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librarianpeter's review
4.0
To the other longtime readers of Brent Hartinger's Russel Middlebrook series: after reading this book you're going to be wondering the same thing that I was.
WHEN THE HELL DID KEVIN LAND BECOME THE PERFECT BOYFRIEND!?
Okay. On with my review.
Continuing on with Russel and his journey through adulthood we now find that he and Kevin have moved to L.A. in order to make Russel's dream of becoming a famous screenwriter come true. Sidenote, Kevin has also sacrificed a career in Seattle to move with Russel in order to support his dream. See? Perfect boyfriend. Anyways, the predominant theme of this book is desperation. Anyone who knows anything about Los Angeles and the show business industry knows or will find out in this book that EVERYONE in this city and this industry is desperate. They move to Hollywood in hopes of someday making it big and famous. It's a desperation to fulfill their dreams. Along the way Russel realizes his dream through an attractive offer to produce his movie from a formerly famous and prolific movie producer and slowly but surely succumbs to the desperation the rest of the city suffers from and without knowing it. He meets the other denizens of his apartment building who share the same dreams as well as some other interesting characters. There's a bit of spirituality thrown in the mix, a sexy but desperate neighbor, movie trivia and last but certainly not least the return of much beloved (at least by me) ex-boyfriend and friend Otto Digmore. Otto's also living in L.A. and desperate to make it big in the city of broken dreams (significance to come later).
Russel continues to amuse me with his bit of innocence, humor, but also with a fair bit of exasperating mixed in. The steady loving presence of Kevin is just what we all wanted ever since the days of the Geography Club and the return of Otto is also another link to Russel's past that we didn't know we wanted.
I conclude this with a reiteration of my earlier question.
WHEN THE HELL DID KEVIN LAND BECOME THE PERFECT BOYFRIEND.
The ending will make you smile.
WHEN THE HELL DID KEVIN LAND BECOME THE PERFECT BOYFRIEND!?
Okay. On with my review.
Continuing on with Russel and his journey through adulthood we now find that he and Kevin have moved to L.A. in order to make Russel's dream of becoming a famous screenwriter come true. Sidenote, Kevin has also sacrificed a career in Seattle to move with Russel in order to support his dream. See? Perfect boyfriend. Anyways, the predominant theme of this book is desperation. Anyone who knows anything about Los Angeles and the show business industry knows or will find out in this book that EVERYONE in this city and this industry is desperate. They move to Hollywood in hopes of someday making it big and famous. It's a desperation to fulfill their dreams. Along the way Russel realizes his dream through an attractive offer to produce his movie from a formerly famous and prolific movie producer and slowly but surely succumbs to the desperation the rest of the city suffers from and without knowing it. He meets the other denizens of his apartment building who share the same dreams as well as some other interesting characters. There's a bit of spirituality thrown in the mix, a sexy but desperate neighbor, movie trivia and last but certainly not least the return of much beloved (at least by me) ex-boyfriend and friend Otto Digmore. Otto's also living in L.A. and desperate to make it big in the city of broken dreams (significance to come later).
Russel continues to amuse me with his bit of innocence, humor, but also with a fair bit of exasperating mixed in. The steady loving presence of Kevin is just what we all wanted ever since the days of the Geography Club and the return of Otto is also another link to Russel's past that we didn't know we wanted.
I conclude this with a reiteration of my earlier question.
WHEN THE HELL DID KEVIN LAND BECOME THE PERFECT BOYFRIEND.
The ending will make you smile.
hemmel_mol's review
3.0
Knowing this was a story about Russel finding his way, with sometimes a scene about his relationship, changed my perspective. I liked the occurrences and rounded secondary characters.
The audio was mediocre. In the beginning I could hear wich sentences were later added corrections and the voices were not always right.
Follow my reviews at https://hemmelm.blogspot.com/
The audio was mediocre. In the beginning I could hear wich sentences were later added corrections and the voices were not always right.
Follow my reviews at https://hemmelm.blogspot.com/
pres_shoob's review against another edition
5.0
Once again, Brent Hartinger has written a captivating book! I started reading Barefoot in the City of Broken Dreams at around 9 PM, and while I tried to put it down several times to give myself the chance to read it over a longer period of time, I found myself picking it up again and again until I finished the novel at around 2 AM that same night. There were plenty of aspects to the story (not to mention some tension!) that kept me captivated the entire way through.
Overall, it's been amazing to watch Russel grow from a sophomore in high school trying to solidify his identity to a 24-year-old man following his dreams. Barefoot in the City of Broken Dreams provides an inspiring story for those who do not know what they want out of life or those who have come across a rough patch in chasing their dreams, and teaches the valuable lesson that while the journey may not be exactly what you expect, everything will turn out as it needs to in the end so long as you have perseverance. More specifically, seeing Russel catch up with an old friend and work on a project with him has motivated me to reach out to some old friends whom I haven't seen in a while and gave me confidence to know that friends who I'm having a rough patch with might be well worth reaching out to in the future. In many ways, the Russel Middlebrook series has given me the inspiration I need to work things out in life, and Barefoot in the City of Broken Dreams is no exception to the rule.
Like the other book in this trilogy, anybody with no prior experience with the series can pick the book up and enjoy it; however, it is best for readers to start from the beginning of the series (or at least the trilogy) to get the full experience of watching Russel, Kevin, and all his friends grow and develop over time. Speaking of Kevin and Russel's other friends, I was very pleased with the ending of this book! All the loose knots were tied up, and I'm excited for the next book in the series, to say the least! I would highly recommend Barefoot in the City of Broken Dreams to just about any reader, as the message it sends is ultimately pretty universal to the human experience.
Overall, it's been amazing to watch Russel grow from a sophomore in high school trying to solidify his identity to a 24-year-old man following his dreams. Barefoot in the City of Broken Dreams provides an inspiring story for those who do not know what they want out of life or those who have come across a rough patch in chasing their dreams, and teaches the valuable lesson that while the journey may not be exactly what you expect, everything will turn out as it needs to in the end so long as you have perseverance. More specifically, seeing Russel catch up with an old friend and work on a project with him has motivated me to reach out to some old friends whom I haven't seen in a while and gave me confidence to know that friends who I'm having a rough patch with might be well worth reaching out to in the future. In many ways, the Russel Middlebrook series has given me the inspiration I need to work things out in life, and Barefoot in the City of Broken Dreams is no exception to the rule.
Like the other book in this trilogy, anybody with no prior experience with the series can pick the book up and enjoy it; however, it is best for readers to start from the beginning of the series (or at least the trilogy) to get the full experience of watching Russel, Kevin, and all his friends grow and develop over time. Speaking of Kevin and Russel's other friends, I was very pleased with the ending of this book! All the loose knots were tied up, and I'm excited for the next book in the series, to say the least! I would highly recommend Barefoot in the City of Broken Dreams to just about any reader, as the message it sends is ultimately pretty universal to the human experience.
javalenciaph's review against another edition
5.0
Read the full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.
Note: This ARC was provided by Patchwork Press Cooperative in exchange for an honest review.
Barefoot in the City of Broken Dreams is the second book in the Russel Middlebrook: The Futon Years from author Brent Hartinger and takes place a few months after the events in the first book, The Thing I Didn't Know I Didn't Know. Russel Middlebrook and his boyfriend Kevin Land have moved to California so that Russel can pursue his being a screenwriter. While there, Russel's dreams appear to be coming true, but not all dreams appear to be what they are, and when reality hits him, it affects his own relationship with Kevin. There's still a lot that Russel needs to learn about himself and the world he lives in, but Kevin's by his side, supporting him while trying to keep things as real as possible, whether Russel likes it or not.
This sequel still has the humor that made its predecessor an enjoyable read, and there's certainly a lot more of Russel and Kevin as a couple than before. The two really do work well together and while they're very sexual creatures (that joint fantasy thing was unexpected but it served its purpose for both guys), there's also the romance that you want to see in a relationship of this sort. I like that Russel is the dreamer that he is, because dreams are what make us want more and to be more, but I love that Kevin is the one that keeps Russel grounded. Yes, he's more understated that Russel is, but I think that's part of what makes him a realist but definitely not someone who bursts the bubble of the people he cares about most.
The author could have gone a completely different route with the story but I'm glad that he didn't because this is the kind of thing that speaks to book's target audience. Speaking of target audience, as was the case with the first book, I think this book is something that people of any adult age can appreciate and I hope will be enjoyed as much as I did. This had a Hollywood ending that had me grinning from ear to ear and now has me looking forward to the third book in the series, which I hope will see the return of Russel's one-of-a-kind set of friends from book one plus his new ones from here. With heart and humor, Barefoot in the City of Broken Dreams is a worthwhile read and one that I'd recommend. I'm giving this 4.5 stars, rounded off to five stars. ♥
Note: This ARC was provided by Patchwork Press Cooperative in exchange for an honest review.
Barefoot in the City of Broken Dreams is the second book in the Russel Middlebrook: The Futon Years from author Brent Hartinger and takes place a few months after the events in the first book, The Thing I Didn't Know I Didn't Know. Russel Middlebrook and his boyfriend Kevin Land have moved to California so that Russel can pursue his being a screenwriter. While there, Russel's dreams appear to be coming true, but not all dreams appear to be what they are, and when reality hits him, it affects his own relationship with Kevin. There's still a lot that Russel needs to learn about himself and the world he lives in, but Kevin's by his side, supporting him while trying to keep things as real as possible, whether Russel likes it or not.
This sequel still has the humor that made its predecessor an enjoyable read, and there's certainly a lot more of Russel and Kevin as a couple than before. The two really do work well together and while they're very sexual creatures (that joint fantasy thing was unexpected but it served its purpose for both guys), there's also the romance that you want to see in a relationship of this sort. I like that Russel is the dreamer that he is, because dreams are what make us want more and to be more, but I love that Kevin is the one that keeps Russel grounded. Yes, he's more understated that Russel is, but I think that's part of what makes him a realist but definitely not someone who bursts the bubble of the people he cares about most.
The author could have gone a completely different route with the story but I'm glad that he didn't because this is the kind of thing that speaks to book's target audience. Speaking of target audience, as was the case with the first book, I think this book is something that people of any adult age can appreciate and I hope will be enjoyed as much as I did. This had a Hollywood ending that had me grinning from ear to ear and now has me looking forward to the third book in the series, which I hope will see the return of Russel's one-of-a-kind set of friends from book one plus his new ones from here. With heart and humor, Barefoot in the City of Broken Dreams is a worthwhile read and one that I'd recommend. I'm giving this 4.5 stars, rounded off to five stars. ♥
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!