10 Books Featuring Characters Navigating The Media Industry
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The media industry is alluring. For decades, its representation in pop culture has had many of us–the born storytellers, the curious minds, the creative spirits–dreaming and fantasizing about pursuing a career in one of its fields. If not all, actually. Film, television, publishing, entertainment, public relations…don’t they all sound like fancy exciting fields to work in? I know they do to me—although it’s true that I’ve always preferred the glam of journalism, especially magazine publishing, and digital long-form writing.
Professionally speaking, it’s hard to tell which of the industry’s aspects is the most attractive: the fast-paced environment, the blend of creativity and technology, or the opportunity to influence societal narratives. All certainly add to the industry's unique appeal and popularity. However, in today’s landscape, those same appealing aspects also contribute to the precarious state of the industry. And therefore make working a successful career in mass media and communications feel like a nostalgic dream from a bygone era, forcing many professionals to drift towards more stable jobs. Reluctantly.
As a media enthusiast, I’ve been seeking ways to reignite the spark, to recover the excitement and passion that once fueled my and all my peers’ career aspirations. As of late, I found solace in reading about the industry. More specifically novels, as the genre makes it quite easy for readers to live vicariously through the characters. Curious to find out my top pick reads? The list below curates 10 industry-related books that made it to my nightstand.
1. A Hundred Other Girls (2022)
Noora, an aspiring writer and amateur blogger, lands a coveted assistant job at Vinyl magazine, helmed by the iconic but tyrannical Loretta James. Torn between the old-school print team and the progressive digital team, Noora navigates the tumultuous media landscape while striving to keep her dream job and stay true to herself. The novel is a vibrant exploration of ambition, identity, and the clash between tradition and innovation in the world of publishing.
2. Colored Television (2024)
by Danzy Senna
Jane, a biracial writer, is struggling to complete her ambitious second novel while living precariously in Los Angeles. Her life takes a turn when she house-sits in the Hollywood Hills, providing her the stability she craves. As she attempts to transition from novelist to television writer, she collaborates with Hampton Ford, a prominent Black TV producer, to develop a biracial comedy. This venture into Hollywood's media landscape exposes Jane to the industry's cutthroat nature, ethical dilemmas, and the racial identity-industrial complex.
3. Cover Story (2022)
A thrilling tale set in the cutthroat world of high fashion. The novel follows an ambitious young journalist who uncovers a scandal that could shake the industry to its core. With sharp wit and a keen eye for detail, Rigetti weaves a gripping narrative that exposes the darker side of glamour and ambition.
4. Funny You Should Ask (2022)
Elissa Sussman crafts a charming romance centered around a Hollywood heartthrob and a journalist whose interview goes viral, sparking unexpected chemistry. Years later, they reunite, grappling with their pasts and the possibility of a future together. The novel is a delightful exploration of love, fame, and second chances.
5. Off The Record (2021)
Josie Wright is a teenage journalist who uncovers a major scandal involving a beloved celebrity. As she navigates the complexities of truth and justice, Josie must confront her own fears and insecurities. Garrett's novel is a powerful commentary on the #MeToo movement and the courage it takes to speak out.
6. The God Of Good Looks (2023)
This novel tells the story of a young woman navigating the glamorous yet treacherous world of beauty pageants in the Caribbean. The protagonist navigates the highs and lows of fame, manipulated by media narratives and public perception. This novel is a critical exploration of how media shapes and distorts the standards of beauty and success, and the personal cost of living up to these superficial ideals.
7. The Intern (2014)
A humorous and relatable novel about Josie Browning, a young intern at a glossy fashion magazine. As she stumbles through the challenges of the publishing world, Josie learns valuable lessons about career, friendship, and self-discovery. Tozer's witty writing and engaging characters make this a delightful read.
8. The List (2023)
by Yomi Adegoke
Yomi Adegoke explores the lives of a diverse group of women connected by a controversial social media list that exposes their deepest secrets. The novel delves into themes of privacy, reputation, and the power dynamics of the digital age, offering a gripping and timely narrative about the impact of technology on personal lives.
9. The Most Famous Girl In The World (2024)
Rose Aslani, a journalist whose investigative article on a socialite scam artist propels her into the public eye. As Rose grapples with the aftermath of her article's viral success, she becomes entangled in the life of the now-famous scammer, Poppy Hastings. Rose's journey is a biting satire on how media can elevate and exploit individuals, turning them into pop culture icons regardless of their true nature.
10. When the Filter Fades: A Novel (2023)
A contemporary novel that explores the lives of influencers and the curated realities they present online. As the protagonist's carefully constructed world begins to crumble, she must confront the truth about herself and the impact of her digital persona. Jellars offers a compelling commentary on authenticity and the quest for validation in the age of social media.
