Source: Complimentary copy provided by author, via Innovative Online Book Tours, in exchange for an honest an unbiased review
What Stephanie Thinks: The essence of Hollywood cinema the omnipresent and growing monster that constitutes it is captured perfectly in Brody's observant, almost journalistic, novel. Sam Bateman's voice is strong, the perfect balance of humor, self-depreciation with an ironic tinge of haughtiness, and stunning insight, so I give Brody kudos for that, but I wasn't too fond of the actual flow of the book.
Mostly it's because there's hardly any interaction. Brody's certainly got a way with words and is able to demonstrate Bateman's thinking process and immediate activities (i.e. his mission to find the next Holden ticket), but the lack of dialogue, the lack of actual progress, makes it kind of a boring read. Don't get me wrong; as a whole, I did enjoy The Holden Age of Hollywood because I love the concept of the hidden scripts of genius, as well as a wronged man's journey to find it. I can't say I've ever read a book as creative yet at the same time, raw, as this one. But the plot structure and slow headway make it a less-than-fabulous read.
The style, I like. Brody has potential, some of which is displayed in his debut novel. The plot itself is decent too, with messages that play out well, including those regarding determination, the everpresent conceptual death and dying of Hollywood, as well as the power of intimacy and love. My verdict: good? Yes. Great? Not really. The Holden Age of Hollywood is a novel about discovery, about self-indictment and self-approval with an obscure tone and penetrating wisdom. With a bit of work, such as the rearrangement of certain events, the cut of some of the footnotes/historical pieces that drag on, and copyediting, it might be more enjoyable, but I think for the most part, my judgment would regardless remain the same.
Stephanie Loves: "He drinks, spews this advice: 'Write what you know.' Leaning in close, he whispers, 'And write what you know will get you laid ... Seriously, though, make it unique. Don't be bothered if some people don't like it. Simply find the one person who loves it.'" I think this is the perfect essence of what writing is, what it should be, conveyed eloquently with a dash of vulgarity and a tragic sense of humor.
Radical Rating: 6 hearts: Satisfying for a first read, but I'm not going back.
What Stephanie Thinks: The essence of Hollywood cinema the omnipresent and growing monster that constitutes it is captured perfectly in Brody's observant, almost journalistic, novel. Sam Bateman's voice is strong, the perfect balance of humor, self-depreciation with an ironic tinge of haughtiness, and stunning insight, so I give Brody kudos for that, but I wasn't too fond of the actual flow of the book.
Mostly it's because there's hardly any interaction. Brody's certainly got a way with words and is able to demonstrate Bateman's thinking process and immediate activities (i.e. his mission to find the next Holden ticket), but the lack of dialogue, the lack of actual progress, makes it kind of a boring read. Don't get me wrong; as a whole, I did enjoy The Holden Age of Hollywood because I love the concept of the hidden scripts of genius, as well as a wronged man's journey to find it. I can't say I've ever read a book as creative yet at the same time, raw, as this one. But the plot structure and slow headway make it a less-than-fabulous read.
The style, I like. Brody has potential, some of which is displayed in his debut novel. The plot itself is decent too, with messages that play out well, including those regarding determination, the everpresent conceptual death and dying of Hollywood, as well as the power of intimacy and love. My verdict: good? Yes. Great? Not really. The Holden Age of Hollywood is a novel about discovery, about self-indictment and self-approval with an obscure tone and penetrating wisdom. With a bit of work, such as the rearrangement of certain events, the cut of some of the footnotes/historical pieces that drag on, and copyediting, it might be more enjoyable, but I think for the most part, my judgment would regardless remain the same.
Stephanie Loves: "He drinks, spews this advice: 'Write what you know.' Leaning in close, he whispers, 'And write what you know will get you laid ... Seriously, though, make it unique. Don't be bothered if some people don't like it. Simply find the one person who loves it.'" I think this is the perfect essence of what writing is, what it should be, conveyed eloquently with a dash of vulgarity and a tragic sense of humor.
Radical Rating: 6 hearts: Satisfying for a first read, but I'm not going back.
