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Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? by Crystal Smith Paul
4.0

When Kitty Karr Tate, a famous white actress, dies and leaves her multimillion-dollar estate to the St. John sisters, three young & wealthy Black women, the world has a lot of questions. While sorting Kitty's affairs, Elise St. John, a successful actress in her own right, discovers Kitty's journal that threatens to upend the late star's legacy and, more importantly, Elise's whole world.

Alternating between Kitty's rise to stardom in the past and Elise's discoveries in the present, DID YOU HEAR provides an intriguing comparison between the two women's choices when they succeed in Hollywood. As readers navigate the twists and turns of their lives, it becomes clear that both actors are faced with difficult decisions and sacrifices.

I appreciate the candid discussion of racism within the Hollywood industry. Paul deftly explores the challenges faced by actors of color, shedding light on the prejudices and obstacles they encountered during different eras.

I find myself captivated by Kitty's POV with her compelling narrative. However, Elise's perspective in the present day falls slightly short in comparison, and I feel that it could use a bit more editing work, especially toward the end. DID YOU HEAR also reads like a book written for screen adaptations at times. While vivid descriptions bring the glitz and glamour of old Hollywood to life, some scenes happen quickly and lack the emotional depth one might expect from the characters.

Overall, DID YOU HEAR is an entertaining and unputdownable read for fans of Hollywood glamor and secrets. The novel's strength lies in its ability to transport readers to the golden age of Hollywood while delving into essential themes of power, freedom, and race.