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A Stranger in the Mirror
Toby Temple is a superstar, the world's funniest man. He gets any woman that he wants, but under the superstar image is a lonely man. Jill Castle is a sensuous starlet. She has a dark and mysterious past and has an ambition even greater than Toby's. Together they rule Hollywood.
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1976
348 people are currently reading
6527 people want to read
About the author
Sidney Sheldon
404 books8,495 followersSidney Sheldon (1917-2007) was an American writer who won awards in three careers—a Broadway playwright, a Hollywood TV and movie screenwriter, and a best-selling novelist.
His TV works spanned a twenty-year period during which he created I Dream of Jeannie (1965-70), Hart to Hart (1979-84), and The Patty Duke Show (1963-66), but it was not until after he turned 50 and began writing best-selling novels such as Master of the Game (1982), The Other Side of Midnight (1973) and Rage of Angels (1980) that he became most famous.
His TV works spanned a twenty-year period during which he created I Dream of Jeannie (1965-70), Hart to Hart (1979-84), and The Patty Duke Show (1963-66), but it was not until after he turned 50 and began writing best-selling novels such as Master of the Game (1982), The Other Side of Midnight (1973) and Rage of Angels (1980) that he became most famous.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 617 reviews
August 22, 2022
A desperate quest for stardom.
Ever since a child, Toby Temple always wanted to please a crowd, with his antics, jokes and his huge talent. He is going to be a big star, his mother said so. Toby is determined to climb his way from the lowest clubs to the top of Hollywood, making several friends along the way. On a parallel timeline, Jill Castle also trying to reach the stars, using her sensuality and acting skills, making several enemies instead. There is no limit to where these two can reach, what they can do, or what could happen if they ever cross each other’s paths.
This was simply AWESOME. Terribly amusing at times, incredibly f*cked up the next. Consistently engrossing. Equally entertaining and twisty. So utterly dark, possibly the most twisted book I’ve ever read. One unique read I don’t think I’ll ever forget. A plethora of quotes and moments to remember by.
This was my first Sydney Sheldon, and it’s certainly not going to be my last. You can easily see why he has such a following. I don’t know if all his books are as good as this one, but I’m sure more than willing to find out. Best used book ever.
Still remaining, the movie (1993)
-----------------------------------------------
PERSONAL NOTE : Beware of TW.
[1976] [356p] [Fiction] [Highly Recommendable] [“A comic opens funny doors, a comedian open doors funny.”] [“Hollywood was a three-ringed circus filled with wild, insane characters, a minefield with a parade of idiots dancing across it. Most actors, directors and producers were self-centered megalomaniacs, but if they had talent, nothing else mattered.”]
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Una desesperada búsqueda de estrellato.
Desde niño, Toby Temple quiso siempre complacer a un público; con sus mañas, bromas y su enorme talento. El va a ser una gran estrella, su madre lo dijo. Toby está determinado en escalar su camino desde el más bajo de los clubes hasta lo más alto de Hollywood, haciendo varios amigos en el viaje. En una línea temporal paralela, Jill Castle también tratando de alcanzar las estrellas, usando su sensualidad y sus habilidades de actriz, haciendo varios enemigos en vez. No hay límite hasta dónde éstos dos pueden alcanzar, qué pueden hacer, o qué podría pasar si alguna vez llegan a cruzarse en sus caminos.
Esto fue simplemente ASOMBROSO. Terriblemente emotivo de a ratos, increíblemente jodido al siguiente. Consistentemente fascinante. Igualmente entretenido y retorcido. Tan enormemente oscuro, posiblemente el más retorcido libro que he leído jamás. Una lectura única que creo nunca voy a olvidar. Una plétora de citas y momentos para el recuerdo.
Este fue mi primer Sydney Sheldon, y seguramente no va a ser el último. Se puede ver a simple vista por qué tiene tantos seguidores. No sé si todos sus libros son tan Buenos como éste, pero estoy más que seguro interesado en averiguarlo. El mejor libro usado por lejos.
Queda pendiente, la película (1993)
-----------------------------------------------
NOTA PERSONAL : Ojo con TW.
[1976] [356p] [Ficción] [Altamente Recomendable] [“Un cómico abre graciosas puertas, un comediante abre puertas graciosamente.”] [“Hollywood es un circo de tres círculos lleno de salvajes, insanos personajes, un campo minado con un desfile de idiotas bailando a través de él. La gran mayoría de los actores, directores y productores eran megalomaníacos centrados en sí mismos, pero si tenían talento, nada más importaba.”]
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Ever since a child, Toby Temple always wanted to please a crowd, with his antics, jokes and his huge talent. He is going to be a big star, his mother said so. Toby is determined to climb his way from the lowest clubs to the top of Hollywood, making several friends along the way. On a parallel timeline, Jill Castle also trying to reach the stars, using her sensuality and acting skills, making several enemies instead. There is no limit to where these two can reach, what they can do, or what could happen if they ever cross each other’s paths.
This was simply AWESOME. Terribly amusing at times, incredibly f*cked up the next. Consistently engrossing. Equally entertaining and twisty. So utterly dark, possibly the most twisted book I’ve ever read. One unique read I don’t think I’ll ever forget. A plethora of quotes and moments to remember by.
This was my first Sydney Sheldon, and it’s certainly not going to be my last. You can easily see why he has such a following. I don’t know if all his books are as good as this one, but I’m sure more than willing to find out. Best used book ever.
Still remaining, the movie (1993)
-----------------------------------------------
PERSONAL NOTE : Beware of TW.
[1976] [356p] [Fiction] [Highly Recommendable] [“A comic opens funny doors, a comedian open doors funny.”] [“Hollywood was a three-ringed circus filled with wild, insane characters, a minefield with a parade of idiots dancing across it. Most actors, directors and producers were self-centered megalomaniacs, but if they had talent, nothing else mattered.”]
-----------------------------------------------
Una desesperada búsqueda de estrellato.
Desde niño, Toby Temple quiso siempre complacer a un público; con sus mañas, bromas y su enorme talento. El va a ser una gran estrella, su madre lo dijo. Toby está determinado en escalar su camino desde el más bajo de los clubes hasta lo más alto de Hollywood, haciendo varios amigos en el viaje. En una línea temporal paralela, Jill Castle también tratando de alcanzar las estrellas, usando su sensualidad y sus habilidades de actriz, haciendo varios enemigos en vez. No hay límite hasta dónde éstos dos pueden alcanzar, qué pueden hacer, o qué podría pasar si alguna vez llegan a cruzarse en sus caminos.
Esto fue simplemente ASOMBROSO. Terriblemente emotivo de a ratos, increíblemente jodido al siguiente. Consistentemente fascinante. Igualmente entretenido y retorcido. Tan enormemente oscuro, posiblemente el más retorcido libro que he leído jamás. Una lectura única que creo nunca voy a olvidar. Una plétora de citas y momentos para el recuerdo.
Este fue mi primer Sydney Sheldon, y seguramente no va a ser el último. Se puede ver a simple vista por qué tiene tantos seguidores. No sé si todos sus libros son tan Buenos como éste, pero estoy más que seguro interesado en averiguarlo. El mejor libro usado por lejos.
Queda pendiente, la película (1993)
-----------------------------------------------
NOTA PERSONAL : Ojo con TW.
[1976] [356p] [Ficción] [Altamente Recomendable] [“Un cómico abre graciosas puertas, un comediante abre puertas graciosamente.”] [“Hollywood es un circo de tres círculos lleno de salvajes, insanos personajes, un campo minado con un desfile de idiotas bailando a través de él. La gran mayoría de los actores, directores y productores eran megalomaníacos centrados en sí mismos, pero si tenían talento, nada más importaba.”]
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March 27, 2023
UPDATED REVIEW from 1987
Second read 5.0
Sixteen years ago I read "A Stranger in the Mirror" by Sidney Sheldon.
I remember loving it. So.. testing my maturity level and taste in authors; this quasi review is how I felt the second time around. Reviews written by others beautifully lay out the plot.
- I loved it !
Nothing about this book changed my opinion. The one difference is what I learned over the years to look for in a book that will be the rationale used to back up my opinion.
An extremely fast paced book, I was kidnapped on page three and tossed inside to live this story.
Toby Temple makes a promise to his mother and to himself he will become the world's most famous comedian. Jill Castle also makes a promise to herself she will become a superstar in Hollywood.
The Hollywood reputation of "making it " hasn't changed, nor do dreams. Toby achieved his as did Jill; but Jill must alter her definition of stardom when life on the stage doesn't pan out.
The greed, secrets and lies of the players would come back one day to destroy them as nothing stays buried in the land of Tinsel Town.
Sheldon was referred to as a Master StoryTeller.
Part of that was writing with concise and minimal words and alternating from past to present.
Sheldon had a gift of developing his characters so that all paths would significantly cross.
It was this and more that had captured me as a fan.
Second read 5.0
Sixteen years ago I read "A Stranger in the Mirror" by Sidney Sheldon.
I remember loving it. So.. testing my maturity level and taste in authors; this quasi review is how I felt the second time around. Reviews written by others beautifully lay out the plot.
- I loved it !
Nothing about this book changed my opinion. The one difference is what I learned over the years to look for in a book that will be the rationale used to back up my opinion.
An extremely fast paced book, I was kidnapped on page three and tossed inside to live this story.
Toby Temple makes a promise to his mother and to himself he will become the world's most famous comedian. Jill Castle also makes a promise to herself she will become a superstar in Hollywood.
The Hollywood reputation of "making it " hasn't changed, nor do dreams. Toby achieved his as did Jill; but Jill must alter her definition of stardom when life on the stage doesn't pan out.
The greed, secrets and lies of the players would come back one day to destroy them as nothing stays buried in the land of Tinsel Town.
Sheldon was referred to as a Master StoryTeller.
Part of that was writing with concise and minimal words and alternating from past to present.
Sheldon had a gift of developing his characters so that all paths would significantly cross.
It was this and more that had captured me as a fan.
September 7, 2022
“They had lied. Time was not a friend that healed all wounds ;it was the enemy that ravaged and murdered youth.”
― Sidney Sheldon, A Stranger in the Mirror
Of all Sheldon's books, this is among my favorites. It is pretty different from most of his other works.
So this book is about two people. One of them is Toby Temple. Toby is one of the biggest comedians in the world. He was born to make people laugh. His fans love him. The world loves him.
But Toby is also one of the world's loneliest people. He cannot relate to other human beings. He has dozens of friends but nobody he confides in. He is a bit like a lost puppy. He has everything most people strive for and still he is alone.
Then there is Jill Castle. Formerly named Josie (she changed it) Jill comes to Hollywood as an aspiring actress. She is bubbly, enthusiastic and fearless about making it in her chosen field. Filled with love and desperately seeking distance from a relationship gone wrong, she is hoping to be Hollywood's next big thing.
Things however are not working out for Jill. Nobody wants to hire her and when she suffers a horrifying incident it changes her. She becomes hard and cold and will do anything to make it on the big screen.
That's the backdrop. The book is really about the meeting of these two characters. They are both two lonely, very jaded, sad individuals. When their paths collide, what happens next will change both their lives.
This story is a human tragedy. I was very drawn to Toby. When he's bad he's very bad, but when he's good, he is amazing. His character is unique and I loved reading about him.
Jill is fascinating in her own way. It is odd how the reader will feel sympathy for her and then possibly come to dislike or even hate her. Yet her changes are presented in a very realistic and human way.
There are no major Sheldon twists in this novel. It is, in some ways, a character story, although a twisted one. It is unlike virtually anything I have read by him and I happily give it five stars.
― Sidney Sheldon, A Stranger in the Mirror
Of all Sheldon's books, this is among my favorites. It is pretty different from most of his other works.
So this book is about two people. One of them is Toby Temple. Toby is one of the biggest comedians in the world. He was born to make people laugh. His fans love him. The world loves him.
But Toby is also one of the world's loneliest people. He cannot relate to other human beings. He has dozens of friends but nobody he confides in. He is a bit like a lost puppy. He has everything most people strive for and still he is alone.
Then there is Jill Castle. Formerly named Josie (she changed it) Jill comes to Hollywood as an aspiring actress. She is bubbly, enthusiastic and fearless about making it in her chosen field. Filled with love and desperately seeking distance from a relationship gone wrong, she is hoping to be Hollywood's next big thing.
Things however are not working out for Jill. Nobody wants to hire her and when she suffers a horrifying incident it changes her. She becomes hard and cold and will do anything to make it on the big screen.
That's the backdrop. The book is really about the meeting of these two characters. They are both two lonely, very jaded, sad individuals. When their paths collide, what happens next will change both their lives.
This story is a human tragedy. I was very drawn to Toby. When he's bad he's very bad, but when he's good, he is amazing. His character is unique and I loved reading about him.
Jill is fascinating in her own way. It is odd how the reader will feel sympathy for her and then possibly come to dislike or even hate her. Yet her changes are presented in a very realistic and human way.
There are no major Sheldon twists in this novel. It is, in some ways, a character story, although a twisted one. It is unlike virtually anything I have read by him and I happily give it five stars.
April 13, 2012
This was my first ever Sidney Sheldon book and I loved it. I literally could not put the book down. I slept at 11 pm for three nights and finished it then. The suspense really got me every night and the only thing that kept me from reading was that I knew that I needed to wake up early in the morning.
Never has a book made me feel so much emotions in one time. I felt the passion, the hate, the love, and to be honest, I felt turned on (Blame it on my fourteen year old hormones) at the well-explained sex scenes.
Every word made me want to read the next. Even the prologue made me want to read the whole book that instant. I wanted to find out what would happen to Toby, what would happen to Jill. I saw their transgression from nobodies, one with a huge organ and one I really thought was going to die with her headaches. I loved every minute of it. I loved every minute of reading the book.
The last few scenes gave me chills. It was probably due to the fact I was reading at 11 pm. The words were just written so well. I can't even describe how I felt.
It really was great and I can't wait to buy another Sidney Sheldon book. The fact that he's a Tony winner made me like him more.
Never has a book made me feel so much emotions in one time. I felt the passion, the hate, the love, and to be honest, I felt turned on (Blame it on my fourteen year old hormones) at the well-explained sex scenes.
Every word made me want to read the next. Even the prologue made me want to read the whole book that instant. I wanted to find out what would happen to Toby, what would happen to Jill. I saw their transgression from nobodies, one with a huge organ and one I really thought was going to die with her headaches. I loved every minute of it. I loved every minute of reading the book.
The last few scenes gave me chills. It was probably due to the fact I was reading at 11 pm. The words were just written so well. I can't even describe how I felt.
It really was great and I can't wait to buy another Sidney Sheldon book. The fact that he's a Tony winner made me like him more.
April 14, 2018
Sidney Sheldon is a master storyteller. His style of storytelling, with fast-paced narration and thrilling scenarios, is unparalleled. A Stranger in the Mirror is also a typical Sheldon novel.
A Stranger in the Mirror is a story that revolves around the life of two characters, namely Toby Temple and Jill Castle. Toby is a small time wannabe comedian who dreams of making it big by entering into the Hollywood. He struggles a lot early on in his life - and transcending all those hardships, goes on to eventually become a superstar. Jill Castle is a small town girl who grows up watching Hollywood movies and becoming influenced by them, decides to leave for Hollywood. As it is predictable, both their paths cross and a series of events following their meeting forms the rest of the story.
Most of the novel is the story of Toby Temple; from the humble beginnings of Toby Temple, to his long struggle to make a mark in Hollywood, his failures, his struggles, his eventual triumph and his rise to the top of show business and becoming an obnoxious star is a fascinating journey. On a parallel track, we read the story of Jill, her attempts to be a star in Hollywood and the humiliation and disillusionment she faces. The 1950s Hollywood, the ‘behind-the-scenes’ working on a movie set, the making of a star, the efforts and planning that go in making a movie or a TV show are written in great detail and very enjoyable. Sidney Sheldon uses his storytelling skills to keep the reader hooked until the end.
The strangest thing though is that the 2 central characters of the book don’t meet for the first 2/3rds of the book. Even their story together proves anti climatic .Also,the characters and their motivations are the most confusing. The final parts of novel along with the climax are plain bizarre. From revenge to random characters coming back from nowhere to even some paranormal activities, the climax felt like bit of a mess (when the story could have easily ended on a good note, few chapters back). If you overlook that bit, this is a good story & immensely enjoyable. 3/5
A Stranger in the Mirror is a story that revolves around the life of two characters, namely Toby Temple and Jill Castle. Toby is a small time wannabe comedian who dreams of making it big by entering into the Hollywood. He struggles a lot early on in his life - and transcending all those hardships, goes on to eventually become a superstar. Jill Castle is a small town girl who grows up watching Hollywood movies and becoming influenced by them, decides to leave for Hollywood. As it is predictable, both their paths cross and a series of events following their meeting forms the rest of the story.
Most of the novel is the story of Toby Temple; from the humble beginnings of Toby Temple, to his long struggle to make a mark in Hollywood, his failures, his struggles, his eventual triumph and his rise to the top of show business and becoming an obnoxious star is a fascinating journey. On a parallel track, we read the story of Jill, her attempts to be a star in Hollywood and the humiliation and disillusionment she faces. The 1950s Hollywood, the ‘behind-the-scenes’ working on a movie set, the making of a star, the efforts and planning that go in making a movie or a TV show are written in great detail and very enjoyable. Sidney Sheldon uses his storytelling skills to keep the reader hooked until the end.
The strangest thing though is that the 2 central characters of the book don’t meet for the first 2/3rds of the book. Even their story together proves anti climatic .Also,the characters and their motivations are the most confusing. The final parts of novel along with the climax are plain bizarre. From revenge to random characters coming back from nowhere to even some paranormal activities, the climax felt like bit of a mess (when the story could have easily ended on a good note, few chapters back). If you overlook that bit, this is a good story & immensely enjoyable. 3/5
April 28, 2019
A bit predictable, but could have been better with stronger ending. 6 of 10 stars
December 13, 2012
** spoiler alert ** I could give Sidney Sheldon's books 5 stars without even reading them because I know they're all gonna be great!
"A Stranger in the Mirror" is another amazing story by this amazing author. I got really annoyed when I had to put it down. The story is absolutely breathtaking!
It's about a boy "Toby" and a girl "Jill" who wanted to leave their hometowns to find fame in Hollywood. Terrible things happen to them along the way. The girl seeks revenge when she finally becomes an important person. The boy forgets about his past and enjoys his success and turns into a jerk.
It's like two stories in one book. The amazing part is, when these two "Toby and Jill" get together in the last few chapters... Don't want to spoil the ending for you guys. So, buy it, read it, and thank me later ;)
"A Stranger in the Mirror" is another amazing story by this amazing author. I got really annoyed when I had to put it down. The story is absolutely breathtaking!
It's about a boy "Toby" and a girl "Jill" who wanted to leave their hometowns to find fame in Hollywood. Terrible things happen to them along the way. The girl seeks revenge when she finally becomes an important person. The boy forgets about his past and enjoys his success and turns into a jerk.
It's like two stories in one book. The amazing part is, when these two "Toby and Jill" get together in the last few chapters... Don't want to spoil the ending for you guys. So, buy it, read it, and thank me later ;)
June 20, 2022
*Compelling*
**4.5 Stars**
This is about Toby Temple, he is full of his own self importance and always thought he knew best. After eating humble pie he started at the bottom, grafted and was soon at the top of his game. The funniest man in the world with women on tap, no one ever refused him, after all He was Toby Temple - with all the materialistic things at hand but nothing could quite satisfy his need to belong.
Jill Castle wanted to fame and stardom and things were not going her way. She ended up doing all things sexual with many men to get a part. In her mind she was going to find a way to get revenge on all the ones who ever wronged her she just did not know quite how.
One of her parts meant working with the now famous Toby Temple, from the moment he saw her, he wanted her and she kept turning him down. Something Toby was not used to but it made him want to pursue her all the more.
Jill is playing the long game and when the two eventually get together well that’s all I will say….
Someone is also waiting in the wings to put a spanner in the works
It would have been a **5 Star review** but the ending was a slight disappointment for me but otherwise it was very hard to put down, totally engrossing
**4.5 Stars**
This is about Toby Temple, he is full of his own self importance and always thought he knew best. After eating humble pie he started at the bottom, grafted and was soon at the top of his game. The funniest man in the world with women on tap, no one ever refused him, after all He was Toby Temple - with all the materialistic things at hand but nothing could quite satisfy his need to belong.
Jill Castle wanted to fame and stardom and things were not going her way. She ended up doing all things sexual with many men to get a part. In her mind she was going to find a way to get revenge on all the ones who ever wronged her she just did not know quite how.
One of her parts meant working with the now famous Toby Temple, from the moment he saw her, he wanted her and she kept turning him down. Something Toby was not used to but it made him want to pursue her all the more.
Jill is playing the long game and when the two eventually get together well that’s all I will say….
Someone is also waiting in the wings to put a spanner in the works
It would have been a **5 Star review** but the ending was a slight disappointment for me but otherwise it was very hard to put down, totally engrossing
June 23, 2024
Sidney Sheldon’s Naked face was one of my first reads that introduced me to the wonderful world of fast paced thrillers. Authors come and go but few have left behind classic thrillers like Sheldon. It was with great pleasure that I reread my 1978 Pan paperback edition and enjoyed every single line and every single page. Decades later the plot still seems fresh, contemporary, and engaging. Great read as always.
August 8, 2012
“You don't know what can happen tomorrow. Life is like a novel, isn't it? It's filled with suspense. You never know what's going to happen until you turn the page.”
― Sidney Sheldon
A Stranger in the Mirror
The story presented a trashy look at Hollywood with an awesome twist in the tail. Good for easy reading in the rain~
This book has a promising start and a successful ending. It haunted me just like any Sheldon books I have read. Another awesome novel, Sheldon.
P.S.: There's too much explicit content in this book but...it's sheldon's so, no worries! hahaha! ;p
― Sidney Sheldon
A Stranger in the Mirror
The story presented a trashy look at Hollywood with an awesome twist in the tail. Good for easy reading in the rain~
This book has a promising start and a successful ending. It haunted me just like any Sheldon books I have read. Another awesome novel, Sheldon.
P.S.: There's too much explicit content in this book but...it's sheldon's so, no worries! hahaha! ;p
May 18, 2019
After analysing a little more, I thought it will be unfair to give it only 3 star so.......I'm giving it 4 star.
Sidney Sheldon is really a great story teller !
Sidney Sheldon is really a great story teller !
October 22, 2016
লাইফে প্রথম শিডনী শেলডনের বই পড়ি কাজিন রিচার থেকে নিয়ে। সেই ববই সম্পর্ক এ সে যা বলছিল সেটা এখন ও কানে বাজে। এই বই পড়তে গিয়ে মনে হল ওর কথাটা খুব একটা ভুল না।
কাজিনের এপিক বানীটা ছিল "আর বলিস না কিছু হইলেই তারা বিছানায় যেতে পছন্দ করে " :3
রিভিউ শেষ ১৮+ রিভিউ দেবার পর ও বই ক্যামন না বুঝলে আমার করার কিছু নাই ।
২.৫ মাগার গুডরিডস যতদিন আধাআধি রেটিং যুক্ত না করছে ততদিন পূর্ন সংখ্যা দিয়েই কাজ চালাতে হবে।
কাজিনের এপিক বানীটা ছিল "আর বলিস না কিছু হইলেই তারা বিছানায় যেতে পছন্দ করে " :3
রিভিউ শেষ ১৮+ রিভিউ দেবার পর ও বই ক্যামন না বুঝলে আমার করার কিছু নাই ।
২.৫ মাগার গুডরিডস যতদিন আধাআধি রেটিং যুক্ত না করছে ততদিন পূর্ন সংখ্যা দিয়েই কাজ চালাতে হবে।
December 28, 2021
Not my first Sheldon, and for sure not the last. Loved every bit of it. It was so him, the style, the language, the boldness, what a book it is.
The character development is fast, the plot progress is fast. The end was, unexpected. This reminded me of Journey's don't stop believing. That was Jill and Toby for me.
"Just a small town girl
Livin' in a lonely world
She took the midnight train goin' anywhere
Just a city boy
Born and raised in south Detroit
He took the midnight train goin' anywhere"
They believed, they reached, and then everything came crashing down with a splash and boom. How it all comes to that is through a road full of pain, love, hatred, fear and a whole lot of intense emotional pileup. The typical Sheldon way of just laying it all out bare is done very well as usual. I still can remember the no undies rule. I ain't gonna yap about this anymore cos if I start, I'll just lay it all out bare too. Not my intention.
Sheldon's books are drugs. The kind a person should get hooked on.
The character development is fast, the plot progress is fast. The end was, unexpected. This reminded me of Journey's don't stop believing. That was Jill and Toby for me.
"Just a small town girl
Livin' in a lonely world
She took the midnight train goin' anywhere
Just a city boy
Born and raised in south Detroit
He took the midnight train goin' anywhere"
They believed, they reached, and then everything came crashing down with a splash and boom. How it all comes to that is through a road full of pain, love, hatred, fear and a whole lot of intense emotional pileup. The typical Sheldon way of just laying it all out bare is done very well as usual. I still can remember the no undies rule. I ain't gonna yap about this anymore cos if I start, I'll just lay it all out bare too. Not my intention.
Sheldon's books are drugs. The kind a person should get hooked on.
May 12, 2020
The one book by this author which I remember everything that was happening in the book even after a decade but still remembering I just didn't think that it was written well. I didn't like any of the characters. It was far too pretentious and rather too convenient for the one who's the actual evil.
March 25, 2020
review to follow
February 14, 2018
Enjoyable, entertaining, unputdownable and amazingly written. The title is intriguing. Characters were full of suspense. I enjoyed this book very much.
January 24, 2015
Mr. Sheldon does it again! Another breathtaking story about love, betrayal, vengeance and murder. This is bit different than his other books but I really enjoyed it.
Toby grew up with an idea that he was born to be famous. On the other hand, Jill grew up dreaming about being rich and beautiful. Soon, both realize that the only place that gives them what they want is Hollywood.
Both of them have to struggle to reach to the top. The part that describes their struggle is really heart touching. They have to lie, face humiliation, get rejected and sell their bodies until they get chance. Soon Toby becomes the superstar and the king of Hollywood but Jill is still struggling until one day they cross each other's path. Despite their age difference, they fall in love. Toby wants to marry Jill because she was the only girl who ever rejected him but Jill wants him because getting Toby's power is the only way to punish all the people who have used and rejected her.
They rise and rise as a Golden Couple of Hollywood until the love turns into betrayal and betrayal influences vengeance. The hounding carries on until they come together again, and until their love story is written forever by the stars that are only visible to soft night wind and the timeless sea.
Sidney Sheldon gets 5 out of 5 again from me.
Published on http://pchhantyal.blogspot.in/2014/10...
Toby grew up with an idea that he was born to be famous. On the other hand, Jill grew up dreaming about being rich and beautiful. Soon, both realize that the only place that gives them what they want is Hollywood.
Both of them have to struggle to reach to the top. The part that describes their struggle is really heart touching. They have to lie, face humiliation, get rejected and sell their bodies until they get chance. Soon Toby becomes the superstar and the king of Hollywood but Jill is still struggling until one day they cross each other's path. Despite their age difference, they fall in love. Toby wants to marry Jill because she was the only girl who ever rejected him but Jill wants him because getting Toby's power is the only way to punish all the people who have used and rejected her.
They rise and rise as a Golden Couple of Hollywood until the love turns into betrayal and betrayal influences vengeance. The hounding carries on until they come together again, and until their love story is written forever by the stars that are only visible to soft night wind and the timeless sea.
Sidney Sheldon gets 5 out of 5 again from me.
Published on http://pchhantyal.blogspot.in/2014/10...
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May 20, 2011
I didn’t quiet remember what I liked with this book except that I cried to the uber tragedy romantic ending scene.
Yeah! Well I’m just 12 when I read it. And you probably are wondering why I read this kind of book at that early age.
So I’ll give you the short version of why this book landed in my hand at the age of 12:
Me: we have book report in English. Do you have novel books?
Uncle: none. I’ll just get you one from my friend
Me: Okay.
[After few hours.]
Uncle: here. [Gave me the book] it’s the only book that I got.
Me: thanks.
There you go. Back then I’m not yet aware with the uh! ah! But thanks to this my wide eyes became wider. LOL
Why I liked it:
Pity with the girl.
Sweet revenge
I cry
And cry
And cry...
Why I didn’t:
I’m now afraid going Hollywood. Kidding. LOL
TOO vulgar
Never liked the other characters except Toby and Jill.
Not recommended to 14 below. [Rocks landing to my direction.....bang!]
[They said that this is typical Sheldon's work so this might be the first and last book Ill read by him.]
Just stick with what I felt with last six years.
But If I reread this I’ll probably will not have the same rate that I give it now.
Yeah! Well I’m just 12 when I read it. And you probably are wondering why I read this kind of book at that early age.
So I’ll give you the short version of why this book landed in my hand at the age of 12:
Me: we have book report in English. Do you have novel books?
Uncle: none. I’ll just get you one from my friend
Me: Okay.
[After few hours.]
Uncle: here. [Gave me the book] it’s the only book that I got.
Me: thanks.
There you go. Back then I’m not yet aware with the uh! ah! But thanks to this my wide eyes became wider. LOL
Why I liked it:
Pity with the girl.
Sweet revenge
I cry
And cry
And cry...
Why I didn’t:
I’m now afraid going Hollywood. Kidding. LOL
TOO vulgar
Never liked the other characters except Toby and Jill.
Not recommended to 14 below. [Rocks landing to my direction.....bang!]
[They said that this is typical Sheldon's work so this might be the first and last book Ill read by him.]
Just stick with what I felt with last six years.
But If I reread this I’ll probably will not have the same rate that I give it now.
March 15, 2010
I am in the process of re-reading my Sidney Sheldon book collection. I haven't read these books for many years and thought it would fun to go back try them again.
I'd actually give this book somewhere between 2-3 stars. This book has just about everything...starting with poor humble beginnings to pride,greed,revenge,sex - a lot of sex,consequences of choices made....and much more. I don't think this is one of Sheldon's better plots. It was interesting but didn't hold my interest for very long. It was very easy for me to put down the book or quickly become distracted by other things, which is unsually for me when I am reading.
I'd actually give this book somewhere between 2-3 stars. This book has just about everything...starting with poor humble beginnings to pride,greed,revenge,sex - a lot of sex,consequences of choices made....and much more. I don't think this is one of Sheldon's better plots. It was interesting but didn't hold my interest for very long. It was very easy for me to put down the book or quickly become distracted by other things, which is unsually for me when I am reading.
May 31, 2019
Waktu pertama kali baca novel ini sewaktu SMA, berarti antara tahun 1991-1994, masih merasa ceweknya keren. Sekarang baca koq merasa si Josephine/Jill ini kelewatan ambisius dan juga tolol sih?
Novel ini mirip semi historical fiction, menceritakan perjalanan hidup pemeran utama novel ini. Toby Temple dari lahir di era After Great Depression hingga kematiannya saat masih menjadi legendaris. Dari hanya anak seorang tukang daging berusaha mencapai impian muluk ibunya, menjadi orang besar dan terkenal. Setelah usianya kepala 4, Toby menaklukkan Hollywood menjadi raja lalim yg berkuasa disana. Tapi si raja ini kesepian luar biasa, dan laiknya seperti dongeng "The Emperor's New Clothes", saat raja ini bertemu Jill, dia mabuk kepayang bahkan memperistrinya tanpa mengenal seluk beluk sebenar-benarnya gadis yg berusia 20 tahun lebih muda darinya.
Jill Castle sudah berjuang hidup dari kelahirannya. Terlahir sbg anak imigran Polandia, penjahit yg bekerja utk nyonya-nyonya kaya membuat ambisi Jill luar biasa tinggi, dia ingin menjadi bagian dari society kelas atas tsb. Sayangnya cintanya dgn David Kenyon hrs kandas krn David dipaksa menikahi wanita lain. Jill nekad bertarung nasib di Hollywood. Ternyata modal cantik doang tapi tuna bakat tidak membantu dirinya utk mencapai taraf ketenaran yg diinginkannya. Bahkan setelah dia menjual tubuh dan harga dirinya tidak membantu kenaikan kariernya. Hingga dia bertemu sang raja, Toby Temple yg sukses besar dia memainkan kartunya utk dimanipulasi tergila-gila pd dirinya.
Jill ini mengingatkan saya pada sosok Meghan Markle, Duchess Sussex sekarang (ya lord maafkan saya yg terus julid pd MM) versi kulit putih. Setelah gak laku utk disodori peran penting apapun di Hollywood bahkan setelah jual diri memang miris
Sebenarnya Jill dan Toby gak beda jauh, mirip uang dgn sisi yg berlainan. Sama-sama kesepian dan tidak ada yg mencintai mereka dgn tulus, kejeblos dgn pria/wanita yg hanya ingin memanfaatkan seks dgn mereka. Novel ini memang bagus, bhw seks tidak selamanya menjadi alat pemulus karier, tapi sudah pasti bisa efektif menghancurkan diri seseorang. Andaikata Toby tidak tergila-gila pd kehidupan seks, dan andaikan Jill gak tuna bakat dan mengandalkan diri pada orang-orang yg salah, tragedi mereka yg mirip tragedi Yunani ini gak bakal terjadi.
Novel ini mirip semi historical fiction, menceritakan perjalanan hidup pemeran utama novel ini. Toby Temple dari lahir di era After Great Depression hingga kematiannya saat masih menjadi legendaris. Dari hanya anak seorang tukang daging berusaha mencapai impian muluk ibunya, menjadi orang besar dan terkenal. Setelah usianya kepala 4, Toby menaklukkan Hollywood menjadi raja lalim yg berkuasa disana. Tapi si raja ini kesepian luar biasa, dan laiknya seperti dongeng "The Emperor's New Clothes", saat raja ini bertemu Jill, dia mabuk kepayang bahkan memperistrinya tanpa mengenal seluk beluk sebenar-benarnya gadis yg berusia 20 tahun lebih muda darinya.
Jill Castle sudah berjuang hidup dari kelahirannya. Terlahir sbg anak imigran Polandia, penjahit yg bekerja utk nyonya-nyonya kaya membuat ambisi Jill luar biasa tinggi, dia ingin menjadi bagian dari society kelas atas tsb. Sayangnya cintanya dgn David Kenyon hrs kandas krn David dipaksa menikahi wanita lain. Jill nekad bertarung nasib di Hollywood. Ternyata modal cantik doang tapi tuna bakat tidak membantu dirinya utk mencapai taraf ketenaran yg diinginkannya. Bahkan setelah dia menjual tubuh dan harga dirinya tidak membantu kenaikan kariernya. Hingga dia bertemu sang raja, Toby Temple yg sukses besar dia memainkan kartunya utk dimanipulasi tergila-gila pd dirinya.
Jill ini mengingatkan saya pada sosok Meghan Markle, Duchess Sussex sekarang (ya lord maafkan saya yg terus julid pd MM) versi kulit putih. Setelah gak laku utk disodori peran penting apapun di Hollywood bahkan setelah jual diri memang miris
Sebenarnya Jill dan Toby gak beda jauh, mirip uang dgn sisi yg berlainan. Sama-sama kesepian dan tidak ada yg mencintai mereka dgn tulus, kejeblos dgn pria/wanita yg hanya ingin memanfaatkan seks dgn mereka. Novel ini memang bagus, bhw seks tidak selamanya menjadi alat pemulus karier, tapi sudah pasti bisa efektif menghancurkan diri seseorang. Andaikata Toby tidak tergila-gila pd kehidupan seks, dan andaikan Jill gak tuna bakat dan mengandalkan diri pada orang-orang yg salah, tragedi mereka yg mirip tragedi Yunani ini gak bakal terjadi.
October 8, 2012
Ah, Sidney Sheldon, what can you say about him? His novels are trashy, full of unrealistic, rather silly plots, sex and situations ... and they are so un-putdownable that they might as well be made of crazy glue.
In this one, two young aspiring performers have simultaneous stories. Toby Temple is a young comic with a boyish, innocent face but a mean streak a mile deep. Jill Castle has had to fight and claw to get any sort of career.
This one gets three stars rather than just one because the story genuinely surprised me and it was immensely readable and enjoyable to me. There was stuff, especially in the last third, that I simply did not see coming and I loved how Sheldon pulled it all together. It gets three stars instead of five because of the clunky pacing in the first half and the ridiculously schmaltzy romantic language.
It's like cotton candy - I'll have forgotten the characters' names by next week (actually, I had to look up Jill's last name just to write this review). But I love cotton candy.
In this one, two young aspiring performers have simultaneous stories. Toby Temple is a young comic with a boyish, innocent face but a mean streak a mile deep. Jill Castle has had to fight and claw to get any sort of career.
This one gets three stars rather than just one because the story genuinely surprised me and it was immensely readable and enjoyable to me. There was stuff, especially in the last third, that I simply did not see coming and I loved how Sheldon pulled it all together. It gets three stars instead of five because of the clunky pacing in the first half and the ridiculously schmaltzy romantic language.
It's like cotton candy - I'll have forgotten the characters' names by next week (actually, I had to look up Jill's last name just to write this review). But I love cotton candy.
December 28, 2019
A stranger in the mirror is the weakest offering from Sheldon's opus that I've read thus far. Just like Sheldon's other books, it's written in an engaging way, so the pages flew by even though I wasn't entranced by the plot.
The novel follows the lives of Toby Temple and Jill Castle, both of which are children of immigrants who want to make it big in Hollywood. Their trials and tribulations prior to meeting each other are chronicled in extensive (and pretty disgusting) detail. When they do meet each other (at the 2/3 mark of the book), the real plot of the novel begins. After that, the novel unfolds with break-neck speed, which sacrifices character growth. Apart from the pacing problem, there were several moments which required a huge suspension of disbelief...
Overall, I'm not a fan of this novel. Stories connected with Hollywood are always such a downer. Perhaps in the seventies this story was fresh and new, but nowadays, knowing all that we know of Hollywood (not to mention the number one problem there), it doesn't bring anything new to the table.
The novel follows the lives of Toby Temple and Jill Castle, both of which are children of immigrants who want to make it big in Hollywood. Their trials and tribulations prior to meeting each other are chronicled in extensive (and pretty disgusting) detail. When they do meet each other (at the 2/3 mark of the book), the real plot of the novel begins. After that, the novel unfolds with break-neck speed, which sacrifices character growth. Apart from the pacing problem, there were several moments which required a huge suspension of disbelief...
Overall, I'm not a fan of this novel. Stories connected with Hollywood are always such a downer. Perhaps in the seventies this story was fresh and new, but nowadays, knowing all that we know of Hollywood (not to mention the number one problem there), it doesn't bring anything new to the table.
February 26, 2011
I read this a while back. While the book is very well written, there was a depressing air to the entire book. Even now as I remember vividly the storyline, it feels me with sadness. Both the hero and heroine in the book went through so many horrible events in the book. I really do hope that Hollywood is better than how it is portrayed in the book.
August 20, 2024
I wish I could give this more than 5 stars 😩 This book has now joined my favorites list. Never wanted it to end.
October 13, 2021
https://perfectretort.blogspot.com/20...
Dreadful. And, yes, I should have got out of bed, turned off the light and gone to sleep instead of reading it at one sitting.
Dreadful. And, yes, I should have got out of bed, turned off the light and gone to sleep instead of reading it at one sitting.
February 15, 2016
Sheldon enjoyed - that's just a saying, mind, I'm not sure he was even aware - a brief super fame in Sweden in the early 80's and his books were published in large, low-price hardbacks with fashion model covers that had nothing at all to do with the content. Unfortunately for me and my friends (who for the longest time thought he was a woman for some reason), this coincided with our early to mid teens and we devoured his sex-spiced outings. The story-lines were often 'shocking' (albeit simple, bordering on juvenile) and instantly-rewarding kept us entertained for a short period. And I'm sure we loved the fact that we were reading real books! Big and heavy also (due to large print and margins, but hey...).
March 9, 2013
Well..its my 5th Sidney Sheldon book. I could not rate less than 5 stars in any of his books so far. Here, Toby Temple captures the title "the most funniest man in the world" though he passed through many loathsome folks in his path. On the other hand, Jill Castle who also had an ambition but partial talent, uses Toby to reach her heights. Selfish love, revenge, hatred, betraying were brought out in a marvelous way. The tale was really interesting that i was reading contiguously skipping my appetite. The rapid situations and suspense did not allow me to guess the climax at all. To emphasize on the whole book it was a tremendous book with overwhelming characters.
February 11, 2011
I actually read the version that is translated into the Russian language. The book is a good read, but it doesn't really get too interesting until the last few chapters. It seemed to drag on a bit, however it leaves you wanting to know what is going to happen and WHEN it will finally happen! All in all, it was alright.
May 19, 2011
See my review on my book blog: http://quirkyreader.livejournal.com/2...
November 27, 2018
'A Stranger in the Mirror' is sure to stir-up a maelstrom of emotions in your living, heavenly bodies! A classic rags to riches story that pays great tribute to not only the Makers of their destiny but also to the Survivors who cling onto their hopes and desires to the very climax of their lives!
Toby Temple, a nobody, chases his dreams with all that he has, as his talent and sacrifices (and years of hard work) pave way to the incredible allure of Hollywood, thus making him the undisputed King.
Jill Castle has had her life wrapped up in religion and social stigmas from which she is trying to break free to search for love, stardom and glory!
Sidney Sheldon comprehensively and masterfully crafts a storyline bringing the two protagonists together and focuses on the workings of showbiz as the two leads 'get together', and ultimately fall apart (and how!). The quest for fame and power and how it makes you despise yourself and loathe those around you has found the author's attention, and has been suffused throughout the book. The reader 'grows' with the characters, visualising them change and discover as they reach the epitome of Business, and lead to their respective destruction.
The author takes special care to paint a mirror image of one's own self, as we drive through life taking it head on! We all have a stranger living within ourselves. The stranger who is frail as a living entity, who dives through the struggles and the victories in life, and who reaches the unavoidable grand finale: Death. And the more he tries to run away from it, the more he becomes 'it'.
The book is "psychologically moving", and if adapted for the screen today, would still make a better overall product than a LA LA LAND.
Rating - 3.75/5
Toby Temple, a nobody, chases his dreams with all that he has, as his talent and sacrifices (and years of hard work) pave way to the incredible allure of Hollywood, thus making him the undisputed King.
Jill Castle has had her life wrapped up in religion and social stigmas from which she is trying to break free to search for love, stardom and glory!
Sidney Sheldon comprehensively and masterfully crafts a storyline bringing the two protagonists together and focuses on the workings of showbiz as the two leads 'get together', and ultimately fall apart (and how!). The quest for fame and power and how it makes you despise yourself and loathe those around you has found the author's attention, and has been suffused throughout the book. The reader 'grows' with the characters, visualising them change and discover as they reach the epitome of Business, and lead to their respective destruction.
The author takes special care to paint a mirror image of one's own self, as we drive through life taking it head on! We all have a stranger living within ourselves. The stranger who is frail as a living entity, who dives through the struggles and the victories in life, and who reaches the unavoidable grand finale: Death. And the more he tries to run away from it, the more he becomes 'it'.
The book is "psychologically moving", and if adapted for the screen today, would still make a better overall product than a LA LA LAND.
Rating - 3.75/5
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