Charity Trickett Is Not So Glamorous by Christine Stringer
Reviewed by Pamela Sinclair
Charity Trickett dreams of making it big as a screenwriter in Hollywood, but knows she has to pay her dues. While working as an assistant on a blockbuster movie filmed near Vancouver, she develops close bonds with her co-workers, including the film’s mega-star actor. When her boyfriend betrays her, and she is heartbroken and looking for an escape, she is offered a job in Los Angeles. Casper, the movie’s director, needs a new assistant, and Charity jumps at the chance to leave Vancouver. The glamour of Hollywood doesn’t last; Charity’s envious co-worker, Saffron, does everything she can to impede Charity’s efforts to get ahead and gives her redundant tasks to fill Charity's days with time-consuming errands. This does not stop Charity from making friends, networking, and pursuing her dreams; she sees Saffron for the jealous person she is. Charity still manages to work hard and meet the right people.
A mistake lands her at the centre of an FBI investigation, and she becomes convinced that her days in Hollywood are numbered, despite her good intentions and grit. Broke and with her dreams about to be shattered by a simple mistake, she finds herself banned from travelling back to Vancouver, her bank accounts frozen, and her car needing an expensive repair. Upon reflection, Charity realizes what a big risk she has taken with her career and life choices. Charity’s friends, new and old, believe in her, even when she begins to lose faith in herself, and do not abandon her despite the tough time she is facing.
This was a fun read. Inspired by real-life events, it is an enjoyable foray into the inner workings of the highly competitive and high-stakes movie industry. In keeping with the movie theme, each chapter title is a pop culture reference from the 1990s – the period in which the book is set. Like the book’s main character, Charity, it is endearing with wonderful friends and a good heart. This story has a large cast of characters, and I wondered if all the threads needed to be pulled forward. Nonetheless, it was an enjoyable read. There is also a slow-burning romance that adds a layer of intrigue to this Hollywood movie career story. Charity Trickett Is Not So Glamorous is a perfect book for a beach read or to take on a holiday.
About the Author
Christine Stringer is a former MGM assistant who was investigated by the FBI for film piracy. She has a BFA from the University of Victoria. She is a screenwriter and novelist. She lives in Vancouver, BC, with her husband and two young children.
About the Reviewer
Pamela Sinclair is a writer and lifelong reader. She enjoys reading multiple genres, both fiction and nonfiction. She lives in Halifax, NS, with her husband, daughter, and a grumpy grey cat named Ben. She is currently working on her first novel.
Book Details
Publisher : SparkPress
Publication date : June 10 2025
Language : English
Print length : 320 pages