Either You're In Or You're In The Way | Book Review and Contest

Book: Either You're in or You're in the Way: Two Brothers, twelve months, and one filmmaking hell-ride to keep a promise to their father

Authors: Logan and Noah Miller

Length: 290 (Paperback)

Publisher: !t and imprint of HarperCollins Publishers

Formats: Paperback, Hardcover, Kindle

Goodreads: Either You're in or You're in the Way

Genre: Non-fiction, Adult, Film Production, Screenwriting

Back-cover quote: "Either You're in or You're in the Way is a modern-day Horatio Alger on steroids - a fast-paced thrill ride of heartbreak and redemption that will both captivate and inspire."

My preface and summary: When the Miller brothers first contacted me about reviewing their book, I was honored but unconvinced that I was the right person to review their story. But then I started reading and something really beautiful happened; I fell in love with their earnest journey to honor their father and his memory. They transformed their love for their father and pain when they lost him in to fuel, drive, and determination. When people scoffed at them and shook their heads, they trudged on. This is the story of how Logan and Noah (without any money or experience in movie making and screen writing) plunged in to the jaded celluloid world of Hollywood determined to succeed and make their father proud. Failure was not option.

My say: I loved this story like I love watching Rudy. Who doesn't love when the underdog succeeds? Who doesn't cheer when people rise above circumstance and through sheer will and hard work persevere? This story is the American dream with bite.

My rating: 4 out of 5 stars; This gritty, funny, rumpus journey was surprisingly good and I can not wait to see the movie.

My favorite lines:

• "He'd lost his pride. And that's what was most painful to see."
• "Alcoholism steals the soul. Perhaps the most painful aspect is that it's a gradual theft."
• "When your writing the script, you wear your writer's hat. When you direct, you wear your director's helmet. And when you edit, you wear a hockey mask..."

My kiddie-o-meter: This is real life served with a fresh dose of honesty so expect mentions to their alcoholic father, curse words, and minor mentions to sex and smoking. Despite the double dose of reality, I think many teens could benefit from reading this inspiring story of unconditional love and never giving up.

My contest: Interested in winning my signed gently used paperback copy? If you are a resident of the US or Canada, comment with your email address below. A winner will be announced Monday, July 19th.

My notes:

• To learn more about this book visit InOrInTheWay.com.
• To learn more about the film this book is based on visit TouchingHomeMovie.com.

My final say: One of the many things I love about blogging is that I get to exchange correspondence with some amazing writers. The Miller brothers are a true inspiration. Logan and Noah bring your film to Central Florida and Mr. Whimsy and I will buy the first round.

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