Can celebs really write?

by Brittany Geragotelis

Now, it's no secret that I'm celeb-obsessed. In fact, I was in the elevator with a co-worker yesterday and told her that I'm not fond of history-based TV shows like "The Tudors," because it's hard for me to find relevance in the stories in regards to my real life; but shows about the history of celebs? I'm all over it!

photo credit: Gallery Books

So, it's not surprising that I actually really look forward to reading books "written" by celebs. I know that for a lot of authors, this idea of a celeb penning a book is a point of contention. The argument being that a majority of them don't actually write their own books. That Ghost Writers tend to do most of the writing and the celebs chime in or add a few paragraphs here and there. And who knows, maybe that's true.

I can understand writers who feel that pang of unfairness that comes along with how easily celebs are offered book deals, though. To think of all the thousands of writers out there who just want to catch a break and land their first deal, but because they're "unknowns" they'll never get the chance...well, it's a little frustrating to say the least. But does this mean that there shouldn't be a place on the bookshelves for celeb-driven books? Of course not. Because the truth is, the public wants to read them. And I do believe that some celebs have true writing talent (I know it's not fiction, but Tori Spelling's books are some of my favorites of all time. And from what I know, were written by her.). Why should celebs be considered any less worthy of having people read their stuff than anyone else?

photo credit: Maxim Magazine

On this note, I'm trying to keep an open mind as I start to read Hilary Duff's debut book, Elixir. I'm a fan of Hilary's, so I'm hoping it's good, but I have to mention that it seems that she did have a little help from another writer who's given credit on the title page (but not on the cover; interesting.). How much did she write herself? That's a good question....either way, I'm excited to see what it's like. Here's the book summary:


"Seventeen-year-old Clea Raymond has felt the glare of the spotlight her entire life. The daughter of a renowned surgeon and a prominent politician, she has become a talented photojournalist who takes refuge in a world that allows her to travel to many exotic places. But after Clea's father disappears while on a humanitarian mission, Clea begins to notice eerie, shadowy images in her photos of a strange and beautiful young man—a man she has never seen before.

When fate brings Clea and this man together, she is stunned by the immediate and powerful connection she feels with him. As they grow closer, they are drawn deep into the mystery behind her father's disappearance, and they discover the centuries-old truth behind their intense bond. Torn by a dangerous love triangle and haunted by a powerful secret that hold their fates, together they race against time to unravel their pasts in order to save their lives—and their futures."

Sounds interesting, no? What do you think? Is it going to be a hit or a flop? Do you think you'll pick it up or boycott it because a celeb's attached?

Also on the way: Lo Bosworth's The Lo-Down ("The Hills" reality starlet publishes a tongue-in-cheek look at the dating do's and dont's); Kardashian Konfidential (Kim, Kourtney and Khloe Kardashian have come together to pen a family autobiography which includes fun facts and style tips.); Nicole Richie's second fiction book Priceless: A Novel (The former "Simple Life" star is back with another tale of celebrity and scandal.); and Starlit: A Novel by Lisa Rinna (This book, written by the soap and now reality show star tells a "fictional" tale of three struggling actresses trying to make it big in Tinsletown.).

5x5,
B.