itsmarkyall's review
5.0
This book is probably closer to 4.5 stars than 5, but the last two-thirds of the book are so enjoyable that it passes for 5 stars without second thoughts.
vkellermann89's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
5.0
david_agranoff's review against another edition
3.0
In a family of writers that includes a father who is the world's top selling author and a brother racking up awards it would be easy to miss the the works of Tabitha and Owen King. I made the decision recently that I would read Owen's debut novel before reading another novel by his brother Joe Hill. I knew it was genre, but that is OK because I am not a genre only reader to me a good and compelling story is all that really matters.
Double feature is the story of a young indie filmmaker named Sam Dolan, whose father is a semi-famous B-movie actor Dylan Booth whose most famous role is playing a “Satanologist” in a bad horror movie. Sam is making his first movie a indie drama “Who we are” that sounds like a really snoozer. It might seem like the novel is about the making of the movie, but it is more of a collection of characters and history of the family involved in Sam's life.
The writing is pretty solid, the novel it self is often funny. Perhaps the best thing about the novel is it's humor which comes mostly from King's sarcastic narrative. I enjoyed most the relationship between Sam and his father who is the next best thing in the novel. A part of me thinks the novel might have been better focused on Dylan rather than his son.
One part of the novel almost lost during a 12 page unreadable stretch that started on page 53 that followed the production of the film. The idea was to do that part of the book in a super long unbroken paragraph. It was mess and bog down the narrative. I had to skip it I just could not take it.
I have to admit I didn't find this novel gripping at all. If not for the family connection I am not sure I would have given this novel a shot past the first hundred pages. I am glad I did because I laughed a lot I am just not sure I'll be running to the next book by Owen King. That being said if you are interested in film and like funny novels it is worth a shot. You might like it more than me.
Double feature is the story of a young indie filmmaker named Sam Dolan, whose father is a semi-famous B-movie actor Dylan Booth whose most famous role is playing a “Satanologist” in a bad horror movie. Sam is making his first movie a indie drama “Who we are” that sounds like a really snoozer. It might seem like the novel is about the making of the movie, but it is more of a collection of characters and history of the family involved in Sam's life.
The writing is pretty solid, the novel it self is often funny. Perhaps the best thing about the novel is it's humor which comes mostly from King's sarcastic narrative. I enjoyed most the relationship between Sam and his father who is the next best thing in the novel. A part of me thinks the novel might have been better focused on Dylan rather than his son.
One part of the novel almost lost during a 12 page unreadable stretch that started on page 53 that followed the production of the film. The idea was to do that part of the book in a super long unbroken paragraph. It was mess and bog down the narrative. I had to skip it I just could not take it.
I have to admit I didn't find this novel gripping at all. If not for the family connection I am not sure I would have given this novel a shot past the first hundred pages. I am glad I did because I laughed a lot I am just not sure I'll be running to the next book by Owen King. That being said if you are interested in film and like funny novels it is worth a shot. You might like it more than me.
pharmdad2007's review against another edition
3.0
It's interesting to me that the son of one of the most famous authors of our time writes a novel about the perils - and rewards - of following a famous parent into their line of work. And in the case of Owen King, he's following in his brother's footsteps as well. I really like that Owen has a very different voice than his father and his brother.
laterry75's review against another edition
4.0
It's nothing like his father, Stephen King, writes.
It's nothing like his brother, Joe Hill, writes.
I like both of those guys, and that was enough to get me to open the book.
Larry McMurtry has quote on dust jacket, and I understand why after finishing the book. This is a thoughtful novel about the dreams of youth, the realities of maturity, and the ever-evolving complexity of parent/child relationships.
The only thing I didn't like involved some of the last pages, where King was trying too hard to be cute and referencing characters and scenes from early in the book. It felt too pat, and it wasn't necessary.
Otherwise, a damn fine read.
It's nothing like his brother, Joe Hill, writes.
I like both of those guys, and that was enough to get me to open the book.
Larry McMurtry has quote on dust jacket, and I understand why after finishing the book. This is a thoughtful novel about the dreams of youth, the realities of maturity, and the ever-evolving complexity of parent/child relationships.
The only thing I didn't like involved some of the last pages, where King was trying too hard to be cute and referencing characters and scenes from early in the book. It felt too pat, and it wasn't necessary.
Otherwise, a damn fine read.
shelfimprovement's review against another edition
2.0
I'm throwing in the towel on this one. It's just not for me. If you are a really big fan of that kind of darkerish indie movie where the characters always engage in some sort of weird sex act that's presented as totally normal, then this might be a good book for you. I couldn't get past the first 100 pages for many of the same reasons that I never like those movies -- they pile on an inability for me to relate with a lack of optimism and a little bit of dirty in such a way that watching them is just not a pleasant experience.
Also, there's the fact that this book could've used some serious editing. There was a sixteen-page paragraph in a place where there was no reason for a sixteen-page paragraph. It wasn't a single scene or thought or less than a dozen snippets of dialogue. It was a sixteen-page paragraph because he didn't feel like hitting the return button and that just feel pretentious to me.
I think there's an audience for this book, I just don't think it's me.
Also, there's the fact that this book could've used some serious editing. There was a sixteen-page paragraph in a place where there was no reason for a sixteen-page paragraph. It wasn't a single scene or thought or less than a dozen snippets of dialogue. It was a sixteen-page paragraph because he didn't feel like hitting the return button and that just feel pretentious to me.
I think there's an audience for this book, I just don't think it's me.
adamvolle's review against another edition
2.0
First Novel Problems By An MFA Grad generally work themselves out by the time that the author finishes his second book, so I won’t be writing Owen off yet.
laurenleyendolibros's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
acinthedc's review against another edition
2.0
An uneven story about a young man, Sam Dolan, making a movie and the unexpected outcome that continues to haunt its maker years later. While some sections were engrossing (almost any scene with Allie, Sam's mother), many read like a petulant teenager's diary raging against the parent who doesn't understand him, even though they share similar characteristics. Some of King's meditations on family and responsibility resonate, but as a whole this novel seemed too long and wrapped up a little too neatly.