John Belushi Is Dead

Once I started Kathy Charles' "Hollywood Ending" (now called John Belushi is Dead) I could not put it down. It appealed to the historian in me, the fun lover in me, the book reader and author in me. She is a true talent. I felt I knew these characters personally. I can't wait to see what she does next. Bravo!!

ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT Hilda is probably one of the best, most well thought out characters I have read about in a long time. Hilda moves in with her aunt after her parents die in a car crash and she becomes obsessed with death, especially celebrities' death. Hilda travels to famous murder scenes, suicide locations and cemeteries to get close to those unfortunate events with her friend Benji. Benji has his own secrets and you can tell he is quietly unravelling while Hilda tries to pull herself together. Any person would be devastated after being in an auto accident, but Hilda should be especially devastated by this accident since she lost both of her parents just like Jayne Mansfield. I suppose this sends her on her quest of celebrity death sites. Hilda goes on the Graveline Tours (the author doesn't specify this one by name, but I have been on it) and to Hollywood Forever to watch movies. Along the way, Hilda and Benji meet Hank who is a war camp survivor and from him Hilda learns to live again among the living. She also meets Jake who has a more positive outlook on life, but has dark secrets as well. I really enjoyed this book and the dark areas Charles covers always have a ray of hope. It is just wonderful to read about teens trying to get their lives on track when the chips aren't stacked in their favor and they manage to do it anyway. I did read this in one sitting and that just shows how nicely written this one is. I can't wait to read more from this author.

I happened to see the Author Kathy Charles on an Australia TV program and was struck by the heavy nature of the topic on a morning program. No steak knives but lot's of pills. Read it in 2 sittings between 2 states. Not my usual genre but as a lover of pop culture, i found it extremely enjoyable. I give it 5 stars, as i was pleasantly surprised and entertained by the characters and story. Will be following your writing Kathy, wherever you are! :)

This is a fantastic debut novel. Memorable characters with the right quirks to resonate with the YA audience, but well developed enough for older readers to enjoy and relate as well. Strong, dark and appealing. Can't wait for the next book!

Whoa. This book is the very definition of edgy, dark YA. Hilda Swann is a teenager living in Los Angeles obsessed with dead celebrities. Considering the world's recent focus on dead celebrities like Heath Ledger and Michael Jackson, this novel is very timely. But it's not just the stories about dead celebrities that hold your interest. The characters in this book are beautifully crafted and you want to stay with them (even though they are pretty weird!). I can see this book becoming a cult hit. Loved it.