This book is like finding a scratched-up vinyl record at a thrift store—you don’t know if it’ll play, but the risk is part of the fun. 'Hits Flops and Other Illusions' meanders through Hollywood absurdity with a smirk, but it’s the self-deprecating wit that hooked me. The 'Hits' chapter alone is worth the price, full of bizarre anecdotes that make you go, 'Wait, that actually happened?'
It’s not profound in a traditional sense, but there’s something addictive about its honesty. I kept reading just to see what the author would admit to next. Perfect for anyone who likes their wisdom served with a side of chaos.
I picked up 'Hits Flops and Other Illusions' on a whim, mostly because the cover art caught my eye—sometimes you just judge a book by its cover, and it works out! The storytelling is surprisingly layered, blending dry humor with moments of genuine introspection. It’s not your typical industry exposé; it feels more like eavesdropping on a late-night conversation between friends who’ve seen too much. The author’s voice is so candid that you forget you’re reading a memoir and not a novel.
What really stuck with me were the quieter moments—the 'flops' section isn’t just about failure but about the weird beauty of trying anyway. If you’re into backstage stories with heart, this one’s a gem. I finished it in two sittings and immediately loaned it to my cousin, who’s still texting me quotes from it.
A friend shoved this book into my hands saying, 'You’ll either hate it or underline every page.' Turns out, I did both. 'Hits Flops and Other Illusions' has this unpolished charm—like the author couldn’t decide if they wanted to write a satire or a love letter to creativity, so they did both messily and brilliantly. The pacing’s uneven in places, but that almost adds to its authenticity. Some chapters read like fever dreams (the 'Illusions' section especially), while others are so sharply observed they sting.
It won’t be for everyone, but if you enjoy books that feel like they’re breathing—imperfect, alive, a little too loud at times—you’ll find something to cling to here. I dog-eared at least a dozen pages about artistic doubt that felt like personal attacks (in the best way).
2026-03-27 14:53:16
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Deflected
M.E. Carter
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de·flected: When an object changes direction after hitting something, or the cause to deviate from an intended purpose.
See examples Tiffany and Rowen Flanigan:
After surviving the biggest sex scandal to rock major league soccer, the Flanigan’s are finally living the dream. They’re newlyweds, have great friends, and are both making names for themselves in their respective careers. They have goals for their future and big plans on how to make it all happen.
But when a new and unexpected development suddenly arises, Tiffany and Rowen realize all those carefully made plans are about to become irrelevant. Things will never be the same when their lives are deflected.
Contains explicit content and is recommended for ages 18+.
Deflected is created by M.E. Carter, an eGlobal Creative
Publishing Signed Author.
"I bet you can't make her like you."
"Watch me."
Neither of them knew the other one was having that exact same conversation.
Ava Bennett has never lost anything worth keeping. Not competitions, not arguments, and certainly not the cheer captain election she has spent three years bleeding for. She is disciplined, intimidating, and completely immune to Mason Reed's charm. Or so she tells herself.
Mason Reed has never met a girl he couldn't win over. Football captain, school golden boy, wanted by everyone and challenged by no one. Until Ava Bennett looks straight through him like he is nothing, and suddenly winning becomes personal.
When their friends separately dare them to do the impossible, both accept. Neither knows the other made the same bet. So when Mason proposes a fake relationship, the terms are coldly practical. His playboy reputation is costing him his shot at the Elite Prospects Football Program, the most prestigious talent pipeline in the state. Ava needs the popularity surge to pull ahead in the captain election. They hate each other. They agree anyway.
The rules are simple. No feelings. No jealousy. No catching feelings.
They break every single one.
But secrets this size never stay buried, and when the truth finally surfaces, it doesn't just destroy what they built. It forces them to confront the one question neither of them is brave enough to answer.
If it started as a lie, how do you know when it became real?
So......
Fake It With Me, Because the most dangerous game is the one where you forget you're playing.
Nora, a quiet and talented artist, has always kept to herself, letting her creativity speak louder than words. Life takes an unexpected turn when she crosses paths with Jaden, a charming and irresistible basketball star whose reputation for heartbreak precedes him. What starts as a casual connection soon spirals into a passionate and consuming romance, filled with stolen glances, secret moments, and undeniable chemistry.
But love is never simple. Betrayal, heartbreak, and jealousy test the strength of their bond, forcing both Nora and Jaden to confront their deepest fears and desires. As they navigate the turbulence of young love, they must decide whether their hearts are strong enough to endure the storms—or if falling in love means falling apart.
Tender, raw, and unforgettably intense, “The Art of Falling” is a story about love’s power to heal, transform, and sometimes, break us completely.
My five years of marriage to Elliot Kline turned out to be a cruel joke.
"For tomorrow's monthly report meeting, I'd like Yvette to present your branding plan," Elliot said, not looking up from his desk.
I put down the files I was organizing, certain I had misheard. "What?"
"Yvette just joined the company. She needs a chance to prove herself. Your plan is perfect for that." He lifted his head, his tone brooking no argument.
"But that's my entry for the Veriania Creative Competition," I protested.
"You win awards every year. What's the harm in letting her have it this time?" He shrugged, adding, "We need to nurture new talent."
I stared at the man with whom I had shared a bed for five years. His face suddenly felt so unfamiliar to me.
"Do you know how many sleepless nights I poured into that plan? And you're giving it to a new intern?"
"Don't be so petty. It's just a plan. My decision is made."
My fists clenched, anger surging through me.
One week before her perfect wedding, Skylar Johnson finds her fiancé having wild, breathless sex with her sister in her parents’ winery.
She is left broken and humiliated.
But one reckless kiss with a stranger in an elevator changes everything, especially when that stranger turns out to be Carter Ford, a married mafia billionaire heir.
When their paths cross again, he offers her a position at his company, pulling her into a world of power, obsession, and deceit.
Behind the luxury lies a hidden empire, the American Mafia, waging a silent war against the Italian Camorra. And Skylar? She’s the perfect pawn.
What begins as passion spirals into obsession as Carter draws her into his illusion, remoulding her into the image of his first love.
By the time Skylar sees the truth, it’s too late.
She’s already his masterpiece and his prisoner.
I adore books that blend memoir with industry insights, and 'Hits, Flops, and Other Illusions' nails that vibe perfectly. If you're craving something similar, check out 'Adventures in the Screen Trade' by William Goldman. It's a Hollywood classic, packed with behind-the-scenes stories and sharp observations about the film industry. Goldman’s wit and honesty make it feel like you’re chatting with a seasoned insider over coffee.
Another gem is 'Bossypants' by Tina Fey—less about Hollywood flops, but equally hilarious and insightful about creative work. She mixes personal anecdotes with showbiz realities, and her self-deprecating humor is gold. For a darker twist, 'The Disaster Artist' by Greg Sestero dives into the making of 'The Room,' arguably the best worst movie ever. It’s a wild ride of ambition and chaos, perfect for anyone who loves a good trainwreck story.
Baseball isn't just a game to me—it's practically a religion. And 'The Science of Hitting'? That's like the holy text for anyone who worships at the altar of batting averages. Ted Williams breaks down the mechanics of a swing with the precision of a surgeon, and his passion bleeds through every page. It's not just theory; it's packed with actionable insights that feel like they could shave points off your ERA overnight.
What really hooked me was how Williams blends old-school wisdom with almost scientific rigor. He talks about pitch selection like a chess master plotting moves ten steps ahead. Even if you're just a casual fan, there's something mesmerizing about his approach. I reread sections before little league games with my nephew, and honestly? It made us both better.