Starlet's Man is the continuation of a series called The Starlet Series by author Carla J. Hanna. If you've not read the previous books, you just might be initially overwhelmed by the flow of characters. However, the plot is engaging and the characters are delightful. This motivates the reader to lock into the story about Manny and his starlet girlfriend, Marie. The story is set in Hollywood and there is an abundance of superficial role models available to any teen ready for the ride. But Manny and his lifelong friend Marie have much more depth than many of their friends who want it all right here and right now. They ponder a myriad of life-changing decisions. They struggle with issues of religion, drug and alcohol use, rape and sexual participation. All topics are handled with respect and concern by the author.

I really like the main character of Starlet's Man, Manny Biro. He seemed to be a cut above his friends in emotional maturity and yet, he also made errors in judgment which cost him emotionally. Marie also has some tough decisions as they relate to her movie star career. She agonizes over a "normal" life versus the life of notoriety and fame while all the time growing in awareness and courage with her friend Manny. There is considerable food for thought for teens in this book. And furthermore, it is done with taste and conviction. Many novels promise a "coming of age" quality but Carla Hanna delivers it.

Manny isn’t your typical Hollywood boy. It may have something to do with the fact that his life isn’t quite as glamorous as some of his friends, but it definitely has a lot to do with his own personality. Everyone around him is interested in the Hollywood life and glamour. But Manny wants to make something of himself outside of fame and fortune. For all of his friends, the place to be is in the movies. Everyone from the love of his life to his little sister want to make it and some of them already have. But ‘making it’ doesn’t always mean a happy ending and some of his friends are about to find that out the hard way. Hollywood has some tricks up its sleeve in Starlet’s Man by Carla Hanna.

I found myself drawn into this story from the start. I’ve never been a part of this world but I was able to really understand it. The descriptions are great and really help you feel like you’re a part of the story. Manny is a great character and you even feel for characters like Alan, Marie and Janet. There’s plenty going on in Hollywood and not all of it is up on the silver screen. Starlet’s Man by Carla Hanna is a story that will leave you guessing. You’ll be looking for the next one right away. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in realistic fiction and definitely anyone thinking they want the Hollywood life. It’s not all it’s cracked up to be.