Review: An excellent portrayal of the vanities and vulnerabilities of Hollywood.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 10 9, 2012
In Reaching for the Gods Laith Doory gives us a book which uncovers the real people that are inside the plastic characters that populate the imagined Hollywood. Merle LaBrune comes across initially as a character that it would be difficult to warm to. But it doesn't take long for the skilful writing of Ms Doory to bring out the vulnerability and essential humanity that should be the hallmark of all great characters in literature.The same level of psychological insight is brought to the painting of the character of Heidi, (The daughter of Merle's lover). Heidi comes across, at first, as a hard-nosed spoiled teenager. But it doesn't take the reader too long to suss out the vulnerable child beneath the hardened shell.The same skill is brought to the portrayal of each of the characters in this excellent book. You are drawn into their stories and you feel that you are an intimate companion in their lives.The contemporary Hollywood also features, almost as a character in itself, in this book. You can sense always, the hunger after fame and celluloid immortality, which must underpin the existences of the inhabitants of "Glitterland".This is a book which I strongly recommend you to read. Set aside a weekend to enjoy it. If the grass needs cutting, let it grow. If you have got children to look after, stick them in front of the television. Give yourself some "you" time. Because once you start reading Reaching for the Gods, you won't want to leave it down unfinished.