I'm Your Biggest Fan: Awkward Encounters and Assorted Misadventures in Celebrity Journalism

by Kate Coyne

The Executive Editor of People Magazine provides an unfiltered and hilarious look at her life alongside the rich and famous, as she reveals how being a fan-girl lead to celebrity close encounters she could only dream of growing up.

From the NY Post's "Page Six" to Good Housekeeping and now People , Kate Coyne has spent years on the front lines of the entertainment industry, feeding our insatiable appetite for celebrity news and gossip. I'M YOUR BIGGEST FAN chronicles her journey from red-carpet reporter to upper-level editor and the countless surreal, surprising, and awkward interactions she had with stars along the way. Featuring A-listers such as Michael Douglas (who warned her about tabloid reporting), Tom Cruise (whose behavior will surprise you) and Tom Hanks (who, yes, is wonderful) Coyne's stories reveal insights about pop culture's biggest icons-and the journalist who has followed their every move.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Humor, Journalism, Audiobook, Pop Culture, Biography

256 pages, Paperback

First published June 14, 2016

About the author

Kate Coyne wasn’t supposed to turn out like this. Her parents spent way too much money on incredibly elitist schools, culminating with Oxford University in England, where she spent her days translating Anglo-Saxon religious poetry into English while simultaneously watching episodes of Friends.

Instead of teaching at a leafy boarding school somewhere and forcing teenagers to appreciate Wordsworth, she spends her days debating the merits of Kim Kardashian headlines.

Along the way, Kate has worked as a reporter for Page Six of the New York Post, as the Entertainment Editor responsible for all celebrity coverage for Good Housekeeping and currently as Executive Editor for People. She lives in New York with her husband and children.

Reviews

[Robin]

Pop culture fans, this is fun, fun, fun, and perfect beach/vacation reading.

Stars! They're just like us! No. No they're not.

After graduating from college (Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, no less), Kate was destined for something bigger than working for the gossip page of a large newspaper, but that's just what she did and, thanks to her love of TV and pop culture, was good at it. She did so well that she got a high-level job booking and interviewing high-list celebrities for the cover of Good Housekeeping magazine. After that she started working for People and rose through the ranks to become the Executive Editor where her job included attending awards shows and after-parties, which meant hobnobbing with superstars and VIPs.

I absolutely adored this good-hearted memoir of Coyne's many awkward encounters with the rich and famous, along with inside info about the magazine business and snippets of her own life.

Coyne admits her desire is to become best friends with Amy Schumer (after she snags Matt Damon, of course), but Amy Shmamy, I would be happy if Kate Coyne became my BFF.

[Kelly Ferguson]

Let’s be honest, the only reason anyone gets their oil changed is so they can read People Magazine for free. Celebrity gossip read in the lobby is like fast food eaten in the car, it doesn’t really count. I suppose I’d compare to this memoir to a Chipotle bowl you bring home. Not Oaxacan mole, but at least the guacamole is fresh.

A Facebook friend of mine described this book as a fun read, “fun” being the operative adjective this college professor is looking for at the end of long semester. There is fun to be had in this memoir, which I breezed through in a day. For example, torrents of letters will pour in decrying how People has debased itself by putting Kate (as in “plus 8”) on the cover—even as those issues are their best sellers. And sure, I'll read about how Tom Cruise will jump on the sofa with you if teased about that infamous day on Oprah—what an intense, weird dude. Melissa McCarthy sends thank you notes. Most famous actors, after a soul searching afternoon of conversation, won’t remember you.

As a writer, I enjoy stories about how writers got their start and that’s the real story here—Coyne describing what it’s like to write for page 6 of the New York Post, Good Housekeeping, eventually landing her position at People. Funny enough, what I don’t really care about (the occasional Jiffy Lube foray aside) is celebrity. Sure, I can admit I’d like get hammered with Anthony Bourdain in Borneo sometime. Regarding Tina Fey, I have this recurring fantasy where I am so impeccably witty (in my Terry Gross interview) that she hires me as a comedy writer for her next project and I get invited to those Barefoot Contessa dinner parties. (Sounds good, right?)

But I’m only interested if the meeting would happen in a way such that Fey is also interested in meeting me. If I saw her on the street I’d probably try to act as if I didn’t see her (as if I didn’t a have 30 Rock in perpetual rotation or read Bossypants three times). I’ve met a fair amount of celebrities (I worked at trendy restaurants, I was in a semi-successful rock band…) and these encounters are always weird. I once followed Ira Glass around Chapel Hill, trying to think of something to say, before finally admitting to myself that the only way I want to meet Ira Glass is if he picks up a piece of mine for This American Life. It's a depressing pursuit, stalking people who just want to be left alone. No matter how many A-list parties Coyne attends, her fate is be the creepy party wallflower, trawling for headlines. But hey, she has been able to parlay this life into a interesting career, which she writes well about.

[Katelyn]

If you are a pop culture fan, this book is for you!! I was laughing the whole time while reading about Kate Coyne meeting her celebrity heroes. She talks about her career as a celebrity news writer and how she progressed from gossip columns to becoming a top dog at People Magazine. Her celebrity stories and hilarious and are exactly the reactions I would have when meeting someone famous. This was a short read that's easy to fly through and it's super fun!

[Jennifer]

A fun and easy read! I enjoyed hearing about Kate Coyne's interesting and sometimes hilarious celebrity encounters, as well as her life and career path.

[Ravenclaw251]

This was entertaining, but I didn't find it as interesting as I thought I would. There are some funny anecdotes, but this really was just okay for me.

[Stephanie A.]

Coyne's background in magazine writing translates well: this was breezy and SO much fun to read, I could not stop cracking up. If you like those long-form articles where the writers go beyond the Q&A to describe their observations and interpretations of what happens in between the lines of conversation, and you want more inside scoop about the celebs featured here, this is the book for you.

Heck, even if you don't like these particular celebrities...with chapter titles like "Mariska Hargitay Thinks I'm A Stalker" and "Tom Cruise Is Going To Marry Me Someday" (no relation to the previous chapter), if you're not intrigued by the time you get to the table of contents, I don't know what to tell you.

I got a particular kick out of the fact that her stories start in the late 90s, when I was aware of pop culture but still a good few years away from following entertainment news regularly, so all these names are familiar to me without being a rehash of what I already know. I also really enjoyed learning more about how she got into her career and what it's like working at a magazine beyond the scope of conducting interviews.

P.S. Patrick Dempsey is but a background note in the Tom Cruise chapter, but since he's my favorite of the celebs in this collection, I must say I did quite enjoy her analysis of how dismayed she was not to feel the ol' McDreamy swoon powers while interviewing him, only to realize later that that charm is a persona he has to turn on. Or emit naturally when looking at his wife, apparently, as observed during the photo shoot to accompany the article. If you would all like to take a moment with me to aww...

[Judith]

I realize that this is the 8th book in a row that I have given 4 stars to, so I'm not sure if I've lost my mind or just my judgment. It's entirely possible that I'm on a lucky streak. Meanwhile, I thoroughly enjoyed this book by one of the editors at People magazine. The author has been a celebrity journalist forever and this is her first collection (and I'm sure not her last) of her encounters with the golden stars of Hollywood.

The author is self-depracatingly star-struck and she pokes fun at herself and the stars in equal measure. I have no idea how true any of these stories are, but they all sound genuine and not outlandish. It's the details that make her stories come alive because we already know the basic facts about these people anyhow. There's also a great insight into why all of us are so fascinated with the lives of these famous people and how difficult it is to work with them, i.e.., getting the interviews, being in the right place at the right time, negotiating with or around the publicist, stylist, agent, and the star, asking the right questions at the right time, and putting the story together in such a way that you please your star, your editor, your public, and (God forbid) yourself.

[Glen]

I won this book in a goodreads drawing.

A gossip columnist tells all about her encounters with various celebrities. Despite being in the industry, she still gets star-struck.

Mildly amusing.

[Jessica]

Fairly entertaining, though not indepth with anything. Good for travelling!

[Michelle]

A fun entertaining read authored by celebrity journalist Kate Coyne, a high profile editor for People Magazine. Coyne takes readers behind the scenes of exciting high pressure writing, interviewing, and production of front cover page and articles of celebrity profile and news.

Encouraged by her parents who were involved in acting and theatrical production, Coyne was 11 years old when she encountered Robert Downey JR and got her first celebrity autograph. George Michael was her next celebrity crush to give her his autograph. The methods to remain calm and avoid gushing when around the rich and famous were always challenging, and she has spent years working on her approach and interviewing skills. Coyne explained the "write around story" a popular technique to write a feature story using quotes, insights, and information from a source related or connected in some way to a celebrity.
The difficulty in getting a direct celebrity interview wasn't easy, yet Coyne gave the inside stories from her direct interviews with Kathie Lee Gifford; (Helped Save Her Soul), Jennifer Lopez: (Loved her Mother), Mariska Hargitay; (Thought She was a Stalker), Wynonna Judd; (Made Her Eat, Pray, and Love), Tom Cruise (Is Going To Marry Her Someday): George Michael: (Is Her Absolute Favorite), Kate Gosselin: (Turned Her Into A Sidekick)... and more.
From "Page Six", Coyne accepted a position working with her celebrated mentor Ellen Levine at Good Housekeeping, which was a "good wholesome" magazine with its "seal of approval" and a clever way for celebrities recovering from scandal to improve their creditability and public image. In the past celebrities were recognized for acting, or others talent and a host of musical, artistic, or creative skills. The reality shows changed this as a celebrity became famous and marketable based on image and personality, changing the way celebrity journalism was covered and accepted by the public.

Learning much along the way of her amazing experience and career, Coyne shared some of her personal life story with readers. At Oxford, she had a relationship with "The Britt" who moved to the U.S. to be with her. They had differing ideas on ambition, success and amount of debt they were willing to assume. When she urged him to business school, he met and married someone else. Coyne learned more about compromise, acceptance and tolerance that would serve her greatly in her profession. Many thanks to the Seattle Public Library.

[Heather]

I'm a big fan of eating alone in restaurants, but only if I have something to read. I bought this book so I could take myself out to breakfast. It's fine. I chuckled. I ate hash browns. Life went on.

KC faces the problem that so many memoir writers have. If she talks about how great she is, she'll come across as annoying. If she humanizes herself by telling goofy stories, she'll come across as annoying AND incompetent. Basically it's really hard to write a whole book about oneself without coming across as annoying. KC doesn't navigate this brilliantly, but she could also do far worse.

There are a couple of encounters where KC embarrasses herself by saying awkward things to celebrities, largely, she explains, because she is such a super fan she gets tongue-tied. This is just a matter of taste, but I really dislike reading about people humiliating themselves. I get that it's a kind of therapy -- lance the wound, laugh at yourself publicly so you can neutralize the embarrassment. It just makes me feel squirmy.

The inside dirt on publishing (and especially specific publications like People magazine) and red carpet events was interesting and dishy. She's a solid writer. The Toms -- Cruise and Hanks -- make appearances which, OK, if I had interviewed Tom Cruise I'd probably write about it too. On the other hand, the entire chapter on Kate Gosselin was kind of random.

[Judie Cunan]

What a fun read!

I bought this book because I thought it was a series of short stories about an interesting subject, intending to keep it with me for those times when I had a few minutes to kill such as sitting in a waiting room for an appointment, eating a quick salad alone in a restaurant or any other occasion such as those. However, once I began reading this extremely well written tale I found I couldn't put it aside.
Kate Coyne is a woman who'd be such fun to accompany on a beach getaway vacation...or even for just those hours on a plane to get there. Her writing is original, easy to read and by the book's end I felt as though it would be so rewarding to be her friend.
I much admire the career Ms Coyne has had and the tenacity she has shown to project her from one step to the next. if she ever writes another book I will be at the front of the line to buy it.

[Amanda]

Adorable, funny, sincere, and a little frantic. Just like the author, Kate Coyne, I imagine. Coyne's voice is sweet, self-depreciating, and a little geeky in a genuine way. A fun book to read on the beach, an airplane, or on your couch any day of the week. A must for anyone who grew up in the pop culture obsessed 80s and 90s.

[Caryn]

Full review: http://www.chicklitcentral.com/2016/0...

[Peacegal]

If you want a funny, light, and not-mean-spirited book about meeting and writing about celebrities, this is it!

[Chris Hart]

This was fun, fun, fun to read! I devoured this in less than 24 hours--easy to do, since each chapter reads like an article in "People" magazine. This is not surprising, as the author is the executive editor for that magazine. Ms Coyne has been covering celebrities professionally for over 20 years, but her infatuation with tv and movie stars dates back practically to toddlerhood.

The incidents she reports are mostly positive about the celebrities involved. This is not a mean-spirited tell-all book. The awkward moments and misadventures she records refer to her own behavior, not that of the star. I appreciate that she didn't set out to tear down other people; there's enough of that in today's culture.

I came very close to giving this only 4 stars, because, you know, "People" magazine. But it was just sooo enjoyable that I put aside my misplaced condescension. :-)

[Laura]

I didn't go into this with any grand expectations, but it didn't even deliver the dishy goods I was looking for. This sounds more harsh than I'd like, but the author comes off as incredibly uncool and out of touch. She makes a joke early in the book about Diddy and adds an aside to the effect of "...he probably will have changed his name again by the time I'm done writing this sentence". And this book was published in TWENTY-SIXTEEN. Groan. The "dirt" shared in the book is mostly about 1) Jennifer Lopez, 2) Michael Douglas and 3) Kate Gosselin, which gives you an indication of how current this book feels. Two stars for some interesting tidbits on the magazine publishing world.

[Sarah Pascarella]

Light and fluffy, like boardwalk cotton candy on a summer's day. While the celebrity anecdotes were entertaining, I was most interested when Coyne divulged what it's like to work in a fast-paced newsroom and showed how the sausage is made (or cotton candy, as it were). Forget the famous people, give me a deep dive on the editors and reporters!

[Cecily - MillennialBookGal]

loved it!! I love getting insider information on the lives of the rich and famous and I especially enjoyed Kates perspective of her life and all the people she has had the chance to meet and make moments with. I even lol'd a few times.
Great read!!

[Freddy]

A breezy read— Coyne’s tales of celebrity interactions are engaging, funny, and sometimes moving. Her insights about the workings of a magazine publication are interesting as well.

[Annie]

So so funny and interesting and cool! I want Kate Coyne’s job.
4.5

[Melissa Whittinghill]

Fun read about a celebrity writer and editor. Perfect for anyone who loves pursuing People and US Weekly while waiting in line at the store.

[Dawn]

Loved it! Laughed all the way through.

[Kathy]

Very enjoyable. I always wanted a glossy magazine job like Kate Coyne's, and now I can feel what it would be like.

[Gabriella]

As a journalism major, this book was an incredible read. Being in school we are taught about news writing and magazine writing, but this view of opinion writing and the like was super interesting. Her tales of meeting celebrities for the different magazines shes worked for has given me the excitement for my field I had in the beginning. Coyne writes about potential sticky situations I could encounter and explains her transition into different departments at different publication. Great light read, especially for anyone interested in journalism.

[Samantha Ettus]

My college roommate bought me this book and I loved it. Kate Coyne's writing style is delightful - breezy, witty and fun to read. Full of laugh out loud anecdotes about the author's often awkward encounters with celebrities, I'm Your Biggest Fan is the perfect beach read for anyone who appreciates pop culture and people.

[Linda]

A quick read and highly entertaining, although I thought the section on Kate Gosselin went on a bit too long, only because I never was interested in her. I enjoyed the sections on Tom Cruise and the end chapter about Michael Douglas the best. The chapter on George Michael is now bittersweet but wonderful just the same. A fun read.

[Shannon]

I listened to this book and loved it!! I had no idea who Kate was but the title of the book intrigued me and seemed right up my alley.

I loved hearing about not only her triumphs at work, but also her disasters. Many times I laughed out loud!!

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants something light and fun to read!

[Mary Urban]

If you're ever curious whether Tom Hanks is as nice in real life, what Patrick Dempsey eats for breakfast, or just how good of a memory Tom Cruise has.

[Michelle Hughes Hughes]

This is such a cute book would recommend to anyone. I really liked it.I thought that it was relatable and is a must year for this year.