If the definition of a good book is one you have to put down and digest before you move on, then this is an excellent book. All of Herz books leave me with the feeling that I have to keep thinking about them even when I have moved onto my next read. This is no exception resulting in it taking me ages to settle on another book after finishing it. Friends ask me what genre does the author write in. The simple answer, I have no idea. My normal answer, it is just like nothing you have read before. Herz pushes the boundaries of modern literature and still manages to combine an engaging plot with engaging characters.

Hollywood Forever is the author’s third book and just as good as his other offerings. As expected from the title the book is set in Hollywood. The scene is set at every part through the book with a combination of excellent descriptions and witty observations. As you read the book you get a real feel for the city. Not the city shown on movies and glossy brochures but the real Hollywood, cracked pavements and all. Unlike other author’s this scene setting is not accomplished through long drawn out descriptions but rather short observations that lead you for a wonder down Hollywood Boulevard. Strangely these descriptions of the less than perfect areas of Hollywood have made me what to visit it even more. This book shares the culture of Hollywood not just the glamour. I have a list of places I would like to visit from the book I am just left hoping now that they are real and not from the authors imagination.

Without giving too much of the plot away the book is about a normal man searching for fame in a place where everyone else is. This book questions the use of social media and how far a person will go to obtain fame. In a world where talent shows gain such huge followings and five minutes of fame is considered as important as a persons health this book is extremely relevant. There are aspects of the book that I ashamedly found myself relating to. If you are a person who checks your Facebook, Twitter and email before getting out of bed so will you.

The characters in the book are well written. As with his previous novel I find his writing of his female characters exceptional. This writing leads you to engage with the characters even more, as they take you through your story. Whether you hate or love them you will always be able to relate to them and the particular aspect of the story that they are responsible for telling.

This book is my favourite of the year and since I finished it in 2012 after reading several novels that is no small statement. This book will leave you thinking about it for days, talking about it for weeks and wanting more for months. ( )