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Trophies: A Darkly Comic Novel About Hollywood Trophy Wives, Power, Scandal, and Fierce Loyalty
Marion Zane re-created herself to achieve the title of L.A.'s top Trophy—with a faithful husband, loyal fellow-Trophy friends, queen-bee status over the Hollywood "name-above-the-title" charities, and, best of all, no prenup! So why is she so nervous?
Maybe she's forgotten that in L.A. enemies can come disguised as girlfriends. And when she impulsively breaks the unwritten code by stepping on another Trophy's charity turf, it's a fatal mistake.
Drugged and framed by a jealous rival and her powerful mystery partner, Marion finds herself abandoned by her husband, left penniless, her deepest secrets rudely exposed. Undaunted, she hides her newfound poverty while dreaming of regaining her love, social position, and dermatologist. But when forced to choose between vilification or re-enthronement at the price of betraying a friend, Marion is torn. After all, Marion Zane didn't become Marion Zane by fair play alone.
Maybe she's forgotten that in L.A. enemies can come disguised as girlfriends. And when she impulsively breaks the unwritten code by stepping on another Trophy's charity turf, it's a fatal mistake.
Drugged and framed by a jealous rival and her powerful mystery partner, Marion finds herself abandoned by her husband, left penniless, her deepest secrets rudely exposed. Undaunted, she hides her newfound poverty while dreaming of regaining her love, social position, and dermatologist. But when forced to choose between vilification or re-enthronement at the price of betraying a friend, Marion is torn. After all, Marion Zane didn't become Marion Zane by fair play alone.
592 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2008
13 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Heather Thomas
2 books9 followersHeather Thomas grew up in Santa Monica in the ‘60s, California’s golden Mesozoic age, when public schools were the envy of the nation and teachers lived on the same streets as Aerospace executives. As the daughter of a PhD psychologist dad and a stay-at-home-mom-with-a-masters and the younger sibling of a genius older sister, Heather knew that the family academic bar was kind of high. But her straight-A report cards were sequels when inserted into dinner table quantum physics discussions, and so early on she sought to establish her own identity and interests outside the family smartypants nest.
After much experimentation, Heather found she excelled in “surf babe,” “ditching to party” and “bucking unjust authority” and as long as she maintained high grades in accelerated classes and participated in mealtime mental Olympics, her parents were none the wiser. In those days, you could hitchhike to Baja to surf for the day or join a farm workers’ picket line, as long as you were home before the streetlights came on. But the role Heather relished most was that of storyteller, and she rarely missed writing, directing or acting opportunities in student productions.
Both theater and academics paid off when casting agents visited her junior high school asking for clever kids with stage presence. She quickly landed her first professional role as one of the hosts of “Talking with a Giant,” an NBC Saturday morning talk show series where kids wrote the questions and interviewed the guests on camera. Although she wasn’t thrilled that her work was network-censored (there were only so many questions one could ask Kenny Rogers about “Something’s Burning” before straying towards his personal life) the job paid well over three years and enabled Heather to purchase a pretty car, helpful in taking her from classes at Santa Monica High to her job as a lifeguard. That same car drove her to UCLA where she enrolled as a Theater Arts major and pledged Chi Omega sorority.
While still an undergraduate, she was cast as a go-go dancer in David Rabe’s play “In the Boom Boom Room,” and performed a seven minute solo during a set-change clad in a Band-Aid-sized cowgirl costume. By the third performance, she landed an agent!
By this time, she had already been accepted into UCLA’s prestigious Film and Television department so she was delighted that the ongoing acting work paid for her film, cameras, etc. Of course she exaggerated her skills with casting agents, often with disastrous and painful results, such as the milk commercial that required an expert ice skater (which she was not) or a spot for a popular cracker that had her munching crackers take after take atop a mechanical bull!
Upon graduation, she dreamed of becoming the next Lina Wertmuller. But instead, she became one of the top pin ups of the 80s when she landed the leading role of stuntwoman Jody Banks opposite Lee Majors in ABC television’s “The Fall Guy.” The show exploded into an international hit in no less than 72 countries while no fraternity closet or garage workbench was without a Heather Thomas pink bikini poster; the highest selling of its kind in history.
1981 to 1986 were about fame, fast cars, bikinis and hot rollers for Heather as well as opportunities to use her celebrity power to create social change. Unfortunately, they were also about stalkers, tabloids, bodyguards, and a marriage that lasted less than a year. At the close of the series, Heather traveled to Sri Lanka to star in a German production and take time to regroup.
Upon returning, she had a chance meeting with her old friend, entertainment lawyer Skip Brittenham, who revealed that his marriage too, was at an end, and sharing a common predicament, they began meeting on a regular basis for “dine and whine.” Grousing soon turned into love and after bonding with Skip’s children and the rest of his family, Heather was put to the ultimate test: fly-fis
After much experimentation, Heather found she excelled in “surf babe,” “ditching to party” and “bucking unjust authority” and as long as she maintained high grades in accelerated classes and participated in mealtime mental Olympics, her parents were none the wiser. In those days, you could hitchhike to Baja to surf for the day or join a farm workers’ picket line, as long as you were home before the streetlights came on. But the role Heather relished most was that of storyteller, and she rarely missed writing, directing or acting opportunities in student productions.
Both theater and academics paid off when casting agents visited her junior high school asking for clever kids with stage presence. She quickly landed her first professional role as one of the hosts of “Talking with a Giant,” an NBC Saturday morning talk show series where kids wrote the questions and interviewed the guests on camera. Although she wasn’t thrilled that her work was network-censored (there were only so many questions one could ask Kenny Rogers about “Something’s Burning” before straying towards his personal life) the job paid well over three years and enabled Heather to purchase a pretty car, helpful in taking her from classes at Santa Monica High to her job as a lifeguard. That same car drove her to UCLA where she enrolled as a Theater Arts major and pledged Chi Omega sorority.
While still an undergraduate, she was cast as a go-go dancer in David Rabe’s play “In the Boom Boom Room,” and performed a seven minute solo during a set-change clad in a Band-Aid-sized cowgirl costume. By the third performance, she landed an agent!
By this time, she had already been accepted into UCLA’s prestigious Film and Television department so she was delighted that the ongoing acting work paid for her film, cameras, etc. Of course she exaggerated her skills with casting agents, often with disastrous and painful results, such as the milk commercial that required an expert ice skater (which she was not) or a spot for a popular cracker that had her munching crackers take after take atop a mechanical bull!
Upon graduation, she dreamed of becoming the next Lina Wertmuller. But instead, she became one of the top pin ups of the 80s when she landed the leading role of stuntwoman Jody Banks opposite Lee Majors in ABC television’s “The Fall Guy.” The show exploded into an international hit in no less than 72 countries while no fraternity closet or garage workbench was without a Heather Thomas pink bikini poster; the highest selling of its kind in history.
1981 to 1986 were about fame, fast cars, bikinis and hot rollers for Heather as well as opportunities to use her celebrity power to create social change. Unfortunately, they were also about stalkers, tabloids, bodyguards, and a marriage that lasted less than a year. At the close of the series, Heather traveled to Sri Lanka to star in a German production and take time to regroup.
Upon returning, she had a chance meeting with her old friend, entertainment lawyer Skip Brittenham, who revealed that his marriage too, was at an end, and sharing a common predicament, they began meeting on a regular basis for “dine and whine.” Grousing soon turned into love and after bonding with Skip’s children and the rest of his family, Heather was put to the ultimate test: fly-fis
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 8, 2008
This is a terrible, terrible book that no one should ever read. I was expecting sharp, clever satire, and what I got was poorly hashed-out, ham-handed pseudo-mystery with ill-written dialect for no reason anyone could possibly fathom. Dialect? I mean, really; it's rarely a good choice, but if you're going to do it, at least do it well. Also, you don't just get to insert Greek voodoo and expect it to fly. It would be best if Heather Thomas were prevented from ever writing again.
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March 8, 2012One chapter was about all I could take. This book went back to the library.
July 27, 2010
Not even a 1 star! I was looking forward to reading this. The reviews were "Heather Thomas is the new Jackie Collins" NOT! I quit at 40 pages. Boring. It didn't flow. If you want Glamour, Sex and Glitz read the real Jackie Collins, JJ Salem and Tilly Bagshawe.
June 23, 2008
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and, despite what the first rather rude reviewer wrote, I can't wait for another book by Ms. Thomas, especially if future books are as well written as this one.
It is interesting to note that several brilliant writers have passed kudos along to Trophies, including Tom Ford, Ham Fish (Nation Mag), Norman Lear and Ridley Scott...There are many others, but rather than go on and on I'll just proclaim my happiness to be in their company rather than in the company of someone who clearly wasn't interested in the book to begin with--had she bothered to really read it she'd realize that it was not a "ham-handed pseudo-mystery" at all...sniff.
Trophies is a brilliant take on behind-the-scenes Hollywood fundraising, with well-written characterization, hilarious set-pieces and witty dialogue...All wrapped up in a book that has a serious heart, one that has a lot to say.
Thoroughly recommended.
It is interesting to note that several brilliant writers have passed kudos along to Trophies, including Tom Ford, Ham Fish (Nation Mag), Norman Lear and Ridley Scott...There are many others, but rather than go on and on I'll just proclaim my happiness to be in their company rather than in the company of someone who clearly wasn't interested in the book to begin with--had she bothered to really read it she'd realize that it was not a "ham-handed pseudo-mystery" at all...sniff.
Trophies is a brilliant take on behind-the-scenes Hollywood fundraising, with well-written characterization, hilarious set-pieces and witty dialogue...All wrapped up in a book that has a serious heart, one that has a lot to say.
Thoroughly recommended.
March 21, 2012
I love this book, while it is a long one, there is so much detail and I felt as though the ending was perfect wrapped up as it hsould be. I found the glimpse into the trophy wife world fansinating. It was great to see how friendship truly can be formed and that not all trophy wives are shallow and self-centered.
January 12, 2009
This was such a fun read, but could have used a little editing to make the plot tighter. It reminded me a lot of Dominick Dunne with the back-stabbing socialites from LA. I could just imagine reading about these women in People magazine.
August 2, 2011
It reads like a mad-cap comedy screenplay... a little screwball and a little contrived. But I still really enjoyed the read. Very tasty fluff. It's a perfect vacation book if you have any interest in celebrity culture and "reality" TV.
August 11, 2008
This is funny, with a few Very funny parts. Not sure it is true to life but so what!
August 18, 2012
This book doesn't even deserve 1 star. I tried to read it all, I really did. After I got half way through, though, I couldn't handle it. This book was shallow, boring, and lifeless.
June 20, 2008
Heather Thomas (remember her from "The Fall Guy" with Lee Majors back in the '80's) is a brilliantly clever writer! Trophies is a densely plotted book about an elite group of high profile women. Their antics are hysterical and their personalities addictive. The main character, Marion Zane is a modern-day heroin - you'll want to cheer for her! Marion is beautiful, rich, intelligent, and the lead Trophy. Although Marion's the envy of Hollywood Society, she has very few adversaries due to her extreme benevolence. A plot by a "so-called" friend (the jealously twisted Lyndy Wallert) to de-thrown Marion causes her to lose everything but her pride and dignity. Through it all, Marion's friends remain loyal to her. The "sometimes bawdy" antics of the Trophy wives will make you laugh out loud. You won't be able to put it down. Although it's over 300 pages long, this book will leave you wanting more. This is definitely the most entertaining book I've read in a long time.
August 4, 2008
Jackie Collin's wannabe......type of book you bring to the beach and don't mind when the surf licks its edges while you sleep!
March 11, 2009
I really didn't care for the book. It was just plain silly.
August 3, 2021
While not stellar, Trophies was all in all pretty good. Six rich “trophy” wives in California band together to support each other through hardship while vying for status. The novel definitely bordered on cheesy at times, but it was still super fun to read. Toss this in your bag to read at the beach.
July 30, 2008
A Statue Cast in Pulp
If you like daytime television soap operas, you'll love this book. With a generous number of characters to wrap one's mind around, the author lures you into the world of Hollywood wealth, fame, debauchery, (BJ parties anyone?) D-cups, and Botox. With for-publicity fundraising as the primary redeeming quality to these otherwise shallow, status-and-money-conscious self-proclaimed "trophies," this is a sometimes amusing, sometimes painfully dull and slow-moving, sometimes juicy beach read page-turner.
Containing several distracting typos, it's about 200 pages too long, and these pages (or short chapters) fail to move forward the plot of the systematic dethroning of TOP trophy Marion Zane by her so-called well-defined friend and sister trophy, Lyndy. Most of the other secondary trophies are a bit stereotypical and aren't as colorful or interesting as Marion or Lyndy. Claire, the Midwestern beauty queen who marries a big shot Hollywood producer and becomes stepmother to three spoiled children is, however, the exception. Claire enters this arena as a trophy newbie, and shows rather than tells how seemingly "normal" girls with big princess dreams find themselves living these surreal lives.
But what the heck? I didn't buy this book expecting a great work of literature. I just wanted to trash around in the world of what passes these days as popular women's fiction. I definitely got what asked for, which was a few laughs and some unforgettable characters. Good for you Heather Thomas. Write another one. I'll read it.
If you like daytime television soap operas, you'll love this book. With a generous number of characters to wrap one's mind around, the author lures you into the world of Hollywood wealth, fame, debauchery, (BJ parties anyone?) D-cups, and Botox. With for-publicity fundraising as the primary redeeming quality to these otherwise shallow, status-and-money-conscious self-proclaimed "trophies," this is a sometimes amusing, sometimes painfully dull and slow-moving, sometimes juicy beach read page-turner.
Containing several distracting typos, it's about 200 pages too long, and these pages (or short chapters) fail to move forward the plot of the systematic dethroning of TOP trophy Marion Zane by her so-called well-defined friend and sister trophy, Lyndy. Most of the other secondary trophies are a bit stereotypical and aren't as colorful or interesting as Marion or Lyndy. Claire, the Midwestern beauty queen who marries a big shot Hollywood producer and becomes stepmother to three spoiled children is, however, the exception. Claire enters this arena as a trophy newbie, and shows rather than tells how seemingly "normal" girls with big princess dreams find themselves living these surreal lives.
But what the heck? I didn't buy this book expecting a great work of literature. I just wanted to trash around in the world of what passes these days as popular women's fiction. I definitely got what asked for, which was a few laughs and some unforgettable characters. Good for you Heather Thomas. Write another one. I'll read it.
December 28, 2014
When I picked up this book at the thrift store I was primarily attracted by the cover art. I love books of this genre, Jackie Collins, Olivia Goldsmith. When I realized the author was Heather Thomas of 80's TV fame I thought well it can't be any worse than the drivel Pamela Anderson published.
This was a really enjoyable book. It features the imagined lives of Beverly Hills Trophy wives. The characters are well formed and the backgrounds interesting. Sure there are a lot of tropes that you expect in this kind of book but there are surprises too.
This was a really enjoyable book. It features the imagined lives of Beverly Hills Trophy wives. The characters are well formed and the backgrounds interesting. Sure there are a lot of tropes that you expect in this kind of book but there are surprises too.
May 18, 2009
It took me a while to get into this book. I kept getting all of the different characters confused, along with the details of each character. To me, this was just an okay book. I didn't really feel any warmth from any of the characters. I found myself not really wanting to read it. It did pick up towards the end though and I liked the ending (although I did figure it out before I read it). Overall, an okay book.
July 10, 2010
While a bit unrealistic, a fun and heavier than usual chick-lit book, both in subject and in pages. Fun and serious at the same time. The secondary characters are the best part of this book- seriously fun and perfectly peppered in the plot.
January 17, 2011
perfectly adequate hollywood rich wives dealing with rich people problems while wearing rich people clothes in rich people cars and eating rich people food at rich people restaurants. a pleasant diversion.
August 16, 2014
Look. This isn't going to win any awards. It is fluff in the most degree. If you loved any soap opera this is cheezy fun. It is a really fun read. I would love to see it as a TV show or mini series.
June 22, 2009
This is nothing more than a guilty pleasure book, but if half of what Heather Thomas writes really is true of being rich and fabulous, I wouldn't mind it a bit.
March 28, 2011
Didn't love it but it was an easy beach read.
May 15, 2009
First book for Heather Thomas. Fun and light. My husband kept asking me what I was laughing about. A good beach or poolside read.
January 20, 2011
A guilty pleasurable read. Desperate Houswives on steroids. Lots of funny moments. Would make a great series on cable TV.
December 26, 2011
I loved this book.. Its on my top ten list of favorites... I hardly cleaned my house because i couldnt put it down!!:) hope to c something soon from heather, esp.with the same characters;)
December 26, 2011
There is a bit of blue language here, and not everyone will like it, but for me it was a guilty pleasure.
March 4, 2012
Over the top rich and crazy housewives. Fun read!
April 6, 2012
goofy and fun read
January 22, 2014
crazy story of the rich wives of hollywood power players. marion's black book sure comes in handy! crazy characters and even more insane plotlines but enjoyable all the same.
June 19, 2011
Like a train wreck, you have to just keep reading, can't turn away. Over the top, but entertaining.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews