The cult of celebrity : what our fascination with the stars reveals about us

America’s fast-growing religion is—let’s face it—celebrity worship. From gossip magazines to entertainment TV, from blogs to ads featuring famous faces, the stars are our new gods and goddesses. But why are we so quick to put them on pedestals? Why are we even more spellbound when they topple back down to earth? The Cult of Celebrity is the first book to explore this phenomenon comprehensively and yet in eminently readable terms. In a compulsive read, Cooper Lawrence maps out the psychology behind the behavior of the stars—and that of the millions out there who follow their every move. She points both to the benefits and dangers not only to society but also to us personally; to our spending habits, health, social awareness, attitude toward personal failure and toward relationships, and above all, our self-image. And she offers practical tips on keeping our interest under control. Drawing on the latest research as well as interviews with fans and entertainment industry insiders, as well as celebrities themselves, The Cult of Celebrity is as accessible and sassy as it is thought-provoking.

the Psychology Behind America’s Most Popular Religion—celebrity Worship
“do You Find Yourself Constantly Worrying About Jen’s Lovelife? Britney’s Mental Health And Suri’s Thumbsucking? You’ve Become A Full-fledged Member Of The Cult Of Celebrity. Luckily, There’s A New Antidote—cooper Lawrence—who Will Talk You Through The Reasons Why Star Obsession Is A-list Ok. If You’ve Ever Wondered If Your Celebrity Obsession Is Dangerous To Your Health, Then Dig Into Cooper’s New Investigation Into The Cult Of Celebrity. From The Historical Roots Of Star Worship To The Inner Workings Of The Hollywood Machine, You’ll Finally Understand Why Celebrities Really Do Matter.”
—bonnie Fuller, Cofounder Of Bonnie Fuller Media “cooper’s Vast Wealth Of Pop Culture Knowledge Makes Her My First Choice To Call When I Need An Expert Opinion On Celebrity Canoodling For Ok! Magazine. Her Sense Of Humor And Wit Along With Her Insight Into Personal Relationships Make Her An Invaluable Resource.”
—meaghan Murphy, West Coast News Editor, Ok! Magazine “cooper Has The Rare Ability To Take What’s Going On In The Celebrity World And Break It Down In Real-life Terms. . . . In This Book, She Does It With Her Genuine, No-pretense Style.”
—peter Grossman, Us Weekly Magazine “being With Cooper Is Like Being With One Of Your Closest Friends—one Who Happens To Be A Treasure Trove Of Humor, Wit, Ease, Incredible Sensibility, And A Vivacious Personality, All Wrapped Up With Intellect And Experience.”
—eric Nies, Model/actor, Mtv’s Real World Andformer Host Of Mtv’s The Grind “cooper Lawrence Has Keen, Compassionate Insight Into The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly.”
—adrian Zmed, Actor T. J. Hooker; Grease 2

Examines the societal impact of obsessions with celebrities and the celebrity lifestyle, covering the influence of star worship on children and other psychological factors involved in focusing on the lives and activities of those who are famous Explores America's fascination with celebrity and examines the benefits and dangers with being obsessed with the stars in connection to one's own self-worth, social awareness, spending habits, and overall happiness. Original.