In "Gods Like Us," Ty Burr embarks on a mesmerizing odyssey into the heart of celebrity, unraveling the complex relationship between the stars that shimmer on our screens and the audiences who worship them. With a keen eye and a wealth of anecdotes, Burr navigates the evolution of stardom from the silent film era's luminaries to the digital age's influencers, examining how fame serves as both a mirror and a mask. This book is not merely a history of celebrity but an insightful exploration of how fame reflects shifting cultural norms and technological advancements, forever altering the way we perceive ourselves and those we elevate to godlike status. Through the stories of iconic figures such as Charlie Chaplin, Cary Grant, and Julia Roberts, to the modern spectacle of the Kardashians and the rise of internet personalities, Burr reveals the machinations of the fame machine with wit and precision. "Gods Like Us" is a captivating journey through the glittering, sometimes dark, always fascinating world of fame. It interrogates the origins of our collective obsession with celebrities and questions the future of this fascination in an era where everyone can be a star. Burr's narrative is a revelation, peeling back the layers of glamour to expose the human desire for connection at the heart of our idolatry, making this book an essential read for anyone intrigued by the power of celebrity and its impact on society.