Reviewed by Chris
TITLE: How to Be a Movie Star 
SERIES: How to Be #2
AUTHOR: T.J. Klune
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 350 pages
RELEASE DATE: February 12, 2019
BLURB:
Josiah Erickson wants to be a movie star. The problem with that is so does half of Los Angeles. But he’s on his way, what with memorable roles as a TV show background cadaver and a guy in a commercial for herpes medication. All he needs is his big break. And that break may come in the form of a novelist who goes by the enigmatic name of Q-Bert.
Q-Bert, who is ready to make his directorial debut in a film Josy would be perfect for. Q-Bert, who Josy may or may not have a friend-crush on, and potentially something more. Being demisexual can be confusing.
From the City of Angels to the small mountain town of Abby, Oregon, Josy will give his all to make sure his dreams come true—even the ones he never thought possible.
REVIEW:
I don’t know how to describe this book, other than saying it is fucking adorable.
A little odd at times, and with more than a couple “oh, god, why am I laughing at this, ” moments, How to Be a Movie Star is nonetheless a highly enjoyable comedy about a writer with near-crippling anxiety, an aspiring actor who is too precious for words, and the many many crazy characters that surround them both. Ostensibly this is a story about Josiah’s search to become a movie star, and the script written by Quincy that might just get him there, but really this a more about a friendship that becomes something so much more.
There is also a dude with a mustache who is dressed up like a daisy. For reasons.
I did mention it was a comedy, right?
This is by far one of those books that is better experienced, than talked about. Nothing I say can prepare you for just how odd, and how heartwarming, this story is. Granted, it is probably best that you enjoy Klune’s particular brand of humor to get the full impact of these characters, but if you are willing to let go and just go with it, you’ll find yourself unable to stop laughing. On the bus. With a very annoyed looking man glaring at you.
Or maybe that was just me.
And for all of you out there who are wondering if you need to have read the first book in order to get this one, don’t worry, while being connected to How to Be a Normal Person, it stands on its own very well. That being said, I really liked the first book in the series and am totally recommending that you pick it up on its own merits. It’s just not required reading.
This story definitely stands more as a character piece, than something plot driven, but it truly excels in its characters so I have no complaints. I can’t think of a single character that I didn’t enjoy on some level. And Josy and Quincy were such a bundle of cinnamon roll fluff. Their relationship might not go down all the well-trod paths of most romance novels, but they are all the better for that. They help make this a story well worth remembering, and certainly worth reading.
My only regret is that I failed to pack some snacks to go with me as I read this, because I definitely got some second-hand munchies from this book.
RATING: 
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