Hollywood, Ending - two twenty-something actors experience the highs and lows of seeking stardom.

In 2019, former child actor Juniper Castillo lands her first adult role in the "important" film, “Andy Warhol Never Gets Old.” The movie stars Matthew Malone, a veteran A-lister who is hungry for his first Oscar. Fresh-out-of-Indiana Kai Laramie, in his movie debut, is cast as Juniper's romantic interest. The book is narrated from the alternating perspectives of the two young actors, who begin to develop a genuine connection off-screen. Juniper starts by detailing the filming process. Kai then takes us through the demands of promoting the movie, which is expected to catapult him to stardom. While Juniper's struggles with her late mother are widely known, Kai harbors a long-hidden secret from his teen years, which he fears might be exposed as his fame grows. In this world of high ambitions and public scrutiny, is there room for self-preservation?

John Green's first novel for adults, Hollywood, Ending brings us into the lives of two complex characters and their glamorous and not-so-glamorous journeys. This engaging story is filled with many self-serving people who seem to overlook the fact that Kai and Juniper are two vulnerable young adults. The media certainly doesn't hold back. Choosing the audio version was a smart decision, as the talented Julia Whelan brought depth to Juniper, someone who took time to warm up to. Zachary Chastain provided the perfect blend of likeability and vulnerability to Kai. I highly recommend this book. I only wish that "Andy Warhol Never Gets Old" was a real movie. Hopefully, if/when a movie adaptation of this book is made, they will include key scenes of the fictitious film.  

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars. 

Contemporary Fiction.

Publication Date: Sept. 22, 2026.

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