Shukert reveals through her ambitious characters the intense rivalry that has always characterized Hollywood. Tonight, New York City-based author Rachel Shukert will appear at powerHouse Arena in DUMBO to celebrate the release of her latest novel “ Starstruck.” The story, which takes place in 1930s Hollywood, involves teenage girls who struggle to navigate their transition into adulthood while striving to be in the spotlight. She now lives in New York with her husband and two daughters. Jennifer Cody Epstein is the author of the international best-selling novel “The Painter from Shanghai.” She lived for five years in Japan, first as a student and then as a journalist. In the face of tragedy, Yoshi must coexist with these outsiders as she searches for comfort and safety. She meets Billy, an Occupation soldier Cam, a bomber pilot taken prisoner by the Imperial Japanese army and Anton, an architect who was instrumental in modernizing Tokyo’s prewar skyline. Suddenly separated from all that is familiar, Yoshi is catapulted into a life dominated by people who are considered the enemy. Yoshi Kobayashi, a Japanese teenager, is on her way home one evening when an American attack on her city kills thousands of citizens.

Acclaimed Brooklyn author Jennifer Cody Epstein will appear at BookCourt on Wednesday, March 13, to read from her latest novel “ The Gods of Heavenly Punishment.” Epstein, who has studied and worked as a journalist in Japan, tells the fascinating story of several American and Japanese families who, despite their differences, are inextricably connected by a heartbreaking act of war.

Starstruck by rachel shukert