See the Cover of Rasheed Newson’s ‘There’s Only One Sin in Hollywood’ (Exclusive)
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NEED TO KNOW
- PEOPLE can exclusively reveal the cover of Rasheed Newson’s new novel There’s Only One Sin in Hollywood
- The bestselling author, who is also a film and TV writer, drew inspiration from what he’s witnessed within the entertainment industry
- “This novel is my way of reclaiming untold Hollywood history, from a Black and queer perspective,” the author tells PEOPLE
Rasheed Newson’s latest novel takes on the hidden histories of the entertainment industry’s Golden Age.
There’s Only One Sin in Hollywood centers on Xavier C. Barlow, a young Black actor who rises steadily within Hollywood’s ranks throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Xavier is his studio’s key to rivaling the actor Sidney Poitier, and his every move is carefully calculated, up until Xavier’s untimely death at the height of his career.
Years later, Aaron, a studio employee who also helped closeted gay actors, is ready to come forward and share what really happened to Xavier.
Flatiron Books
Newson, who is also a film and television writer for shows like Bel-Air and Narcos, says that his own experience witnessing the inside of the entertainment industry influenced the confessional-style book, out next year from Flatiron Books, an imprint of Macmillan Publishers.
“This novel is my way of reclaiming untold Hollywood history, from a Black and queer perspective,” the bestselling author tells PEOPLE. “I’ve worked behind the scenes in television and film for more than 20 years, and I’ve witnessed the intoxicating glamour and unrivaled fun this industry can offer. I also know that becoming a star and maintaining stardom demand more personal sacrifices and political savvy than most moviegoers realize.”
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Christopher Marrs
“Those challenges were quite pronounced during the Golden Age of Hollywood, but I’m excited for readers to see how the scandals and dilemmas of yesteryear mirror much of what is happening in celebrity culture today,” Newson continues.
There’s Only One Sin in Hollywood is Newson’s second novel. His 2022 debut, My Government Means to Kill Me, was a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award.
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There’s Only One Sin in Hollywood will be published on June 2, 2026 and is now available for preorder, wherever books are sold.
Credit to Nypost AND Peoples
