The Martini Shot

This book was absolutely nothing like I expected, and I think the advertising for it and the description were sort of intentionally misleading. But I did find myself liking the book very much by the midway point, mostly because the characters were all so odd and unpredictable. Eventually I forgot the whole label-thing, and I just enjoyed the book. Don't read this if you expect some gossipy Hollywood novel. It's actually a good little comedy about a lot of amusing and neurotic people trying to keep it together.

I don't know, I think this book was pretty damn funny. I don't even pretend to understand what "hollywood" is all about, but, although Charlie's reflective scene before he douses himself may have been a bit maudlin, the characters are what make it... You want to adopt Matt, shoot Barb (with cellulite), share a joint with Camilla, BE Ava, and have a couple of Chrisses ... As far as the criticism of one-liners goes, how fitting for Charlie to end up "in the drink"... The wit and sarcasm of these "one-liners" has made me oddly homesick for that so very AMERICAN sense of humor. I think assuming this'll turn into the hollywood film Mr. Craig seems, although halfheartedly, to be trashing, is not to give him enough credit. So what if it does?

I enjoyed this book primarily because of the engaging and witty characters, particularly Camilla. The author has a good ear for dialogue, and allows his characters room to speak and develop. The "Hollywood" aspect of this book seemed to be just a backdrop, while the real story was the dynamic between all of these eccentric but likable people. Even the character of Barbara, who is a gold-digger type, is treated fairly. By the end, she seems to have a point also. I appreciated how the author didn't seem to favor characters, but seemed to have affection for all of them.

I read a review of this in L.A. Weekly which said that it was "a lot of fun" and entertaining in a sort of ironic way, despite the fact that it became more slapstick at the end. I read it, and agreed for the most part, except I felt that the characters were much stronger and wittier than I had expected and the author seemed more generous to them than I would have thought from the initial satirical tone. The ending was a little over the top, but it was an example of the kind of senseless fireworks these characters would have to simulate in their own lives. All in all, I thought it was a very intelligent and amusing first novel.

This guy has obviously spent a lot of time on film sets--he's got the whole insane experience down to a tee. I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait for his next one.