Why read Burn It Down?

Book cover of Burn It Down: Power, Complicity, and a Call for Change in Hollywood

Book description

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * LOS ANGELES TIMES BESTSELLER

In this spectacular, newsmaking expose that has the entertainment industry abuzz and on its heels, Vanity Fair's Maureen Ryan blows the lid on patterns of harassment and bias in Hollywood, the grassroots reforms under way, and the labor and activist revolutions…

Explore

Topics

Genres

American history

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

2 authors picked Burn It Down as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Adrienne Lawrence

Author

This book floored me with its unflinching exploration of systemic abuse and complicity within Hollywood—a microcosm for many workplaces.

Ryan’s bold, investigative approach helped me better understand how power dynamics shape industries and how meaningful change can emerge when individuals unite against systemic wrongdoing. Her ability to mix stories of injustice with actionable solutions makes this book unforgettable and empowering.

From Adrienne's list on empower women and navigate workplace realities.

Stephanie Storey

Author

For over 20 years, I’ve been a TV producer in Hollywood, and I always had this suspicion that my industry was more toxic and abusive than others, but networks and studios always kept me so busy that I never had the time to think about it.

But this year, I picked up Burn it Down, and my life was forever changed. This book provides an honest and clear-eyed look at the realities of working in Hollywood—and it made me re-think my own career choices and forced me to change how I work and lead.

For anyone who works in…

From Stephanie's 3 favorite reads in 2023.