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bjkatcher's review against another edition
5.0
Ah, Russel Middlebrook is all grown up. It's so fun to see the awkward kid from Geography Club, the boy too afraid to even talk about his own sexual orientation, now an adult in a mature relationship. It's great seeing Russel try to make it in the cutthroat world of screenwriting. Can't wait to see what happens next.
crtsjffrsn's review
4.0
[Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.]
After reuniting with his high school boyfriend, Kevin, in Seattle, Russel Middlebrook is ready to make his life complete by pursuing his dreams. Together, he and Kevin pick up and move to Los Angeles so Russel can begin his career as a screenwriter. He doesn't have any contracts when he arrives, but it's only a matter of time, right? And much to Russel's delight, it's not long after he arrives that one of his scripts--one based loosely on his own life--is optioned by a producer who has worked with some of the biggest names in the business. But it's not all easy. Kevin gave up a job he enjoyed to move to California, and Russel quickly learns there is much more to the business of filmmaking than he ever could have imagined. Will Russel get his break he's been hoping for? Will the challenges of their new environment test Russel and Kevin's relationship past the breaking point? Or will they be able to live in the "City of Broken Dreams" whilst keeping their own intact?
I've been a fan of this series since I first read Geography Club, where we meet Russel Middlebrook for the first time. There's just something about the way Brent Hartinger captures this character's voice that speaks to me in a way I don't know I can fully explain. There is an ease in reading these books for me, but they also tell stories that describe real challenges and personal and relationship dynamics. It's been interesting to see Russel go from high school student to college graduate, seeing the ways in which he's changed while still so clearly knowing it's the same character I'm hearing from in these books.
In this installment, there's a lot going on. Russel and Kevin have made a big move, and on somewhat of a whim. That's obviously challenging for them both and the cast of characters they find themselves thrown into when they get to L.A. serves up more challenges and issues for them to sort through. There are a few twists and turns thrown in that aren't exactly expected, and readers can expect a fun, and dynamic read.
After reuniting with his high school boyfriend, Kevin, in Seattle, Russel Middlebrook is ready to make his life complete by pursuing his dreams. Together, he and Kevin pick up and move to Los Angeles so Russel can begin his career as a screenwriter. He doesn't have any contracts when he arrives, but it's only a matter of time, right? And much to Russel's delight, it's not long after he arrives that one of his scripts--one based loosely on his own life--is optioned by a producer who has worked with some of the biggest names in the business. But it's not all easy. Kevin gave up a job he enjoyed to move to California, and Russel quickly learns there is much more to the business of filmmaking than he ever could have imagined. Will Russel get his break he's been hoping for? Will the challenges of their new environment test Russel and Kevin's relationship past the breaking point? Or will they be able to live in the "City of Broken Dreams" whilst keeping their own intact?
I've been a fan of this series since I first read Geography Club, where we meet Russel Middlebrook for the first time. There's just something about the way Brent Hartinger captures this character's voice that speaks to me in a way I don't know I can fully explain. There is an ease in reading these books for me, but they also tell stories that describe real challenges and personal and relationship dynamics. It's been interesting to see Russel go from high school student to college graduate, seeing the ways in which he's changed while still so clearly knowing it's the same character I'm hearing from in these books.
In this installment, there's a lot going on. Russel and Kevin have made a big move, and on somewhat of a whim. That's obviously challenging for them both and the cast of characters they find themselves thrown into when they get to L.A. serves up more challenges and issues for them to sort through. There are a few twists and turns thrown in that aren't exactly expected, and readers can expect a fun, and dynamic read.
wrenvale's review against another edition
5.0
Perfect ending!!
A lot of this read was predictable, but cute prediction, made me smile predictable. I loved it. Thought provoking. Realise what you have. I finished this book with a fuzzy feeling in my soul
Starting the 3rd book in the series immediately after finishing this instalment
A lot of this read was predictable, but cute prediction, made me smile predictable. I loved it. Thought provoking. Realise what you have. I finished this book with a fuzzy feeling in my soul
Starting the 3rd book in the series immediately after finishing this instalment
cadiva's review
4.0
Me and Russel nearly fell out in this book when he dissed Blade Runner and said it was overrated, but he somewhat redeemed himself by his acceptance that Michael Schoeffling, the love interest in 16 Candles was hotter than Andrew MCarthy in Pretty in Pink. Of course both of them pale into insignificance beside John Cusack, who also starred in the former.
Overall though, this was an odd one, very introspective and while still humorous, it seemed to also have a bite to it that hadn't been present before. Perhaps a symptom of the Hollywood lifestyle!
Overall though, this was an odd one, very introspective and while still humorous, it seemed to also have a bite to it that hadn't been present before. Perhaps a symptom of the Hollywood lifestyle!
tim5alive's review against another edition
2.0
Not a great book lol. I wouldn't recommend this.
I'm glad that Kevin and Russel are finally together, though there are a lot of weird side plots that don't really go anywhere for this short book.
I'm glad that Kevin and Russel are finally together, though there are a lot of weird side plots that don't really go anywhere for this short book.
ex_libris_volantes's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Terrible character development. The main character comes across as a narrator, more than a believable life; listing his observations of other people around him, but not having much in the way of introspective thought throughout. It was aggravating that the story more or less happened around him this time, and his only credit to deserving to be in the story is he “wrote the script” (screen play) that we barely even get information about. Not to mention it has a cliche (pun) name, and doesn’t sound like the type of film any realistic person expects a chance at getting top Hollywood backing even from an experienced or credited writer. It makes the character overly naive, but also seems to assume the target audience of the book is dumb enough to believe in such naivety. It is great to follow your dreams, but Russell basically shoots out into the world with no safety net and goes with any whim that comes his way; he has no strive or passion or struggle, which makes him hard to relate to.
Then there is the main romantic relationship witch I have continuing issues with from the first book. These two have no business being together. The only thing they have as a cementing experience and milestone to their entire relationship is that they were basically each other’s only option to date as gay men in their small town high school from the previous books. Then they were the typical idiots growing into adulthood and going separate ways. Kevin had a career and a new, live-in boyfriend, and their is no logical reason for why he would implode his life to be a side character in Russel’s chaotic life. Basically they succumb to hormonal angst and decide they maybe still love each other from high school, but we as the reader never really get emotional connection to the relationship. Most of the time the only reason it seems like they are together is because they “have a history,” and they both are at least attractive still, so they might as well progress together and just have sex every chance they can.
Lastly there is the random other side characters introduced with some weight of substance to their character, but the most important quality seems to be that they are attractive. The most annoying aspect being the erotic daydreams that seem to exist for no other reason than the author had to actually put some action every chapter or two to keep anyone interested in reading on, since character development and believable plot movement seem a task he is unsuited to…
Anyway, I wish that this story actually felt more genuine toward Otto, and the strive to create opportunity and reduce stigma against people like him with physical barriers (his facial scars). Like he gets his “happy ending,” but I didn’t feel connected to the character enough for it to feel genuine.
My least favorite story arc was Daniel. He starts off as a little pendejo to Russel and Kevin, then suddenly it seems to be because he was struggling with his sexuality. I want to empathize with that situation, but the character development was so poor up to and after this revelation, that he was just always a little underage jerk that I didn’t care for. His story ending with him in the porn business too really rubbed me the wrong way, but for issues with the way it was written, not with the choices. For all the information we know of the character, he and his sister have no parents, and are all each other has, and constantly struggle to make ends meet. They never have much money, so it is totally believable that a sexually curious and newly 18 kid might end up doing porn. Buf the author rights of it as shameful; Shameful from every angle too. Russel mentions he found Daniel in a porn while searching the web, but shames the idea that he was doing that in the first place, and shames the thought that anyone should want to look at porn, or especially that he or Kevin could ever be interested in viewing such a video (even though they had no problems having an erotic fantasy over him a few chapters ago when he was still underage). And then the author shames the porn industry, putting it down, and coming off as superior in mind to anyone who could be “so desperate,” as he puts it. He doubts that the outward persona of pornstars is true, and reflects on how insecure they must be to need attention. It was very off-putting to read such hostile judgement and putting down of an entire group for merely working in a clearly desired industry and trying to make a living.
The fact that this was in the last chapter made the entire experience of this novel fall flatter than it already was because it left an extra negative taste in my mouth.
Then there is the main romantic relationship witch I have continuing issues with from the first book. These two have no business being together. The only thing they have as a cementing experience and milestone to their entire relationship is that they were basically each other’s only option to date as gay men in their small town high school from the previous books. Then they were the typical idiots growing into adulthood and going separate ways. Kevin had a career and a new, live-in boyfriend, and their is no logical reason for why he would implode his life to be a side character in Russel’s chaotic life. Basically they succumb to hormonal angst and decide they maybe still love each other from high school, but we as the reader never really get emotional connection to the relationship. Most of the time the only reason it seems like they are together is because they “have a history,” and they both are at least attractive still, so they might as well progress together and just have sex every chance they can.
Lastly there is the random other side characters introduced with some weight of substance to their character, but the most important quality seems to be that they are attractive. The most annoying aspect being the erotic daydreams that seem to exist for no other reason than the author had to actually put some action every chapter or two to keep anyone interested in reading on, since character development and believable plot movement seem a task he is unsuited to…
Anyway, I wish that this story actually felt more genuine toward Otto, and the strive to create opportunity and reduce stigma against people like him with physical barriers (his facial scars). Like he gets his “happy ending,” but I didn’t feel connected to the character enough for it to feel genuine.
My least favorite story arc was Daniel. He starts off as a little pendejo to Russel and Kevin, then suddenly it seems to be because he was struggling with his sexuality. I want to empathize with that situation, but the character development was so poor up to and after this revelation, that he was just always a little underage jerk that I didn’t care for. His story ending with him in the porn business too really rubbed me the wrong way, but for issues with the way it was written, not with the choices. For all the information we know of the character, he and his sister have no parents, and are all each other has, and constantly struggle to make ends meet. They never have much money, so it is totally believable that a sexually curious and newly 18 kid might end up doing porn. Buf the author rights of it as shameful; Shameful from every angle too. Russel mentions he found Daniel in a porn while searching the web, but shames the idea that he was doing that in the first place, and shames the thought that anyone should want to look at porn, or especially that he or Kevin could ever be interested in viewing such a video (even though they had no problems having an erotic fantasy over him a few chapters ago when he was still underage). And then the author shames the porn industry, putting it down, and coming off as superior in mind to anyone who could be “so desperate,” as he puts it. He doubts that the outward persona of pornstars is true, and reflects on how insecure they must be to need attention. It was very off-putting to read such hostile judgement and putting down of an entire group for merely working in a clearly desired industry and trying to make a living.
The fact that this was in the last chapter made the entire experience of this novel fall flatter than it already was because it left an extra negative taste in my mouth.
sheska_meroba's review against another edition
3.0
I think I liked this one a little more than the first one, but it seemed odd that the friends we had built up so much in the first book were completely absent from this one. I know that Russel didn't live with them anymore, but since the end of that book reaffirmed how much he loved his friends you think there would have been a phone call or a mention somewhere.
foreveryoungadult's review against another edition
Graded By: Brian
Cover Story: It makes me feel kinda funny, like when we used to climb the rope in gym class.
Drinking Buddy: Let's Do Lunch, Babe
Testosterone Level: Cools Self Off With Big Frilly Victorian Fan
Talky Talk: We've All Been There
Bonus Factors: Ghosts, Scars
Bromance Status: I Know a Guy...
Read the full book report here.
Cover Story: It makes me feel kinda funny, like when we used to climb the rope in gym class.
Drinking Buddy: Let's Do Lunch, Babe
Testosterone Level: Cools Self Off With Big Frilly Victorian Fan
Talky Talk: We've All Been There
Bonus Factors: Ghosts, Scars
Bromance Status: I Know a Guy...
Read the full book report here.