Watseka Public Library

I went back to a 2015 publication for this week’s Worthwhile Read – “All the Stars in the Heavens” by Adriana Trigiani. This is a novel for all readers who love stories about Hollywood’s early days and its stars . . . Clark Gable, Spencer Tracy, Myrna Loy, David Niven, Hattie McDaniel, Loretta Young and more. The studio system and movie executives had all of the power in those days, and actors/actresses were under their control. “All the Stars in the Heavens” is a historical fiction retelling that lets the reader see into the personal lives of those stars.

Alda Ducci is a novice in a convent that cares for unwed mothers. She loves her calling, but is released from the convent because the Mother Superior feels she does not belong. Alda is recommended as an assistant to a young actress, Gretchen Belzer, whose Hollywood name is Loretta Young. Alda and Loretta form a close friendship and the novel covers the rest of their lives as both women struggle with love, dreams and life’s twists and turns. The underlying love story focuses on Loretta’s connection and love for Clark Gable – a love forbidden by morals clauses in both actors’ movie contracts.

I love movies – so this throw-back love story about so many of Hollywood’s famous stars was fun to read. It made me want to watch some of their old movies (especially “Call of the Wild”) and to look up more on google about their lives. Loretta Young was a smart businesswoman, and chose her acting jobs based on what her audience loved. She was also rumored to fall in love with all of her leading men. I enjoyed reading about the stars that I loved from classic Hollywood movies and the love story seemed believable and sometimes so sad for all involved.