What do you think?
Rate this book
Chasing Diana
Clever, dramatic, wildly provocative and inspired by a true story, Chasing Diana is a unique reading experience. Written as a "screenplay novel," this historical fiction shares the eyewitness account of the early morning hours of August 31, 1997—the eve the world’s princess met a tragic and untimely death in the Alma Tunnel in Paris. Princess Diana’s demise, alongside her lover Dodi Al Fayed, thrusts James Goodrich, a second-rate actor, and Rhonda, his adoring wife, into the limelight, thereby turning their vacation into a havoc-filled nightmare. The paparazzi and the French authorities relentlessly pursue the couple—both desperately want the photos James unwittingly took of the crash. And in a marriage already pressed for change, the fame which James had sought as a fledgling actor eludes him yet again—but ironically propels Rhonda’s career sky-high as a writer and a first-rate actress. Just as one of their dreams is resurrected, the other will fall prey to old and unforgiving demons.
164 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2008
11 people want to read
About the author
Jack Firestone
2 books3 followersJack Firestone was raised in Long Island, New York, and was trained in Meisner Acting Technique at HB Studios in NYC, and by famed Los Angeles actor/teacher Jeff Corey in Los Angeles.
He has appeared on the regional, and Off-Broadway stages, in dozens of plays, as well as numerous TV commercials, and has been a card-carrying SAG-AFTRA member since the late 1970's. He appeared in many Norman Lear sitcoms, including "All In The Family" and "Good Times," to name a few.
Jack had taken a hiatus from "show business" to work the "business of shows," where, as a member of the sales staff of legendary television program distributor Firestone Programs -- owned by his late father, TV program sales pioneer Leonard Firestone -- Jack sold perennial hit shows into the TV syndication marketplace, including Chuck Barris' "The Gong Show" & "The New Newlywed Game" (in which he also worked as a Contestant Coordinator!), Allen Funt's "The New Candid Camera" (in which Jack acted as a recurring "shill!"), and Garry Moore hosted "To Tell The Truth" (in which he was also, in one episode, one of the two "imposter" contestants!)
Jack is happily married --- for over 30 years! --- to Robin, and they now reside near the booming Atlanta market, where he is reviving his acting career. To date, though, they have produced their best work of art yet: an only child -- a son -- who is newly-married, is an MD, and who is a father of boy and girl twins, Dax and Lennon.
www.ChasingDiana.com
www.Facebook.com/ChasingDiana (with over 17,000 Likes, come join our community!)
IMDb.me/jackfirestone
He has appeared on the regional, and Off-Broadway stages, in dozens of plays, as well as numerous TV commercials, and has been a card-carrying SAG-AFTRA member since the late 1970's. He appeared in many Norman Lear sitcoms, including "All In The Family" and "Good Times," to name a few.
Jack had taken a hiatus from "show business" to work the "business of shows," where, as a member of the sales staff of legendary television program distributor Firestone Programs -- owned by his late father, TV program sales pioneer Leonard Firestone -- Jack sold perennial hit shows into the TV syndication marketplace, including Chuck Barris' "The Gong Show" & "The New Newlywed Game" (in which he also worked as a Contestant Coordinator!), Allen Funt's "The New Candid Camera" (in which Jack acted as a recurring "shill!"), and Garry Moore hosted "To Tell The Truth" (in which he was also, in one episode, one of the two "imposter" contestants!)
Jack is happily married --- for over 30 years! --- to Robin, and they now reside near the booming Atlanta market, where he is reviving his acting career. To date, though, they have produced their best work of art yet: an only child -- a son -- who is newly-married, is an MD, and who is a father of boy and girl twins, Dax and Lennon.
www.ChasingDiana.com
www.Facebook.com/ChasingDiana (with over 17,000 Likes, come join our community!)
IMDb.me/jackfirestone
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
September 25, 2016
I'm sorry to say I didn't like it. The book was written by Jack and Robin Firestone, the only Americans to have witnessed the crash that killed Princess Diana. The press release for the book described it thus: "In Chasing Diana, the Firestones convey their 11 year personal journey, utilizing a guise of historical fiction, to express the overwhelming effects resulting from being placed at a crossroads in history. An average American family, the Firestones were vacationing in Paris back in 1997 when fate intervened, turning their lives upside down. Upon their return home from Europe, they were inundated by the press and their lives were forever changed."
My problem is that this isn't that story. This is a fictionalized screenplay, it's not even a full fleshed story. It only covers a year of this so-called "journey". They have re-created themselves as actors who do not inspire any sympathy whatsoever. I did not care about Rhonda and James. In fact, neither character was even remotely likeable. It's full of profanity.
Other than wanting this made into a film, I can't see any reason to have written this book in this manner. The Firestones actually say in the beginning of the book, "Why a screenplay? Well, the events that took place during our brief stay in Paris unfolded like a movie. So in our view, a screenplay was the perfect way to tell this story."
My response to that is this: if the story is so important and is meant to be told, then do that: tell the story. Actually write a book that describes your experience, your frustrations and your thoughts. Don't trivialize it by writing it as a screenplay. Flesh it out and give us some depth. Give us a reason to care about you and your experience.
I would have enjoyed this much more if it was actually a memoir. As it is now, it's a complete waste of time and paper. I appreciate the opportunity to have reviewed it and even the fact that the author autographed it for me. I only wish I'd liked it.
My problem is that this isn't that story. This is a fictionalized screenplay, it's not even a full fleshed story. It only covers a year of this so-called "journey". They have re-created themselves as actors who do not inspire any sympathy whatsoever. I did not care about Rhonda and James. In fact, neither character was even remotely likeable. It's full of profanity.
Other than wanting this made into a film, I can't see any reason to have written this book in this manner. The Firestones actually say in the beginning of the book, "Why a screenplay? Well, the events that took place during our brief stay in Paris unfolded like a movie. So in our view, a screenplay was the perfect way to tell this story."
My response to that is this: if the story is so important and is meant to be told, then do that: tell the story. Actually write a book that describes your experience, your frustrations and your thoughts. Don't trivialize it by writing it as a screenplay. Flesh it out and give us some depth. Give us a reason to care about you and your experience.
I would have enjoyed this much more if it was actually a memoir. As it is now, it's a complete waste of time and paper. I appreciate the opportunity to have reviewed it and even the fact that the author autographed it for me. I only wish I'd liked it.
Read
August 25, 2015Read and reviewed in 2008 -
Chasing Diana by Jack and Robin Firestone is a screenplay book written by the only American couple to witness the car accident that resulted in Princess Diana's death. I had never read a screenplay before and I was not comfortable with the format. I found myself wondering what the characters were thinking. I found the characters to be very one dimensional and stereotypical. I thought the story was overall interesting, but at times very predictable and the dialogue was somewhat cheesy. I wish there were more details about Diana in the book as well. I chose to read the book because I am interested in the mystery surrounding Diana's death, but none of my questions were answered in this book. I think if the book was an actual book, instead of a screenplay, I would have enjoyed it more. I guess to someone who is used to reading screenplays the book may be a better read. The book was a very quick read. If the book is made into a movie, I would be interested in seeing it because it would be very action packed. I do recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading screenplays and watching action movies.
Chasing Diana by Jack and Robin Firestone is a screenplay book written by the only American couple to witness the car accident that resulted in Princess Diana's death. I had never read a screenplay before and I was not comfortable with the format. I found myself wondering what the characters were thinking. I found the characters to be very one dimensional and stereotypical. I thought the story was overall interesting, but at times very predictable and the dialogue was somewhat cheesy. I wish there were more details about Diana in the book as well. I chose to read the book because I am interested in the mystery surrounding Diana's death, but none of my questions were answered in this book. I think if the book was an actual book, instead of a screenplay, I would have enjoyed it more. I guess to someone who is used to reading screenplays the book may be a better read. The book was a very quick read. If the book is made into a movie, I would be interested in seeing it because it would be very action packed. I do recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading screenplays and watching action movies.
August 30, 2014
Awful! I didn't like the sensationalism (masked as "historical fiction") or style (screenplay), I can't imagine what was in the review that made me put this on my to-read list a long time ago.
January 16, 2012
Where were you when you heard the news that Princess Diana was killed?
I heard it on the radio on my way to work. Shocking and so sad.
Chasing Diana is cleverly written as a screenplay novel. This is the first time I've ever read a book written in such a manner, but from page one I was captivated.
Add one part fantasy, one part truth, and one part thrilling action, and you'll have Chasing Diana. Told through the lead characters of Rhonda and James Goodrich, this is a remarkable story.
Rhonda used to be a big star, but decided to retire and just be a wife and mother. Her father owns a large mortgage company, so she has a substantial trust fund to live on. Her husband James is consistently trying out for different actor parts and does some commercial work. James also has a drinking and drug problem.
They plan a small get-away to Paris and are entranced with the sights upon their arrival. Their son Benjamin travels with them. One evening on a night out, after a terrifying taxi ride, they are witnesses to the fatal car crash that kills Princess Diana and Dodi.
Overnight, they are in the spot-light. James loves and soaks it up, but Rhonda just wants to go home. Tired of being Diana'd (paparazzi after them wherever they go ), James finally agrees with her. Once back home, however, they are met with even more paparazzi, and talk shows wanting to interview them. Finally, Rhonda has had enough, paparazzi and James addictions. She becomes demanding, with decisions that escalate into a stunning climax.
This is a wonderful, action-packed story. Written as a screenplay, you can almost see the images in your mind as a movie plays out. Full of intrigue, irony and adventure, Chasing Diana was a pleasant surprise.
I heard it on the radio on my way to work. Shocking and so sad.
Chasing Diana is cleverly written as a screenplay novel. This is the first time I've ever read a book written in such a manner, but from page one I was captivated.
Add one part fantasy, one part truth, and one part thrilling action, and you'll have Chasing Diana. Told through the lead characters of Rhonda and James Goodrich, this is a remarkable story.
Rhonda used to be a big star, but decided to retire and just be a wife and mother. Her father owns a large mortgage company, so she has a substantial trust fund to live on. Her husband James is consistently trying out for different actor parts and does some commercial work. James also has a drinking and drug problem.
They plan a small get-away to Paris and are entranced with the sights upon their arrival. Their son Benjamin travels with them. One evening on a night out, after a terrifying taxi ride, they are witnesses to the fatal car crash that kills Princess Diana and Dodi.
Overnight, they are in the spot-light. James loves and soaks it up, but Rhonda just wants to go home. Tired of being Diana'd (paparazzi after them wherever they go ), James finally agrees with her. Once back home, however, they are met with even more paparazzi, and talk shows wanting to interview them. Finally, Rhonda has had enough, paparazzi and James addictions. She becomes demanding, with decisions that escalate into a stunning climax.
This is a wonderful, action-packed story. Written as a screenplay, you can almost see the images in your mind as a movie plays out. Full of intrigue, irony and adventure, Chasing Diana was a pleasant surprise.
October 7, 2008
I wanted to read this book because I do have a love for all things Diana. The story is based on the real-life accounts of the authors, who were the only American witnesses to the car crash that took Diana's life. They wrote this historic fiction account as a "screenplay-novel" which I thought worked very well for the subject.
The story revolves around the Goodrich family vacation in Paris which goes awry from the moment they arrive. They are being followed by a family of hit men hired to kill Dodi because of some pictures they inadvertently took. I found their fictionalized characters, James & Rhonda Goodrich, to be lacking in like-ability and the language and substance abuse was also too intense for my taste. However, I came away from the book more intrigued than ever about their non-fiction account!
But if you want a different spin on the Diana and Dodi story, you should look into this.
The story revolves around the Goodrich family vacation in Paris which goes awry from the moment they arrive. They are being followed by a family of hit men hired to kill Dodi because of some pictures they inadvertently took. I found their fictionalized characters, James & Rhonda Goodrich, to be lacking in like-ability and the language and substance abuse was also too intense for my taste. However, I came away from the book more intrigued than ever about their non-fiction account!
But if you want a different spin on the Diana and Dodi story, you should look into this.
January 18, 2012
Very interesting read!! I'm not going to go into details as one should read this book and decide for themselves.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews