My Lucky Star

by: Joe Keenan

Published by: Little, Brown and Company

Reviewed by Karen Morse

What do you get when you mix two naive screenwriters, an unlucky ne'er-do-well with a penchant for plagiarism, a closeted superstar and his equally famous mother, a down-on-her-luck actress willing to dish all in her memoir, a homophobic district attorney looking to run for governor, a couple of call boys, and the next Hollywood madame? My Lucky Star, the new, hysterically funny Hollywood comedy by Joe Keenan.

Joe Keenan, best known for his work as a writer-producer for TV's Frasier, has produced a real gem in his third novel, My Lucky Star. At its lowest common denominator, the book is about a young gay writer trying to make it big in Hollywood where everyone has his own agenda and the Showbiz God is a fickle friend. Driven by an eclectic cast of characters, the novel has a plot with more twists and turns than a rollercoaster. Anything that can go wrong does go wrong, which makes My Lucky Star a laugh-out-loud funny page-turner.

The real star of the book, however, is Keenan's narrative style. My Lucky Star is narrated by Phillip, the protagonist, shortly after the described events take place. He frequently addresses the reader, giving commentary on what he is about to recount. As a narrator Philip is wonderfully witty and self-deprecating. He also knows all too well the disastrous effects of each of the seemingly innocent moves he and his friends make.

Throughout the book Keenan's writing sparkles while Philip's personality lends a whole other layer to the zany story as it takes place. (This type of narration also allows Keenan to give any squeamish readers ample warning about the sex scenes.)

A comedy of errors that's all about sex, lies, and Hollywood, My Lucky Star is a winning combination of great writing, colorful characters, and nonstop comedic action.

Armchair Interviews says: This is one funny book that you won't be able to put down.