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.

Reflecting on the book as a whole, what do you think Crystal Smith Paul is trying to convey about the human experience, particularly in relation to family, race, and gender? How does the book prompt us to examine our own choices and the inheritances we carry? Discuss the potential for personal growth, reconciliation, and breaking free from societal constraints as depicted in the book. So, grab your coziest blanket, make yourself a hot cup of cocoa (or your beverage of choice), and join me as we unravel the mysteries and dive deep into the world of Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? Though Paul crowds the narrative with far too many underdeveloped characters and makes a few too many implausible plot leaps, she ably describes Kitty's transformation and unflinchingly details the racism, misogyny, and exploitation Kitty faced as a young woman. Though a bit clunky, the dramatic story and hefty subject matter would make a fine adaptation to the silver screen." ― Publishers Weekly Paul’s debut is a riveting, often heartbreaking tale that explores race, privilege, and celebrity in America through the eyes of a one-of-a-kind character. Readers of Taylor Jenkins Reid and Piper Huguley will be enthralled.”If you’re fan of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and The Vanishing Half, you’ll love this story. It features similar elements but of course, very much stands on its own. I wasn’t quite ready to leave the characters when I finished it. I’ll be thinking about this novel for a long time. Let me know your thoughts on the story below! The Synopsis 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.

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. Elise St. John, one of the sisters and a celebrity in her own right, finds herself knee-deep in sorting out Kitty’s affairs. But what she discovers in Kitty’s journals turns her world upside down. We’re talking scandal, family ties, debts owed, and even debatable crimes. Whoa, right? The author portrays strong and resilient female characters throughout the book. Discuss the role of women in the story and their agency in shaping their own destinies. How do the characters challenge traditional gender roles and expectations? Explore the relationships between mothers and daughters, sisters, and female friendships in the book. So I’m curious to hear what are people’s overall impression of Kitty. Especially when she makes some crucial decisions in the novel. VerdictHidden behind the glitz and glamour of 1950s Hollywood were real lives (and heartbreaking, necessary, lies). 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. 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.

Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? is an intoxicating and seductive debut, drawing you into an underground Hollywood world that is as glamorous as it is dangerous. Kitty Karr is an iconoclastic, complicated, and fascinating woman, whose legacy is as relevant as ever today. Crystal Smith Paul is a thrilling new voice in fiction and I cannot wait to see what she does next.” Kitty gets somewhat settled into her job at the Hollywood studio and she eventually meets a makeup artist who is also passing. This introduces her to a network of women, both passing and not, who are working to help those suffering through the Jim Crow South. Let’s talk about our thoughts about the sections dedicated to this work by the women. This story is so good. I could not put it down and I had to know how it would end. It’s interesting because you know the truth ahead of the characters but how it got there is so fascinating. And what the characters do with that information moving forward is also thought-provoking as well.

Customer reviews

For Kitty, she feels she’s left with no choice. In her opinion, events in her life happen to her and she has to figure out how to move forward. What’s interesting is a character says to Elise in the present that he doesn’t believe that—there’s always a choice to be made. However, Kitty Karr is that good that I stayed up late to read it. And no regrets—just more coffee the next day. What’s the Story About This is a very well done novel. An impressive debut that covers a wide range of topics from racism, family, fame, motherhood and more. I did not want to put this book down. Currently based in Los Angeles, Crystal works in e-commerce marketing for wellness and beauty brands, while she continues to pursue her passion for writing. Her love for staying connected to pop culture, dining, and German Shepherd dogs adds vibrancy to her life. As she works on her second novel, eagerly anticipated to be published by Holt, we can’t wait to embark on another captivating literary journey crafted by this talented author. Book Club Questions for Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? Kitty eventually embarks on a romance with the studio head, Nathan. Do you feel they were actually in love? Why or why not?