Synopses & Reviews
The psychology behind Americas most popular religioncelebrity worship
Do you find yourself constantly worrying about Jens lovelife? Britneys mental health and Suris thumbsucking? Youve become a full-fledged member of the cult of celebrity. Luckily, theres a new antidoteCooper Lawrencewho will talk you through the reasons why star obsession is A-List OK. If youve ever wondered if your celebrity obsession is dangerous to your health, then dig into Coopers new investigation into the cult of celebrity. From the historical roots of star worship to the inner workings of the Hollywood machine, youll finally understand why celebrities really do matter.”
Bonnie Fuller, cofounder of Bonnie Fuller Media Coopers vast wealth of pop culture knowledge makes her my first choice to call when I need an expert opinion on celebrity canoodling for OK! magazine. Her sense of humor and wit along with her insight into personal relationships make her an invaluable resource.”
Meaghan Murphy, West Coast news editor, OK! magazine Cooper has the rare ability to take whats going on in the celebrity world and break it down in real-life terms. . . . In this book, she does it with her genuine, no-pretense style.”
Peter Grossman, US Weekly Magazine Being with Cooper is like being with one of your closest friendsone who happens to be a treasure trove of humor, wit, ease, incredible sensibility, and a vivacious personality, all wrapped up with intellect and experience.”
Eric Nies, model/actor, MTVs Real World and former host of MTVs The Grind Cooper Lawrence has keen, compassionate insight into the good, the bad, and the ugly.”
Adrian Zmed, actor T. J. Hooker; Grease 2
Synopsis
Americas fast-growing religion islets face itcelebrity worship. From gossip magazines to entertainment TV, from blogs to ads featuring famous faces, the stars are our new gods and goddesses. But why are we so quick to put them on pedestals? Why are we even more spellbound when they topple back down to earth?
The Cult of Celebrity is the first book to explore this phenomenon comprehensively and yet in eminently readable terms. In a compulsive read, Cooper Lawrence maps out the psychology behind the behavior of the starsand that of the millions out there who follow their every move. She points both to the benefits and dangers not only to society but also to us personally; to our spending habits, health, social awareness, attitude toward personal failure and toward relationships, and above all, our self-image. And she offers practical tips on keeping our interest under control. Drawing on the latest research as well as interviews with fans and entertainment industry insiders, as well as celebrities themselves, The Cult of Celebrity is as accessible and sassy as it is thought-provoking.
About the Author
COOPER LAWRENCE is an expert on celebrity culture and fame. With an M.A. in developmental psychology, years of research, and a doctorate near completion she is the fame expert on the new VH1 'Celebreality' TV show Confessions of a Teen Idol slated for 2009. Cooper hosts the nationally syndicated talk radio show, The Cooper Lawrence Show from Dial Global Cooper is a favorite guest of CNN Headline News's Showbiz Tonight, Fox News Channel, and The Tyra Banks Show as well as other shows including, The Today Show, The Early Show, CNN, The O'Reilly Factor, Your World with Neil Cavuto, Hannity & Colmes, Fox & Friends, The Insider, and on E! Entertainment Television. She has been featured in print for the New York Post, New York Daily News, Chicago Tribune, IN STYLE, SELF, Parenting, Cosmopolitan, Family Circle, OK! Magazine, US Weekly, Life & Style, Star Magazine, In Touch Weekly, The Huffington Post and CosmoGIRL!
Table of Contents
Introduction
Part 1: What is the Cult of Celebrity?
Chapter One: Worshiping At The Altar Of In Touch Weekly
Chapter Three: How Stars Are Created; The Machine
Part 2: The impact the Cult of Celebrity has on our livesChapter Four: 14 Minutes and Counting
Chapter Five: Its Not a Generation Gap, Its a Freakin Ravine
Chapter Six: Spending Habits
Chapter Seven: Health
Chapter Eight: Social Awareness and Responsibility
Chapter Nine: Attitude Toward Personal Failure
Chapter Ten: Attitude Toward Relationships
Chapter Eleven: Self-image
Chapter Twelve: Personal Lives
Conclusion
About The Author