The Page 69 Test: "Hollywood Strip"

Monday, June 17, 2013

"Hollywood Strip"

Shamron Moore became fascinated with Hollywood at a young age; she counts Ava Gardner, Greta Garbo, Rita Hayworth, and Sharon Tate among early influences. In 2000, she left her home state of Michigan for the excitement of Los Angeles.

She started her career with a national print campaign for Cadillac and went on to appear in national commercials, international publications, television shows, and feature films. FHM named her one of the 100 Sexiest Women in the World.

Shortly thereafter, she left the industry to focus on writing, one of her lifelong passions. Many of her experiences in L.A. served as inspiration for Hollywood Strip, her debut novel.

Moore applied the Page 69 Test to Hollywood Strip and reported the following:

From Page 69:
Chapter Sixteen

Callie hopped in the seat of Gabrielle’s Mercedes SLK. “Thanks for picking me up,” Callie said. She rubbed the camel leather seat. “This car is beautiful, Gabby. Mmmm, and it smells brand new, too.”

“It is; I bought it just last week. We’ll easily be there by nine since there’s practically no traffic. How many people are coming?”

“He didn’t say, but I’m guessing it’s going to be just us. It’s been a week since we’ve seen each other and I miss him! I can’t wait to give him a giant smooch.”

It was clear from the noise coming out of Evan’s house that there was quite a crowd inside. The girls stood in the foyer and exchanged surprised glances. Clusters of orchids and Stargazer lilies sprouted from vases in all corners of the candlelit house and a DJ spun tunes from one of the four balconies. The stylishly outfitted guests, about fifty in total, danced and mingled.

“So much for my theory,” Callie said in Gabby’s ear. “We’re so underdressed, look at us! You’re at least wearing heels. I look like I’m going to a ball game.”

“No, you don’t, hun, you look pretty. Everyone wears jeans. Anyway, nothing we can do about it now. I just feel out of place being the only sober ones.” Gabrielle grabbed two flutes of champagne off a tray. “Here, drink up.”
You know when you have a specific idea of what’s in store for the evening--you’ve gone over it in your head and feel giddy with anticipation--only to discover the reality is the polar opposite of what you envisioned? That’s what Callie is experiencing. She’s really looking forward to seeing Evan Marquardt again, as she’s developed a massive crush on him. She’s picturing this low-key, intimate gathering at his mansion, but Evan doesn’t do low-key very well. She goes from feeling extremely special to silly and insignificant in a ten second span.

I like this scene, and chapter in particular, because it shows Gabrielle’s comforting nature. She’s very sensitive to other people’s feelings; she inherently knows how hurt Callie is. Gabby doesn’t have an “It’s All About Me” attitude that comes so natural to many Angelenos--such as Callie’s friend, Candice, for instance. Gabby’s primary interest is helping her friend feel at ease, even if it means leaving the party early and sacrificing her own good time. On the surface, she doesn’t seem as though she would have much depth, but she’s much more soulful than her provocative appearance suggests. Loyalty is a quality that comes natural to her.

This scene is also a precursor to the callousness of showbiz that’s explored later in the book. Callie can’t wait to watch the new music video she shot with Evan--it’s the reason for the party and her Hollywood debut, after all. Again, she is expecting something very specific, and has given no thought to things going another route. Her naivete is on full display, and she reminds me of myself when I was her age, fresh-off-the-boat from Michigan.