Includes bibliographical references (p. 217-226)

Introduction : hooked on fame -- Going to fame school -- Mobs of fame-starved children -- Home for the famous and almost famous -- The association of celebrity personal assistants -- The desire to belong : why everyone wants to have dinner with Paris Hilton and 50 Cent -- When reflected glory isn't enough : confessions of an upwardly-mobile celebrity "slave" -- Monkeys, Us Weekly, and the power of social information -- A choice of worship : Rod vs. God -- Conclusion : some reflections from Hollywood's premiere retirement home

"For the past few years, Jake Halpern has reported on fame for NPR. This book chronicles his journey through the underbelly of Hollywood and launches a broad investigation of America's fascination with the lives of celebrities. Why are sales of magazines like US Weekly skyrocketing while news magazines are down? Why do seemingly normal, educated people pay attention to whom Paris Hilton is currently dating? Halpern visits those most stricken with the obsession: aspiring celebrities, Hollywood insiders, and die-hard fans. He also meets several high-profile celebrities, including The Edge from U2, Rod Stewart, director Ed Zwick, and numerous insiders who rarely grant interviews. He also gathers considerable psychological, sociological, and even biological research from experts about why we want to become famous, why we experience a high when we come in close contact with celebrities, and why fame changes not only celebrities but those closest to them.--From publisher description."--From source other than the Library of Congress