Star People Paperback – 6 Sept. 2007

Really enjoyed reading this book. Great characters and some unexpected twists. Didn't want it to end. I would recommend this and will definitely be buying copies for some of my friends.

Out of all Paul Burston's novels, this is the one that I simply had to read again. I was hooked from the start, becoming really involved with the characters and the twists and turns of the plot. The book managed to be both sad and funny at the same time, I really cared what happened and I just couldn't put it down. Second time round it was just as good, if not better. It won't be long before I'll be reading it again.

I've read all of Paul Burston's novels, but this is easily my favourite. On the surface it could be seen as another gossipy Hollywood fable in the style of Jackie Collins or Valley Of The Dolls, but there is much, much more to it than that. There is a note of melancholy that runs throughout the novel which grounds any of the more cheeky flights of fancy in a world that feels utterly authentic; the observations on West Hollywood life feel like they are based on either personal experience or at the very least the author having spoken at length to people who have lived, loved and worked there.The setting lends itself perfectly to Burston's chatty, over-the-garden-fence style; it's as if he's sharing a salacious story with you as a friend, but this style in itself is deceptive, because just when you think you're enjoying a harmless frolic through the gutters he slaps you in the face with a telling line or scene that breaks your heart.Ultimately, as I've said, comparisons with Collins or Jacqueline Suzanne are mostly unfounded. This reminded me more of Gavin Lambert's novels, especially 'The Slide Area'.If you're expecting Ian McEwan, forget it; that's not what Burston is about, and furthermore, I find it hard to believe that Ian McEwan's style would suit the veneer-thin glitzy world of La La Land. Burston understands the gutter as capably as he understands the desire to look at the stars from it, and this book is the perfect embodiment of that

A lot of research seems to have been gathered for this production and visits to LA also. You get the feel of the city and the lifestyles of the actors, agents and hustlers.There is only one female member of the cast and she is a shocker. The plot rests heavily on the disclosure of the leading actors homosexuality and is rather limited and a bit dated now. Burston has some surprises along the way so the novel never tires.

I was initially attracted by the cover of Star People. As a person fascinated by the goings on on in Hollywood I felt compelled to buy it, especially after reading the plot on the back. I wasn't disappointed. Think Jackie Collins, think Jacqueline Suzanne. I couldn't put it down, I was gripped - macho Matt, beautiful Billy and malevolent Michael - would anyone find true love and lasting happiness? (read it yourself and find out). Yes, it probably is very different to Rupert Everett's autiobiography, but it doesn't profess to be a true life warts and all expose, just a damn entertaining story. Incidentally, athough Billy and Matt would on the surface appear to be the main characters in the story I found Casey's development from ice cube shallow pretty boy to disillusioned old soul quite fascinating. He would appear to be the most moral one in the whole mess. I recommend this book highly, it would make an ideal book for reading on holiday, preferably by the pool. P.S I'm having hours of fun trying to work out which Hollywood star Matt walsh is based on.

Star People by Paul Burston was a pleasure to read,totally entertaining and outrageously funny from start to the dramatic conclusion!.The charaterization was believeable and memorable and the narrative fast passed and gripping.The novel is a unique and witty observation of life in the sometimes not so glittery Hollywood and also an exploration of the dichotomy of someone with two separate lives that contradict each other.I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for escapism and laugh out loud fun.Watch out Augusten Burroughs there's a new kid on the block!

I really enjoyed this book. At face value it's a fast moving and visually stunning hollywood thriller but the book digs much deeper than that. Burston takes a sardonic view on the fame game that left me crying with laughter; his wit is unapologetic and his characters accurately capture our age of celebrity obsession. I absolutely loved Billy the hustler. Written with such sensitivity he's the unlikely hero and certainly the true star of the book. This is definitely a summer sizzler and I wouldn't be seen on Venice beach without it!

I will usually read any old trash but I really did struggle with this.Only the fact that I paid £10.99 for it made me continue to the end.The plot is paper thin and the style of writing is just bizzarre. This doesn't even begin to try and engage the reader. Its more like an essay based on the cliche's of Hollywood.Really really odd and really dull.One to avoid.