Book Reviews

Book Blurb

"If we get caught, they'll throw us in jail. On the other hand, we'll have been involved in one of the craziest Hollywood stories I've ever heard, and maybe someone will want to turn *that* into a movie!"

Otto Digmore is back, still trying to make it as an actor in Hollywood (despite his facial scars), but frustrated by all the schemers who'll stab you in the back to get ahead. But then Otto's good friend Russel Middlebrook sells a screenplay, a heist movie set in the Middle Ages — and Otto has been cast in an important supporting role! For twelve weeks, Otto and Russel will be on location together in England and Malta. 

Problem is, once production is underway, it quickly becomes clear that the director is ruining Russel's script. If the movie ends up being the bomb that both Otto and Russel expect it to be, it could destroy both their Hollywood careers forever.

But Otto and Russel aren't willing to take that chance. Together, they hatch a crazy plan to make a good movie behind the director's back! But how far are they willing to go to save their careers? Are they willing to become exactly the kind of scheming backstabbers they always said they hated? 

 

The Otto Digmore Decision is partly a caper story, partly a humorous Hollywood satire. It’s also an inside look at the struggles of anyone “different,” and it’s even something of a love story, except it’s one between two friends.

More than anything, The Otto Digmore Decision proves the old adage about creative pursuits: the most interesting drama always happens behind the scenes!

Book Review

“Conflict is what creates drama. The more conflict actors find, the more interesting the performance.” ~ Michael Shurtleff

Otto Digmore, of ‘The Otto Digmore Decision’ by Brent Hartinger, has wanted to be an actor for most of his life. Unfortunately, due to an accident with fire when he was young, he is having trouble getting parts. He sees all the games that go on around him in the business and is frustrated. Unless he resigns to playing monsters or zombies for his entire career, he needs to find a way to level the playing field.

When his best friend, Russel, who is a screenwriter, writes a part just for him, and the movie is picked up by a studio, they both see it as their possible big break. Auditions are never easy, but they are especially difficult for Otto. However, when he goes to audition for Russel’s play, he’s amazed when they act like he already has the part. Otto knows that everyone will be staring at his scars. He attempts to put them at ease by making a joke about them and the assistant director soon has everyone laughing with him. The assistant director, who seems like the ‘snake in the grass’ that Otto and Russel have been discussing, intends to embarrass Otto and Russell by telling everyone that the part was written for him, claiming nepotism, but Otto turns it around on him by telling everyone himself.

Otto is appalled by the way Russel is treated: inferior lodging, food, and consideration in general. Otto finds ways to help him have a better time while they are on location, without rubbing in what he has access to as a main character in the movie. Still, Otto feels bad at the disparity. Even in the middle of living their dream they are still subjected to the inequality and preferential treatment provided the big stars as opposed to the little people. It has little to do with how hard you work, or how good you are, and everything with being in the right place at the right time. Russel shrugs it off, but it makes Otto exceedingly sad, yet he doesn’t know how to change it.

Being on location is as exciting as it is tiring, but being with Russel is a huge plus for Otto. He cares for him deeply and enjoys being with him. Otto makes friends with most of the cast. They start to notice that the director has little or no idea what he is doing. It distresses everyone so much that they band together in secret – including the main star, who is famous enough to have his own entourage – and make plans as to how to improve the film so they don’t all look inept. They come up with a risky plan, that, if it works, will save their careers; if not, may end them. Going behind the director’s back is dangerous, but it’s a chance they feel that they have to take.

It was great to see Otto and Russell back together again, continuing their adventures. Their friendship is inspiring; it is clear that it reaches a new, clearer level in this story. I’m looking forward to reading more about this awesome pair. Thanks, Brent!

 

 

 

 

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Additional Information

Format	ebook, print and audio
Length	Novel, 253 pages
Heat Level
Publication Date	15-January-2020
Price	$5.99 ebook, $13.99 paperback, $17.95 audiobook
Buy Link	https://www.amazon.com/Otto-Digmore-Decision-Book-ebook/dp/B07Y833BXH