“Liberation in the form of fun.”
3.5 stars.

If you love early Hollywood, this is definitely the book for you! The book is inspired by the life of flapper star, Colleen Moore.

The first quarter of the book felt so magical to me. The way that Doreen found her passion was one of the cutest things that I have ever read. When she eventually makes her way to Hollywood, I really enjoyed the environment that Rooney set: people just figuring it out. It felt so exciting knowing that Doreen just had to keep working hard at the craft to make her own way. I also enjoyed how the story moved between the past and present as well as Doreen’s narration: it really felt as if I were sitting down with an old friend to hear their life story.

However, it’s about halfway into the book that I began losing interest. Doreen began to feel like an uninteresting person that interesting things happened to. I felt that we spent too much time in the wrong moments and would’ve loved to live longer in other moments. Doreen had to face (and overcome) many of her own battles against sexism and racism, but yet Rooney seems to gloss over the other ugly parts of Hollywood (save for alcoholism). Although I know the story is about Doreen, there just didn’t seem to be enough awareness of surrounding historical events.

Overall, I thought this was a really charming and inspirational story about how one can leave their mark on the world.

Interesting concept although the main character is very unique in her own way which I admired especially as it was set in a particular time.

At times the main character jumps to different points in her life.

Review in progress and to come.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review

From Dust to Stardust is the skillful novelization of Colleen Moore's life, a silent film star who was one of the most famous actresses of the roaring 20's, but is now mostly forgotten about. Her legacy lives on in the films that she made, or at least the ones that still remain (others are considered lost) and a beautiful enchanted miniature fairy castle that resides in the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry.

I was not familiar with Colleen's life prior to this novel, nor have I read many books set in the silent film era, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved it. Eileen, de fictional character that serves as a stand-in for Colleen in this book, comes off as a wistful, pragmatic woman. I admired her self-knowledge, she knew what she wanted and she never swayed from that, which is a trait that is always commendable, but especially in a time period where women had far fewer options than they do now.

The only reason why I've not given this book five stars is because the pacing felt a little off at times. There are moments in Eileen's life where it feels like we spend almost every second of every day with her, and other times, especially during the second half of the book, such as the lawsuit she was dealing with as well as her divorce, that I wish we got to spend a little more time on.

Nonetheless, Rooney has managed to craft a novel that breathes life into a time period that is so often underutilized or forgotten about altogether.

An advanced copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This was an enjoyable read. I was fascinated to learn that it draws on the real life of a silent movie star. I liked how the author blended in real characters with her fictional ones: it felt seamless.

I was so absorbed in this book. Old Hollywood Glamor and the actors lives and the ups and downs that they face. This was based on a true story and it was so well written I couldn't tell you where truth ends and make believe begins. This was very well done.
I just reviewed From Dust to Stardust by Kathleen Rooney. #FromDusttoStardust #NetGalley
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Thank you for this advanced copy which was a great read, I had trouble putting this down! I liked the way it was written and it made for an easy read. I would definitely recommend and look forward to reading another book by this author! A stunner!

I was very excited to read this book since Rooney’s earlier novel, “Lillian Boxfish Takes A Walk” was truly life affirming for me. I am not disappointed. This is a well-researched, beautifully written book inspired by a real movie star of the 1920’s, Colleen Moore.

The author took me back to early film days and sprinkles in names of people who helped nurture the movie industry. Despite my being a huge fan of this era, I learned a great deal. I’m certainly going to pursue the lives of the people introduced in this book.

The stand-in for Moore is Doreen O’Dare who becomes a 1920’s film star, moving to Hollywood with her beloved grandmother at a shockingly young age. Her tale recounts the growing pains of the film industry. Additionally, the mores and scandals are revealed. As someone who has enjoyed this period of cinema history, I loved the way it was recounted here.

I certainly recommend this book. Additionally, the reader’s guide/questions make it ideal for groups. Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this thoughtful and lovely novel.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union for the opportunity to read Kathleen Rooney's From Dust to Stardust.

The Jazz Age was a magical time, and not just in Hollywood. Ms. Rooney's research and writing brought it all home beautifully. The castle and the fairies were the perfect extra bit of glitter. Just right!

And now I'm off to read more about Colleen Moore, on whom this story was based.

I wasn't the biggest fan of this novel, although I applaud the author for this being her first work of fiction. The first person narrative did little to pique my interest and I was not motivated to keep reading the story.