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talip22's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
bookladysreviews's review
4.0
*I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
The Otto Digmore Difference was a very nice surprise! The story itself had a wonderful flow to it that I immensely enjoyed and the writing made it extremely easy to read. It took me a while to really get into it but once I did, I couldn't stop. Otto's story frustrated me in the best way possible because it made me realize the hardships of the world we live in go deeper than we would've thought. Not that I wasn't aware but, this book made them even more real in the sense that its main character was very realistic and the obstacles he encountered in the book, are very relatable and can happen to anyone. With or without scars. The world has made it clear that, it's going to judge whatever you decide to do with your life and underestimate your achievements. I can personally attest to that.
That's what I loved the most about this book. Its authenticity and originality made it even more unique in my eyes. Connecting with Otto on such a deep level was something very unexpected for me and I found myself livid at how certain characters behaved. Otto's journey was one of self-discovery and self-acceptance, which is something I admired very much. He was a more than likable character who I feel like every reader can relate to! Life has been very unfair to him because of circumstances he can't control nor change.
Also, if you pick up this book expecting some very cliche story about whatever cliche stories are made of, you will be positively disappointed. It focuses on so much more than just the romantic element that we're so used to overshadowing everything else. And the answers to life's problems are quite difficult to come across. You really have to work for them which makes this book unpredictable and full of surprises. They're hidden between the lines and wait for the reader to discover them.
It's a beautiful, poignant and very raw read which makes us realize that, scarring can be overlooked when you go above and beyond to hide it but, when it's in plain view and you're in Otto's situation, the world will have no qualms about staring. And its people will be ruthless about it. I feel like it's definitely something that can define you and have a positive or negative impact on your personal life and career, depending on the circumstances. This part really hit home because I was very insecure about my scars once. But thankfully, I managed to overcome my fears and since then, I've never allowed them or myself to make me feel bad or unworthy. Because sometimes, there's nothing worse than us criticizing our own selves.
Pursuing happiness means that we have to separate what we want to do with what we have to do in our lives. There's a balance between the two and we have to find it with the help of others, like Otto. Being famous because of his role in a popular TV show certainly did not guarantee his happiness. On the contrary, he was very lonely and didn't know how to approach life in order to achieve that happiness.
The road trip Otto embarked on with Russel was very important because it helped him discover himself and figure out what he wanted to do with his life. Despite their flaws, I loved the relationship between these two characters and was rooting for them from the beginning til the end. Russel supported Otto through it all and played a big role in him realizing that, life is so much more than missed opportunities and happily ever afters. You have to work for these and if something doesn't go your way, you have to pave another one yourself.
The Otto Digmore Difference was an impeccably written story that left me feeling quite refreshed. The life advice that comes with it is the biggest bonus ever and will make you realize a thing or two about yourself! The plot is very moving and the characters themselves go from clueless and still searching for the meaning of life to mature and trying to understand it and make the best choices in order to find happiness. And, always remember that it comes in the simple things, the things that you had no idea you needed in order to feel it.
The Otto Digmore Difference was a very nice surprise! The story itself had a wonderful flow to it that I immensely enjoyed and the writing made it extremely easy to read. It took me a while to really get into it but once I did, I couldn't stop. Otto's story frustrated me in the best way possible because it made me realize the hardships of the world we live in go deeper than we would've thought. Not that I wasn't aware but, this book made them even more real in the sense that its main character was very realistic and the obstacles he encountered in the book, are very relatable and can happen to anyone. With or without scars. The world has made it clear that, it's going to judge whatever you decide to do with your life and underestimate your achievements. I can personally attest to that.
That's what I loved the most about this book. Its authenticity and originality made it even more unique in my eyes. Connecting with Otto on such a deep level was something very unexpected for me and I found myself livid at how certain characters behaved. Otto's journey was one of self-discovery and self-acceptance, which is something I admired very much. He was a more than likable character who I feel like every reader can relate to! Life has been very unfair to him because of circumstances he can't control nor change.
Also, if you pick up this book expecting some very cliche story about whatever cliche stories are made of, you will be positively disappointed. It focuses on so much more than just the romantic element that we're so used to overshadowing everything else. And the answers to life's problems are quite difficult to come across. You really have to work for them which makes this book unpredictable and full of surprises. They're hidden between the lines and wait for the reader to discover them.
It's a beautiful, poignant and very raw read which makes us realize that, scarring can be overlooked when you go above and beyond to hide it but, when it's in plain view and you're in Otto's situation, the world will have no qualms about staring. And its people will be ruthless about it. I feel like it's definitely something that can define you and have a positive or negative impact on your personal life and career, depending on the circumstances. This part really hit home because I was very insecure about my scars once. But thankfully, I managed to overcome my fears and since then, I've never allowed them or myself to make me feel bad or unworthy. Because sometimes, there's nothing worse than us criticizing our own selves.
Pursuing happiness means that we have to separate what we want to do with what we have to do in our lives. There's a balance between the two and we have to find it with the help of others, like Otto. Being famous because of his role in a popular TV show certainly did not guarantee his happiness. On the contrary, he was very lonely and didn't know how to approach life in order to achieve that happiness.
The road trip Otto embarked on with Russel was very important because it helped him discover himself and figure out what he wanted to do with his life. Despite their flaws, I loved the relationship between these two characters and was rooting for them from the beginning til the end. Russel supported Otto through it all and played a big role in him realizing that, life is so much more than missed opportunities and happily ever afters. You have to work for these and if something doesn't go your way, you have to pave another one yourself.
The Otto Digmore Difference was an impeccably written story that left me feeling quite refreshed. The life advice that comes with it is the biggest bonus ever and will make you realize a thing or two about yourself! The plot is very moving and the characters themselves go from clueless and still searching for the meaning of life to mature and trying to understand it and make the best choices in order to find happiness. And, always remember that it comes in the simple things, the things that you had no idea you needed in order to feel it.
kaylakaotik's review
4.0
This is my first book by Brent Hartinger, so it's also my first book with Otto. I am definitely interested in reading more of Otto's series, though.
The Otto Digmore Difference really kept my attention throughout the entire book. While it's a shorter book than what I normally read, it didn't feel that way. Not to say that it felt overly long, because it didn't, but it was really perfect. It kept my attention, it was interesting, and a fully fleshed out story.
The only thing that felt a bit off (for lack of a better word) was the characters felt a bit younger than their age. I'm not sure if this is carried over from the Russel Middlebrook series as I haven't read it. Either way, though, it's not enough to ruin my enjoyment of the book.
I'm so glad that I was contacted to read this book because it's not necessarily something that I would pick up on my own (which is a shame because I would be really missing out).
* This book was received from the author in exchange for an honest review. *
The Otto Digmore Difference really kept my attention throughout the entire book. While it's a shorter book than what I normally read, it didn't feel that way. Not to say that it felt overly long, because it didn't, but it was really perfect. It kept my attention, it was interesting, and a fully fleshed out story.
The only thing that felt a bit off (for lack of a better word) was the characters felt a bit younger than their age. I'm not sure if this is carried over from the Russel Middlebrook series as I haven't read it. Either way, though, it's not enough to ruin my enjoyment of the book.
I'm so glad that I was contacted to read this book because it's not necessarily something that I would pick up on my own (which is a shame because I would be really missing out).
* This book was received from the author in exchange for an honest review. *
a_manning11's review against another edition
5.0
Wow. I feel overwhelmed right now. I'm so glad I found this book.
bookcraft's review
2.0
While it's nice to have a protagonist who is physically imperfect, I just didn't like Otto Digmoreor Russel Middlebrook, for that matter.
That alone, though, wouldn't have been enough to drag my rating down from three stars to two, but the book suffers from a handful of other problems, most notable of which is the way character dialogue is used as a vehicle for delivering the author's revealed truth about a variety of topics, including "what's wrong with the Hollywood film industry" and "which is the only good narrative formula in screenwriting." Add to that the fact that the supporting characters are cardboard cut-outs who exist only in relation to the protagonistto adore him, teach him valuable life lessons, or sometimes bothand the whole book felt as flat and uninspired as the twist that telegraphed itself from the very beginning.
That alone, though, wouldn't have been enough to drag my rating down from three stars to two, but the book suffers from a handful of other problems, most notable of which is the way character dialogue is used as a vehicle for delivering the author's revealed truth about a variety of topics, including "what's wrong with the Hollywood film industry" and "which is the only good narrative formula in screenwriting." Add to that the fact that the supporting characters are cardboard cut-outs who exist only in relation to the protagonistto adore him, teach him valuable life lessons, or sometimes bothand the whole book felt as flat and uninspired as the twist that telegraphed itself from the very beginning.
mxlakritz's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
biteintobooks's review
5.0
Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was so surprised by this book! I was getting in there with no expectations at all actually. The fact that Otto Digmore is 26 years old is a nice change for once. I read books with main-characters who are a lot younger, usually around 16/18 years old. The book is exactly as long as it should be, not too long, not too short, just the right length.
This review was first posted on BiteIntoBooks Blog
Pros
Otto: Otto is maybe my #1 favorite male main-character so far! The way he describes his feelings and makes everything feel so relatable is very strong. He is very self-aware and constantly thinking about the way the world sees him and the way he wants them to see him. I can relate with that, since it's one of my characteristics as well.
Character development: Otto felt like a different person at the end of the book. I love how he is growing as a character, as a person and as a friend to others as well. He is getting so much insight from the different people around him. Utterly clueless at the beginning of the book and more emotionally involved with others at the end.
References: The references in this book are awesome. The references to different actors, but to movies and series as well. You'll just have to read it to understand what I'm talking about, but it totally felt like something unique and so relatable.
1-sitting: I read this book in 1 sitting and it didn't even cost me that much time/energy/effort. It was so much fun and I was kinda sad that the book ended. Lucky for me; this was book 1 in a series!
Cons
Can't think of any, really.
This was a very relatable story. The book overall was a feel-good story for me. Even though Otto is struggling with himself, his dreams and people around him, I highly recommend this "Road Trip" together with Otto!
I was so surprised by this book! I was getting in there with no expectations at all actually. The fact that Otto Digmore is 26 years old is a nice change for once. I read books with main-characters who are a lot younger, usually around 16/18 years old. The book is exactly as long as it should be, not too long, not too short, just the right length.
This review was first posted on BiteIntoBooks Blog
Pros
Otto: Otto is maybe my #1 favorite male main-character so far! The way he describes his feelings and makes everything feel so relatable is very strong. He is very self-aware and constantly thinking about the way the world sees him and the way he wants them to see him. I can relate with that, since it's one of my characteristics as well.
Character development: Otto felt like a different person at the end of the book. I love how he is growing as a character, as a person and as a friend to others as well. He is getting so much insight from the different people around him. Utterly clueless at the beginning of the book and more emotionally involved with others at the end.
References: The references in this book are awesome. The references to different actors, but to movies and series as well. You'll just have to read it to understand what I'm talking about, but it totally felt like something unique and so relatable.
1-sitting: I read this book in 1 sitting and it didn't even cost me that much time/energy/effort. It was so much fun and I was kinda sad that the book ended. Lucky for me; this was book 1 in a series!
Cons
Can't think of any, really.
This was a very relatable story. The book overall was a feel-good story for me. Even though Otto is struggling with himself, his dreams and people around him, I highly recommend this "Road Trip" together with Otto!
aquaboi's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
theaudioauditor's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
mollyringle's review against another edition
5.0
A book full of heart, told in such a smoothly flowing and engaging voice that I read it swiftly, drawn into Otto's thoughts and the twists his life takes over a few crazy days. I'm always fascinated by the life of actors, especially when described as well as it is here, and from a point of view as unique as Otto's: with scars disfiguring his face, he comes up against even more appearance-based prejudice in his chosen profession than he might in the rest of life. This story doesn't flatter Hollywood much for its shallowness and cowardice when it comes to trying anything different in casting or writing, but I was grimly satisfied by that, since I think most of us fully agree with Otto and Russel's frustrations on those topics.
The weirdness of fame, the scariness of anti-LGBTQ sentiments in some places in the country, the endearing poignancy of friendships that used to be romantic, the surprises life springs on us for better and for worse--this book deals us a lovely balance of all of it. Fully satisfying. Also, I was delighted to realize this was the same Russel (and Kevin) from Geography Club way back when, now grown up!
The weirdness of fame, the scariness of anti-LGBTQ sentiments in some places in the country, the endearing poignancy of friendships that used to be romantic, the surprises life springs on us for better and for worse--this book deals us a lovely balance of all of it. Fully satisfying. Also, I was delighted to realize this was the same Russel (and Kevin) from Geography Club way back when, now grown up!