Miss Aluminum: A Memoir

Dive into the glittering and gritty world of 1970s Hollywood with Susanna Moore's captivating memoir, "Miss Aluminum: A Memoir." This Illustrated Hardcover edition, published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux in 2020, offers readers an intimate and unflinching look at Moore's journey from a vulnerable teenager to a woman forging her own path amidst the dazzling chaos of the entertainment industry. More than just a Hollywood tell-all, "Miss Aluminum" is a powerful coming-of-age story steeped in personal tragedy and relentless self-discovery. Following the death of her mother in 1963, seventeen-year-old Susanna escapes her life in Hawaii and lands in Philadelphia, penniless and adrift. A stroke of unexpected generosity provides her with a wardrobe that allows her to reinvent herself, setting in motion a series of transformative experiences. Moore's narrative sweeps us from New York to Los Angeles, where she navigates the complex social landscape as a model, encountering iconic figures like Joan Didion and Audrey Hepburn. Behind the allure of red carpets and glamorous parties, she works as a script reader for industry titans Warren Beatty and Jack Nicholson, and even undergoes a screen test with the legendary Mike Nichols. These insider experiences provide a unique and insightful perspective on the inner workings of the film industry during its golden age. However, "Miss Aluminum" delves far deeper than celebrity encounters and glamorous anecdotes. At its core, this memoir is a poignant exploration of grief, identity, and the insatiable quest for knowledge. Moore fearlessly confronts the circumstances surrounding her mother's death, a mystery that fuels her determination to understand the complexities of her past and define her own future. Moore's writing is sharp, witty, and unflinchingly honest. Her sardonic humor provides a refreshing counterpoint to the often-artificial world she inhabits, offering readers a candid and relatable portrait of a young woman grappling with loss, ambition, and the search for belonging. "Miss Aluminum" is not just a memoir of Hollywood; it's a universal story of resilience, self-discovery, and the courage to create one's own identity in the face of adversity. Readers of memoirs, particularly those interested in strong female voices, the arts and literature scene of the 70's and biographies centered around exceptional authors, will find this a rewarding read. The 288 pages are filled with compelling prose, making it difficult to put down. With an ISBN of 9780374279714, this book is a worthwhile addition to any collection, offering a glimpse into a fascinating era and the life of a woman who refused to be defined by her circumstances.