York Times
The golden age of live television comes to vivid life with the memorable and entertaining tale of Jonny Dirby, who unintentionally captivates the imagination of America with his creation of the hit show Justice Girl. This fun, engrossing work of historical fiction transports readers back to a time when television shows were chaotic tightrope acts balancing the agendas of actors, studio executives, advertisers, and politicians, and all of it broadcast live to fifty million viewers without the security of a safety net.
Set in 1955 in New York City, Julian David Stone’s impressive novel follows Jonny from the writers’ room of a steady network gig to a crisis of conscience when he decides to abandon his regular paycheck to claim the moral high ground against the spreading plague of McCarthyism. In a final act of defiance, Jonny alters the script of a Superman-inspired lampoon moments before it is broadcast live. What nobody can anticipate is that Jonny’s accidental creation Justice Girl and her infectious catchphrase of “Justice is served!” are about to sweep the nation and win the hearts and minds of America. Add to the mix a highly driven actress trying to get Jonny blacklisted, along with a desperate network president willing to do anything he can to get compete control of the show, and the history of television will never be the same.
The Strange Birth, Short Life, and Sudden Death of Justice Girl moves beyond the gags and gaffes of television’s golden age to plumb the depths of the media’s broader influence. Anyone interested in this time when television was a new phenomenon, with different factions fighting to use it to promote their varied agendas, will enjoy this riveting novel. Stone is an award-winning writer and director whose twenty years in the entertainment business informs his work with an insider’s perspective.
"Fast-moving Yarn" "Lively Reading" "A great take on what it must have been like to be in the business during those formative years, when anything was possible." New York Times
The golden age of live television comes to vivid life with the memorable and entertaining tale of Jonny Dirby, who unintentionally captivates the imagination of America with his creation of the hit show Justice Girl. This fun, engrossing work of historical fiction transports readers back to a time when television shows were chaotic tightrope acts balancing the agendas of actors, studio executives, advertisers, and politicians, and all of it broadcast live to fifty million viewers without the security of a safety net.
Set in 1955 in New York City, Julian David Stone’s impressive novel follows Jonny from the writers’ room of a steady network gig to a crisis of conscience when he decides to abandon his regular paycheck to claim the moral high ground against the spreading plague of McCarthyism. In a final act of defiance, Jonny alters the script of a Superman-inspired lampoon moments before it is broadcast live. What nobody can anticipate is that Jonny’s accidental creation Justice Girl and her infectious catchphrase of “Justice is served!” are about to sweep the nation and win the hearts and minds of America. Add to the mix a highly driven actress trying to get Jonny blacklisted, along with a desperate network president willing to do anything he can to get compete control of the show, and the history of television will never be the same.
The Strange Birth, Short Life, and Sudden Death of Justice Girl moves beyond the gags and gaffes of television’s golden age to plumb the depths of the media’s broader influence. Anyone interested in this time when television was a new phenomenon, with different factions fighting to use it to promote their varied agendas, will enjoy this riveting novel. Stone is an award-winning writer and director whose twenty years in the entertainment business informs his work with an insider’s perspective.
408 pages, Paperback
First published October 16, 2013
9 people are currently reading
542 people want to read
About the author
Julian David Stone
4 books130 followersJulian David Stone grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, eventually relocating to Los Angeles to study filmmaking and then enter the entertainment business. Other work besides this book includes screenplays for Disney, Paramount, Sony, and MGM; the full-length play, The Elvis Test; and several short-form documentaries on Frank Sinatra for Warner Bros. He is also the writer and director of the hit cult comedy feature film, Follow the Bitch, which has played to packed houses all around the country and received numerous awards. Recently he began writing books, with his award-winning debut novel, The Strange Birth, Short life, and Sudden Death of Justice Girl, about the world of the 1950s live television, currently being turned into a TV series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
October 22, 2013
To call The Strange Birth, Short Life, and Suddn Death of Justice Girl a page turner would be an understatement, and I would fervently avoid using such a descriptor unless it were totally accurate. It is clear early on that the author is in the midst of a life-long love affair with the period he so accurately and vividly depicts in the novel. And while the story is clearly rooted in the heyday of live television, there are a wealth of contemporary parallels that can be drawn without pulling one out of the time frame in which the story is set. Stone's accurately crafted world is also inhabited with a wealth of equally well crafted characters whose lives and actions harmoniously intertwine to bring the story to its lively and satisfying conclusion. Regardless of which of the novel's two main protagonists the reader finds themselves identifying with, the outcome of the narrative pulls off the impressive feat of satisfying the reader regardless of their ideological identification. Those who appreciate attention to period detail will also be pleased with accurate chronological references that serve as signposts while Stone guides us through a world where television was live, comedy was king, surprises lurked around every corner and not everything was what it seemed.
July 23, 2016
I appreciated the time the author put into bringing this book's characters to life; from the beginning, I was won over by the main character- even though he was depicted as an unlikeable individual I found myself making excuses for his character. The author definitely has mastery over the historical period as well.
A physical copy of this book was provided by the publisher or author for purposes of review.
A physical copy of this book was provided by the publisher or author for purposes of review.
August 6, 2016
Justice Girl provides a fascinating read of the earliest days of television amidst the backdrop of McCarthyism's hunt for subversives in the entertainment industry. The exploits of one frustrated comedy writer birth Justice Girl, a minor character on a sketch show. To everyone's surprise, Justice Girl strikes a note among young viewers, so the head of the floundering television network immediately orders a new show based solely upon Justice Girl to be conceived, written, cast, rehearsed, and performed live to television audiences across the country in less than one week.
To begin with, Justice Girl is completely unlike anything I have read before. The author clearly did his homework and has thoroughly researched the time and culture surrounding the birth of the television era. His passion for the time and his characters is palpable throughout the story. Each character has a back story creating motivations that drive their individual idiosyncrasies and choices. My sole complaint about this novel was that occasionally I felt that the pacing of the book was hindered by the detail involved in some of the back stories of periphery characters. Other than that, I have to say I enjoyed the ride with Jonny and Felicity as their two disparate lives collide on their journey to self-discovery.
* I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads giveaways.
To begin with, Justice Girl is completely unlike anything I have read before. The author clearly did his homework and has thoroughly researched the time and culture surrounding the birth of the television era. His passion for the time and his characters is palpable throughout the story. Each character has a back story creating motivations that drive their individual idiosyncrasies and choices. My sole complaint about this novel was that occasionally I felt that the pacing of the book was hindered by the detail involved in some of the back stories of periphery characters. Other than that, I have to say I enjoyed the ride with Jonny and Felicity as their two disparate lives collide on their journey to self-discovery.
* I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads giveaways.
November 10, 2013
I will probably write a more detailed review for amazon, But I liked it. other than some minor anachronisms, it was an engrossing read, and filled out the period nicely.
December 28, 2013
Check out Julian David Stone's guest post and interview at my book blog:
This book is something different. It is set in a time period that is almost unimaginable today: the Era of McCarthyism, the Red Scare, blacklists…and live, on-air television.
"Slithering over the entire entertainment industry like the oozing spill from an oil tanker, the blacklist had claimed the careers of thousands of actors, writers, directors, musicians, and stagehands."
Jonny Dirby is a man who grew up knowing the hard truths and ugly, covered up secrets to the war. He experienced them first-hand as a young teen, and now a young, single man scribbling off sketches for a popular show on one of the television networks. He works with several others writers…writers who have been blacklisted.
"No one would admit that the list even existed."
Jonny is a good man, and a good friend. He knows how to get his sketches on live television, and he shares his paycheck with a few select writers, who he openly admits to not initially liking. It’s a funny thing how long hours and close quarters can change opinions.
Then one day, Jonny gets the ax. In a flurry, he quickly makes some changes to that night’s show, airing live. It’s a last-ditch effort to stick it to the man, and oh does it set off fireworks, but not quite the kind he expected. Instead of blowing things up for Regal Television Network, it gets him an immediate appointment with the power greedy network president – and an entire new show based off of Justice Girl, a young female Superman living double lives with identities to be kept secret. It’s an appeal to those of all ages, and creates such rile and evocative emotion and support from viewers, creating such a sensation that the network makes a few mistakes in getting the show underway.
While Jonny is dealing with his own battles with the network, rounding up the old blacklisted writing gang and sliding in his own personal political attacks into the episodes, Justice Girl’s female star Felicity Kensington is undercover as a joe blow schlow while secretly collecting information to funnel back to her Congressional hopeful father. But somewhere between a one-time hit in the door of the entertainment world to dig in her talons, Felicity is thrown into a whole new world she can’t handle..and she’s about to lose her grip on the inside. Jonny’s such a great guy, he comes to her rescue and gets her some acting help.
Like I said, it’s a funny thing how long hours and close quarters can change opinions. Lines start to become blurred: the open-minded, honest lines binding the writers together, the lines between Felicity’s real life and secret identity, the lines between Felicity’s mission and her new-found passion, the lines between Jonny and the recent friendliness of his presidential back-pocket producer, and the lines between child and adult.
Everything eventually comes to a head as decisions are made and time runs out. Jonny experiences the bitter dosage of honesty, betrayal and pain, as does Felicity herself.
This novel is written in a way that in 25 years of reading, I’ve never come across anything quite like it. This novel follows several of the main players into their pasts that provide enlightenment of their backgrounds. It shows a stark contrast, yet similarity in motives of the main characters. They all struggle with their own internal battles, enhanced by external conflicts that are presented in such an intertwined way that it is so seamless and smooth. Jonny, and especially Felicity, experience such growth as individuals and characters in this novel, and it’s all imploded by their professional realm: live television.
Jonny is such an intriguing character. He’s the living, breathing reality of human nature: denying he tries to push confrontations (while enjoying the escalation!), the “acute confidence that he was always right,” honest in his dislike of others. He is firmly grounded in who he is, what he is, what he believes and what he’s willing to fight for. Felicity is a complete foil of Jonny’s character; she has no sense of self or morality until her lines become blurred and her secret identity opens up her world.
Wonderful, thrilling read of an age of controversy, sensationalism, political agendas and one-shot chances. Will Jonny get his final chance, or will he blow it?
This book is something different. It is set in a time period that is almost unimaginable today: the Era of McCarthyism, the Red Scare, blacklists…and live, on-air television.
"Slithering over the entire entertainment industry like the oozing spill from an oil tanker, the blacklist had claimed the careers of thousands of actors, writers, directors, musicians, and stagehands."
Jonny Dirby is a man who grew up knowing the hard truths and ugly, covered up secrets to the war. He experienced them first-hand as a young teen, and now a young, single man scribbling off sketches for a popular show on one of the television networks. He works with several others writers…writers who have been blacklisted.
"No one would admit that the list even existed."
Jonny is a good man, and a good friend. He knows how to get his sketches on live television, and he shares his paycheck with a few select writers, who he openly admits to not initially liking. It’s a funny thing how long hours and close quarters can change opinions.
Then one day, Jonny gets the ax. In a flurry, he quickly makes some changes to that night’s show, airing live. It’s a last-ditch effort to stick it to the man, and oh does it set off fireworks, but not quite the kind he expected. Instead of blowing things up for Regal Television Network, it gets him an immediate appointment with the power greedy network president – and an entire new show based off of Justice Girl, a young female Superman living double lives with identities to be kept secret. It’s an appeal to those of all ages, and creates such rile and evocative emotion and support from viewers, creating such a sensation that the network makes a few mistakes in getting the show underway.
While Jonny is dealing with his own battles with the network, rounding up the old blacklisted writing gang and sliding in his own personal political attacks into the episodes, Justice Girl’s female star Felicity Kensington is undercover as a joe blow schlow while secretly collecting information to funnel back to her Congressional hopeful father. But somewhere between a one-time hit in the door of the entertainment world to dig in her talons, Felicity is thrown into a whole new world she can’t handle..and she’s about to lose her grip on the inside. Jonny’s such a great guy, he comes to her rescue and gets her some acting help.
Like I said, it’s a funny thing how long hours and close quarters can change opinions. Lines start to become blurred: the open-minded, honest lines binding the writers together, the lines between Felicity’s real life and secret identity, the lines between Felicity’s mission and her new-found passion, the lines between Jonny and the recent friendliness of his presidential back-pocket producer, and the lines between child and adult.
Everything eventually comes to a head as decisions are made and time runs out. Jonny experiences the bitter dosage of honesty, betrayal and pain, as does Felicity herself.
This novel is written in a way that in 25 years of reading, I’ve never come across anything quite like it. This novel follows several of the main players into their pasts that provide enlightenment of their backgrounds. It shows a stark contrast, yet similarity in motives of the main characters. They all struggle with their own internal battles, enhanced by external conflicts that are presented in such an intertwined way that it is so seamless and smooth. Jonny, and especially Felicity, experience such growth as individuals and characters in this novel, and it’s all imploded by their professional realm: live television.
Jonny is such an intriguing character. He’s the living, breathing reality of human nature: denying he tries to push confrontations (while enjoying the escalation!), the “acute confidence that he was always right,” honest in his dislike of others. He is firmly grounded in who he is, what he is, what he believes and what he’s willing to fight for. Felicity is a complete foil of Jonny’s character; she has no sense of self or morality until her lines become blurred and her secret identity opens up her world.
Wonderful, thrilling read of an age of controversy, sensationalism, political agendas and one-shot chances. Will Jonny get his final chance, or will he blow it?
July 2, 2014
Set in the McCarthy era, when the United States was still recovering from a terrible war, this novel snaps with whip-smart dialogue, palpable tension and characters that bristle with their individual passions. Mr. Stone has clearly done his homework because the worlds that he’s created seem utterly real, right down to all the little details. It’s like a period costume so exquisitely and meticulously crafted, it’s as if it came straight from the worker’s hands only minutes before you donned it.
The author brings the aura of the post-war era alive with all its paranoia, energy, poverty, wealth, grit and opulence. The novel submerges the reader so thoroughly in its various milieus and mindsets, it’s a shock to look up and remember that you’re actually living in the 21st century.
Running through it all is the iconic figure of Justice Girl. Originally created as a final prank by a disgruntled ex-employee, she swiftly achieves a vibrant life of her own. Representing different things to the masses and her creators, the struggle to acquire the rights to her image serves as a highly polished mirror to the larger issues bubbling at the novel’s core.
Utterly brilliant in its conception and flawless in its prose, The Strange Birth, Short Life, and Sudden Death of Justice Girl is a true joy to read and worth coming back to again and again.
The author brings the aura of the post-war era alive with all its paranoia, energy, poverty, wealth, grit and opulence. The novel submerges the reader so thoroughly in its various milieus and mindsets, it’s a shock to look up and remember that you’re actually living in the 21st century.
Running through it all is the iconic figure of Justice Girl. Originally created as a final prank by a disgruntled ex-employee, she swiftly achieves a vibrant life of her own. Representing different things to the masses and her creators, the struggle to acquire the rights to her image serves as a highly polished mirror to the larger issues bubbling at the novel’s core.
Utterly brilliant in its conception and flawless in its prose, The Strange Birth, Short Life, and Sudden Death of Justice Girl is a true joy to read and worth coming back to again and again.
June 2, 2014
This is a truly wonderful book! I have never read anything quite like it before.
Right from the start, the novel is engaging, interesting, enlightening, funny and emotional, all at once. It is full of humor, drama, politics, acting, tv and romance.
This is a hard book to review without giving too much away! The book is set in the 1950s and really gives an insight to what life, particularly in the television field, was like in those times.
All of the characters are very realistic and are easy to relate to. They all come with rich histories, experiences, opinions and emotions. There are double agents, families, actresses, writers, villains and lovers, yet I was able to relate to all of them and even understand them all.
I highly recommend this to anyone, whether or not you think you will be interested in the subject matter. This is a book that will universally appeal to anyone who reads it!
Right from the start, the novel is engaging, interesting, enlightening, funny and emotional, all at once. It is full of humor, drama, politics, acting, tv and romance.
This is a hard book to review without giving too much away! The book is set in the 1950s and really gives an insight to what life, particularly in the television field, was like in those times.
All of the characters are very realistic and are easy to relate to. They all come with rich histories, experiences, opinions and emotions. There are double agents, families, actresses, writers, villains and lovers, yet I was able to relate to all of them and even understand them all.
I highly recommend this to anyone, whether or not you think you will be interested in the subject matter. This is a book that will universally appeal to anyone who reads it!
April 27, 2014
About-to-be-blacklisted writer Jonny Dirby and undercover Communist hunter Felicity Kensington seek justice on- and off-screen in this character-driven historical novel. They’re helped and hindered along the way by a colorful cast of friends and enemies (not to mention friendly enemies) all set against the booming backdrop of the post-WWII television industry.
Though I’ve read quite a bit of historical fiction, little of it is from this era. This was a refreshing change of scenery and a very enjoyably told tale. I was torn between wanting to hurry and find out what happens and savoring the story. Definite thumbs up for this book and I'll be on the lookout for more from Mr. Stone
Full disclosure: I received a free copy of “Justice Girl” through the Goodreads First Reads program, though that has no particular bearing on this review.
Though I’ve read quite a bit of historical fiction, little of it is from this era. This was a refreshing change of scenery and a very enjoyably told tale. I was torn between wanting to hurry and find out what happens and savoring the story. Definite thumbs up for this book and I'll be on the lookout for more from Mr. Stone
Full disclosure: I received a free copy of “Justice Girl” through the Goodreads First Reads program, though that has no particular bearing on this review.
September 11, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed reading "The Strange Birth, Short Life, and Sudden Death of Justice Girl". I was captivated from the very beginning with the introduction of Jonny Dirby, a television writer. He has been asked by the Regal Television Company to sign a loyalty oath but is fired when he refuses to do so. He decides on his way out to rewrite some of the scenes from 'Hermie's Henhouse' and Justice Girl is born. Once he has been rehired by the network, he is able to help out some of his fellow writers who have been 'blacklisted' from the cutthroat industry. Julian David Stone did a fantastic job of describing every detail in a way that takes the reader back to the 1950's and helps you to rally understand the time period and the struggles that each character endured. I loved this book and would recommend it to everyone.
April 16, 2014
I really enjoyed reading The Strange Birth, Short Life, and Sudden Death of Justice Girl. The characters in the book were well thought out and believable. If I ever see an annoying ceiling fan, it will make me think of this book. I was pleasantly surprised by how the book ended, I honestly thought it was going in a completely different direction. There was mystery, romance, humor, and somber moments. All in all it was a good read with everything you hope to find in a good book.
November 15, 2013
I've always been interested in comic books and learning about Justice Girl was a great experience. I would recommend this to any old time comic lover. A good reminder of that period. Received as ARC.
December 11, 2013
Slow starting, this book will grow on you as the characters come to life. A glimpse into a bygone era of live tv and fear of commies, the characters make this a rich story that I enjoyed reading.
June 7, 2014
Splendid read. Great character development and the story drives along with humor, tragedy, great irony, and an excellent pace.
October 8, 2022
Stone writes like a crystal-cold brook flowing down a steep mountain hill. His prose propels you page after entertaining page. A story about a 1950's live television series, Stone creates a setting (Manhattan, Greenwich Connecticut) and period that are so vivid, you'll think you're really there - except during the brief, graphic sex scene, in which you'll think you're in the 1980's and want to get out quickly. Each character is compelling and well developed, and all are sympathetic enough that at some point you'll care about each one - well, maybe not Anderson Vleet. This is a story both comic and tragic, and everything in between.
July 6, 2023
'Justice Girl' perfectly captures the era of the inception of television and Communism witch hunts in the entertainment industry. You will gradually fall in love with the three main leads and you'll be fully immersed in their world. It's suspenseful, funny, heartbreaking, and thought provoking. Highly recommended.
December 17, 2022
Very well researched time period.
My first book with this author was "It's Alive." A book recounting the making of Frankenstein film in the beginning of the Golden Age of Movies. This takes place in the golden age of TV.
J.D. Stone (I hope he doesn’t mind me calling him that) does a splendid job of recreating a setting of 1955 New York. Jonny Dirby is a writer on a comedy sketch show (a la Show of Shows). He is a serious writer who has written serious plays and even converted them to teleplays. But no one is currently interested in those. Through some humorous events, he winds up not only writing but producing Justice Girl. At this point NYC is like any NYC movie from the 50s; clean, bustling and shiny. the time period is early spring so a chill in the air and great lighting on the buildings that don't last long enough.
At a cast after-party, actors are discussing how to be great you must use the method acting style to successfully portray a character. You must get to the character's backstory. The next chapter we go through Jonny's life as a child and what happened to him during the War. Subtle Mr. Stone but effective. The backstory plays in this story to create some tense and fun scenarios.
No spoilers, but this is a great take on the Communist scare that haunted the 50s, and also how TV has affected the culture. Each of the 3 main characters, 2 protagonists and an antagonist, explains at one point their first encounter with TV and why it meant what it did to them. Stone weaves it in beautifully in the tale. The writing was playful when it wanted to be and serious when it needed to be. The story took many different tones but kept moving at a great pace. I enjoyed this immensely.
OK, 1 spoiler. What won the war (WWll) for America? Answer: Tin Cans & Tires.
My first book with this author was "It's Alive." A book recounting the making of Frankenstein film in the beginning of the Golden Age of Movies. This takes place in the golden age of TV.
J.D. Stone (I hope he doesn’t mind me calling him that) does a splendid job of recreating a setting of 1955 New York. Jonny Dirby is a writer on a comedy sketch show (a la Show of Shows). He is a serious writer who has written serious plays and even converted them to teleplays. But no one is currently interested in those. Through some humorous events, he winds up not only writing but producing Justice Girl. At this point NYC is like any NYC movie from the 50s; clean, bustling and shiny. the time period is early spring so a chill in the air and great lighting on the buildings that don't last long enough.
At a cast after-party, actors are discussing how to be great you must use the method acting style to successfully portray a character. You must get to the character's backstory. The next chapter we go through Jonny's life as a child and what happened to him during the War. Subtle Mr. Stone but effective. The backstory plays in this story to create some tense and fun scenarios.
No spoilers, but this is a great take on the Communist scare that haunted the 50s, and also how TV has affected the culture. Each of the 3 main characters, 2 protagonists and an antagonist, explains at one point their first encounter with TV and why it meant what it did to them. Stone weaves it in beautifully in the tale. The writing was playful when it wanted to be and serious when it needed to be. The story took many different tones but kept moving at a great pace. I enjoyed this immensely.
OK, 1 spoiler. What won the war (WWll) for America? Answer: Tin Cans & Tires.
March 25, 2014
Justice Girl is an entertaining story of how difficult it can be to truly get justice. Jonny Dirby, a television writer, has created a wildly popular tv character, ‘Justice Girl’. He uses his new character to help bring justice for those who have been wronged, using his influence to help innocent ‘blacklisted’ writers and to provide a voice against war profiteers and social injustices. Unbeknownst to Jonny, the actress playing ‘Justice Girl’ has her own agenda: she wants to expose the show’s ties to people who have been accused of being communist sympathizers for her own purposes.
This was a very entertaining story, with wonderfully written characters. I had a great deal of judgment for many of the characters at the beginning of the story, but each character became so real and fleshed out that I understood each of the character’s motivations. This gave the already terrific story even higher stakes, as I was incredibly invested in the lead characters’ stories. This author is definitely a great storyteller.
This was a very entertaining story, with wonderfully written characters. I had a great deal of judgment for many of the characters at the beginning of the story, but each character became so real and fleshed out that I understood each of the character’s motivations. This gave the already terrific story even higher stakes, as I was incredibly invested in the lead characters’ stories. This author is definitely a great storyteller.
May 10, 2015
I was impressed with how well this book represented the period while providing some interesting perspectives on TV and such interesting characters.
Without having a first person perspective we still get an unreliable narrator in a character and get to see the change of these people as we become just as invested in Justice Girl as Johnny. Despite the book being about the creation of a TV show I found the story compelling and found myself rooting for justice and wondering how Johnny was going to right so many wrongs. It captures the feat of the red scare and comes full circle of some personal and intriguing stories.
The jumping around in time was a bit confusing but getting the background on the characters made the end more satisfying.
Without having a first person perspective we still get an unreliable narrator in a character and get to see the change of these people as we become just as invested in Justice Girl as Johnny. Despite the book being about the creation of a TV show I found the story compelling and found myself rooting for justice and wondering how Johnny was going to right so many wrongs. It captures the feat of the red scare and comes full circle of some personal and intriguing stories.
The jumping around in time was a bit confusing but getting the background on the characters made the end more satisfying.
December 6, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were deftly drawn out and their individual personalities and ambitions really played well into the story. The plot itself was intriguing and I thought it showed a lot about the fear of communism in the 1950s. Not just the fear, but the absolute determination to stamp it out at any cost by some parties. The equal determination of the television writers, Johnny and his friends, to keep working and do something of importance despite the obstacles put in front of them was inspiring and fun to read about.
I received this book as part of a Goodreads Giveaway.
I received this book as part of a Goodreads Giveaway.
March 21, 2014
Justice Girl is a very intriguing and well-rounded novel set within the 1950’s live television era when artists had to be careful of saying or acting too liberal for fear of being thought a Commie and becoming blacklisted. I love how all of the main characters have extensive back stories; they are all so human with their own unique flaws and dreams that you can truly relate to any of them. The plot is definitely one you can sink your teeth into, because even though within the title- The Strange Birth, Short Life, and Sudden Death of Justice Girl- you get an idea of what’s going to happen, it is still such a well written wild ride that you just can’t put it down.
May 25, 2022
This is an enjoyable romp through the world of early television production. Scripts are written; casts are selected; episodes are rehearsed and performed; all within a week. This early TV pressure cooker is the setting for a personal story of the effects of McCarthyism. I liked the sense I was experiencing a classic movie. There was lots of snappy dialogue and even some physical comedy. The zaniness was mixed with some serious topics and events but overall the book felt like a nice escape. “Justice is served” too. Recommend.
March 24, 2014
I did, very much, enjoy this read. While it isn't usually the type of historical fiction I usually gravitate towards, I found if fun and funny. The author is wonderful in how he makes the characters come to life and seem very real even if they can be wacky. The main character had a friend in me even if he was a bit of a sleaze. I wanted him to succeed. I recommend this book to anybody who enjoys classic television or really anybody who just wants a sweet and fun read
June 21, 2015
Though this book is far out of the realm of what I usually choose, it was wonderful to read. I loved how Stone crafted such three dimensional characters with a rich background and motivations. Everything tied together beautifully at multiple points throughout the book. I'm so glad I chose to pick this one up at the library based solely on the title!
March 29, 2015
An entertaining read and characters that were unique and interesting. The early history of television also made the context for the story worth the read.
September 20, 2019
I picked up The Strange Birth, Short Life, and Sudden Death of Justice Girl because I was intrigued by the potential of the story. I wondered if there was some sort of pre-Superman heroine who started the superhero trend that surrounds us now. Essentially, I was looking for a “feminist icon” forgotten to time. That was not what I ended up getting, but the story I found left me pleasantly surprised.
I could tell from the start that Julian David Stone is not a first time writer. His opening line pulled me right in, and he continued to keep up excellent pacing, character, and dialogue throughout. The story remained active, full of momentum and a cast of characters each acting on their own. Though I would have preferred some more description of the setting, I never felt lost; it was more a matter of taste than anything. The prose wasn’t poetic, but it was sharp and clear and had more than a few lines that shined.
On the negative side, the story felt bogged down in sharing backstory the first time we were introduced to each new character. It was actually one of the bigger problems I had. This novel couldn’t be counted on for subtlety, and preferred to dump all the relevant information we might need at the start of an interaction, rather than reveal it slowly and in small ways. That’s another thing that, to some degree, is a matter of taste, but even still I felt Justice Girl went a little long in this department
Along that line, this book is a long one with a bit of a slow start (after the initial hook had been landed) and at times the shape of the story felt a bit cheesy or predictable — very much like a movie from the time period presented. That said, I was entertained throughout and the consistent tension kept the stakes high enough that I lost track of the length in a good way.
This is a more minor quibble—especially considering the period—but I couldn’t escape the strength of the male gaze in this book. Every woman presented was immediately broken down into her physical parts. It even issued from within the heads of the few narrating female characters (actually, the one female narrating character) who would dissect themselves and others the same way. This is, of course, accurate even today in the form of internalized misogyny but it got exhausting after a while. I would have appreciated some interaction with women where their appearance, sexuality, or motherly qualities were not the center of attention, especially in the world of theater where women may be judged on their talent (at least some of the time).
Moving on from that, Justice Girl was a pleasant read, with a snappy, consistent voice and characters it was rewarding to follow. I cheered when they triumphed, worried when obstacles fell in their way, and warmed to them as they developed and learned more about who they really were.
Though Justice Girl may only have flown for a short while, I’m glad to have watched her flight, and I think her story might just be perfect for those wanting a bit of TV history or 1950s nostalgia.
I could tell from the start that Julian David Stone is not a first time writer. His opening line pulled me right in, and he continued to keep up excellent pacing, character, and dialogue throughout. The story remained active, full of momentum and a cast of characters each acting on their own. Though I would have preferred some more description of the setting, I never felt lost; it was more a matter of taste than anything. The prose wasn’t poetic, but it was sharp and clear and had more than a few lines that shined.
On the negative side, the story felt bogged down in sharing backstory the first time we were introduced to each new character. It was actually one of the bigger problems I had. This novel couldn’t be counted on for subtlety, and preferred to dump all the relevant information we might need at the start of an interaction, rather than reveal it slowly and in small ways. That’s another thing that, to some degree, is a matter of taste, but even still I felt Justice Girl went a little long in this department
Along that line, this book is a long one with a bit of a slow start (after the initial hook had been landed) and at times the shape of the story felt a bit cheesy or predictable — very much like a movie from the time period presented. That said, I was entertained throughout and the consistent tension kept the stakes high enough that I lost track of the length in a good way.
This is a more minor quibble—especially considering the period—but I couldn’t escape the strength of the male gaze in this book. Every woman presented was immediately broken down into her physical parts. It even issued from within the heads of the few narrating female characters (actually, the one female narrating character) who would dissect themselves and others the same way. This is, of course, accurate even today in the form of internalized misogyny but it got exhausting after a while. I would have appreciated some interaction with women where their appearance, sexuality, or motherly qualities were not the center of attention, especially in the world of theater where women may be judged on their talent (at least some of the time).
Moving on from that, Justice Girl was a pleasant read, with a snappy, consistent voice and characters it was rewarding to follow. I cheered when they triumphed, worried when obstacles fell in their way, and warmed to them as they developed and learned more about who they really were.
Though Justice Girl may only have flown for a short while, I’m glad to have watched her flight, and I think her story might just be perfect for those wanting a bit of TV history or 1950s nostalgia.
September 25, 2019
Like many others, I was drawn in by the title of The Strange Birth, Short Life, and Sudden Death of Justice Girl. Its promise is not so much of the story to be told as the tone of the novel. From page one, I found that the pacing of the narrative voice was consistently eccentric in a way that emulated the title, and this to me was one of the prominent features of the novel as it's a tone not often chosen in contemporary fiction. It occasionally felt a little forced, and at times it made exposition unnecessarily long-winded, but generally speaking I thought it was a charming style.
The subject matter itself - which deals closely with the world of television, but is largely also politically driven - was fascinating, offering a glimpse of a world that was very much still coming to grips with the notion of television and the possibilities that such a medium offered.
Stone's characterisation was clearly very thoughtful with regards to many of his creations, and the initial pages that introduce the character of Jonny Dirby take great care to establish depth to the novel's protagonist. I notice that another reviewer has already commented that the characterisation of women in this novel was often lacking, however - I didn't feel that the same care was always taken to establish backstory, motives and intent for female characters, which really stood out in contrast to the detail invested in the men of the book.
Overall, a brilliantly set novel with an interesting plot, I would highly recommend this book.
The subject matter itself - which deals closely with the world of television, but is largely also politically driven - was fascinating, offering a glimpse of a world that was very much still coming to grips with the notion of television and the possibilities that such a medium offered.
Stone's characterisation was clearly very thoughtful with regards to many of his creations, and the initial pages that introduce the character of Jonny Dirby take great care to establish depth to the novel's protagonist. I notice that another reviewer has already commented that the characterisation of women in this novel was often lacking, however - I didn't feel that the same care was always taken to establish backstory, motives and intent for female characters, which really stood out in contrast to the detail invested in the men of the book.
Overall, a brilliantly set novel with an interesting plot, I would highly recommend this book.
September 24, 2019
THE STRANGE BIRTH, SHORT LIFE, AND SUDDEN DEATH OF JUSTICE GIRL by Julian David Stone is a tragicomedy about a live TV action series set in the mid-1950s New York City during the blacklist. The two main characters are the show’s 25-year-old liberal creator, Jonny Dirby, and its leading anti-Communist star, Felicity Kensington. Both of these characters can seem quite overbearing until the author skillfully reveals their tragic pasts.
Mr. Stone excels in providing vivid details of the era. Jonny’s parents sell rare stamps for a living at a time when people still had hobbies. Jonny’s blacklisted friends dine at the Automat and a Ukrainian restaurant. At a party, Rod Serling praises Jonny’s work. More importantly, we get an extraordinary glimpse into the behind-the-scenes world of a high-pressured, live TV show, from evil executives down to a brilliant blacklisted acting teacher who is quietly one of the people responsible for the show’s success. This novel is a brilliant literary achievement about an era of political turmoil that echoes today.
Mr. Stone excels in providing vivid details of the era. Jonny’s parents sell rare stamps for a living at a time when people still had hobbies. Jonny’s blacklisted friends dine at the Automat and a Ukrainian restaurant. At a party, Rod Serling praises Jonny’s work. More importantly, we get an extraordinary glimpse into the behind-the-scenes world of a high-pressured, live TV show, from evil executives down to a brilliant blacklisted acting teacher who is quietly one of the people responsible for the show’s success. This novel is a brilliant literary achievement about an era of political turmoil that echoes today.
September 26, 2019
Engaging, well-written.
I was immediately hooked on this story.
The writing is smart and sharp, the dialogue snappy. The characters are believable and interesting; they have depth and secret agendas.
I have read quite a few stories told from multiple sides of events. Not every writer seems up to the task of juggling enough characters with conflicting viewpoints to move the plot along and keep the reader invested.
Stone seems to manage the balancing act effortlessly. An excellent job of interweaving plot lines so that the story moves along at a brisk pace but does not become confusing.
I particularly liked the process involved in the team conjuring up Justice Girl. It really illustrates that not all characters or ideas appear fully formed, and creating something really takes some thought and editing. At the same time, inspiration can come from anywhere.
I thoroughly enjoyed this view of 1950s television production.
I was immediately hooked on this story.
The writing is smart and sharp, the dialogue snappy. The characters are believable and interesting; they have depth and secret agendas.
I have read quite a few stories told from multiple sides of events. Not every writer seems up to the task of juggling enough characters with conflicting viewpoints to move the plot along and keep the reader invested.
Stone seems to manage the balancing act effortlessly. An excellent job of interweaving plot lines so that the story moves along at a brisk pace but does not become confusing.
I particularly liked the process involved in the team conjuring up Justice Girl. It really illustrates that not all characters or ideas appear fully formed, and creating something really takes some thought and editing. At the same time, inspiration can come from anywhere.
I thoroughly enjoyed this view of 1950s television production.
September 23, 2019
With an entirely intriguing title such as this, how could you possibly go wrong? I can attest that this book is wholly captivating right from the moment it begins.
It comes as no surprise that the author, Julian David Stone, has real-world experience writing and directing for film and TV. Stone manages to effectively bring such an authentic feel to his writing that the reader is hooked and immersed in the world and the characters that Stone has created for us. Not only does his writing move with graceful ease and pace, but he also manages to build a world in the context of a different time that doesn't feel trite, or tired.
With real, relatable characters, an intriguing and at times silly plotline, Stone has created quite the engaging work of art for the world to enjoy. A fun read.
It comes as no surprise that the author, Julian David Stone, has real-world experience writing and directing for film and TV. Stone manages to effectively bring such an authentic feel to his writing that the reader is hooked and immersed in the world and the characters that Stone has created for us. Not only does his writing move with graceful ease and pace, but he also manages to build a world in the context of a different time that doesn't feel trite, or tired.
With real, relatable characters, an intriguing and at times silly plotline, Stone has created quite the engaging work of art for the world to enjoy. A fun read.
October 6, 2019
The Strange Birth, Short Life, and Sudden Death of Justic Girl is a fascinating look at what goes into making a television show in the 1950s, and the dynamic cast of characters that make up this world. Stone has done a great job in making each character totally dynamic and interesting, their backstories totally layered and complex. I really enjoyed Felicity (or Denise as some call her), the socialite masquerading as an actress and Jonny, the tortured writer and creator of Justice Girl. While they come from very different worlds, how they come together and end up changing the world for the better is quite remarkable.
I would highly recommend this book. It takes place in an era so different from our own but is engaging right to the very end.
I would highly recommend this book. It takes place in an era so different from our own but is engaging right to the very end.
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