Misadventures in the (213)

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Summary: I felt like I was in showbiz while reading this book.
Review: MISADVENTURES is a sort-of-fictional story based on the life of a gay and up-and-coming screenwriter, named Craig Clybourn, and his "misadventures" in the showbiz industry in Los Angeles with his own rather strange group of friend's. Dandy Rio, Craig's best friend since college and star of her own sitcom, That's Just Dandy, was my favorite out of the bunch. She was always self-reliant and didn't care what everyone thought of her. She was Craig's right hand and was always there for him during his good times and bad times, and vice versa. I think what really drew me into the story was the strong relationship between Craig and Dandy. I liked the fact that they always supported each other, even when they were separate. I also enjoyed reading about the rise and fall of Craig's relationships with his two boyfriends, Damon and Godfrey, the first one of which played Aladdin in the live Disney musical. I really enjoyed the fact that MISADVENTURES had an "all-star cast" with many famous names that you may recognize and how the characters in the book interacted with them. For instance, there was one incident where they were at the MTV Movie Awards and Craig sat next to Alicia Silverstone to ask her if she wanted to play the lead female character in Deck Games, his very first screenplay which he adrored so much. MISADVENTURES IN THE (213) is a really funny and entertaining book with a few suprising twists near the end. I enjoyed this story so much because of its characters that were so realistic, it almost felt like they were my own friends. I give a standing ovation to Dennis Hensley for writing such an entertaining novel. You just have to pick this book up!

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Summary: Hollywood Hoot
Review: My first thought when picking up this light book: "great, another Hollywood mockery." But after reading a few chapters, I was relieved that I could associate with some of the characters, especially the lead. Unfortunately, unless you've actually lived some of the experiences the author has, you might not find most of the humor as laugh-out-loud funny as I did.

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Summary: Made me want to go to LA!
Review: Okay, so that might sound contradictory (sp?), seeing as how the book is primarily about the crazy, surreal life most LAers supposedly lead. However, it made me feel better to know that there are people out there having just as hard a time figuring out what they want to do with their lives as I am--it doesn't matter whether you live in LA or Indiana! :) The characters are so real, I'd love to hang out with someone like Craig, it's no wonder Dandy can't stand not having him to lean on! I'm looking forward to more stories by Dennis Hensley!!!!! Hopefully a sequel to "Misadventures"... :)

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Summary: It's Just Dandy!
Review: Okay...how to describe this book and not sound like a raving lunatic? Well you can't really...In a nutshell, Craig Clybourn leaves his nice job as a cruise director to move to L.A. to be with his friend, sitcom star Dandy Rio who gets him in some of the oddest situations imaginable. From stealing fish from Tina Louise's koi pond to sleeping Alicia Silverstone a copy of his screenplay with the words, "Your boyfriend does it with watermelons" imprinted on the front to falling in and out and love (or maybe lust) over and over. Let's just say you may have a new affection for the McDonalds Playland after this...and a new understanding for how some pageant winners are picked....

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Summary: Must Read for Entertainment [Hopefuls]!
Review: Remember that television series from a few years back about Jennifer Grey trying to make it in Hollywood? This book is everything that show wasn't: clever, hilarious, satirical, and--dare I say it?--insightful. It's all about trying to make it in the insane entertainment industry of Los Angeles, and the tone is frothy and superficial, exactly like Los Angeles itself! Hensley shows us the city and the industry from the inside, and he's clearly a fan. Unlike Hensley (and Randy Newman), I hate L.A. But I loved this book!

Rating:
Summary: Must Read for Entertainment [Hopefuls]!
Review: Remember that television series from a few years back about Jennifer Grey trying to make it in Hollywood? This book is everything that show wasn't: clever, hilarious, satirical, and--dare I say it?--insightful. It's all about trying to make it in the insane entertainment industry of Los Angeles, and the tone is frothy and superficial, exactly like Los Angeles itself! Hensley shows us the city and the industry from the inside, and he's clearly a fan. Unlike Hensley (and Randy Newman), I hate L.A. But I loved this book!

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Summary: Nonstop Fun
Review: Screening Party was a recommended to me and after I finished that I HAD to read Misadventures. I wan't disappointed. It was so funny I could barely make it through a page without laughing out loud. Craig was completelely lovable and the people that surronded him were trippy and wonderful. It's a great book, especially for people who love movies, television, and the camp culture that's grown up around them.

Rating:
Summary: Nonstop Fun
Review: Screening Party was a recommended to me and after I finished that I HAD to read Misadventures. I wan't disappointed. It was so funny I could barely make it through a page without laughing out loud. Craig was completelely lovable and the people that surronded him were trippy and wonderful. It's a great book, especially for people who love movies, television, and the camp culture that's grown up around them.

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Summary: wacky story of 2 L.A. friends
Review: This book is one crazy mishap after another! Dandy and her best friend Craig are constantly running into celebrities. Not to mention making dumb mistakes like getting stuck in Disneyland over night. It doesn't have a very deep story to it, but very funny at times. I wouldn't say it was the best storyline. If you are looking for a deeper novel pass this one over.

Rating:
Summary: A very funny book by a very funny writer
Review: This book made me laugh out loud, something I seldom do when I read, no matter how funny the content. The way the author uses contemporary pop references and wry commentary makes for effective pictures in my mind of what is going on, and adds greatly to the humor of the situations he describes. My only regret is what happens toward the end with Craig and Godfrey -- though it does provide the book with some bittersweet poignance.