Absolutely True Lies by Rachel Stuhler

Absolutely True Lies by Rachel Stuhler


Review by Lauren


Source: copy for review; all opinions are my own


Official Summary: Struggling writer Holly Gracin is on the verge of moving back home to
upstate New York when she gets hired to write the memoirs of
eighteen-year-old Daisy Mae Dixson, a former Nickelodeon child star who
has moved seamlessly into both blockbuster movies and pop music.

Holly
quickly realizes that Daisy’s wholesome public image is purely a work
of fiction, as Holly finds herself trailing the star as she travels
around the world on yachts, gets stalked by paparazzi, and sneaks out of
five-star hotels in the dead of night.

As Holly struggles to
write a flattering portrait of a teenage millionaire who only eats
“nightshades” and treats her employees like slaves, Daisy has a public
meltdown—and suddenly, her book is the cornerstone of resurrecting her
image. But working at all hours trailing a pop star has taken its toll,
and Holly must decide if becoming the ultimate insider is worth losing a
starring role in her own life.

Review: Absolutely True Lies was such a fun read and definitely a good choice for the summertime! Holly Gracin is a struggling writer who has a dream of writing her own novel, but she can barely survive on her current wage. When she is offered a chance to ghostwrite a celebrity memoir for Daisy Mae Dixon, she figures this is a dream come true and immediately signs on.

Holly soon realizes that people in the industry are not always willing to look after you, and so you have to fight for yourself. She has to practically track down Jamie, Daisy’s manager, at every turn when she wants to get paid and she’s often left paying her own bill in the beginning of her journey, with hopes of getting reimbursed.

What is most exasperating is that the good girl image Daisy puts on is not what she’s really like. She’s mean to those who work for her, she hides alcohol in cups, she’s promiscuous, and generally a pain in the butt. At the same time, she seems to really love Holly and want her around. Holly wouldn’t mind so much if she could get Daisy or even her mother, Faith, to talk more about Daisy’s life for the book. Unfortunately, Holly is left with very little to write about until Daisy has a meltdown and the book changes focus.

What I really loved about this book is that Stuhler has ghostwritten for celebrities before, and she’s part of this whole LA Scene, which makes the book feel more realistic with some of its crazy moments. I also really liked that Holly got to visit Rome for a TV special, because we get to follow her around a bit and explore the city.

There is a bit of a love triangle in the book, but it’s nothing too annoying. You’re almost positive you know who Holly will end up with, and the dynamics between her and the two guys are interesting throughout.

Absolutely True Lies is a lot of fun, very funny, and an interesting look into behind-the-scenes Hollywood.