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Did You Hear About Kitty Karr?
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Historical Fiction (2023), Nominee for Readers' Favorite Debut Novel (2023)A multigenerational saga that traverses the glamour of old Hollywood and the seductive draw of modern-day showbiz.
When Kitty Karr Tate, a White icon of the silver screen, dies and bequeaths her multimillion-dollar estate to the St. John sisters, three young, wealthy Black women, it prompts questions. Lots of questions.
A celebrity in her own right, Elise St. John would rather focus on sorting out Kitty’s affairs than deal with the press. But what she discovers in one of Kitty’s journals rocks her world harder than any other brewing scandal could—and between a cheating fiancé and the fallout from a controversial social media post, there are plenty.
The truth behind Kitty's ascent to stardom from her beginnings in the segregated South threatens to expose a web of unexpected family ties, debts owed, and debatable crimes that could, with one pull, unravel the all-American fabric of the St. John sisters and those closest to them.
As Elise digs deeper into Kitty's past, she must also turn the lens upon herself, confronting the gifts and burdens of her own choices and the power that the secrets of the dead hold over the living. Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? is a sprawling page-turner set against the backdrop of the Hollywood machine, an insightful and nuanced look at the inheritances of family, race, and gender—and the choices some women make to break free of them.
When Kitty Karr Tate, a White icon of the silver screen, dies and bequeaths her multimillion-dollar estate to the St. John sisters, three young, wealthy Black women, it prompts questions. Lots of questions.
A celebrity in her own right, Elise St. John would rather focus on sorting out Kitty’s affairs than deal with the press. But what she discovers in one of Kitty’s journals rocks her world harder than any other brewing scandal could—and between a cheating fiancé and the fallout from a controversial social media post, there are plenty.
The truth behind Kitty's ascent to stardom from her beginnings in the segregated South threatens to expose a web of unexpected family ties, debts owed, and debatable crimes that could, with one pull, unravel the all-American fabric of the St. John sisters and those closest to them.
As Elise digs deeper into Kitty's past, she must also turn the lens upon herself, confronting the gifts and burdens of her own choices and the power that the secrets of the dead hold over the living. Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? is a sprawling page-turner set against the backdrop of the Hollywood machine, an insightful and nuanced look at the inheritances of family, race, and gender—and the choices some women make to break free of them.
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 2, 2023
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January 27, 2023When white silver screen actress Kitty Karr Tate dies and unexpectedly leaves her multimillion-dollar estate to the Black St. John sisters, it sets off a course of events that threatens to expose a whole web of secrets. An intoxicating debut.
November 19, 2023
Sloppy writing. Intense and amazing storyline but writing was just….not good. Disappointed. The Kitty chapters were what saved the book. It seemed like the Elise chapters were an afterthought/rewrite. I found myself going back and forth with pages confirming what I read because it didn’t quite make sense/fit in the storyline. Dialogue was confusing at times too.
May 23, 2023
Crystal Smith Paul’s debut novel Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? is reminiscent of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and The Vanishing Half, both of which I highly recommend. Kitty Karr, not so much.
I know it’s getting a lot of hype, being Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club pick this month. My apologies to Reese, but I’m not a fan of the author’s narrative structure and storytelling techniques. I feel the novel could have greatly benefited from another go round at the editing desk.
That said, the book does address several important issues: racism, colorism within the Black community, and sexism within the Hollywood machine.
Spanning multiple generations, the story focuses on White actress and celebrity icon of Hollywood’s Golden Age, Kitty Karr. When she passes away, the world is shocked to find Kitty left her multi-million dollar estate to her next door neighbors, the St. John sisters, three wealthy, young Black women.
So, why did Kitty leave her fortune to them?
That’s the crux of the story, told through different timelines and perspectives —mainly Kitty in the past and the eldest St. John sister, Elise, in the present.
Kitty’s storyline is really the heartbeat of the novel, though. It shines a light on a dark facet of American history.
There’s a lot here to learn, ponder, and discuss for book clubs, so in that respect, kudos to Reese for her selection.
I know it’s getting a lot of hype, being Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club pick this month. My apologies to Reese, but I’m not a fan of the author’s narrative structure and storytelling techniques. I feel the novel could have greatly benefited from another go round at the editing desk.
That said, the book does address several important issues: racism, colorism within the Black community, and sexism within the Hollywood machine.
Spanning multiple generations, the story focuses on White actress and celebrity icon of Hollywood’s Golden Age, Kitty Karr. When she passes away, the world is shocked to find Kitty left her multi-million dollar estate to her next door neighbors, the St. John sisters, three wealthy, young Black women.
So, why did Kitty leave her fortune to them?
That’s the crux of the story, told through different timelines and perspectives —mainly Kitty in the past and the eldest St. John sister, Elise, in the present.
Kitty’s storyline is really the heartbeat of the novel, though. It shines a light on a dark facet of American history.
There’s a lot here to learn, ponder, and discuss for book clubs, so in that respect, kudos to Reese for her selection.
April 25, 2023
I enjoyed "Did You Hear About Kitty Karr?" but I didn't love it. The past chapters, especially the ones from Kitty's perspective, were fantastic. There is a point where a ton of characters are introduced, and it gets confusing. Other than that, I was completely hooked and dying to know what happened next.
What kept me from loving the book were the present day/Elise chapters. For the most part, I found these chapters confusing. Everyone but Elise and a couple others seem terrified of letting Kitty's secret out, but it's not clearly explained why. It kind of dulls the impact of the final moments because their hesitation is just confusing. There are other parts that confused me, but I'll leave those out to avoid spoilers. The chapters aren't particularly strong compared to the past chapters. With the past, there's a strong, driving voice, and each moment is clear, emotional, and powerful. That same drive isn't there in the present chapters.
Overall, I liked the book, and I think it will be a great discussion book. I'd also be interested to read more from this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Henry Holt & Company for a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.
What kept me from loving the book were the present day/Elise chapters. For the most part, I found these chapters confusing. Everyone but Elise and a couple others seem terrified of letting Kitty's secret out, but it's not clearly explained why. It kind of dulls the impact of the final moments because their hesitation is just confusing. There are other parts that confused me, but I'll leave those out to avoid spoilers. The chapters aren't particularly strong compared to the past chapters. With the past, there's a strong, driving voice, and each moment is clear, emotional, and powerful. That same drive isn't there in the present chapters.
Overall, I liked the book, and I think it will be a great discussion book. I'd also be interested to read more from this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Henry Holt & Company for a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.
May 12, 2023
DNF 20%.
The writing was atrocious. I had no idea what was going on the first chapter as Smith completely failed to set up the story and properly introduce the characters. The historical chapters were better and much more interesting. I didn’t read the Goodreads blurb until after I gave up on this one, but I had more or less called the twist.
I know I’ve said it before but if it says “Reese’s Book Club Pick” I’m avoiding it.
The writing was atrocious. I had no idea what was going on the first chapter as Smith completely failed to set up the story and properly introduce the characters. The historical chapters were better and much more interesting. I didn’t read the Goodreads blurb until after I gave up on this one, but I had more or less called the twist.
I know I’ve said it before but if it says “Reese’s Book Club Pick” I’m avoiding it.
May 12, 2023
Please explain to me why there needs to be 30 female characters with the exact same personality. (Don’t even get me started on Elise) Good plot but too many characters. I REALLY wanted to like this one :(
September 12, 2023
Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? is the debut novel of Crystal Smith Paul. The book tackles tough issues such as slavery, rape, Jim Crow, segregation, and discrimination. The main character, Kitty Karr, passes for White due to her light skin tone. Kitty Karr becomes a famous Hollywood actress who has made very difficult choices in her life and has had challenging decisions made for her.
To me, the character development of Kitty Karr and her mother, Hazel, was terrific. The character development of the St. John sisters felt a little flat and the end wrapped up too quickly and easily.
To me, the character development of Kitty Karr and her mother, Hazel, was terrific. The character development of the St. John sisters felt a little flat and the end wrapped up too quickly and easily.
May 24, 2023
I'm giving this 2.5 stars. I struggled with this book. Let me start off by saying that themes of race, passing, Jim Crow laws/era and being black in America, whether it's now or in the past are all very relevant topics and a part of history. Having said that, this storyline of black women trying to or having to pass as white has been way overdone in the past year or two. If I hadn't recently read multiple books on this subject, I may have enjoyed this one a lot more.
Besides the overdone storyline, there were a few other aspects that didn't work out for me. First, there were too many POVs, making it confusing at times. It would often get jumbled and I had to re-read certain chapters to make sense of it all. This is a slow burn book, so it took awhile to get into the story. The book was too long and I struggled with the execution. The writing itself left alot to be desired. I really could not relate to the St. John sisters. You are already millionaires, who just inherited more millions and they were unhappy, ungrateful and overall seemed miserable in their lives.
While the storyline is one that's been overdone, it was still an interesting and intense story. The decisions that Kitty and her mom had to make, the historical aspects of this book, were thought provoking and heart breaking. The book does deliver on an interesting twist of who Kitty Karr was and why she left her inheritance to the St. John sisters, even if some of it was predictable.
My thanks to Crystal Smith Paul, Henry Holt & Co. and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Besides the overdone storyline, there were a few other aspects that didn't work out for me. First, there were too many POVs, making it confusing at times. It would often get jumbled and I had to re-read certain chapters to make sense of it all. This is a slow burn book, so it took awhile to get into the story. The book was too long and I struggled with the execution. The writing itself left alot to be desired. I really could not relate to the St. John sisters. You are already millionaires, who just inherited more millions and they were unhappy, ungrateful and overall seemed miserable in their lives.
While the storyline is one that's been overdone, it was still an interesting and intense story. The decisions that Kitty and her mom had to make, the historical aspects of this book, were thought provoking and heart breaking. The book does deliver on an interesting twist of who Kitty Karr was and why she left her inheritance to the St. John sisters, even if some of it was predictable.
My thanks to Crystal Smith Paul, Henry Holt & Co. and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 2, 2023
There’s so much I could talk about regarding this book, its pacing, structure, etc. But it’s been said before on here in plenty of other reviews, and for the most part I agree. This was one of those debuts that really felt like a debut, you know? But it had good bones and the premise was intriguing.
What I WILL speak on is just how funny the reviews by non-Black reviewers are. Not funny ha-ha, but funny as in stupid as hell. Lowballing a book on passing—a uniquely Black experience—as “overdone” and “trophy” is WILD. What it tells me is that you either 1) do not have Black friends, or 2) you DO have Black friends but they don’t tell you anything of substance because they see you for what you are. I can guarantee you a not insignificant amount of Black folks know someone who could pass. I definitely do. Black people come in all shades, and racism is still alive and kicking, so what makes you, a non-Black person, think that you would be able to clock someone who’s passing or that passing in general is just “unrealistic”?? Because there are so many celebrities whose backgrounds have been “revealed” to be Black over the years and it’s consistently non-Black people who are so shocked to find out—but a lot of Black people already knew lol Not saying those celebrities are passing, but the point is that they COULD, and Black folks know it ain’t nobody’s business. You see how in the book random Black people could tell Kitty was passing but ain’t say shit? Yeah. But not a single white person could tell? YEAH. The same still happens today lol so saying this plot point is “unrealistic” is laughable and so very ignorant.
And don’t even get me started on the reviews saying “Taylor Jenkins Reid did it better in Evelyn Hugo”. Run that back. Think about how you sound. I enjoyed that book but let’s not kid like we all don’t know its problems.
Did You Hear About Kitty Karr is layered. It has its flaws, sure! But unrealistic it is not. I liked how it made an attempt to address the idea of reparations and how to implement them. The book is primed to open up a lot of really nuanced conversations, not only publicly but within Black and white families. The theme of passing is just as relevant as it was in the past, and people’s identities, backgrounds, and hardships are still just as valid and will never be overdone or tropey when the underlying causes, such as racism, permeate every facet of society and every Black American family tree. You fucking weirdos.
What I WILL speak on is just how funny the reviews by non-Black reviewers are. Not funny ha-ha, but funny as in stupid as hell. Lowballing a book on passing—a uniquely Black experience—as “overdone” and “trophy” is WILD. What it tells me is that you either 1) do not have Black friends, or 2) you DO have Black friends but they don’t tell you anything of substance because they see you for what you are. I can guarantee you a not insignificant amount of Black folks know someone who could pass. I definitely do. Black people come in all shades, and racism is still alive and kicking, so what makes you, a non-Black person, think that you would be able to clock someone who’s passing or that passing in general is just “unrealistic”?? Because there are so many celebrities whose backgrounds have been “revealed” to be Black over the years and it’s consistently non-Black people who are so shocked to find out—but a lot of Black people already knew lol Not saying those celebrities are passing, but the point is that they COULD, and Black folks know it ain’t nobody’s business. You see how in the book random Black people could tell Kitty was passing but ain’t say shit? Yeah. But not a single white person could tell? YEAH. The same still happens today lol so saying this plot point is “unrealistic” is laughable and so very ignorant.
And don’t even get me started on the reviews saying “Taylor Jenkins Reid did it better in Evelyn Hugo”. Run that back. Think about how you sound. I enjoyed that book but let’s not kid like we all don’t know its problems.
Did You Hear About Kitty Karr is layered. It has its flaws, sure! But unrealistic it is not. I liked how it made an attempt to address the idea of reparations and how to implement them. The book is primed to open up a lot of really nuanced conversations, not only publicly but within Black and white families. The theme of passing is just as relevant as it was in the past, and people’s identities, backgrounds, and hardships are still just as valid and will never be overdone or tropey when the underlying causes, such as racism, permeate every facet of society and every Black American family tree. You fucking weirdos.
April 5, 2023
Crystal Smith Paul’s Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? opens shortly after the death of screen legend Kitty Karr Tate. When the white television and film icon, reclusive in her later years, leaves behind her entire multi-mullion dollar estate to Elise, Giovanni, and Noele St. John—three black sisters who have been famous since birth thanks to the accomplishments of their actress mother and musician father—the inheritance opens up a barrage of questions from the press and public. What happened to Kitty? Why did she leave the money to them? What was their connection?
The story is told from multiple perspectives and points in time. In 2017, actress Elise is dealing with backlash from her politically charged social media posts; an unfaithful fiancé and their crumbling relationship; and now grief for her late friend and neighbor. In the 1930s and 40s, Hazel is a black single mother raising a white-passing child in segregated North Carolina. In the 1950s, daughter Mary graduates high school, assumes a white persona, and starts working in Hollywood where she encounters many people with their own secrets. The end result is a captivating tale about racism, colorism, privilege, and identity.
Overall, Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? is well-written and engrossing, but I did feel like some parts were rushed and like some scenes were even missing—I would have loved to see more of Kitty as her status elevated higher in the industry and further explorations of how both her fame and hidden background affected her sense of self and relationships with others. I believe that would have given the novel even more of an emotional impact. Even so, I still think it is a fascinating story and would be a good selection for a book club or buddy read because of the potential discussions.
Thank you to NetGalley and Henry Holt & Co. for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
The story is told from multiple perspectives and points in time. In 2017, actress Elise is dealing with backlash from her politically charged social media posts; an unfaithful fiancé and their crumbling relationship; and now grief for her late friend and neighbor. In the 1930s and 40s, Hazel is a black single mother raising a white-passing child in segregated North Carolina. In the 1950s, daughter Mary graduates high school, assumes a white persona, and starts working in Hollywood where she encounters many people with their own secrets. The end result is a captivating tale about racism, colorism, privilege, and identity.
Overall, Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? is well-written and engrossing, but I did feel like some parts were rushed and like some scenes were even missing—I would have loved to see more of Kitty as her status elevated higher in the industry and further explorations of how both her fame and hidden background affected her sense of self and relationships with others. I believe that would have given the novel even more of an emotional impact. Even so, I still think it is a fascinating story and would be a good selection for a book club or buddy read because of the potential discussions.
Thank you to NetGalley and Henry Holt & Co. for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 20, 2023
(2.5 Stars)
For fans of Evelyn Hugo and Dava Shastri's Last Day, a highly anticipated read that showcases a main character who sacrifices so much and relevant themes like motherhood, identity, and fame, but struggles to truly land on a message.
When the late White movie star, Kitty Karr Tate, leaves her multimillion dollar fortune and estate to the St. John sisters, three young wealthy in their own right Black women, it prompts questions. A LOT of questions.
Although I found the premise utterly intriguing and the writing to be bingeable, I struggled with the overall execution of this book, which left it feeling like a very average read with a lot to say but an inability to actually do so.
Here What I Struggled With:
- The "Present": This book is set in 2017, which is mostly due to the racial undertones of the book and that time in the US and has dual timelines between the past and "present" (2017) until we come upon the current conflict. I'll say while I understand why 2017 was the setting, I still felt like it was an odd choice. 2023 most likely would've given us the same result.
-Chapters in the "Present": The present chapters are my least favorite part of the book. The St. John sisters are hard to relate to, and having them already millionaires who weren't truly affected by Kitty's gift made me want to care less about them. Overall these chapters just dragged as again we're introduced to more unhappy, unmemorable characters.
- Underdeveloped and/or Boring Main Characters: Elise, the older sister and our main point of view, seemed miserable in her life yet also unwilling to do anything about it until Kitty's gift which made for a chore to read. I feel like we didn't get enough about Elise, her mother, her father, or her sisters, or any of the people at the memorial. We didn't realize anyone's importance or struggles until the end and by then, it was hard to feel or empathize with anyone. Plus Elise's epiphany and desire to good by the end of this felt superficial at best and egotistical at worse with her exposition dump of newly acquired social justice knowledge felt rushed and forced.
- Too Many Side Characters: There are so many characters and names mentioned in this book, and a lot of them are easily forgotten and it causes certain plot points to not hit as hard as it could.
- Slow Pacing: The pacing and ending did this book no favors. The book is pretty much what's written in the blurb until 50% in. We finally get an "A HA!" moment, but it isn't until 70% in and the juice didn't feel worth the squeeze. It would've been easy to put this book down and never pick it back up had it not for those I was reading with.
Here's What I Enjoyed:
- Kitty Kar! : She is a main character that shines and feels real. I understood her motives, her fears, her actions, and I empathized with her every step of the way. Kitty is truly THAT girl.
-Chapters in the Past: The past and the lead up to the present were chapters that held my attention and kept me reading. Super readable and easy to binge as I wanted to know more!
-Relevant Social Issues: Everything talked about in this book was fascinating and relevant. It made you sit and think even if some of it was too detailed or convoluted at times.
For fans of Evelyn Hugo and Dava Shastri's Last Day, a highly anticipated read that showcases a main character who sacrifices so much and relevant themes like motherhood, identity, and fame, but struggles to truly land on a message.
When the late White movie star, Kitty Karr Tate, leaves her multimillion dollar fortune and estate to the St. John sisters, three young wealthy in their own right Black women, it prompts questions. A LOT of questions.
Although I found the premise utterly intriguing and the writing to be bingeable, I struggled with the overall execution of this book, which left it feeling like a very average read with a lot to say but an inability to actually do so.
Here What I Struggled With:
- The "Present": This book is set in 2017, which is mostly due to the racial undertones of the book and that time in the US and has dual timelines between the past and "present" (2017) until we come upon the current conflict. I'll say while I understand why 2017 was the setting, I still felt like it was an odd choice. 2023 most likely would've given us the same result.
-Chapters in the "Present": The present chapters are my least favorite part of the book. The St. John sisters are hard to relate to, and having them already millionaires who weren't truly affected by Kitty's gift made me want to care less about them. Overall these chapters just dragged as again we're introduced to more unhappy, unmemorable characters.
- Underdeveloped and/or Boring Main Characters: Elise, the older sister and our main point of view, seemed miserable in her life yet also unwilling to do anything about it until Kitty's gift which made for a chore to read. I feel like we didn't get enough about Elise, her mother, her father, or her sisters, or any of the people at the memorial. We didn't realize anyone's importance or struggles until the end and by then, it was hard to feel or empathize with anyone. Plus Elise's epiphany and desire to good by the end of this felt superficial at best and egotistical at worse with her exposition dump of newly acquired social justice knowledge felt rushed and forced.
- Too Many Side Characters: There are so many characters and names mentioned in this book, and a lot of them are easily forgotten and it causes certain plot points to not hit as hard as it could.
- Slow Pacing: The pacing and ending did this book no favors. The book is pretty much what's written in the blurb until 50% in. We finally get an "A HA!" moment, but it isn't until 70% in and the juice didn't feel worth the squeeze. It would've been easy to put this book down and never pick it back up had it not for those I was reading with.
Here's What I Enjoyed:
- Kitty Kar! : She is a main character that shines and feels real. I understood her motives, her fears, her actions, and I empathized with her every step of the way. Kitty is truly THAT girl.
-Chapters in the Past: The past and the lead up to the present were chapters that held my attention and kept me reading. Super readable and easy to binge as I wanted to know more!
-Relevant Social Issues: Everything talked about in this book was fascinating and relevant. It made you sit and think even if some of it was too detailed or convoluted at times.
July 10, 2023
This book was way too long, maybe 150 pages too long. I guessed the “secret” before ever starting the book. I felt let down because it was so obvious. There’s some history and Hollywood stuff I liked but the pacing hurt the book as did the structure. I wish her editor had done more to guide this book. I got through it quickly but was mostly very underwhelmed. I think had it been shorter and moved faster it could’ve been quiet good.
December 22, 2025
3.75⭐️ це чудове відкриття року! Люблю, коли підходиш до книги без жодних очікувань і вона тебе так вражає. Зняла бал виключно за затягнутість і самоповтори. Пишуть про sloppy style авторки і все таке, в українському перекладі нічого подібного я не помітила.
September 29, 2025
Had some flow issues with this one- past story being much more entertaining than present. 🤓
May 19, 2023
Just no.........not sure why I finished it:(
First, it took me forever and a day to get into it the whole thing was a slog.
This book is a debut that could benefit from major major editing.
This trope has been so overdone in the last few years--black women trying to pass as white.
Way too many extra people even at very odd times in the story, very confusing.
A new story line 3/4 into the book????
The past and currents were so dang confusing.
So many times I almost quit reading...
I think she wants to be Taylor Jenkins Reid. Evelyn Hugo is of my very favorite books.
Sorry, just not for me at all.
First, it took me forever and a day to get into it the whole thing was a slog.
This book is a debut that could benefit from major major editing.
This trope has been so overdone in the last few years--black women trying to pass as white.
Way too many extra people even at very odd times in the story, very confusing.
A new story line 3/4 into the book????
The past and currents were so dang confusing.
So many times I almost quit reading...
I think she wants to be Taylor Jenkins Reid. Evelyn Hugo is of my very favorite books.
Sorry, just not for me at all.
February 5, 2024
If you can slog through the 2017 timeline, this is a fantastic novel. I almost DNFd (and I never do that!) after the author used the phrase “banana pudding-colored skin,” but I pressed on. Tolerated the random 2017 chapters, whose characters never got better or more likable and whose stories I never did care about, just to get back to Kitty and Emma’s storyline.
This would have been a 5 star read for me if she had just left out the dual timelines.
This would have been a 5 star read for me if she had just left out the dual timelines.
May 31, 2023
This book was way way too long. The pacing was just terrible. The sentences were confusing. I found myself rereading whole pages just to understand what was going on. There were multiple times I read a sentence and had to think to myself, what was the point of that information. I did enjoy the plot and the concept of the Blair house. Certain characters did not seem realistic based on what motivated them, and then their actions. The three sister characters were incredibly annoying. Were we supposed to think of them as the Kardashian sisters? I won’t be reading anymore of Reese Witherspoon‘s book picks.
September 2, 2023
This debut novel may be the best book of fiction I read this year. A multigenerational saga connecting families across racial, class and geographical lines. It's historically authentic provoking genuine understanding and empathy for the characters. Choices have consequences reaching beyond a single person in time.
I won this book with a hardcover by a different author along with a lovely perfume. Thanks to the publisher Henry Holt and Company.
I won this book with a hardcover by a different author along with a lovely perfume. Thanks to the publisher Henry Holt and Company.
May 17, 2023
Did You Hear about Kitty Karr? by Crystal Smith Paul. A book I loved and hated. Let’s start with hate. During the 1950s Jim Crow days a young lady learned early in her age being white meant power. Her mother shoved her out of her home and sent her to California to learn how to be white. This really bothered me, and upset me. To me black is beautiful. I know rights were not equal. Jim Crow was real. Sadly, it still is. But how can a person walk away from their culture and who they are? This ends the hate.
I loved this Multi-generation story about a young, beautiful African American who is so light skinned she passed for white. She changed her name to Kitty Karr. She becomes a Hollywood icon. She starts to break after she has her too dark skinned baby who she allows her midwife to adopt so she isn’t outed by her husband. Her husband lives a life thinking their baby died. Once Kitty dies she leaves her multi-million dollar estate to her grand-daughters. The truth starts to come.
Read this book to find out the real truth about Kitty Karr.
I loved this Multi-generation story about a young, beautiful African American who is so light skinned she passed for white. She changed her name to Kitty Karr. She becomes a Hollywood icon. She starts to break after she has her too dark skinned baby who she allows her midwife to adopt so she isn’t outed by her husband. Her husband lives a life thinking their baby died. Once Kitty dies she leaves her multi-million dollar estate to her grand-daughters. The truth starts to come.
Read this book to find out the real truth about Kitty Karr.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2026
Famous screen legend Kitty Karr has died and left her estate to Elise and her family. While Kitty and Elise were extremely close, she’s confused as to why she would’ve been left the inheritance. Told through flashbacks of Kitty’s life, we see how she left her hometown in North Carolina for a better life in California, hoping to leave the Jim Crow laws of the south behind her. We follow her through early years working at a film studio and her rise as a famous actress, which all leads to understanding her connection to Elise and her family.
I really enjoyed Kitty’s chapters and everything she went through to get to where she was. Elise’s chapters on the other hand, didn’t have the same kind of draw. Every time we would switch point of view back to Elise, I would be drawn out of the story and want to go directly back to Kitty’s chapters. I almost feel that the novel could have been much better had it focused strictly on Kitty and not had the second POV. There were also times I got confused about what was going on in regards to the Blair House, while I understood the concept it felt Kitty was always on the outskirts, and we never got a full understanding of who was who minus a quick introduction.
There have been many comparisons to The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo in the reviews. While the basic concept is similar, I find that they’re two completely different novels. If I were to base my opinion solely on Kitty’s chapters I would say this one would be better, but as a whole I find Evelyn Hugo worked better.
3.5 stars
I really enjoyed Kitty’s chapters and everything she went through to get to where she was. Elise’s chapters on the other hand, didn’t have the same kind of draw. Every time we would switch point of view back to Elise, I would be drawn out of the story and want to go directly back to Kitty’s chapters. I almost feel that the novel could have been much better had it focused strictly on Kitty and not had the second POV. There were also times I got confused about what was going on in regards to the Blair House, while I understood the concept it felt Kitty was always on the outskirts, and we never got a full understanding of who was who minus a quick introduction.
There have been many comparisons to The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo in the reviews. While the basic concept is similar, I find that they’re two completely different novels. If I were to base my opinion solely on Kitty’s chapters I would say this one would be better, but as a whole I find Evelyn Hugo worked better.
3.5 stars
October 21, 2023
With this being a debut novel, I have to give it 5 stars ⭐️
"Living as two souls within one body is not only exhausting but mind-altering."
This epic tale was Everything I never thought it would Be! 💋
If a novel does not spark mental stimulation for a great conversation, I usually find it hard to
complete it. Although this was a slow read for me, there are countless reasons this book was a pleasurable Delight to read. Crystal Smith Paul has raised the bar with her strategic writing skills. Honestly, this saga is written like a game of Chess and I enjoyed every "Checkmate" moment.
This author has given readers an extremely interesting storyline that can be discussed for quite some time. What saddened me so much is how Kitty's life always seemed like others were constantly making decisions for her, since childhood. And, She was stripped of true Love.. Crystal Smith Paul has written this like a real Dazzling movie also.
Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? explores the burdens of being Black, celebrity life, and privileges gained by "passing." Crystal Smith Paul also unveils the power family secrets have to complicate and destroy future generations. ✨️
"Living as two souls within one body is not only exhausting but mind-altering."
This epic tale was Everything I never thought it would Be! 💋
If a novel does not spark mental stimulation for a great conversation, I usually find it hard to
complete it. Although this was a slow read for me, there are countless reasons this book was a pleasurable Delight to read. Crystal Smith Paul has raised the bar with her strategic writing skills. Honestly, this saga is written like a game of Chess and I enjoyed every "Checkmate" moment.
This author has given readers an extremely interesting storyline that can be discussed for quite some time. What saddened me so much is how Kitty's life always seemed like others were constantly making decisions for her, since childhood. And, She was stripped of true Love.. Crystal Smith Paul has written this like a real Dazzling movie also.
Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? explores the burdens of being Black, celebrity life, and privileges gained by "passing." Crystal Smith Paul also unveils the power family secrets have to complicate and destroy future generations. ✨️
May 25, 2023
This could have been a great story. The premise is that actress Kitty Karr (Tate) passes away and wills her fortuned estate to the Black St. John sisters. The world is confused. Why would a famous “white” actress do so?
Elise St. John is one of three sisters who have been rich and famous since birth because of their parents’ talents. Now she is nominated for an Oscar, but she isn’t sure what she wants. To complicate matters, her neighbor and friend Kitty Karr, has left her in charge of settling her estate. In the process, Elise discovers something about Kitty that she did not know and in so doing, discovers something about herself, as well. This story takes place in two different eras and goes back and forth between the two. Erratically and uncomfortably.
The story as I mentioned could have been a great story but it suffered from a disorganized storytelling and a weak modern framing of that story. There were multiple POV that could have been told in chronological order. Some characters were introduced, and yet we spent no time understanding who they were or why they were important to Kitty. The pacing of the story felt off.
What could have worked better: The books portrait of colorism, racism, and life lived in segregated America was compelling. It captured the horrors of racism, the tight bonds that tie us generationally, the nightmare that colorism causes in the Black community. It’s just the story, didn’t have what it took to feel like the intention of Kitty’s journey, and how we ended up reading her story, really mattered in the end. 2.5 stars.
Elise St. John is one of three sisters who have been rich and famous since birth because of their parents’ talents. Now she is nominated for an Oscar, but she isn’t sure what she wants. To complicate matters, her neighbor and friend Kitty Karr, has left her in charge of settling her estate. In the process, Elise discovers something about Kitty that she did not know and in so doing, discovers something about herself, as well. This story takes place in two different eras and goes back and forth between the two. Erratically and uncomfortably.
The story as I mentioned could have been a great story but it suffered from a disorganized storytelling and a weak modern framing of that story. There were multiple POV that could have been told in chronological order. Some characters were introduced, and yet we spent no time understanding who they were or why they were important to Kitty. The pacing of the story felt off.
What could have worked better: The books portrait of colorism, racism, and life lived in segregated America was compelling. It captured the horrors of racism, the tight bonds that tie us generationally, the nightmare that colorism causes in the Black community. It’s just the story, didn’t have what it took to feel like the intention of Kitty’s journey, and how we ended up reading her story, really mattered in the end. 2.5 stars.
May 18, 2023
I liked the idea and wanted to love it, but there were some writing issues that I couldn’t get past. I feel like a good editor was needed. I finally skimmed until the end just to get through it.
September 26, 2023
3.5 Stars!
I wanted to like this more than I did. I can't quite put my finger on why I didn't love it. I just felt like something was missing. This is Crystal Smith Paul's debut novel and it definitely felt like it at times. The pacing was off. Most of the book was a slow build and then the last 100 pages felt super rushed.
I'm not going to say much about the plot because all the most interesting things are a spoiler. Most Black people will immediately know what this book is really about and I'm happy that we are getting more books that explore this aspect of the Black community. It may seem to some people to be farfetched or a thing of the past but trust me it's not.
While I didn't love this book, I do look forward to reading more from this author in the future. I hate to do this but....If you enjoyed The Seven Husband's of Evelyn Hugo than I think you'll enjoy this....and if you were uncomfortable with a white woman writing about the struggles of a woman of color and you might enjoy this book.
I wanted to like this more than I did. I can't quite put my finger on why I didn't love it. I just felt like something was missing. This is Crystal Smith Paul's debut novel and it definitely felt like it at times. The pacing was off. Most of the book was a slow build and then the last 100 pages felt super rushed.
I'm not going to say much about the plot because all the most interesting things are a spoiler. Most Black people will immediately know what this book is really about and I'm happy that we are getting more books that explore this aspect of the Black community. It may seem to some people to be farfetched or a thing of the past but trust me it's not.
While I didn't love this book, I do look forward to reading more from this author in the future. I hate to do this but....If you enjoyed The Seven Husband's of Evelyn Hugo than I think you'll enjoy this....and if you were uncomfortable with a white woman writing about the struggles of a woman of color and you might enjoy this book.
May 29, 2023
I give this 2.5, rounded down. This novel was really didactic, the dialogue was clunky, and some characters have no nuance. Characters breeze in and out, some have extensive backstories and then we never see them again (why?) others stick with us the whole novel and we know very little about them. Each chapter ends abruptly, sometimes jumping years or decades into the future with no warning. The last 50 years of Kitty's life are unexplained and unaccounted for. Her motives aren't clear. I think there's good bones here, but a lot of exposition in areas where it's not needed, too little where it is needed, and a "shocking surprise" that is decidedly neither. It's a good beach read, a good one for summer, but not anything that's going to stay with you.
January 10, 2023
My only regret is that I can never read this book again for the first time.
I am hardly the most avid reader, but I managed to devour this novel in less than a week. This book made me feel many emotions at once.
The author has a way of not allowing you to sympathize with characters without presenting the painful facts. Only then you can choose to form your opinions on the characters.
I hope to see more modern fiction novels written with this type of honesty about the experiences of growing up “passing” in history.
I am hardly the most avid reader, but I managed to devour this novel in less than a week. This book made me feel many emotions at once.
The author has a way of not allowing you to sympathize with characters without presenting the painful facts. Only then you can choose to form your opinions on the characters.
I hope to see more modern fiction novels written with this type of honesty about the experiences of growing up “passing” in history.
January 7, 2024
3.5 stars
I don’t know what I expected when I picked this up but never did I think i would get this bored. As important and powerful as the subject matter of this book is, the storyteller left a lot to be desired.
I don’t know what I expected when I picked this up but never did I think i would get this bored. As important and powerful as the subject matter of this book is, the storyteller left a lot to be desired.
September 23, 2023
4.5 stars
Historical fiction isn't my go-to but I found this novel about Black women passing in Hollywood riveting. Kitty's story, beginning with her mother's sexual assault, is harrowing at times, but the novel deftly weaves together a complex portrait of what women who passed gained and lost along the way. And the ways some of them might have quietly shaped the future. I do think the contemporary perspectives are the weakest part of the book- they function more as a framing device than anything else and could have been better developed. But ultimately this is Kitty's story and it's one well worth reading. I finished this hoping for an author's note because this raises so many questions, but perhaps they're meant not to be answered.
Content warnings include sexual assault, domestic abuse, racism
Historical fiction isn't my go-to but I found this novel about Black women passing in Hollywood riveting. Kitty's story, beginning with her mother's sexual assault, is harrowing at times, but the novel deftly weaves together a complex portrait of what women who passed gained and lost along the way. And the ways some of them might have quietly shaped the future. I do think the contemporary perspectives are the weakest part of the book- they function more as a framing device than anything else and could have been better developed. But ultimately this is Kitty's story and it's one well worth reading. I finished this hoping for an author's note because this raises so many questions, but perhaps they're meant not to be answered.
Content warnings include sexual assault, domestic abuse, racism
March 3, 2024
This is a novel with dual timelines which I love, and it also is somewhat of a generational saga and that is probably my favorite type of historical fiction.
We first meet Hazel and Mary in North Carolina under Jim Crow. Mary is Hazel's daughter who was conceived in the most vile way. Hazel never thought twice about her love for her daughter though and when she was born light-skinned she hoped that it could be an advantage for her daughter. Mary never saw the upside to being lighter than her peers, the town gossiped about her and her mother, and her classmates teased and bullied her for it so what possible advantage could she have seen in their small southern town? Hazel, however, knew the ways that they could use Mary's light complexion to their advantage and so Mary grew up going to movie theatres and shopping in stores she would have been unwelcome in if they knew her true race.
In current times we meet Elise who is Hollywood royalty. A legacy (more than she even knows) she is currently fighting for her place in the world. We find that a beloved family friend, Kitty Karr has passed and Elise has been tasked with fulfilling the old woman's last wishes in regards to her personal belongings and in truth her legacy. Elise is struggling with these tasks not only because of her sadness but also because of the turbulent path her own life has taken recently. She is in an unhappy relationship and feels restless with work because her activism has been silenced by those closest to her.
When Mary comes of age her mother insists that she take a trip to LA before she settles down. Mary has always loved the movies from her youth and she has even spent the better part of her younger years writing her own stories so this trip is a chance for her to see a place she never expected to experience. Mary has no idea but this trip will alter the course of her life.
Kitty is a starlet who is trying to navigate her career, personal life, and activism. She is strong-willed when women are preferred to be meek and mild. Kitty is also married to the head of Telescope Pictures so she has considerable influence in a time when women's opinions were seen as irrelevant.
Mary's, Kitty's, and Elise's stories all collide in an unexpected way, and through the trials her elders experienced Elise is able to see a path forward for her own life.
I really enjoyed this author's writing and will be looking forward to her future work!
We first meet Hazel and Mary in North Carolina under Jim Crow. Mary is Hazel's daughter who was conceived in the most vile way. Hazel never thought twice about her love for her daughter though and when she was born light-skinned she hoped that it could be an advantage for her daughter. Mary never saw the upside to being lighter than her peers, the town gossiped about her and her mother, and her classmates teased and bullied her for it so what possible advantage could she have seen in their small southern town? Hazel, however, knew the ways that they could use Mary's light complexion to their advantage and so Mary grew up going to movie theatres and shopping in stores she would have been unwelcome in if they knew her true race.
In current times we meet Elise who is Hollywood royalty. A legacy (more than she even knows) she is currently fighting for her place in the world. We find that a beloved family friend, Kitty Karr has passed and Elise has been tasked with fulfilling the old woman's last wishes in regards to her personal belongings and in truth her legacy. Elise is struggling with these tasks not only because of her sadness but also because of the turbulent path her own life has taken recently. She is in an unhappy relationship and feels restless with work because her activism has been silenced by those closest to her.
When Mary comes of age her mother insists that she take a trip to LA before she settles down. Mary has always loved the movies from her youth and she has even spent the better part of her younger years writing her own stories so this trip is a chance for her to see a place she never expected to experience. Mary has no idea but this trip will alter the course of her life.
Kitty is a starlet who is trying to navigate her career, personal life, and activism. She is strong-willed when women are preferred to be meek and mild. Kitty is also married to the head of Telescope Pictures so she has considerable influence in a time when women's opinions were seen as irrelevant.
Mary's, Kitty's, and Elise's stories all collide in an unexpected way, and through the trials her elders experienced Elise is able to see a path forward for her own life.
I really enjoyed this author's writing and will be looking forward to her future work!
January 18, 2024
Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? is a dual timeline story, set in the 1950s and 2017, featuring old Hollywood as well as the modern film industry.
When actress Kitty Karr dies and leaves her estate to the St. John sisters, three successful Black women in Hollywood, everyone is raising questions. Sure, the girls knew Kitty, but still, inquiring minds want to know — Why? How? What is their connection?
Sometimes in books with multiple timelines, I enjoy one more than the other and that was the case here — I strongly preferred the 1950s storyline, which I found more interesting between the two. I really liked Kitty as a character and felt for the difficult decisions she had to make due to industry and societal standards.
Overall, I enjoyed Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? and know the audiobook enhanced my enjoyment — 3.5 stars
When actress Kitty Karr dies and leaves her estate to the St. John sisters, three successful Black women in Hollywood, everyone is raising questions. Sure, the girls knew Kitty, but still, inquiring minds want to know — Why? How? What is their connection?
Sometimes in books with multiple timelines, I enjoy one more than the other and that was the case here — I strongly preferred the 1950s storyline, which I found more interesting between the two. I really liked Kitty as a character and felt for the difficult decisions she had to make due to industry and societal standards.
Overall, I enjoyed Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? and know the audiobook enhanced my enjoyment — 3.5 stars
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