An irresistible mixture of memoir, biography, cultural analysis, hero worship, and sequinstudded self-help that will speak to anyone who's ever nursed an obsession. Judy Garland has been an important figure in Susie Boyt's life since she was three years old: comforting, inspiring, and at times disturbing her. In this unique book, Boyt travels deep into the underworld of hero worship, examining our understanding of rescue, consolation, love, grief, and fame through the prism of Judy. Her journey takes in a duetting breakfast with Mickey Rooney, a munchkin luncheon, a latenight spree at the Minnesota Judy Garland Museum, and a breathless, semi-sacred encounter with Liza Minnelli. Layering key episodes from Garland's life with defining moments from her own, Boyt explores with insight and humor what it means, exactly, to adore someone you don't know. Does hero worship have to be a pursuit that's low in status or can it be performed with pride and style? Are there similarities that lie at the heart of all fandom? Chronicling her obsession, Boyt illuminates her own life and perfectly distills why Judy Garland is such a legend.

Product Description: Susie Boyt examines hero-worship?along with consolation, love, grief, and fame?through the prism of her own beloved Judy Garland. Her journey takes in a duetting breakfast with Mickey Rooney, a munchkin luncheon, and a breathless, semisacred encounter with Liza Minnelli...read more

Hungry for attention when her father waltzes out of her life again, Nell Dorney's schoolgirl crush on Bill Marnie turns into a wild obsession

Product Description: Funny, touching, sardonic, a delightful first novel by a promotable young talent