Beverly Hills Adjacent

The author's clearly know their subject and it was a very authentic book. I read it overnight and look forward to their next book. This was a very enjoyable read.

I loved, loved, loved this book. Captures not only LA at its best (worst?) but the scenes of the secret world of upper middle class preschool are alone worth the cost of the book. However, it's not all fun and games. June is a very real character and struggles with modern feminist ideals as a mother, wife, and professional. If you are any of the three and have ever had a bad day in any of those roles, you will identify with her. Perfect for the beach, plane trip, or as a book club book.

Beverly Hills Adjacent is a smart, funny, well-written, and sophisticated novel. It is the story of June Dietz, a college professor trying to earn tenure, and her husband Mitch Gold, a successful but insecure character actor. June and Mitch live in Los Angeles with their young daughter Nora and the family cat. Set during pilot season for new TV shows, Beverly Hills Adjacent explores the tension in a two-career family when Mitch needs June's help to practice for auditions while June is also teaching and attempting to meet the publishing requirements to earn tenure. In the small world of show business and Los Angeles, June and Mitch also grapple with competitive parents at Nora's school, cut throat jostling for acting jobs, and a neighbor who is trying to win over their cat. Rich Friend, a screenwriter, enters the mix, and his understanding of June's work and attention to a professor in a town obsessed with stardom creates temptation for June. At the same time, Rich and his wife are writing a screenplay that may offer Mitch the opportunity for a well-paid, steady role, creating a professional and personal triangle between June, Rich, and Mitch. Beverly Hills Adjacent has several different but connected story lines, which make for a fast paced and engaging novel. I especially enjoyed the conversations that June has with her three friends in New York, which offered an additional perspective to June's thoughts and motivations. The different topics in the story line--careers, Hollywood, acting, marriage, and family will appeal to many different readers, and because it is so well done, I think everyone will enjoy reading Beverly Hills Adjacent.

"Beverly Hills Adjacent" lays bare the the not-so-much-seedy-underbelly of Hollywood, as the very relatable doubt, self loathing and desperation of the people trying to maintain careers and relationships there. This book demystifies for us the supposed glamourous lifestyles of the Hollywood movers, shakers and underlings. This is the first book I've read about Hollywood that delivers its caste system with pinpoint precision and barbed wit. Even if you don't live in Los Angeles you will recognize the authenticity of each character and will get what amounts to a behind-the-scenes look at what really happens on set and at the fabulous premieres and parties. It's not what you'd expect. Jessica Hendra and Jennifer Steinhauer have done an excellent job of working together yet creating a singular narrative voice. "Beverly Hills Adjacent" is a laugh-out-page-turner. Enjoy!

I am a professional character actor and I have never read a book so hilariously accurate about show business! In addition the novel is piercingly insightful about life in West Los Angeles. The relationship between Mitch and June is by turns painful, funny and touching. A great read.