Did You Hear About Kitty Karr?: A Novel

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Kitty eventually embarks on a romance with the studio head, Nathan. Do you feel they were actually in love? Why or why not? 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. A multigenerational saga that traverses the glamour of old Hollywood and the seductive draw of modern-day showbiz.

On the Virtual Book Tour podcast, Paul talked about her interest in fame as a subject. “I’ve always been very interested in the notion of celebrity…as a microcosm. I’m very into movies and storytelling in general. At one point, I did go to film school, and realized that it was writing, specifically, that I wanted to do.” The writing was atrocious. I had no idea what was going on the first chapter as Smith completely failed to set up the story and properly introduce the characters. The historical chapters were better and much more interesting. I didn’t read the Goodreads blurb until after I gave up on this one, but I had more or less called the twist. Elise St. John, a modern-day celebrity, is caught up in scandals and controversies while trying to uncover the truth about Kitty’s past. How do her personal struggles and conflicts reflect the larger themes of power, privilege, and the pursuit of authenticity? Discuss the choices Elise makes and the consequences they have on her relationships and self-discovery.The sequel to It Ends With Us (2016) shows the aftermath of domestic violence through the eyes of a single mother. I enjoyed "Did You Hear About Kitty Karr?" but I didn't love it. The past chapters, especially the ones from Kitty's perspective, were fantastic. There is a point where a ton of characters are introduced, and it gets confusing. Other than that, I was completely hooked and dying to know what happened next. Kitty Kar! : She is a main character that shines and feels real. I understood her motives, her fears, her actions, and I empathized with her every step of the way. Kitty is truly THAT girl.

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? In love with literature? Try audio books or writing classes for free for 30 days.✨ About the Author Book club questions for Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? by Crystal Smith Paul explore a mesmerizing journey through the glitz and glamour of old Hollywood, intertwined with the irresistible allure of modern-day showbiz. The truth behind Kitty's ascent to stardom from her beginnings in the segregated South threatens to expose a web of unexpected family ties, debts owed, and debatable crimes that could, with one pull, unravel the all-American fabric of the St. John sisters and those closest to them.As she grows up, Joan finds relief in her artwork, painting portraits of the community in Memphis. One of her subjects is their enigmatic neighbor Miss Dawn, who claims to know something about curses, and whose stories about the past help Joan see how her passion, imagination, and relentless hope are, in fact, the continuation of a long matrilineal tradition. Joan begins to understand that her mother, her mother’s mother, and the mothers before them persevered, made impossible choices, and put their dreams on hold so that her life would not have to be defined by loss and anger—that the sole instrument she needs for healing is her paintbrush. Secrets play a significant role in the narrative, with Kitty’s journals holding key revelations. Discuss the theme of secrets and their impact on the characters’ lives. How do secrets shape their decisions and relationships? Explore the idea of the power that secrets of the deceased hold over the living. A distant relative has provided the means for Delia and Nora to go to New York. Delia will be a lowly maid in a modest household, while Nora will be governess for a well-to-do family. In Queenstown, Cork, they board the Titanic, a majestic new ocean liner making its maiden voyage. Any hope Delia carried that she and her sister might become closer during the trip soon vanishes. For there are far greater perils to contend with as the ship makes its way across the Atlantic . . . While Elise thinks it’s time for the public to know the truth—Sarah doesn’t agree. Do you think Kitty wanted the world to know as well?

From the acclaimed author of The Girls of Ennismore comes a captivating and extraordinary tale of perseverance and bravery. This touching saga of sisterhood—perfect for fans of Fiona Davis and Marie Benedict—follows two young Irish women yearning for independence and adventure, as they set sail on RMS Titanic—the “ship of dreams”—only to be faced with the tragedy of that fabled maiden voyage… 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 AboutThis 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. What began as an expose evolves, as Ruby writes, into an exploration of her family’s past. Nora is not the woman Ruby has hated all these years. Witty, wise, and vulnerable, she is desperate to reconcile with her daughter. As the magazine deadline draws near and Ruby finishes what has begun to seem to her an act of brutal betrayal, she is forced to grow up and at last to look at her mother–and herself–through the eyes of a woman. And she must, finally, allow herself to love. I loved this story so much. I devoured it in 2 days. The past scenes of Kitty were my fav. I love the world that was built. It gave me a knew lense to look at people who were passing in a diff. light 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 This was a book I won’t forget. It touched upon issues in our country’s history I had never considered before. I loved how the perspectives in the story all came together. I couldn’t put it down.