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Fame Adjacent
Take this "fun, entertaining read with a sweet romance" to the beach! Can anything go wrong with a former child star's quest to set the record straight, her cross-country road trip with a handsome yet infuriatingly level-headed co-pilot, and an awkward confrontation with famous ex-friends? (HelloGiggles)
Holly Danner has a complicated relationship with fame. It's not easy being the only cast member of a 1990s song-and-dance show who didn't become famous. When she was eleven, she used to do anything for a laugh (or at least a laugh-track) on "Diego and the Lion's Den ." If she talked about it--which she almost never does--Holly might explain how her childhood best friends came to dominate the worlds of pop music, film, and TV while she was relegated to a few near-misses and a nanny gig for her niece. She'd even be telling the truth about making peace with the whole thing years ago.
But when she finds out there's a 25th anniversary for the show planned--a televised reunion, clip show, and panel--and she wasn't invited, it's time for an impromptu road trip to crash the event and set the record straight. Three she's currently in Internet Rehab (perhaps she's not quite as well-adjusted as she believes...), she has no cash, and the only person who can get her across the country in time is Thom Parker, a handsome, infuriatingly level-headed patient who doesn't think she should confront her famous ex-friends.
FAME ADJACENT is a contemporary, realistic, and humorous look at love, friendship, and fame, as seen through the eyes of a girl who lived it--from the sidelines.
Holly Danner has a complicated relationship with fame. It's not easy being the only cast member of a 1990s song-and-dance show who didn't become famous. When she was eleven, she used to do anything for a laugh (or at least a laugh-track) on "Diego and the Lion's Den ." If she talked about it--which she almost never does--Holly might explain how her childhood best friends came to dominate the worlds of pop music, film, and TV while she was relegated to a few near-misses and a nanny gig for her niece. She'd even be telling the truth about making peace with the whole thing years ago.
But when she finds out there's a 25th anniversary for the show planned--a televised reunion, clip show, and panel--and she wasn't invited, it's time for an impromptu road trip to crash the event and set the record straight. Three she's currently in Internet Rehab (perhaps she's not quite as well-adjusted as she believes...), she has no cash, and the only person who can get her across the country in time is Thom Parker, a handsome, infuriatingly level-headed patient who doesn't think she should confront her famous ex-friends.
FAME ADJACENT is a contemporary, realistic, and humorous look at love, friendship, and fame, as seen through the eyes of a girl who lived it--from the sidelines.
335 pages, Paperback
First published April 9, 2019
44 people are currently reading
2618 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Skilton
8 books253 followersFEBRUARY 2022: SUMMER IN THE CITY, a three-book anthology co-authored with Priscilla Oliveras and Lori Wilde, is on sale for $1.99 digitally right now! My novella is "Mind Games," and it's a hate-to-love, second chance romance set during a magic show in NYC. Enjoy!
Out Now: HOLLYWOOD ENDING, a friends-to-lovers rom-com co-authored by Sarvenaz Tash under the pen name Tash Skilton
Out Now: GHOSTING: A LOVE STORY, a romantic comedy in the vein of Set it Up, You've Got Mail, and The Hating Game, co-authored by Sarvenaz Tash under the pen name Tash Skilton.
Latest solo release: FAME ADJACENT, a romantic comedy about the sole cast member of a 1990s song-and-dance show who didn't become famous.
Sarah is a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, a fact that came in handy while writing her martial arts-themed debut YA novel, BRUISED (Amulet Books), which received a starred review from Publishers Weekly, and which the Horn Book called "nuanced and honest." Her second YA novel, HIGH AND DRY (Amulet Books), was called "A dark, well-constructed mystery with a strong voice" by Kirkus.
Her first mystery for adults was CLUB DECEPTION (Grand Central), about the magicians who belong to an exclusive underground magic club in Los Angeles, and the women who love, inspire, or control them.
Sarah and her husband, a magician, live in Southern California with their son. She's never been sawed in half, but there's still time. She loves to read coming-of-age novels, effed up memoirs, and edgy non-fiction. Find her on twitter: @Sarah_Skilton
Out Now: HOLLYWOOD ENDING, a friends-to-lovers rom-com co-authored by Sarvenaz Tash under the pen name Tash Skilton
Out Now: GHOSTING: A LOVE STORY, a romantic comedy in the vein of Set it Up, You've Got Mail, and The Hating Game, co-authored by Sarvenaz Tash under the pen name Tash Skilton.
Latest solo release: FAME ADJACENT, a romantic comedy about the sole cast member of a 1990s song-and-dance show who didn't become famous.
Sarah is a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, a fact that came in handy while writing her martial arts-themed debut YA novel, BRUISED (Amulet Books), which received a starred review from Publishers Weekly, and which the Horn Book called "nuanced and honest." Her second YA novel, HIGH AND DRY (Amulet Books), was called "A dark, well-constructed mystery with a strong voice" by Kirkus.
Her first mystery for adults was CLUB DECEPTION (Grand Central), about the magicians who belong to an exclusive underground magic club in Los Angeles, and the women who love, inspire, or control them.
Sarah and her husband, a magician, live in Southern California with their son. She's never been sawed in half, but there's still time. She loves to read coming-of-age novels, effed up memoirs, and edgy non-fiction. Find her on twitter: @Sarah_Skilton
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
February 21, 2020
This book was... absolutely bizarre??? I suppose I liked the way that everything ended, but I feel like the plot did a complete 180 to get there and it left me feeling more confused and icky than satisfied. Everything about this just kind of felt really messy. Womp.
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January 24, 2019This book was an absolute blast to write and I hope it makes readers smile.
August 19, 2019
This wasn't at all what I expected and you can blame the cover copy for that. I mean, it's not a romantic comedy and it isn't particularly swoony and some of the events mentioned don't happen until after the halfway point. So whoever wrote the cover copy needs to learn their craft better because it setup expectations that don't apply.
It is a good contemporary romance with characters who have heft and the story is largely about them connecting through and around the weighty issues each carries with them centered on why they are in in-patient treatment for internet addiction. So the first section of the story happens in an institution and we meet a cast of characters who are struggling with things that affect them deeply, including both our main characters (though to be clear, it's single PoV). And while Holly is a natural "class clown" who likes to entertain others even when that is easiest to achieve through self-immolation, she's smart and kind and dealing with some serious issues that engaged me from the start. Which is harder to do than you'd think because I'm not really an "issue" reader.
And Thom was outstanding, too. I loved the reveals as we got to know him and what motivated him both in the program and as they venture out from it. His sometimes abrasive demeanor didn't hide his insightful awareness of others or his willingness to help when he felt he could. His self-hate felt earned, even as it was clear he was doing his best to overcome the things that landed him in the treatment program we find him in initially. And seeing him attach to Holly, and become invested in her progress and success, was just all kinds of endearing.
The only real problem I had was with Holly's ex, JJ. He felt like one of those Christian caricatures that sometimes come from people who have an axe to grind with religious folk even though they don't now any. Only Skilton gives enough detail and complexity for us to see that he's more than mere caricature. Probably. It would have been helpful if we had any examples of non-whack-job believers (and no, I do not count Holly's sister whose faith is nascent and barely present on-page). Seeing how brutal he could be to Holly in the name of his beliefs was a bit hard to take, though, and there isn't really anything offsetting that at all (despite a late-story grace note).
Anyway, I'm giving this 4½ stars because of the stupid cover copy and one-note JJ issues. But I'm rounding up because, though not a romantic comedy and completely absent any swoon, it was an outstanding contemporary romance with great characters and an engaging growth arc for them.
A note about Steamy and Chaste: There is sex and canoodling in the course of the story. But there aren't any explicit bits and Skilton pulls the curtains before we get any details. Some of the foreplay, such as it was, is enough that others may call it steamy, but it doesn't get that far for me, personally. It is, however, enough that I'm unwilling to tag it "chaste", though, either...
It is a good contemporary romance with characters who have heft and the story is largely about them connecting through and around the weighty issues each carries with them centered on why they are in in-patient treatment for internet addiction. So the first section of the story happens in an institution and we meet a cast of characters who are struggling with things that affect them deeply, including both our main characters (though to be clear, it's single PoV). And while Holly is a natural "class clown" who likes to entertain others even when that is easiest to achieve through self-immolation, she's smart and kind and dealing with some serious issues that engaged me from the start. Which is harder to do than you'd think because I'm not really an "issue" reader.
And Thom was outstanding, too. I loved the reveals as we got to know him and what motivated him both in the program and as they venture out from it. His sometimes abrasive demeanor didn't hide his insightful awareness of others or his willingness to help when he felt he could. His self-hate felt earned, even as it was clear he was doing his best to overcome the things that landed him in the treatment program we find him in initially. And seeing him attach to Holly, and become invested in her progress and success, was just all kinds of endearing.
The only real problem I had was with Holly's ex, JJ. He felt like one of those Christian caricatures that sometimes come from people who have an axe to grind with religious folk even though they don't now any. Only Skilton gives enough detail and complexity for us to see that he's more than mere caricature. Probably. It would have been helpful if we had any examples of non-whack-job believers (and no, I do not count Holly's sister whose faith is nascent and barely present on-page). Seeing how brutal he could be to Holly in the name of his beliefs was a bit hard to take, though, and there isn't really anything offsetting that at all (despite a late-story grace note).
Anyway, I'm giving this 4½ stars because of the stupid cover copy and one-note JJ issues. But I'm rounding up because, though not a romantic comedy and completely absent any swoon, it was an outstanding contemporary romance with great characters and an engaging growth arc for them.
A note about Steamy and Chaste: There is sex and canoodling in the course of the story. But there aren't any explicit bits and Skilton pulls the curtains before we get any details. Some of the foreplay, such as it was, is enough that others may call it steamy, but it doesn't get that far for me, personally. It is, however, enough that I'm unwilling to tag it "chaste", though, either...
September 11, 2020
This was a refreshingly different story and I loved how it showed a different perspective related to being a 'celebrity', especially for those who were child stars. Often society can glamourize what being a celebrity entails and idolize an individual without considering the negative effects.
As well, I also enjoyed the inclusion of a character having an internet addiction as part of the story. As the internet and social media has evolved, we have become dependent on these outlets and have not necessarily realized the impact. As extreme as an 'internet addiction' may sound, I have a feeling many could be categorized as having it.
This was a very interesting and enjoyable novel from start to finish. Each of the characters had their own vulnerabilities and I liked how real they were. None of the characters gave off an aura of perfection and that made the story that much more important.
***Thank you to Hachette Book Group and Grand Central Publishing for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
As well, I also enjoyed the inclusion of a character having an internet addiction as part of the story. As the internet and social media has evolved, we have become dependent on these outlets and have not necessarily realized the impact. As extreme as an 'internet addiction' may sound, I have a feeling many could be categorized as having it.
This was a very interesting and enjoyable novel from start to finish. Each of the characters had their own vulnerabilities and I liked how real they were. None of the characters gave off an aura of perfection and that made the story that much more important.
***Thank you to Hachette Book Group and Grand Central Publishing for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
May 19, 2019
I just wrote a full review for the library's blog, and I'll update this when it's published--probably the week of 3/18.
UPDATE: here's the full review:
https://areadinglife.com/2019/03/19/f...
For now I'll say the internet addiction angle hooked me from the first line and didn't let go. Half rehab story, half road fiction, and all introspection about fame, friendship, snd what it means to truly connect with someone.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via Netgalley for review consideration.
UPDATE: here's the full review:
https://areadinglife.com/2019/03/19/f...
For now I'll say the internet addiction angle hooked me from the first line and didn't let go. Half rehab story, half road fiction, and all introspection about fame, friendship, snd what it means to truly connect with someone.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via Netgalley for review consideration.
May 7, 2019
This is just what I needed and I don't know why. I picked this book up on a whim off the display shelf as I was walking out of the library. Holly Danner was a child star on a popular ensemble kids' song-and-dance show, but every one of her co-stars went on to have huge careers and lives in the spotlight while Holly faded into obscurity. Now, the 25th anniversary of her show, Diego and the Lion's Den is fast approaching and she wasn't even invited. What's worse, Holly is in treatment for internet addiction.
I guess I do find child stardom quite fascinating. How come some child actors can transition out of child roles while others fizzle out? Do those child actors not find work or do they realize that this life isn't for them? While all of her co-stars live big lives, Holly struggles with how her life has turned out. Her co-stars and childhood friends have left her behind. While Holly is fixated on the fame aspect of her former cast mates, she makes a friend in her treatment facility. Fame Adjacent examines the pitfalls of fame and even explores some of the self-absorption, but Holly's pivotal experience in internet addiction treatment serves as a nice catalyst for the next phase of her life where she can finally leave The Lion's Den behind.
I guess I do find child stardom quite fascinating. How come some child actors can transition out of child roles while others fizzle out? Do those child actors not find work or do they realize that this life isn't for them? While all of her co-stars live big lives, Holly struggles with how her life has turned out. Her co-stars and childhood friends have left her behind. While Holly is fixated on the fame aspect of her former cast mates, she makes a friend in her treatment facility. Fame Adjacent examines the pitfalls of fame and even explores some of the self-absorption, but Holly's pivotal experience in internet addiction treatment serves as a nice catalyst for the next phase of her life where she can finally leave The Lion's Den behind.
April 30, 2019
2.5 stars - thanks to the publisher for my free copy.
I wanted to love this one but it just fell flat. The beginning was slow & I found myself not wanting to pick it up. The ending was better, closer to a 3.5/4. It took me quite awhile to like any of the characters, and by the end, it was too late. It was less Mickey Mouse club fun and more-so petty drama... until the end - I wish we could've seen some of this perspective before the last 15% of the book. This one had a lot of potential, but unfortunately it just missed the mark.
I wanted to love this one but it just fell flat. The beginning was slow & I found myself not wanting to pick it up. The ending was better, closer to a 3.5/4. It took me quite awhile to like any of the characters, and by the end, it was too late. It was less Mickey Mouse club fun and more-so petty drama... until the end - I wish we could've seen some of this perspective before the last 15% of the book. This one had a lot of potential, but unfortunately it just missed the mark.
April 10, 2019
This review and many others can be found on Musings of a (Book) Girl.
Ooooh, boy, this one was quite the train wreck. Normally it doesn’t take me more than a few days to get through a book, or when I’m not as busy I can go through one or two a day, but this one took me about two weeks to read. Not because it was long, but because it was so bad that I just did not want to pick it up. Sure, I could have DNFed it, but I knew I had it in me to finish, so I pushed myself. Because I was challenging myself to reach the end, once I did I had a big feeling of accomplishment and also a long ragey note on my phone.
The beginning of this book was so incredibly slow. There wasn’t a whole lot taking place, in fact, most of the entire book didn’t have much going on; instead, most of what I was reading was inner monologue and conversation between the characters. Once I hit the 15% mark the main character, Holly, finally started to establish a story long relationship with Thom, and for the first time, I thought maybe I was going to enjoy the book. That was also when I still had faith in Holly and believed some character development would be taking place. She is such a terrible and annoying person. I tried really hard to feel for her and understand what she was going through, but her self-centeredness was such a huge turn off for me and I was disappointed to find that she never changed.
There were also many instances that honestly just left me quite shocked:
- The first time Holly tried coming onto Thom sexually, he respectfully told her that he wasn’t interested, but she continued to push the subject and attempt to force a relationship on him several more times throughout the book. Because of that, I was incredibly disappointed when they ended up in a relationship before the conclusion of the story.
- When Thom and Holly start their road trip, Thom tells Holly that it should take them 25 hours to get to their destination, but that he hadn’t planned on a passenger and her girl bladder making them stop every 50 minutes. I had to actually go back and read this a couple of times to make sure I wasn’t imagining it. We’re living in 2019, stop with your sexist “jokes”.
- A little over a quarter of the way into the book Holly talks about how two of her former castmates ended up forming a singing duo called Manchot (the French word for penguin) because one of the girls is black and the other girl is white. Holly at least makes a comment on how the name is horrifying, but I was just left completely taken aback. It felt racially insensitive, and even though the main character commented on it, there was no need for it to be in the book.
- Towards the end, Thom mentions how he hasn’t skated in a while, and Holly thinks to herself how he’s been trapped because of his son, Sammy. No. No. No. No. No. Devoting time to taking care of your medically needy child does not mean you are trapped, it means you’re a good person.
Overall the writing was just incredibly underwhelming. The pacing of the entire novel was so slow that it never felt like anything was actually happening. I was also very disappointed with the lack of 90s nostalgia. Going into Fame Adjacent, I was expecting references from the 90s to be thrown at me left and right, but I noticed hardly any. It also didn’t seem like things between Holly and her former co-stars was resolved. Sure, they talked about everything, and they all brought up some good points about why things happened the way they did, but there wasn’t any finality about anything. They just kind of parted ways again and that was that. Since the entire book was Holly dealing with the fact that she was the outsider among the group, I really just wanted to see some sort of resolution about the whole thing.
So now that I’ve complained about this book, do I suggest you put it out of your mind and never think about it again? Absolutely not. Unless a book is completely problematic and harmful, I never want to discourage you from reading a book I didn’t like. I’m somebody that believes not every book is for every person. Fame Adjacent definitely was not the book for me, but it could very well be the book for you.
*A digital ARC was provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
Ooooh, boy, this one was quite the train wreck. Normally it doesn’t take me more than a few days to get through a book, or when I’m not as busy I can go through one or two a day, but this one took me about two weeks to read. Not because it was long, but because it was so bad that I just did not want to pick it up. Sure, I could have DNFed it, but I knew I had it in me to finish, so I pushed myself. Because I was challenging myself to reach the end, once I did I had a big feeling of accomplishment and also a long ragey note on my phone.
The beginning of this book was so incredibly slow. There wasn’t a whole lot taking place, in fact, most of the entire book didn’t have much going on; instead, most of what I was reading was inner monologue and conversation between the characters. Once I hit the 15% mark the main character, Holly, finally started to establish a story long relationship with Thom, and for the first time, I thought maybe I was going to enjoy the book. That was also when I still had faith in Holly and believed some character development would be taking place. She is such a terrible and annoying person. I tried really hard to feel for her and understand what she was going through, but her self-centeredness was such a huge turn off for me and I was disappointed to find that she never changed.
There were also many instances that honestly just left me quite shocked:
- The first time Holly tried coming onto Thom sexually, he respectfully told her that he wasn’t interested, but she continued to push the subject and attempt to force a relationship on him several more times throughout the book. Because of that, I was incredibly disappointed when they ended up in a relationship before the conclusion of the story.
- When Thom and Holly start their road trip, Thom tells Holly that it should take them 25 hours to get to their destination, but that he hadn’t planned on a passenger and her girl bladder making them stop every 50 minutes. I had to actually go back and read this a couple of times to make sure I wasn’t imagining it. We’re living in 2019, stop with your sexist “jokes”.
- A little over a quarter of the way into the book Holly talks about how two of her former castmates ended up forming a singing duo called Manchot (the French word for penguin) because one of the girls is black and the other girl is white. Holly at least makes a comment on how the name is horrifying, but I was just left completely taken aback. It felt racially insensitive, and even though the main character commented on it, there was no need for it to be in the book.
- Towards the end, Thom mentions how he hasn’t skated in a while, and Holly thinks to herself how he’s been trapped because of his son, Sammy. No. No. No. No. No. Devoting time to taking care of your medically needy child does not mean you are trapped, it means you’re a good person.
Overall the writing was just incredibly underwhelming. The pacing of the entire novel was so slow that it never felt like anything was actually happening. I was also very disappointed with the lack of 90s nostalgia. Going into Fame Adjacent, I was expecting references from the 90s to be thrown at me left and right, but I noticed hardly any. It also didn’t seem like things between Holly and her former co-stars was resolved. Sure, they talked about everything, and they all brought up some good points about why things happened the way they did, but there wasn’t any finality about anything. They just kind of parted ways again and that was that. Since the entire book was Holly dealing with the fact that she was the outsider among the group, I really just wanted to see some sort of resolution about the whole thing.
So now that I’ve complained about this book, do I suggest you put it out of your mind and never think about it again? Absolutely not. Unless a book is completely problematic and harmful, I never want to discourage you from reading a book I didn’t like. I’m somebody that believes not every book is for every person. Fame Adjacent definitely was not the book for me, but it could very well be the book for you.
*A digital ARC was provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
April 6, 2019
3.5 Cocktails
Cute read
Cute read
April 5, 2019
When I received an ARC of Fame Adjacent I automatically fell in love with this beautiful cover. I read the blurb and could not wait to start it.
Within the first few chapters, I kept thinking what an amazing story this was going to be. The plot was just AMAZING! Sarah Skilton allowed my 90s fangirl out again.
The story of Holly Danner, a child actress, who 25 years later sees that her show is having a reunion and she is the only one not invited. OUCH. When the story opens, we find Holly in rehab for internet addiction. This is serious for the character and I adored how Sarah Skilton found the perfect balance of humor and wit in the toughest scenes.
I loved that this character took us on a journey of her whole life. From stardom to normalness. We got to see her ups and downs and understand why she felt like she never really fit in.
I appreciated Holly's vulnerability throughout it all. When she meets Thom in rehab, I was totally intrigued. She let herself be open and honest with him telling secrets so easily to him with time.
I give Fame Adjacent 5 stars. It was a hilarious, honest, and engaging romance about self-discovery. Sarah Skilton gave us charming characters who were allowed to grow throughout the novel. This is my favorite April read so far!!
Within the first few chapters, I kept thinking what an amazing story this was going to be. The plot was just AMAZING! Sarah Skilton allowed my 90s fangirl out again.
The story of Holly Danner, a child actress, who 25 years later sees that her show is having a reunion and she is the only one not invited. OUCH. When the story opens, we find Holly in rehab for internet addiction. This is serious for the character and I adored how Sarah Skilton found the perfect balance of humor and wit in the toughest scenes.
I loved that this character took us on a journey of her whole life. From stardom to normalness. We got to see her ups and downs and understand why she felt like she never really fit in.
I appreciated Holly's vulnerability throughout it all. When she meets Thom in rehab, I was totally intrigued. She let herself be open and honest with him telling secrets so easily to him with time.
I give Fame Adjacent 5 stars. It was a hilarious, honest, and engaging romance about self-discovery. Sarah Skilton gave us charming characters who were allowed to grow throughout the novel. This is my favorite April read so far!!
April 1, 2019
Thanks to the publisher, via Netgalley, for an advance e-galley for honest review.
What I wanted from this book was a really fun, entertaining story, and that is exactly what I got. Holly Danner was one of the stars of a popular children's series in the late 80s/early 90s, and she's the one who didn't soar to fame afterwards. Instead, she's currently at an experiemental treatment facility for her internet addiction while the others are preparing for a 25th anniversary special that she wasn't even invited to. She knows all their secrets and has kept them close, but she's a bit miffed at being left out. There are road trip shenanigans, some heartfelt moments as she gets close to another patient, and the reveal of how she's spent her life since teh show ended is both sad and sweet. It reads like a celebrity memoir and is just as fun.
What I wanted from this book was a really fun, entertaining story, and that is exactly what I got. Holly Danner was one of the stars of a popular children's series in the late 80s/early 90s, and she's the one who didn't soar to fame afterwards. Instead, she's currently at an experiemental treatment facility for her internet addiction while the others are preparing for a 25th anniversary special that she wasn't even invited to. She knows all their secrets and has kept them close, but she's a bit miffed at being left out. There are road trip shenanigans, some heartfelt moments as she gets close to another patient, and the reveal of how she's spent her life since teh show ended is both sad and sweet. It reads like a celebrity memoir and is just as fun.
July 11, 2020
I absolutely loved this book! After devouring Ghosting: A Love Story, I immediately pushed Fame Adjacent to the top of my TBR because I connected to the author's writing voice and style and because the premise of this novel, a former childhood star who was forgotten by Hollywood reuniting twenty-years later with her more-successful co-stars, intrigued me. I was a huge fan of kid-led casts like Saved by the Bell and the Mickey Mouse Club growing up (and even "cough cough" as an adult). The execution didn't disappoint. I loved Holly, and Thom was a swoon-worthy hero. I will be following this author from now on.
June 3, 2019
Such a fun read!! FAME ADJACENT has all the makings of a perfect summer book: pop culture, 90s nostalgia, humor, and a really cute and realistic romance.
April 14, 2019
This book is the funniest, most heartwarming read I've had in a very long time. I laughed out loud often enough that my family probably wondered what the heck was happening. Holly was an incredible protagonist! She was so much fun that I'd follow her anywhere. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves romcoms and/or remembers the 90's.
April 16, 2019
Internet addict Holly Danner is not your ordinary Redditor. She is a master of trivia about the ‘90s PBS show “Diego and the Lion’s Den.” The show is famous not only for its cheesy, contrived situations (it’s about a group of orphans living at the San Diego Zoo while working on getting their band together) or for its use of animal trivia and outdated songs (they were in the public domain). It was also famous because every cast member except one became a megastar, either a member of a world-famous band, or an award-winning actor, or the star of their own television series.
That one cast member who never found fame after the show? Holly Danner.
The castmates are all getting back together for their 25th reunion, and Holly wasn’t invited. So she started stalking them online. She created an AMA on Reddit to answer questions about the show. And she got so obsessed with her internet obsession that she forgot about everything else. She lost her job and found herself at Prevail!, a new rehab center for internet addicts.
It’s at Prevail! that Holly meets Thom Parker, a snarky know-it-all who gets under Holly’s skin but shares her hatred for any flavor of Tato Skins other than the original. And when the reunion gets moved up and he is her only way to New York, where she can crash the party and find out why her friends neglected to invite her, then Holly has to swallow her pride and ask for Thom’s help to get across the country to confront her famous former friends.
Fame Adjacent is as much fun as stumbling over an old box of Tiger Beats and VHS tapes of the shows you watched as a kid. It has hearty helpings of fake pop culture that feel so real you think you could stumble across “Diego and the Lion’s Den” streaming on Hulu, or at least on YouTube.
While author Sarah Skilton does look at some important questions about how the internet can disrupt a life and what happens when you peak at 11 career-wise, otherwise the book doesn’t dig too deep into the human situation. It’s a charming, funny, cotton candy fueled trip back to middle school, and as long as you don’t expect it to be much more than that, you’re set for a very good ride. Entertaining and enchanting, Fame Adjacent would be a great bubblegum book for the beach or pool!
Galleys for Fame Adjacent were provided by Grand Central Publishing through NetGalley, with many thanks.
That one cast member who never found fame after the show? Holly Danner.
The castmates are all getting back together for their 25th reunion, and Holly wasn’t invited. So she started stalking them online. She created an AMA on Reddit to answer questions about the show. And she got so obsessed with her internet obsession that she forgot about everything else. She lost her job and found herself at Prevail!, a new rehab center for internet addicts.
It’s at Prevail! that Holly meets Thom Parker, a snarky know-it-all who gets under Holly’s skin but shares her hatred for any flavor of Tato Skins other than the original. And when the reunion gets moved up and he is her only way to New York, where she can crash the party and find out why her friends neglected to invite her, then Holly has to swallow her pride and ask for Thom’s help to get across the country to confront her famous former friends.
Fame Adjacent is as much fun as stumbling over an old box of Tiger Beats and VHS tapes of the shows you watched as a kid. It has hearty helpings of fake pop culture that feel so real you think you could stumble across “Diego and the Lion’s Den” streaming on Hulu, or at least on YouTube.
While author Sarah Skilton does look at some important questions about how the internet can disrupt a life and what happens when you peak at 11 career-wise, otherwise the book doesn’t dig too deep into the human situation. It’s a charming, funny, cotton candy fueled trip back to middle school, and as long as you don’t expect it to be much more than that, you’re set for a very good ride. Entertaining and enchanting, Fame Adjacent would be a great bubblegum book for the beach or pool!
Galleys for Fame Adjacent were provided by Grand Central Publishing through NetGalley, with many thanks.
April 9, 2019
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from Grand Central Publishing, but all opinions provided are my own.
4.5 stars
Have you ever wondered what happened to a child star from your past? Not the ones who went on to different high-profile projects, but the ones who fell from the heights of fame, into the dirty, non-craft-services-supplied existence we call real life?
Holly Danner is the latter version of that child star in Sarah Skilton’s Fame Adjacent, a novel I couldn’t get enough of.
Unlike her other former castmates, Holly didn’t go on to land more entertainment opportunities. Now, there’s an anniversary of her show planned and she was the only main castmate not invited. But unbeknownst to everyone associated with the event, she has every intention of going, after she finishes a six-week internet addiction course.
There’s only one big problem (actually, there are more than that, but to Holly, there’s only one): the anniversary has been moved up, and in order to attend, she has to leave the program early and hitch a ride with Thom, a recent graduate.
Fame Adjacent is part cross-country caper and part let’s-make-confessions-and-bare-our-souls-to-each-other romance. Moments of hilarity are interspersed with painful revelations, which helps explain how Holly and Thom grow so close, so quickly. And yet both Holly and Thom have some ground to cover if there’s any hope at all of them being together…
This book is so fun and funny, sometimes sly and sometimes over-the-top. It’s also incisive and substantive, with plenty of big question issues to chew on: like how we—as a culture—idolize celebrity and fame and social media perfection; and how we sometimes feel like we haven’t done enough, especially when we view ourselves in light of those aforementioned things we idolize; and how we have to figure out a way forward.
I adored how Fame Adjacent is an adventure featuring an indomitable heroine who never runs out of bold ideas, or heart. And how she’s sometimes self-absorbed, but always (eventually) aware and apologetic.
Fame Adjacent is a romance, and it’s a wonderful one. It’s also a story about being imperfect (aka human) and fiercely loveable.
4.5 stars
Have you ever wondered what happened to a child star from your past? Not the ones who went on to different high-profile projects, but the ones who fell from the heights of fame, into the dirty, non-craft-services-supplied existence we call real life?
Holly Danner is the latter version of that child star in Sarah Skilton’s Fame Adjacent, a novel I couldn’t get enough of.
Unlike her other former castmates, Holly didn’t go on to land more entertainment opportunities. Now, there’s an anniversary of her show planned and she was the only main castmate not invited. But unbeknownst to everyone associated with the event, she has every intention of going, after she finishes a six-week internet addiction course.
There’s only one big problem (actually, there are more than that, but to Holly, there’s only one): the anniversary has been moved up, and in order to attend, she has to leave the program early and hitch a ride with Thom, a recent graduate.
Fame Adjacent is part cross-country caper and part let’s-make-confessions-and-bare-our-souls-to-each-other romance. Moments of hilarity are interspersed with painful revelations, which helps explain how Holly and Thom grow so close, so quickly. And yet both Holly and Thom have some ground to cover if there’s any hope at all of them being together…
This book is so fun and funny, sometimes sly and sometimes over-the-top. It’s also incisive and substantive, with plenty of big question issues to chew on: like how we—as a culture—idolize celebrity and fame and social media perfection; and how we sometimes feel like we haven’t done enough, especially when we view ourselves in light of those aforementioned things we idolize; and how we have to figure out a way forward.
I adored how Fame Adjacent is an adventure featuring an indomitable heroine who never runs out of bold ideas, or heart. And how she’s sometimes self-absorbed, but always (eventually) aware and apologetic.
Fame Adjacent is a romance, and it’s a wonderful one. It’s also a story about being imperfect (aka human) and fiercely loveable.
April 11, 2019
When she was a pre-teen, Holly was part of an ensemble educational television show. Her co-stars have gone on to win acclaim in music, movies, and television, but Holly . . . didn’t. Now, a big reunion is scheduled, and Holly hasn’t been invited to join the rest of the cast. She plans to crash the reunion . . . just as soon as she gets out of rehab for her Internet addiction.
I wanted to like this much more than I did. The premise of a child star who was the only one who didn’t make the jump to adult fame interested me, but I found that I didn’t much care for Holly as a character. I think she’s meant to be an unreliable narrator, but she comes across as inconsistent. The plot didn’t hold together for me, either — a large chunk of it is the main character and her romantic interest road-tripping across the country with very little money, but I kept wondering if neither of them had heard of wire transfers, because both had family they could have contacted when things got really tight. I also got stuck on nitpicky details, like: has this author never been to a Cracker Barrel? Because you don’t usually buy a bucket of fries there, nor do you get up to refill your own drink. I think the name you’re searching for is McDonald’s. And I’ve never seen camping equipment at Lowe’s, though I won’t rule out the possibility that they might carry some, somewhere. Clearly, these are minor details that I should just get over, but they knock me right out of the story. I can’t really recommend this one unless your tastes are considerably different than mine.
I wanted to like this much more than I did. The premise of a child star who was the only one who didn’t make the jump to adult fame interested me, but I found that I didn’t much care for Holly as a character. I think she’s meant to be an unreliable narrator, but she comes across as inconsistent. The plot didn’t hold together for me, either — a large chunk of it is the main character and her romantic interest road-tripping across the country with very little money, but I kept wondering if neither of them had heard of wire transfers, because both had family they could have contacted when things got really tight. I also got stuck on nitpicky details, like: has this author never been to a Cracker Barrel? Because you don’t usually buy a bucket of fries there, nor do you get up to refill your own drink. I think the name you’re searching for is McDonald’s. And I’ve never seen camping equipment at Lowe’s, though I won’t rule out the possibility that they might carry some, somewhere. Clearly, these are minor details that I should just get over, but they knock me right out of the story. I can’t really recommend this one unless your tastes are considerably different than mine.
August 12, 2019
I checked this out on overdrive on a whim, because it was newly available and sounded intriguing, and I don’t think I’ve ever been more pleased to have done so, I read it in one sitting because I absolutely could not put it down. I am absolutely dying for someone to buy the rights if they haven’t already and make this into a movie, it’s such a perfect rom com already. It uses a lot of rom com tropes, and it uses them well, you see that final break up before the happy ending coming from a mile away, and in most cases it would have me rolling my eyes, but in this one it feels earned, and my heart ached alongside Holly’s. Holly and Thom also had exceptional chemistry, their dynamic was incredible. The only complaint I can come up with is so minor I almost feel bad voicing it, but those two were astoundingly bad at managing the money they had to get home on. This is a book I need to buy ASAP, because I will absolutely want to give it a reread down the line.
June 8, 2019
The blurb sounded very promising but I found the beginning of the book a bit confusing before I figured it was a flashback to Holly’s old PBS show. Holly started out as a (sort of) funny character but the more she let the reader look into her life her insecurities gave way to the jealousy she felt toward her successful cast mates and made her annoying. In fact, I don’t think I liked her as a character. This seemed to be the better of the two, but he fell short too. Overall, it was an okay read, just not as hilarious as expected based on the blurb.
February 2, 2021
this book was fine! it was cute and easy, but nothing special, really. it probably didn't help that i read this in three or four bursts over the course of two months, but that's how i read now!!! it's the Anxiety!!! and crushing weight of being alive!!! ANYWAY, this was a fun little read, but i'm never gonna revisit it!
April 2, 2021
i loved this one!!!!! holly is so funny and it was such an interesting concept as well. i think it’s kinda based on mickey mouse club? but idk enough about this show to say this confidently. thom is a dreamboat, but not a perfect one, which makes him even better 🥰🥰🥰
August 12, 2019
3.5ish stars? I liked it until the ending? It was funny until things became kind of unrealistic in a few ways. Didn’t hate it but didn’t super love the way things wrapped up.
August 18, 2019
When you finish a book in one day. Loved the hell out of this and the protagonist, so much.
October 7, 2022
This was a cute book, but there were parts (like the reunion) that were so cheesy I felt like I was rolling my eyes the entire time. A good light read overall though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2024
little chaotic, lot of fun
April 9, 2024
This was a really good read! Excitement was added in the fact that characters were modeled after real-life celebs. Highly recommend!
February 20, 2019
An ARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Have you ever wondered what life is like for a childhood star after they’ve fallen off the radar? Meet Holly Danner, former childhood actress and current internet addict. Holly is used to living life on the outside, watching her former co-stars become famous and slowly forget her. The trouble starts when a reunion of Diego and the Lion’s Den, Holly’s literal only claim to fame, hosts a reunion- and she’s not invited. That’s how she ended up at Prevail!, the internet addiction rehabilitation center, to get her life back together in time to crash the reunion. What she isn’t expecting is a time crunched road trip and the possibility of new love on her horizon…
Fame Adjacent by Sarah Skilton was a glorious ride from start to finish! Holly Danner was a relatable character with real world issues alongside her famous ones. I thought Skilton did a beautiful job of explaining these issues through a real life lense; I didn’t feel patronized, but I was also able to follow it really well. The plot was slow too, but in the best way possible. I’m talking slow burn romance, but with multiple points in which you got a breather. Every brush of the hand had me squealing with joy. Also, this book was hilarious. I laughed at least 3 times every other page! I have so many good things to say, but mostly: read this book! It isn’t a raunchy or erotic love story, but it’s sweet and realistic and doesn’t leave out ALL the good bits. If you’re looking for a gut bursting, slow burn romance, this is for you!
Have you ever wondered what life is like for a childhood star after they’ve fallen off the radar? Meet Holly Danner, former childhood actress and current internet addict. Holly is used to living life on the outside, watching her former co-stars become famous and slowly forget her. The trouble starts when a reunion of Diego and the Lion’s Den, Holly’s literal only claim to fame, hosts a reunion- and she’s not invited. That’s how she ended up at Prevail!, the internet addiction rehabilitation center, to get her life back together in time to crash the reunion. What she isn’t expecting is a time crunched road trip and the possibility of new love on her horizon…
Fame Adjacent by Sarah Skilton was a glorious ride from start to finish! Holly Danner was a relatable character with real world issues alongside her famous ones. I thought Skilton did a beautiful job of explaining these issues through a real life lense; I didn’t feel patronized, but I was also able to follow it really well. The plot was slow too, but in the best way possible. I’m talking slow burn romance, but with multiple points in which you got a breather. Every brush of the hand had me squealing with joy. Also, this book was hilarious. I laughed at least 3 times every other page! I have so many good things to say, but mostly: read this book! It isn’t a raunchy or erotic love story, but it’s sweet and realistic and doesn’t leave out ALL the good bits. If you’re looking for a gut bursting, slow burn romance, this is for you!
June 22, 2019
Not the best read, but definitely not the worst either. From the description of the book I knew it would be just the style & story I was looking for. Sadly, I just couldn't stay interested in the story. The layout of the book (fonts, tv script outline style, and numbering) had me confused as to the actual point. The story of the internet addiction and the "washed up entertainer" plots lines just needed to be finessed a little more.
February 27, 2019
This was a fun, charming little story. The characters discover new things about themselves, as they analyze past thoughts, actions, and feelings. New love, and rekindled friendships wrap it up, leaving the reader satisfied with a truly happy ending.
February 25, 2019
Holly Danner, former child actor and current underemployed internet addict, finds herself in rehab when obsessively cyber-stalking her former tv show co-stars completely takes over her life. Spurring on this fixation with her famous old friends is a 25th anniversary reunion show that Holly did not receive an invitation to, but totally intends to crash. A contemporary Postcards From the Edge, this fast-paced rom-com is full of 90s nostalgia and plenty of laughs.
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