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. Their lives often seem as (or more) important than our own. But why are we so quick to put them on pedestals? Why are we even more spellbound when they topple back down to earth? And why do so many of us, on an unprecedented scale, think we could - and should - be celebrities, too? In The Cult of Celebrity, psychology expert and nationally syndicated talk-show host Cooper Lawrence tells us why we do it and points both to the benefits and dangers of celebrity worship not only to society but also to us - our spending habits, health, social awareness, attitude toward personal failure and toward relationships, and above all, our self- image. Drawing on the latest research as well as interviews with fans, entertainment industry insiders, and celebrities (Fran Drescher, Kevin Federline, Edwin McCain, and Marcia Gay Harden, to name but a few), The Cult of Celebrity is as accessible and sassy as it is thought-provoking. Frequent "reality checks" offer practical ways to gauge whether you or someone close to you has an unhealthy attitude to celebrity worship. In addition to providing clear steps to tackle the problem, this book offers the many among us who are interested in celebrities for harmless entertainment-social reasons tips to keep our interest under control, including danger signs to watch for. Every bit as addictive as its subject, The Cult of Celebrity is a must for all the smart celeb hounds out there, as well as the parents and friends of those who've gone over the edge.