I’m not trying to trick you into reading this post by titling it as I did. This is not a history lesson on the Oscar or a synopsis of the films nominated in 2008. In fact, I haven’t seen even one of the “Best Picture” nominees this year. Out of all the nominees for the various categories, I’ve only viewed “The Dark Knight” at the theatre and “Iron Man” at home, and I think the nominations for “The Dark Knight” were sufficient. For all the fanfare generated by the unfortunate death of Heath Ledger, his role in the film didn’t warrant a “Best Actor” nomination, nor did the picture deserve a “Best Picture” nod, although it’s hard to imagine that some of the others did either.
However, this same conundrum often surfaces in the “awards” system. Many times in the “Christy Awards” for Christian fiction, novels will win which don’t necessarily sell well. Just like with the Academy Awards, criteria for judging the books is established by the previous or current members of the awards’ committees. And also with the book awards, no matter what the qualifying data is, it is subject to interpretation and opinion. This inevitably produces the reactions from shock to awe when the nominees are announced and these reactions often extend through the proclamation of the winners. Sometimes the nominees and winners remain a mystery to the viewing or reading public.
Since most of you who visit here are film and/or fiction buffs, we’ve had multiple movie and book topics, reviews, and commentary posted on both mediums. We’ve listed favorite films, favorite actors and actresses, favorite novels and authors. We’ve agreed and disagreed and laughed and cajoled each other over our particular preferences. If ever subjectivity is demonstrated, it shows up in spades when discussing movies or books.
In keeping with the spirit of the Academy Awards, I’m offering one copy of The Famous One to a commenter who can tell me why a novel about the film industry and one particular and unlikely actor’s introduction to and journey through the neverland of fame and fortune might be of interest to him/her. Most of you who come here already have a copy of the novel. If you’ve read this novel, please leave a comment about who you think might enjoy the story and why (without “spoilers” of course).
I will also send a surprise bonus gift to add to the Hollywood theme.
The Famous One chronicles the life of one Joey Parr much like a fictional biography. It takes the reader through his troubled, lonely youth into his similar adulthood where he searches for someone to truly love, a family to make up for the dissension in his own, and a reality which isn’t filled with emptiness. The search takes place against the backdrop of Hollywood make believe, drink and drugs, women and sex, and an ascension into the ranks of “best actor”.
It isn’t a novel for the prairie romance lovers. Real, sometimes ugly, but finally redemptive, this story has received “two thumbs up” from male and female readers who have come to know and love Joey Parr. Leave a comment if you want to win a copy of The Famous One.
Lord, you know this story has touched some lives, and that can only happen when your hand is upon it. I pray you would continue to put this novel where it will do the most for your kingdom. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Into the Fire 
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