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Party Girl
Celebrity journalist Amelia Stone is the quintessential L.A. party girl. She goes to Hollywood's most exclusive, star-studded events, where she rubs shoulders (and occasionally more) with celebrities, stays out until all hours of the night, and indulges in the ultimate sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll existence. In short, she's got everything a party girl needs: the looks, the job, the lifestyle. And oh, yes, the out-of-control coke habit.
But it's hard to keep topping your own outrageous exploits, and after losing her job, her friends, and much of her mind (not to mention waking up in the hospital after combining five Ambien, four lines of Special K, and an inestimable amount of cocaine), Amelia makes the drastic decision to end her drug abuse. Sobriety, she finds, has its rewards: she starts seeing the man who could be her Mr. Right and gets hired by a big-name magazine to write a column detailing her wild adventures with the celebrity party crowd. And who could write it better? After all, she has plenty of experience to draw on.
There's just one little problem. Overnight, Amelia Stone has become the new face of Hollywood nightlife, and her editors—who don't know she's come clean—want her to play the part. As her popularity skyrockets and the film and TV agents start calling, the lure of her former fast-and-furious lifestyle begins to pull at her. Faced with the most exciting opportunity of her career, she must now decide to either save herself—or salvage her reputation as the ultimate party girl.
Acidly hilarious and achingly honest, Party Girl is a harrowing ride through the world of Hollywood excess with a heroine who's deliciously flawed. Whether snorting coke or crying in rehab, hooking up or breaking down, Amelia Stone makes her way across the treacherous grounds of addiction, self-destruction, and recovery without ever losing her sharp wit, unapologetic candor, or odds-defying optimism.
But it's hard to keep topping your own outrageous exploits, and after losing her job, her friends, and much of her mind (not to mention waking up in the hospital after combining five Ambien, four lines of Special K, and an inestimable amount of cocaine), Amelia makes the drastic decision to end her drug abuse. Sobriety, she finds, has its rewards: she starts seeing the man who could be her Mr. Right and gets hired by a big-name magazine to write a column detailing her wild adventures with the celebrity party crowd. And who could write it better? After all, she has plenty of experience to draw on.
There's just one little problem. Overnight, Amelia Stone has become the new face of Hollywood nightlife, and her editors—who don't know she's come clean—want her to play the part. As her popularity skyrockets and the film and TV agents start calling, the lure of her former fast-and-furious lifestyle begins to pull at her. Faced with the most exciting opportunity of her career, she must now decide to either save herself—or salvage her reputation as the ultimate party girl.
Acidly hilarious and achingly honest, Party Girl is a harrowing ride through the world of Hollywood excess with a heroine who's deliciously flawed. Whether snorting coke or crying in rehab, hooking up or breaking down, Amelia Stone makes her way across the treacherous grounds of addiction, self-destruction, and recovery without ever losing her sharp wit, unapologetic candor, or odds-defying optimism.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2025
52 people are currently reading
1440 people want to read
About the author
Anna David
55 books138 followersAnna David is a New York Times bestselling author of eight books and the founder of Legacy Launch Pad Publishing, a boutique book publishing company trusted by high-income entrepreneurs to build seven-figure authority.
A three-time TEDx speaker, she has appeared on Good Morning America, Today Show, The Talk and dozens of other programs.
Anna has also written for the New York Times, Time, Playboy, Vanity Fair and the Huffington Post, among many others, and been written about in such publications as Entrepreneur, Martha Stewart magazine and Forbes.
Her first novel, Party Girl, is in development as a feature film and she's the on-air book critic for KATU Portland. Her company has published over 50 books, many of which have become Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestsellers.
She lives in Hollywood with her boyfriend, filmmaker Jim Agnew, their son Benjamin and their cranky-looking cat Bernie.
A three-time TEDx speaker, she has appeared on Good Morning America, Today Show, The Talk and dozens of other programs.
Anna has also written for the New York Times, Time, Playboy, Vanity Fair and the Huffington Post, among many others, and been written about in such publications as Entrepreneur, Martha Stewart magazine and Forbes.
Her first novel, Party Girl, is in development as a feature film and she's the on-air book critic for KATU Portland. Her company has published over 50 books, many of which have become Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestsellers.
She lives in Hollywood with her boyfriend, filmmaker Jim Agnew, their son Benjamin and their cranky-looking cat Bernie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
April 22, 2009
As the author, I'm biased. But I think it's pretty great.
November 17, 2007
Not impressed. The lead character was a self-absorbed, whiny, narcissistic cokehead who spent all her time with other self-absorbed, tiresome characters trying to either be "the next hot thing" in Hollywood or recover from addiction just enough to be semi-functional. The writer is a Candace Bushnell-wannabe and, in my opinion, falls utterly flat. I could barely make myself read the last 20 pages because I'd completely given up on the main character; I didn't care if she didn't get the guy or if she OD'd one more time or if she danced on another bar and kissed a girl. The last 20 pages seemed to try to wrap it up into some tale of redemption, but by that time, I'd hoped she'd fail again so I could see her fall on her face and say, "I told you so, loser."
In the pathetic age of Badmommy Britney, Drunken Lindsay, Anorexic Preggo Nicole, and Sextape Prison Paris -- this book reiterates why we put way too much importance on celebrity. Who are these people? And why do we care if they're wearing Manolos or Jimmy Choos?
I'd write more. But this book is not worth the bother. If you really want a cautionary tale about drugs and partying and trying to find yourself, read a Jay McInerney or Bret Easton Ellis book. Because this girl's not the life of the party, and this book will make you want to say, "Get a life."
In the pathetic age of Badmommy Britney, Drunken Lindsay, Anorexic Preggo Nicole, and Sextape Prison Paris -- this book reiterates why we put way too much importance on celebrity. Who are these people? And why do we care if they're wearing Manolos or Jimmy Choos?
I'd write more. But this book is not worth the bother. If you really want a cautionary tale about drugs and partying and trying to find yourself, read a Jay McInerney or Bret Easton Ellis book. Because this girl's not the life of the party, and this book will make you want to say, "Get a life."
July 27, 2007
Much more mature than the title lets on and rather fun. Maybe I just like drug stories, but hers is so L.A. and somewhat grounding and insightful.
September 25, 2018
This book slowly won me over.
July 12, 2007
Not quite as good as "The Devil Wears Prada" or "Bergdorf Blondes," but it's a perfect summer read.
March 21, 2022
Party Girl is a novel about a wild and crazy girl, Celebrity journalist Amelia Stone. Anna quickly draws you into her world of parties, drugs, and her relationships. Soon, she has an offer to document her wild and crazy life inside the Hollywood scene in LA. The problem is Anna is sober now, so she has to create a persona based on who she used to be. She starts to get pulled back into the lifestyle. So she has to decide who she wants to be.
This book is entertaining and funny yet insightful. It offers a commentary on our obsession with having a great time, but it's also about dealing with struggles around anxiety and people-pleasing. On one level, Anna's life is sexy and fun. But on a deeper level, it is empty and fake. The author truly captures the thoughts and feelings of someone struggling with addictions.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://zibbyowens.com/transcript/ann...
This book is entertaining and funny yet insightful. It offers a commentary on our obsession with having a great time, but it's also about dealing with struggles around anxiety and people-pleasing. On one level, Anna's life is sexy and fun. But on a deeper level, it is empty and fake. The author truly captures the thoughts and feelings of someone struggling with addictions.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://zibbyowens.com/transcript/ann...
May 30, 2007
I got an advance copy of this book and let it sit on my shelf for a while. I never read "chick" books, and I didn't really expect to enjoy this.
Boy was a wrong. This novel is awesome-- a lively, gripping read, filled with emotional highs and lows. I am strongly recommending this to all my friends, male or female, as it's a perfect read for the summer.
Boy was a wrong. This novel is awesome-- a lively, gripping read, filled with emotional highs and lows. I am strongly recommending this to all my friends, male or female, as it's a perfect read for the summer.
February 6, 2021
Could not get into this one. Didnt even finish
September 8, 2021
I enjoy reading books about recovery and redemption and almost passed "Party Girl" by thinking it would be more of the same. I'm so glad I picked it up! Hollywood gossip, crazy circumstances, self destruction and then a full circle to sobriety. I found myself hoping the book had a "happy ending" and rooting for her to break free from the viscous cycle of drinking and drug use. Never a dull moment in this book!
July 11, 2008
I really liked the first half of this book. The pre-rehab part. And don't get me wrong, I have nothing against rehab. But after the protagonist gets out of rehab, the book turns into a rehab brochure. Amelia is constantly saying "At Pledges they say that..." or "Rachel, my sponsor, says that..." It just gets a tad old. But I thought that the first half, with her descent to rock bottom was really well-written.
This book first caught my eye because I recognized the author's name from the slot she does on G4's Attack of the Show. I had been meaning to read it for awhile, and I'm glad I did. What I wrote above in no way makes this a book to pass up; I still thoroughly enjoyed it. It just had 4-star potential, but fell a teeny bit short. I really do recommend this book to anyone looking for a good, juicy summer read.
This book first caught my eye because I recognized the author's name from the slot she does on G4's Attack of the Show. I had been meaning to read it for awhile, and I'm glad I did. What I wrote above in no way makes this a book to pass up; I still thoroughly enjoyed it. It just had 4-star potential, but fell a teeny bit short. I really do recommend this book to anyone looking for a good, juicy summer read.
June 21, 2009
Party Girl is somewhat Auto-Biographical about the 1990s life style of Anna David, the books Amazing Author!
The writing style is so very subtle, but extremely exciting
Anna quickly draws you into her world of parties, drugs, and her relationships. Then the big moments, her termination, one final incident that leads to rehab. Then a huge business opportunity after rehab
How will it end, well you have to find out for yourself
Reading the pages, I can hear Anna's voice and I can imagine each character in my mind. Anna helped me experience what it was like to use Cocaine, she described it using a method I had never read anywhere else
Her character Amelia Stone is not a heroine, shes a woman who you might love and hate all within a few pages!
Her writing style makes Party Girl and her new book Bought simply a must read!
I simply loved it!
The writing style is so very subtle, but extremely exciting
Anna quickly draws you into her world of parties, drugs, and her relationships. Then the big moments, her termination, one final incident that leads to rehab. Then a huge business opportunity after rehab
How will it end, well you have to find out for yourself
Reading the pages, I can hear Anna's voice and I can imagine each character in my mind. Anna helped me experience what it was like to use Cocaine, she described it using a method I had never read anywhere else
Her character Amelia Stone is not a heroine, shes a woman who you might love and hate all within a few pages!
Her writing style makes Party Girl and her new book Bought simply a must read!
I simply loved it!
September 8, 2021
I knew I would LOVE this book. Not only could I relate to it, but it was also super funny. I read it in a few days because it was such an easy read. I love books that aren't complicated and have a great story. The realness of "Party Girl" is epic and I felt like I was in the story. BUY THIS BOOK, you won't be disappointed.
I met Anna David virtually last year and she inspired me to finally start writing my own book. I have been following her podcast as well as following her on social media to get any tips I can. Happy to say my book is almost finished and a big thanks to Anna for leading the way for women in recovery to follow their dreams!
I met Anna David virtually last year and she inspired me to finally start writing my own book. I have been following her podcast as well as following her on social media to get any tips I can. Happy to say my book is almost finished and a big thanks to Anna for leading the way for women in recovery to follow their dreams!
Read
December 20, 2014Not my cup of tea. I could have been interested in the story, but the main character was too self absorbed and not interesting enough to carry a whole book. I didn't finish it (only read a few chapters in fact), so not rating it.
May 7, 2015
I didn't finish it. I reach 30% and the story never started. No fun at all.
October 12, 2025
IDK her tabloid writing but I like this voice: casual fun, sounds regular college girl approachable. Her literal audiobook voice sounds nice even when she’s being judgey to lizardly cokeheads she hooks up w/ at a wedding. She loves coke as her red carpet job leaves her shrugging at feeling good. Lindsey Lohan era but the interviews covered aren’t anyone I know. She seems in the middle of everything so not unlikable: not too slutty or jonesy or negative. Or at least funny and specific enough to stand out.
The tone is breezy or funny even when she’s talking about getting tweakery clumsily repainting her closet or deluding herself she can write a script about her life that’ll be a hit produced by who she dog walks for. When she passes out by a dumpster after lots of Ambien, booze, k and coke and wakes in a hospital and goes to rehab.
After the rehab stint she comes around to finding it surprisingly supportive with caring people, then things go super well for her. Her Party Girl column and photo shoots get picked up. Though there’s obv the secret of her hiding her sobriety, there is not much conflict. There’s some guy she’s always crying over ignoring her she really didn’t seem to know hella well, but it’s so obvious he is because she thinks she’s a liar or tattletale mess since she never explains her column is a dated ruse or about shallow cheaty celeb hookups.
I don’t dislike her but I hate whenever MCs are constantly complimented by everybody, and there’s not anything totally crazy that happens minus that one pass out she immediately righted. I like when she does affectations for peoples’ whiny or accented voices. Would’ve been better if we had background on these actors and musicians for context.
When things come “crashing down” around her crush, it feels fake. Too teen movie-like with the bad timing and what’s blurted almost like exposition. Then the cliche self-sabotage. That is also very short-lived though so stakes never seem that high.
The end also seems like a Disney perfect PR stunt. Yes it can be true but it’s not cool how she would’ve bumped the other talkshow guest or acted like they wouldn’t eat up those ratings. Doesn’t seem so selfless, not that it needed to, but not taking a TV deal would’ve been stupid when the progression of a season would’ve shown more conflicted emotions on addiction for varied drama even if it were like Jersey Shore. I just think too much is left out or reimagined that this feels a cookie cutter recovery story. Not as raw and gritty like a party girl should expose.
The tone is breezy or funny even when she’s talking about getting tweakery clumsily repainting her closet or deluding herself she can write a script about her life that’ll be a hit produced by who she dog walks for. When she passes out by a dumpster after lots of Ambien, booze, k and coke and wakes in a hospital and goes to rehab.
After the rehab stint she comes around to finding it surprisingly supportive with caring people, then things go super well for her. Her Party Girl column and photo shoots get picked up. Though there’s obv the secret of her hiding her sobriety, there is not much conflict. There’s some guy she’s always crying over ignoring her she really didn’t seem to know hella well, but it’s so obvious he is because she thinks she’s a liar or tattletale mess since she never explains her column is a dated ruse or about shallow cheaty celeb hookups.
I don’t dislike her but I hate whenever MCs are constantly complimented by everybody, and there’s not anything totally crazy that happens minus that one pass out she immediately righted. I like when she does affectations for peoples’ whiny or accented voices. Would’ve been better if we had background on these actors and musicians for context.
When things come “crashing down” around her crush, it feels fake. Too teen movie-like with the bad timing and what’s blurted almost like exposition. Then the cliche self-sabotage. That is also very short-lived though so stakes never seem that high.
The end also seems like a Disney perfect PR stunt. Yes it can be true but it’s not cool how she would’ve bumped the other talkshow guest or acted like they wouldn’t eat up those ratings. Doesn’t seem so selfless, not that it needed to, but not taking a TV deal would’ve been stupid when the progression of a season would’ve shown more conflicted emotions on addiction for varied drama even if it were like Jersey Shore. I just think too much is left out or reimagined that this feels a cookie cutter recovery story. Not as raw and gritty like a party girl should expose.
Read
September 15, 2021Anna David’s book is not only wonderfully entertaining, not only exquisitely funny, this well-written, yet simple combination of human psychological insights surrounding obsession with having a great time, and the complexity of life is inspiring to the deepest levels of the reader’s neurology. On one level, life appears cute, sexy, and funny, but on a deeper level, it appears rather soulless, and empty.
“Party Girl” is the most entertaining book on the subject of holding a party and having a great time I’ve ever read. Anna David does not hold anything back. She entertains her audience with her sense of humour that makes this page-turner a good resource for a movie.
“Party Girl by Anna David is a book that every book-lover should have on his or her bookshelf. This is an entertaining book that covers helpful information that you do not want to miss out on especially if you want to survive in today’s fast-changing world.
I think this book will help others to learn that:
• Life can be a mysterious enterprise. For example, that whole wedding menage incident involving Anna David and her two menage partners: Chris and Mitch that took place at mom’s home.
• One’s life does not remain the same always. People change. Circumstances change. And history also changes.
• But the moral is always there for us to learn from.
• In the end, after all is said and done, the only thing that matters is whether or not you have done justice to the need of your soul.
My favourite part is towards the end of the book when Anna David was asked the question about her plans for the future. And she responded, saying, to be thoroughly honest. She admitted that she was not really the “Party Girl.” Yes, she said that she used to be one big outgoing girl. But thank God that is behind her now. I also liked Anna David’s confession that everything she has written about did happen. And she just wants to celebrate life and have a great time.
I give the book 5 stars since I think it’s important for people to know that you can get out of control but you do have the key to re-set your life and move on to greater things.
January 20, 2025
really enjoyed this read - it follows a woman who is, as titled, a party girl - and her journey into recovery.
I have some partying experience myself and also worked in a detox/rehab center for almost a year - while I am not sober, those 2 experiences from my life made this even more of an interesting read, and the book felt relatable for those reasons. and insightful. even if you’re not in recovery, the advice given to those in sobriety is always great advice to live by (it never only has to apply to sobriety).
overall this was a fun read - i’m sure someone in recovery may very well get something different out of this book than I did, but I found it to have tidbits of great life advice/some thought provoking quotes, and the story felt very realistic. I recommend!
I have some partying experience myself and also worked in a detox/rehab center for almost a year - while I am not sober, those 2 experiences from my life made this even more of an interesting read, and the book felt relatable for those reasons. and insightful. even if you’re not in recovery, the advice given to those in sobriety is always great advice to live by (it never only has to apply to sobriety).
overall this was a fun read - i’m sure someone in recovery may very well get something different out of this book than I did, but I found it to have tidbits of great life advice/some thought provoking quotes, and the story felt very realistic. I recommend!
November 11, 2023
i read half this book back in june and then finished the second half today— i put it down because i was kind of annoyed with every cliched plot point and the narrator’s takes on, like, everything, but i felt like i *should* finish it because it was staring at me from my desk for five months. it’s very 00s pop culture meets addiction memoir meets hallmark romance tropes. idk you can definitely just read something better.
April 5, 2023
I was a bit worried where this book was heading but ti won me over slowly. I felt like I was partying along with her and dreaming of attending the luxurious and fancy parties with her. Also, learned a lot about alcoholism and drug addicts when she was I. The rehab. I am curious though if this was the author's earlier life?!? (Softcover) 😌🤩🫠
September 15, 2021
This story is like having a party in a book! If you want to go out, but are too tired, just stay home and read this book. You will feel like you have been out partying all night long, but you won't get a hangover from it. Party Girl is well-written, a tale that many people can relate to. It would be a good book for a college student to read. It tells us: Don't party too hard. It's not worth it. Don't do drugs. It's not worth it. Don't go out with someone you're not that interested in. It's definitely not worth it. And by the way, if you don't make it to the big-time in Hollywood, it's okay; fame isn't everything. So kick off your shoes, curl up on the couch with this book, and have a good party the safe way.
February 3, 2018
Interesting at this time in my life, but otherwise fairly ordinary "wild girl goes sober."
Good enough, but don't rush out to find it.
Good enough, but don't rush out to find it.
September 11, 2021
Party girl gives a deep look into the unmanageability of addiction. Not only does the author show how long it took for the main character to hit rock bottom, she also shows the denial and helplessness that the character goes through as her addiction worsens. The story further shows the resistance an addict struggles with getting help, attending 12 step groups, and the hard work it takes to remain sober.
Addiction is cunning and baffling. Party Girl takes the reader on an adventure of battling and winning over those crazy thoughts in our minds. A recommended read for anyone who is an addict, just starting out on the road to recovery, or for those who are trying to understand what a friend or loved one is struggling with.
Addiction is cunning and baffling. Party Girl takes the reader on an adventure of battling and winning over those crazy thoughts in our minds. A recommended read for anyone who is an addict, just starting out on the road to recovery, or for those who are trying to understand what a friend or loved one is struggling with.
September 9, 2021
You like humor? Read Party Girl.
You like emotion? Read Party Girl.
You like incredible stories? Read . . . OK you get it. Part sexy, part funny, part sobering (in every sense of the word), this celebrity fiction was very difficult to put down. Anna David writes about substance abuse with equal parts passion, pathos, humility and humor. Her style is sexy without being salacious, thought-provoking without being maudlin. I was alternately empathetic, incredulous and laughing out loud as I read of Anna's self-destructive drug spiral and subsequent recovery. Even if you've never experienced addiction or the effect it has on the lives around you . . . You owe it to yourself to read this amazing pop culture story.
You like emotion? Read Party Girl.
You like incredible stories? Read . . . OK you get it. Part sexy, part funny, part sobering (in every sense of the word), this celebrity fiction was very difficult to put down. Anna David writes about substance abuse with equal parts passion, pathos, humility and humor. Her style is sexy without being salacious, thought-provoking without being maudlin. I was alternately empathetic, incredulous and laughing out loud as I read of Anna's self-destructive drug spiral and subsequent recovery. Even if you've never experienced addiction or the effect it has on the lives around you . . . You owe it to yourself to read this amazing pop culture story.
September 9, 2021
Anna David delivers. I read this book over the course of a day. This thoroughly entertaining pop culture story does not disappoint. This book goes deeper while sharing some of the crazy partying stories one may expect, and many we do not, surrounding substance abuse and recovery. It is written in the voice of Amelia, the witty, hilarious young woman who shares and bares it all: her back story and her private inner journey navigating the LA celebrity scene as an addict. She entertains the reader as she vividly illustrates the bumpy roads and dead ends that lead to recovery. You will not only like Amelia, but you will root for her until the very last page! Now I'm just waiting for the movie...
September 12, 2021
I've read dozens of recovery memoirs (and while this one is fictionalized) it's one of my new favorites. Anna David's smart & sexy novel is an un-put-down-able account of writer Amelia's struggles with addiction while trying to make it in LA. The Hollywood glamour of her life make the read extra fun, but her addiction story rings 100% relatable, for those of us that have experience in this area. I read this book in one delicious four hour sitting and recommend you do the same.
September 14, 2021
This is a funny, revealing page-turner. The story grabbed me from the start and didn’t let up. Loved the narrator’s view inside the Hollywood fame machine and her laugh-out-loud disasters, was moved by the revelations of the depths of her addition and inspired by her journey out.
September 10, 2021
After being a super fan of Anna David's podcast, Build Your Brand With a Book, I ordered Party Girl. Just like Anna's podcast, I LOVE this book!!! Party Girl is a witty page-turner that takes you on a wild ride through the LA party scene while honestly addressing addiction and recovery. If you are a fan of watching shows like Younger and The Bold Type, this book is for you! When is the sequel, Anna, or better yet, the movie?!?!
September 12, 2021
This is my first time reading an Anna David book and she didn't disappoint! Great story with humor and candor. As a woman in recovery, I related to a lot in the book And then... couldn't believe some of the content. It's a wild ride! I definitely recommend!
September 10, 2021
I did not want to put this book down!
PARTY GIRL by Anna David is a fabulously entertaining read that successfully weaves together the excitement (and consequences) of a wild, partying lifestyle, with the humanity and vulnerability that lies just below that surface. The ending was perfect! This book is fun, refreshingly honest, and I loved it. Highly recommend!
September 8, 2021
I couldn’t put this book down it was an easy read which helped me escape from the world
for a short time the book has such crazy party stories. I have some friends who are in recovery from substance abuse and I found I was able to connect with the story and the characters.
for a short time the book has such crazy party stories. I have some friends who are in recovery from substance abuse and I found I was able to connect with the story and the characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews