By Jan Wahl–
I recently discovered a new book worth checking out. It’s called Notorious: Portraits of Stars from Hollywood, Culture, Fashion, and Tech by Maureen Dowd. She is a Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for The New York Times, known for her sharp, incisive commentary on politics and culture.
In Notorious, she presents a captivating assortment of features and profiles. Silver screen foxes such as Paul Newman and Idris Elba, funny folks like Mel Brooks, and fashionistas like André Leon Talley are all featured. Don’t miss the chapters “Kate Winslet: Has No Filter,” “Sean Penn: Rebel with Many Causes,” and “Diane von Furstenberg: Has No Regrets.” It is a perfect and light summer read!
One of the most beautiful books I have ever seen is Moxie: The Daring Women of Classic Hollywood. From Dietrich to Lupino to Roz Russell, these are the women who defied stereotypes, fought the casting couch, and made many of us love classic film. It’s a coffee table extravaganza with gorgeous photos, by Ira M. Resnick and Raissa Bretaña, with a foreword by Jane Fonda. Go get some Moxie!
Taking a brief break from books for the small screen: on Prime Video there is a great documentary, Bob Fosse: It’s Show Time! From the seedy strip clubs of Chicago to the bright lights of Hollywood, the award-winning director and choreographer boozed, pill-popped, and bed-hopped his way through life while creating amazing works of art. This would be a perfect gift for a dancer or choreographer, as some very articulate dance experts comment throughout.
Last but certainly not least is a rich historical novel, based on the life of the luminous, groundbreaking Anna May Wong, who was the first Asian-American woman to gain stardom in early Hollywood. She is the focus of The Brightest Star by Gail Tsukiyama. Wong got big breaks in Tinseltown and huge heartbreaks. I couldn’t put this biographical novel down. Happy reading!
Jan Wahl is a Hollywood historian and film critic on various broadcast outlets. She has two Emmys and many awards for her longtime work on behalf of film buffs and the LGBTQ community. Contact her at www.janwahl.com
Off the Wahl
Published on June 12, 2025
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