The Celebrity

By Robert Elmer

Book Overview

Caught Between a Charade and the Truth. Jamie D. Lane is many things: multi-talented, handsome-and the most sought-after pop star in the world. But there's one thing he isn't -happy. At the height of... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1578567416
• ISBN13: 9781578567416
• Release Date: January 2005
• Publisher: WaterBrook
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.3" x 0.6" x 5.5"

Customer Reviews

Refreshing

There are several reviews before mine that tell you the basic story line so I will not repeat it again but I just had to leave a short review about The Celebrity. I never heard of the book or even the author before but I am a sucker for books about small towns and the cover caught my attention right away. I read the little blurb and decided to take it home with me. Once I started the book, I was instantly drawn into the stories of Jamie and Anne. Two people from different worlds who managed to find their way into each others lives and hearts. If you are looking for a heartwarming story about how God touches our lives then The Celebrity is calling your name.

A Keeper - Well written & fun to read

Who was it who wrote: "Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive"? Nowhere is the truth of this more evident than in the life of Jamie D. Lane, handsome, rich, talented and idolized pop star. The premise is not new: rich boy wants to see what life is like where nobody knows who he is. Usually these escapes are planned with the cooperation of at least one other person. But Jamie, while taking a break to tend to some personal matters, comes across some things that nudge him to try to go back to his roots. And he does. There is no one in the world who knows where he's gone. He changes his appearance, cuts and dyes his hair, adds colored contacts, everything he can think of so he won't be recognized, and heads up to the Pacific Northwest-alone, and becomes Joe Bradley. Jamie's self-imposed exile reveals more than he had originally intended to learn. He takes a minimum-wage job making donuts, lives with a group of Trappist monks and drives an old second-hand car, accompanied by a lovable pan-handling dog. Anne Stewart, once a teacher of inner-city kids and former high-school track star, now lives in a caboose-turned-apartment behind her parent's donut shop. She is filled with harsh bitterness and hatred against the drunk driver who nearly ended her life. Now she works at a small Christian school as part-time teacher, despite her physical and mental limitations. When Joe Bradley volunteers to help her with the school musical production of Bye Bye Birdie, Anne's life takes an unexpected turn. Joe Bradley aka Jamie D. Lane, is pulled into the life of the people of this small town. He actually enjoys making donuts, and finds strange comfort at the abbey with the monks. And, he discovers an irresistible urge to "help" - giving anonymously. The more he gives, the greater the risk of exposure. Working with Anne and the musical only increases his chance of discovery. But the real danger is that Joe/Jamie is starting to believe his own lies and deceits. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this book. Robert Elmer writes with such wit that you'll find yourself laughing out loud, and then he turns around and hits you with a zinger that brings real tears. The personal and spiritual journey of both Jamie and Anne is deep, and real. You will love them, laugh with them, and weep with them, but you will cheer them on. Well done, Robert.

Small Town America Meets Big Time Star

I grew up reading Mr. Elmer's books for kids and loved them all. Now that I'm a little older, I was really excited to hear that he is writing adult books now. His first, The Duet, was even better than I could even imagine. So obviously, I was really excited when The Celebrity came out. It's my favorite of all his books. The story follows Jamie D. Lane, a superstar singer who is sick of fame and the superficious world surrounding it. A death in the family brings Jamie to a small town in Eastern Washington state, where Jamie discovers who he really is and what truly is most important to him... even love. Mr. Elmer really has a fresh way of writing, integrating narrative, first, and third person perspectives and I've noticed how he likes to set his stories in small towns in Washington state. Anyways, I really enjoyed the book and look forward to any that he may write in the future.

The Celebrity

Jamie, a celebrated and very successful music artist, makes a promise to his dying mother as she lays in the hospital, that he will bring her ashes "home" to the town that she grew up in, but has never returned to. After his mother's death Jamie keeps his promise, but can't wait to get it all over with! Instead, he is drawn to that small town and its people and cannot bring himself to leave. It is here, that Jamie finally feels "free" from all the fame, success and money that was suppose to make him happy, but didn't. Slowly, he becomes acquainted with some of the town's people and their needs and begins using his money anonymously to help them. That is when Jamie really begins "living"!

A rousing treat

Internationally renowned singer Jamie D. Lane performs the show of his life live from England, but near the end of the TV broadcast feels a need to see his dying mom. Jamie thinks back to fifteen years ago when his single mom worked as a hotel maid because she believed her beloved son had the "gift" of voice. He heads to Los Angeles to say goodbye though his mom will not know him due to advanced Alzheimer's. Miraculously she asks Jamie to take her home in Riverdale, Washington where her family lived and died. Jamie needs to do this for his mom and for himself so he takes her ashes to be buried in Riverdale, but first cuts his highly recognizable long haired golden mane. In Riverdale, he uses the guise of Bradley. He meets middle school teacher Anne Stewart, who still recovers from a drunken driver smashing into her at 55 MPH. Soon Anne and Jamie fall in love, but he fears what will happen when she learns that he hid his real identity that of a celebrity from her. If you have not read the inspirational tales of Robert Elmer you are missing a rousing treat. His latest tale stars two weary and wary people carry baggage. Their growing relationship makes for a fine DUET as each begins to realize what they lacked, caring for someone else who also nurtures them. Though actions by Jamie's manager seem to add unneeded suspense, Mr. Elmer provides a character driven inspiring tale that glues heart and soul. Harriet Klausner