The Otto Digmore Difference

Otto Digmore #1

by Brent Hartinger

“Road trip!”


Otto Digmore is a 26-year-old gay guy with dreams of being a successful actor, and he’s finally getting some attention as a result of his supporting role on a struggling sitcom. But he’s also a burn survivor with scars on half his face, and all indications are that he’s just too different to ever find real Hollywood success.


Now he’s up for an amazing new role that could change everything. Problem is, he and his best friend Russel Middlebrook have to drive all the way across the country in order to get to the audition on time.


It’s hard to say which is the fact that so many things go wrong, or that Russel, an aspiring screenwriter, keeps comparing their experiences to some kind of road trip movie.


There’s also the fact that Otto and Russel were once boyfriends, and Otto is starting to realize that he still might have romantic feelings for his best friend.


Just how far will Otto go to get the role, and maybe the guy, of his dreams?


Author Brent Hartinger first introduced the character of Otto Digmore in 2005, in his Lambda Award-winning books about Russel Middlebrook. Back then, Otto was something pretty unusual for YA a disabled gay character.


Now, more than a decade later, Otto is grown up and finally stepping into the spotlight on his own. The Otto Digmore Difference, the first book in a new stand-alone series featuring Otto, is about much more than the challenges of being “different.” It’s also about the unexpected nature of all of life’s journeys, and the heavy price that must be paid for Hollywood fame.


But more than anything, it’s a different kind of love story, about the frustrating and fantastic power of the love between two friends.
Praise for Brent


“Hits the narrative sweet spot."
- NPR's All Things Considered


"Downright refreshing."
- USA Today


"Touching and realistic...hilarious."
- Kirkus Reviews

Genres: M M Romance, Fiction, LGBT, Gay, Romance, Audiobook, Contemporary

229 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 21, 2017

About the author

I am Brent Hartinger, a novelist and screenwriter. I’ve published fourteen novels and had two of my books turned into feature films — with several more movies still in the works. One of my movies even co-starred SUPERMAN's David Corenswet.

I try hard to write books that are page-turners and commercial (and movies that are fast-paced and accessible). If I had to describe my own writing projects, I would say, “Strong central concept, strong plot, strong character and voice. Not artsy, self-indulgent, or pretentious, but still thoughtful and smart with something to say.”

I mostly write YA books — LGBTQ and thrillers, sometimes LGBTQ thrillers. My first novel, GEOGRAPHY CLUB (2003) was one of the first in a new wave of break-out LGBTQ young adult fiction, and it was adapted as a feature film in 2013.

My latest book is INFINITE DRIFT (2025), a mind-bending YA supernatural thriller with a bonkers bisexual love triangle.

Here are all my books:

STANDALONE BOOKS
* Infinite Drift
* Project Pay Day
* Three Truths and a Lie
* Grand & Humble
* Shadow Walkers

THE OTTO DIGMORE SERIES
* The Otto Digmore Difference (book 1)
* The Otto Digmore Decision (book 2)

RUSSEL MIDDLEBROOK: THE FUTON YEARS
* The Thing I Didn't Know I Didn't Know (book #1)
* Barefoot in the City of Broken Dreams (book #2)
* The Road to Amazing (book #3)

THE RUSSEL MIDDLEBROOK SERIES
* Geography Club (book #1)
* The Order of the Poison Oak (book #2)
* Double Feature: Attack of the Soul-Sucking Brain Zombies/Bride of the Soul-Sucking Brain Zombies (book #3)
* The Elephant of Surprise (book #4)

I answer all questions, so feel free to contact me on social media, or through my website: BrentHartinger.com

Cheers!

Brent Hartinger

Reviews

[Andrea · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 45%. I tried to finish this one, I really did… but I mean ffs, Otto’s best friend (Russell) is newly married and all he can think about while being on a road trip with him is: how jealous he is whenever Russell talks to his own freaking husband, or how his best friend (Russell) is lying in the bed next to him, or in the shower, or only in a towel & is he wearing underwear 😬😤🤬

[Daniel Myatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A self-centred actor discovers that life is actually not that bad, and he is not as hard done to after all.

I like the universe that Brent Hatinger has created. His books overlap, and here we get to know more about Otto.

What annoyed the heck out of me, though, was 1) the character Julian Lockwood is referred to as "Julian Lockwood" the whole time! We get it he's called "Jullian Lockwood."" There's no need for the whole Julian Lockwood said, Julian Lookwood ate dinner, Julian Lockwood smiled! It drove me MAD

And then I'm sorry, no British person says Hobknocker, it's not a common British swear word!

[Esther · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was so surprised by this book! I was getting in there with no expectations at all actually. The fact that Otto Digmore is 26 years old is a nice change for once. I read books with main-characters who are a lot younger, usually around 16/18 years old. The book is exactly as long as it should be, not too long, not too short, just the right length.

This review was first posted on BiteIntoBooks Blog

Pros
Otto: Otto is maybe my #1 favorite male main-character so far! The way he describes his feelings and makes everything feel so relatable is very strong. He is very self-aware and constantly thinking about the way the world sees him and the way he wants them to see him. I can relate with that, since it's one of my characteristics as well.
Character development: Otto felt like a different person at the end of the book. I love how he is growing as a character, as a person and as a friend to others as well. He is getting so much insight from the different people around him. Utterly clueless at the beginning of the book and more emotionally involved with others at the end.
References: The references in this book are awesome. The references to different actors, but to movies and series as well. You'll just have to read it to understand what I'm talking about, but it totally felt like something unique and so relatable.
1-sitting: I read this book in 1 sitting and it didn't even cost me that much time/energy/effort. It was so much fun and I was kinda sad that the book ended. Lucky for me; this was book 1 in a series!

Cons
Can't think of any, really.

This was a very relatable story. The book overall was a feel-good story for me. Even though Otto is struggling with himself, his dreams and people around him, I highly recommend this "Road Trip" together with Otto!

[Cadiva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks Brent for keeping me up until 3am reading this.

Okay, so it was my own fault for choosing to start reading this after midnight in the first place but still!

I love the way Brent writes, his work has a visual quality to it which means that I can easily 'see' what's happening on page in cinematic glory in my head.

His Geography Club, in which we first meet Russel (with just the one l) is one of my all time favourite MM books.

Here we get the focus on Otto, the beautiful scarred former boyfriend of Russel's teenage years who is a semi-famous actor who fears his career may be over before it begins when his TV show is cancelled after one season.

With the chance of a feature film leading role on offer, he sets off on a road trip with Russel, who is newly married to his first love Kevin Land, to New Orleans.

On the way they will have encounters with scary rednecks, hitchhikers and have a car crisis before Otto realises a few truths about his feelings for Russel.

This is not a romance, but it is a book about love and friendship and finding yourself through a bit of painful self-discovery.

It's about the freedom of the road, how our lives intersect with people who affect us without conscious thought and how things don't always follow the script of a movie but can still have a happy ending.

I absolutely adored it.

#ARC kindly provided by the author in return for an unbiased review.

[A.M. Leibowitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book I didn’t know I needed to read.

First, let’s get this out of the way: It is not a romance in any traditional sense of the word. If you’re looking for something in the vein of couplehood, this isn’t it. But it is about many kinds of love, primarily intimate friendship. It’s about a lot of other things, too. There’s a line where Otto says he wants to make magic. Well, Otto, you got your wish: Your story is pure magic.

This is a book with a Point. Several, in fact. Otto spells things out for us in the first couple of chapters. I won’t spoil it for readers because you really need to hear it in Otto’s voice. Having it laid out in no uncertain terms, some readers might be put off or maybe even find some aspects a bit preachy. You’ll have to trust me when I tell you to keep reading and look deeper. It’s what’s under the surface which makes this absolutely, perfectly brilliant.

I’ll admit that it took me a while to catch on. Once I did, though, I saw that the Point(s) being made are underscored in subtle ways everywhere. Even though this could easily have been (and at first blush is just a little) both a cliched road trip/buddy novel and a parody of one, it’s far more complicated than that.

Otto is a classic unreliable narrator, which is generally true in a first-person book. With Otto, it’s unusual in how difficult it is to tell right away because he’s such a likable character with a good deal of insight. What makes him so lovable is how he’s the best blend of highly self-aware and utterly clueless. His journey of discovery is messy, and as promised by the path of the narrative, there are no easy answers. Despite the familiar landscape and the Screaming Point staring us in the face, we’re not handed a happily-ever-after on a silver platter. Otto makes us work for it, and it’s worth the effort.

I’m not usually one to get personal in a review, but one of the things I appreciated was bringing up a specific aspect of being disabled which sometimes doesn’t get acknowledged. There are feelings many of us have about who we are as people, and I like that the author wasn’t afraid to go there, even at the risk of reaction from readers. It made Otto feel much more genuine to me. He is not a tragedy or a superhero or a perfect disability advocate. I can’t say more without spoilers, but Otto’s discovery of an aspect of how he sees himself rang so true to me that it was almost painful.

Now for what I meant when I said I needed to read this. I have never felt so much like a book was giving me life advice, most of which would be lost on anyone who hasn’t felt the pressures of a creative profession. The whole time, Otto, Russell, and even the cameo appearance characters point out all the ways in which we have to balance what we wish we could do with what we actually have to do. It is beautiful and poignant and hits every pitch just right. More than once, and not even at particularly emotional moments, I was both laughing and crying over what a relief it was to know someone else out there gets it. Obviously, I’m aware that this was not a message personally designed for me. But I can’t help thinking that anyone who has ever known the pain of working in a field which demands different-but-still-mainly-the-same should read this, probably more than once.

I’m glad Otto has more stories to tell us about his life because I still need advice. I can’t wait to see what misadventures he gets up to next. Whatever they are, we can be sure he’ll tell it in his own way, with just the right amount of difference.

For polished storytelling, brilliantly drawn characters, and finely crafted subtext, this gets 5 stars.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars This book was such a nice change of pace from the usual HEA mm romance. That's not to say there isn't a HEA, but it also isn't going to play out in a typical way that you can predict. There's quite a bit of foreshadowing that you can follow if you pay attention, yet even knowing this things still caught me by surprise! when they talked about the ending to The Tulip Vase I just KNEW he wasn't gonna get the role... yet I was STILL devastated when it happened!

The book has a nice steady pace throughout, not rushed but also not slow. I read it over the course of a snow day and found this was the perfect setting for a low-angst yet thought provoking book that deals with issues of love, life, acceptance, and happiness. Otto discovers more about himself than he thought possible on an impromptu road trip for a movie role, complete with a cast of characters out of every road trip movie cliche.

Yet they each felt real. They each had their own story, and Otto realized that theirs were no less or more important than his own. This isn't a romance, but that's not to say it doesn't address issues of romance and that out characters don't find love. But you'll just hafta read to find out what avenue that love takes!

Received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire

[Tracy~Bayou Book Junkie · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I'll warn this isn't a typical romance, in fact it's not really about romance, its truly Otto's story. We follow Otto on his adventurous road trip with his best-friend, Russell, whom he's just a little bit in love with. Russell is a screenwriter, so he sees this road trip as all the other great cliche movie road trips, complete with the mishaps and all. While they meet interesting characters and learn and grow along the way, once they make it to their destination and Otto auditions, the real learning begins.

This was an entertaining and enjoyable story. It was an emotional read, funny, yet also heartbreaking at times. I loved getting to know Otto. He was a strong character, while there are insecurities still present relating to his scarring, he is still a strong character. I also loved getting to know Russell and the other characters they came into contact with along the way. They were interesting and each had a unique story to share and I was happy to sit and listen to it.

If you're looking for romance, this book isn't the place to look, this is a story of self-discovery and life lessons all packed into a road trip filled with a bit of anger, some tears, and a little fear, but most of all, it's packed with friendship and laughter. Very recommendable!!

*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn’t a requirement.*

[Ulysses Dietz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Otto Digmore Difference
By Brent Hartinger
BK Books, 2017

Five stars

Maybe I’m just a suck-up for Brent Hartinger’s books. I have a few authors like that. So sue me. I loved all the YA Russel Middlebrook books. But I’ve loved the “New Adult” Russel Middlebrook books even more. I finished “The Otto Digmore Difference” almost desperate for the next chapter in the life of this friend of Russel Middlebrook. Hartinger’s prose is literate without being literary; his clean matter-of-fact style has been adjusted to the adult viewpoints in this new series, and it is exactly what these books need.

This is a really smart departure for Hartinger, who writes the book—a tongue-in-cheek-while-totally-serious riff on the old Road Trip story—from the perspective of Otto Digmore, the boy Russel fell in love with at summer camp when he was sixteen. Otto and Russel have reconnected in Los Angeles, now that both of them are trying to break into show biz…Russel as a screenwriter and Otto as an actor. In this story, Otto is the star, and Russel is the supporting actor; and, looking back, this was obviously done with a purpose.

I note here two things that color my perspective: I have a profound loathing for Hollywood, one that I’ve cultivated over the past twenty years or so. Secondly, that loathing can be encapsulated by my reaction to the recent blockbuster film, “LaLa Land,” that was up for so many Oscars this year. I went to see this film reluctantly. Not surprisingly, I was charmed by it, and pleased by its poignant twist of an ending. For Hollywood, it felt not fully Hollywood; and yet, it was a total celebration of all the smug, back-slapping, self-referential narcissism that Hollywood embodies in my mind. A whole musical film about young strugglers in Hollywood today—with not a single gay boy anywhere? Not even as a sidekick? Grrrr. The carefully choreographed homophobia of Hollywood is something I can neither forget nor forgive. The fact that I liked “LaLa Land” as much as I did doesn’t change that fact.

This diatribe has been included because the entire plot of this story is about two young men who are pursuing their Hollywood dream—and both are essentially forced to remain closeted in order to achieve their dream. Not personally closeted, but only in terms of their public product. The great Hollywood tradition. Hartinger makes quick work of that truth early in the story and moves on to the real point: the frantic road trip across American in pursuit of an audition for Otto, with Russel acting as both sidekick and Greek Chorus throughout. It is a voyage of discovery, but not the discovery either of them expects. It is the kind of story I would love to see translated into an absurd musical with under-talented singers and dancers; it is the kind of Hollywood story that “LaLa Land” should have been, but a plot that will never see the light of day, unless Hartinger can somehow leverage his past success in getting a film (Geography Club) made from one of his books. But I won’t hold my breath.

Otto is a wonderful, complex character. This is the chief joy in this book, because we know already what a charmer Russel is. We finally get to see Russel through someone else’s eyes. We get a glimpse of how Russel’s eternal optimism and quick, quirky mind could be off-putting to someone in the throes of career anxiety. But we also get an outside look at Russel’s intense loyalty and big, forgiving heart. The ending isn’t what we expect, but the ending felt to me like the only one possible.

I am a total romantic, which is why the next installment of Hartinger’s little epic of the Hollywood Hills is going to be an auto-buy. Hollywood will never stop disappointing me, but Brent Hartinger’s stories will always come to the rescue.

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've followed Brent's stories, as I have, you'll know and love Otto Digmore and his friends. That's not to say that you already know the story. True to form, Brent draws you in and moves the story along, never letting you go. I'm anxious to see how this series unfolds. Thank you Brent, for another great story.

[Brian Centrone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brent Hartinger is a master story teller, and once again, he treats readers to another page-turner in the Russel Middlebrook: The Futon Years Series. But this time (book 4), we get to tag along for the ride (literally), with reader favorite, Otto Digmore. This is the first in a series of books within the Russel Middlebrook world that will feature Otto as the protagonist. Readers first met Otto way back in book two of the original quadrilogy featuring Russel Midlebrook and friends Hartinger wrote for a YA audience. In THE ORDER OF THE POSION OAK, Otto plays Russel’s love interest at a summer camp. Otto, who is scarred by fire early in his life, is a compelling character and Russel learns much from him, as does the reader. It is therefore exciting and refreshing to have his POV added to this acclaimed series. In his part of The Futon Years (written for a New Adult audience), readers find Otto navigating his career as a successful actor. He’s rich and famous, but also lonely, and being harassed online and in real life - something that has become an unwelcome reality for celebrities. When the role of a lifetime becomes available, Otto is determined to make it his - after all, he’s perfect for it, scars and all. But there’s one problem, he needs to audition for the Oscar-winning director behind the film. Enter Russell Middlebrook, good friend and struggling Hollywood screenwriter. The two decide to take a road trip to get Otto to his audition, and this is when and where the heart of the book unfolds. Hartinger delights readers with a fun and touching adventure complete with car chases, hitchhikers, and kidnappers they’ll never want to end. And though it does, readers need not weep, because Otto has more of his own books to come. His story is not yet done, and the arc Hartinger sets up for Otto Digmore makes readers ready for the ride ahead.

[Verushka · Rating 3 out of 5]

What is this about: Road Trip! Otto is on a mission to get an audition with a famed director, and travels across the US to meet him. Accompanying him is Russel, his now married ex.

What else is this about:Love, family and friends. How appearances are everything, even when you wish they weren't.

Stars: 3.5/5

You know you like a book when...

You get so anxious about the ending, and the main character, you email a friend and ask her if the thing you assume is going to happen is going to happen when you really should have finished the book first.

Sorry Lauren!

That right there is a measure of the success of this book for me – I got so wrapped up in the story, in Otto and Russel, that I NEEDED to know what Otto was going to do because I didn’t want to not like Otto – because Otto is that guy, that likeable, wonderful guy with hidden depths you want to spend time finding out what they are.

Russel and Otto

As I understand it, Russel is in a previous series, though I am not sure if Otto appears in that series. When the book opens, Russel is married and Otto, I think he’s lonely. I think for all the glitz and glamour of his supporting part in Hammered, his TV series, he’s still alone.

Russel and Kevin are his friends, and good friends given Russel drives him across the country for the audition, but Otto when he describes his life on the series, seems like an outsider looking in. Perhaps because that’s not what he wants to do – he wants something more, something better and that’s what the part in The Tulip Vase is.

The blurb is a little bit deceptive in that while romance does play a part in this, it's hardly the biggest part. Thankfully. This is about Otto coming to terms with himself.

Road Trip!

So, on a wild ride, Russel takes Otto across the country, spouting a fair few writing clichés along the way, i.e. the things road trips movies should have. It’s funny, like laugh out loud funny, but I didn’t quite understand why Russel and Otto had ever been together. It’s sort of like Otto was looking at Russel through the haze of memory in some bits. I found myself trying to figure them out, trying to figure out if I wanted Otto and Russel together by the end, Kevin be damned. I say that not to spoil you, but to show that despite the flaws, this is a wonderful relationship. There is another romance hovering in the background and that in my opinion I would LOVE to see more of. Just no love triangles please!

And it’s how Otto has to figure out what he wants from his life and more importantly, a career built in an industry that let’s face it, thrives on how good you look. No matter the talent, having a face filled with scars will to say the least hamper your progress in Hollywood.

Scar tissue

It’s interesting having a clearly talented actor in Hollywood, with a facial disfigurement. Otto wants to build his career, but can’t, not if his agent keeps sending him to Nightmare on Elm Street roles. He’s self-aware to know he can’t have everything, but he won’t give up either, because dammit, he is good. And he knows people can see that beyond the scars on his face. I wonder what the future holds for Otto in this series in Hollywood. I wonder if the author can give him the success he’s built the character to want and still have a strong, believable Otto.

Sexuality

Otto isn’t out in Hollywood, and his sexuality and his career aren’t anything but a small question in the book. I did think that the author was waiting for a different book to bring this out, but if he does, how would a gay actor, with facial scars far in a place obsessed with looks like Hollywood? Then I wondered, is that what this book is about really – Otto wanting to convince people he can be the romantic lead in a movie when all people see are his scars? Is it about people struggling against the perception others have of their skin colour, their sex or disability even though their talent is all there.

That’s been going around recently, hasn’t it?

I can get behind his sexuality being a minor point in this story, because I see a story about whether your race, colour of your skin, disability or sexuality is holding you back – and we like to pretend we live in a world where it doesn’t, but it does, matter -- you still have to strive to be true to yourself – whether you get the right guy or girl in the end for your HEA. Brent Hartinger has told a story with a lot of heart and empathy, and build a strong character that you will cheer for and rail with against every Nightmare on Elm Street role.

Otto Digmore is that guy, the one who deserves everything good in the world and you hope he'll get it.

[OJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my review of The Otto Digmore Difference, by Brent Hartinger, from my M/M Romance Books Blog, OJ He Say. Click the link below to see the whole review and more.


The Otto Digmore Difference


The Otto Digmore Difference

When Mr. Hartinger offered me the ARC of the first book in a new series I was first totally dumbfounded and then completely flattered. I mean, Brent Freakin’ Hartinger?! Hell, yes I was accepting his ARC! Of course, I thought it was a Young Adult book, but hey Brent Hartinger! Boy, was I wrong. What I got was nothing short of true Gay Literature. An engrossing, excellently written, at times poignant and at times funny story of a very important time in gay men’s lives.

As a gay man there comes a time in our lives, usually in our 20’s, when our lives become defined. We are old enough and mature enough at this phase in our lives to form those first bonds of our extended families – the family we create for ourselves, not the inherited family that doesn’t necessarily get what our lives are. It is at this crucial juncture that the lifetime bonds are created with friends, oftentimes ex-boyfriends and their new mates and sometimes with completely new acquaintances. That is what this book is about. Oh, and yes, there is romance. The romance and love of a longtime friend that continues to love deeply, and that unexpected romance that comes out of the blue, like a bolt of lightning, that smacks us silly.

THE CHARACTERS

Otto Digmore:

I turn and look out the window, but the lights are still on inside the plane, so all I see is the reflection of the First Class cabin in the clear plastic. I also see my face — the whole right side. It's covered with scars. In some places, it looks a little bit like my face is melting. This is the other reason the businessman was staring at me. The good news is that I still have both my eyebrows. I have more scars too. They run down onto my shoulder and chest, hidden by my clothes, and also up under my hairline. Most of my hair is real, but one small part of it isn't — it's a hairpiece that's woven into my actual hair. It was really expensive, and it has to be adjusted every three weeks, but it looks real. Not even my friend Russel knows about it.

Russel Middlebrook:

When Russel opens the door to his apartment, I'm about to tell him what a great time I had at his wedding. But before I can speak, he says, "What is it? What's wrong?" Russel has dark red hair and the lightest smattering of freckles on his nose, but right now his brow is wrinkled with concern. He sees something on my face. I go inside and take a seat. Russel and Kevin aren't rich — Russel's a screenwriter, a really good one, but hasn't sold anything yet, so he makes his living as a barista. Kevin is an editor at IMDb.com. And so their apartment is pretty modest compared to mine: a saggy couch, cluttered shelves. I can't help but notice that it smells lived in, unlike mine. It's nice, musky, a little lemony — like two handsome men.

Greg – Fiona’s assistant:

Inside her waiting room, I find Greg, her assistant, sitting at his desk. He's this Native guy, big and tall, with a ponytail and a Los Angeles Rams jersey. Greg is another way Fiona isn't like most other agents, because most of their assistants all look exactly the same, in pressed white shirts flashing creepy robot smiles. "You're here!" he says, beaming. For some reason, it doesn't seem like a big guy like Greg should be giddy, but he usually is — today maybe even more than usual.

THE STORY

This was such an engrossing story that I literally couldn’t put it down. I was eager to get back to it as soon as I could whenever I had to put it down. Otto’s story, in and of itself, isn’t quite as unique as it may seem. Yes, he has a physical disfigurement due to a childhood accident when he was playing super hero and ended up burning himself, but this just means that his scars are visible on the outside instead of inside, mostly.

At an early age, Otto discovers his love for acting, for becoming that special character, wholly and completely, and bringing it to life, so he pursues his dream even with his physical scars. He ends up going to Hollywood and meeting Fiona, his agent who totally believed in him and his potential and she gets him a role in a television series, Hammered, unfortunately the series is cancelled.

As he zeroes in on a new role, a part in a major studio film, the story becomes the quintessential road trip story with Otto surrounded my those that love him, truly love him: Russel and Greg and Kevin. Can Otto look beyond his own self-centeredness, a condition that afflicts us all, and see love for what it truly is? And can he give the one man who falls in love with him that one chance? I think you’ll be really taken by this story, and a masterful story it is.


THE WRITING

The writing is impeccable. Clean, crisp, witty, the story rolls out smoothly with no hiccups and double takes. Mr. Hartinger has a clear style that is not florid or overdone, instead it is refreshing, crisp and enticing. In a tongue in cheek manner Mr. Hartinger takes on the famous road trip story with its bits of comedy and emotion coming through at the end with the inevitable realization. Bravo.

[Aimee Lou · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short story about Otto Digmore. A young man in his twenties just trying to make it in Hollywood. But Otto is different. And that difference is affecting his career. Not to mention just putting himself out there where all the world can see his scars. Otto was in a fire accident as a child. And now being in the public eye, he gets a lot of hate for it. Which is upsetting and cruel. But Otto is determined to live his dream. He comes across a role that he really loves and thinks he would be perfect for. So he and his best friend and former lover road trip to the Director of the movie to audition for the roll. And that's basically our story in a nutshell.

I found this a little on the depressing side. And really hurting for Otto with all the hate he receives from the just looking different. It really hit home on how cruel humans can be. But besides that, the story itself got a little boring for me. I listened to this via Audible's new Plus Catalog. I do highly recommend the audio. It gave more character to the story and kept me listening. Plus Michael Crouch is one of my favorite narrators.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

Real rating 2.5 star so have rounded up to 3 stars. No matter how you put it; I still hate Russel Middlebrook.

[Jolene · Rating 5 out of 5]

The description of the main character, Otto, intrigued me right away. I don't think I have ever read a book where the main character has severe burns on half of his face. This challenge piqued my interest especially since Otto is an actor in Hollywood. I loved that this was a road trip story and the best part was that the characters in the book admit that road trip stories can be cliche. But because they say this, it makes it NOT cliche. The characters are wonderfully fleshed out and my favorite was Mo, the hitchhiker. I hope we run into her again in subsequent books. The author writes beautifully and there were some sweet moments between Otto and his ex-boyfriend, now friend and road trip buddy, Russell. "I know I can't be with him. But I still want to be around him. It doesn't feel good exactly. But it makes me feel something. And it's better than what I was feeling before, which was alone." I really enjoyed this book. It was inspiring and thought provoking and I couldn't put it down. I look forward to reading more books about Otto Digmore.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed for Rainbow Gold Reviews. A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

I just finished reading The Otto Digmore Difference and had to sit down right away to write out my feelings while they were fresh. There is a warm feeling in my chest after finishing and a smile on my face.

I have to admit to having this book in my to be read pile for a while. Too long. I first listened to the audiobooks of the Russel Middlebrook series and the the Russel Middlebrook: the Futon Years series a little less than two years ago. We followed the character of Russel through relationships and career choices and one of the people who briefly came into his life was Otto Digmore. They dated for a little bit and then there was a time where they didn't really interact until Russel moves to California where Otto happens to live at the time. I loved Otto because he seemed like a very genuine person. He wasn't a huge part of Russel's life, at least it didn't seem like it at the time, but he was cool and I was very excited when I learned he was getting his own story.

A year and a half later, I finally read it and it was one of those cliche moments where you say, "Why did I wait so long?" and follow that up with a smack of your own hand to the forehead. It was so good! The author had mentioned it wasn't a romance, the story isn't like the previous series. Otto isn't looking for love (it's secondary to chasing down the perfect role for him) and he isn't trying to find himself and what he wants to do with his life. He has figured that out for himself.  (But p.s. there is some self discovery on Otto's part.) I was told this was a story of friendship and even though friendships are important and can be critical in life, I think I felt uncertain about what the story would be about and I let it fall by the wayside.

That was until I kicked myself out of a reading slump and promised to check out these awesome books that slipped near the bottom of my to be read pile. I tell you, I should have trusted that I liked the author's writing enough to have read it when I first got the copy. Because I found a funny story of two friends who have plenty of cliche moments of their own. They take a road trip to get Otto to an audition and come across psycho truck drivers who chase them down a highway, they meet a hitchhiker who teaches them something valuable, and their car breaks down in a small town where they help some local residents.

At the end of their journey things aren't quite what they hoped for or what they seemed at the beginning. I found myself in tears, and then I found myself smiling uncontrollably and laughing. This book really is about friendship. Russel and Otto definitely seem a lot closer in a strictly platonic way. Otto did have some lingering feelings for Russel but I'm not sure if they were for Russel himself or for what Russel has in his relationship with his husband. There are moments of hurt feelings, and moments of triumph. And now I want more. I want to know what is in store for Otto in the future of this series. I want to know if Russel will be a supporting character as much as he was in this book. It was definitely different seeing him in this secondary role. For some reason he has this even cooler vibe because we don't see a lot of faults or selfishness in Russel because we are seeing him from someone else's viewpoint.

The author did give good backstory in this book so I think it's reasonable to say you can read The Otto Digmore Difference without having read the previous series about Russel. I want to recommend the reading those books though because I think it will only help you love these characters more. It is definitely a recommended read and I would read anything by this author. And lesson learned, I won't let it wait so long next time.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Otto Digmore is an actor, and when he finds out that an audition for the role of a lifetime is happening across the country, he and his friend Russel take a road trip. Otto is one of the most self-aware and honest main characters I've ever come across. He's not afraid to admit that being an actor means he lives a double life, and that in his real life, he is actually very lonely. Otto also knows how fickle Hollywood can be, for better or worse, and understands how his sexuality and the burn scars that cover him can affect his career.

Otto goes on a road trip with his friend Russel, who was also his first love many years ago. It's an interesting look at how people can remain friends after a break-up, and how often one person still has feelings for the other, but can't be open about it. I loved how Russel was there for Otto as a friend, always trying to see the best in every situation, but the supporting characters (other people they meet along the way) really gave the book some depth and heart. Their stories, however small, really helped break the bubble of Otto and Russel and made the story more well-rounded.

I enjoyed the insider Hollywood secrets, like about how actors make extra money. The pop culture references were fun, but they could also serve to date the book very quickly. In a year or two, the book might not feel so fresh.

The writing is readable and accessible, but maybe a bit too conversational in some places. There were some long monologues, which is kind of a pet peeve of mine, since I don't think people really talk like that in real life. Also, Hartinger is a bit heavy-handed with the lessons Otto learns during the course of the novel. I think they could have been handled a bit more subtly, instead of spelling everything out for the reader.

[R.J. Seeley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read as beta reader.

This was a funny one, if I look at it as a singular book I probably wouldn't have picked it up to read, but, as it's connected to a series I love I gave it a go. Otto is a brilliant character, and was throughout, I felt some of the events that happened were a bit dramatised and the romantic subplot a bit unnecessary, but a great read if you're after something quick and entertaining!

4 stars.

[Erica Robyn Metcalf · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately this book was just not for me. I can definitely see where other readers would really enjoy it, so please do NOT let my negative review deter you from reading it. This book just hit on all of my personal reading irks.

Full disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my rating in any way.

Beware, the negatives:

Right off, I didn’t like the main character, Otto. He seemed incredibly self centered and whiney to me. I understand that he’s had a tough go with his facial scarring, but man…He was just way too much for me. I just felt that he came off as a very strange mix of intense cockiness but with incredibly low self esteem.

Otto's internal monologues and general thoughts were so incredibly repetitive that I couldn’t stand them. I got really sick of him because all of his thoughts were center around the same topics- none of which I was even interested in to begin with. His internal monologues did a lot of unnecessary summarizing as well…Like the author had to remind the reader what they had just read.

Of course the major theme here is Hollywood and acting. Two things that aren’t very interesting to me to begin with. So I ended up skimming quite a bit of the long winded bits centered around these themes.

I did enjoy the storyline. Honestly, that was the only thing that kept me reading. I wanted to see if Otto could make it to his audition.

My final thoughts:

I think I would have liked this book a lot more if it hadn’t been so darn repetitive.

Again, please do NOT let my negative review deter you from reading it. I think most people will find this story more of a fun read than I did.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This and the Russell Middlebrook series of the 3 Futon Years really show how the LA and Hollywood life exist in a singular microcosm that may have little to do with the rest of the world. This road trip story is littered with situations where the protagonists encounter people who's lives show them how the rest of the world ticks by with no regard for the expectations and mores that survival in Hollywood, LA take as de rigour.
I was amazed at how reading this novel from Otto's perspective had me seeing Russell's character as shallow and vapid, especially after reading the Futon Years series.
I personally loved the King Lear analogy of The Fool, but someone not knowing this plot, as well as the many TV and movie social pop culture references may struggle a bit; Rushing for a quick Google precise of the reference.
Brent Haringer even uses a description of the screenwriters' twist ending that the reader can expect from this novel. If fact he does frequently give some of the inside views from the theatrical world that is Hollywood.
And while describing the real attraction of the unexpected from any story, as well as the use of difference; It is perhaps his realization that any commercially viable tale has to be very caution in its use of the unexpected and difference that have resulted in his production of another happy ending story.

[Peter Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Otto is my favorite character from the Russel Middlebrook series, all the way back to Order of the Poison Oak where I first met him. Apparently, I'm not the only one because now he's taking center stage in a series all his own. What's thrilling, is we get to see all the neurotic beginnings of his acting career. This book, all on its own, has its own beautiful full circle narrative. When Otto has the chance to audition for a role in a movie, the book becomes a road trip story (as Russel constantly reminds us). The two friends meet amazing people along the way... and some not-so-amazing people, too. It's a fun, sometimes scary, sometimes heart-breaking journey, but definitely one worth taking and one worth continuing (Are you listening, Brent?!)

[Jeff Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got to read a beta of this and it's great!
Full review to come close to the release.

[Lauren (Shooting Stars Mag) Becker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read all of the YA Russel Middlebrook series - which began with Geography Club - and I was equally thrilled when the author brought Russel into his twenties in the more new adult trilogy. Now, Brent Hartinger is back with a series of books following Otto Digmore, one of Russel's high school boyfriends and current best friend. To ease the transition between Russel and Otto, The Otto Digmore Difference actually features a lot of both. For those that never read about Otto before, be assured that it's fine to just start here. You get enough background information on Otto and Russel to understand their relationship. For the sake of this review, though, I'll mention that Otto was a burn victim at the age of seven and has severe burns on half of his face as well as elsewhere on his body. Him and Russel met as camp counselors during high school and started a relationship, which ended up being long-distance when camp ended. The two drifted apart for awhile until they both landed in California - Russel for screenwriting and Otto for acting. The two became fast friends once again, except when The Otto Digmore Difference starts, Russel has just recently married his husband Kevin. Now, on to the book!

Otto has had fairly quick success on a TV show called Hammered but bad news suddenly feels like all Otto is getting. People are harassing him online about his looks, the person he was seeing ghosted him (just stopped talking to him), and now his best friend Russel is happily married without realizing that Otto still harbors feelings for him. Now before you worry - there is no cheating whatsoever in this book. Neither character would do that. That doesn't mean that Otto isn't jealous of Russel's happiness or feeling a bit hurt because he wasn't the guy that Russel - or anyone else - chooses. The main narrative of this book is Otto and Russel going on a road trip together so that Otto can meet the director of a film that he really wants to star in. He's read the script, he auditioned for other people on the film, and they all agree he would be great. Unfortunately, the director had a family emergency and so Otto decides to go to him - with the director's permission of course - to see if he could land this dream role and use his scars for something other than a Freddy Krueger remake.

The book is full of road trip cliches, and I say this lovingly, because it's something that Russel constantly brings up and thinks is wonderful. He's a screenwriter, after all. While not all the cliches are great - they do allow the two friends to get to know each other at these new stages in their lives. They aren't high school kids anymore, after all. I liked all that Russel and Otto experienced because while the road trip metaphor is one of adventure and self-discovery, that's exactly what I hope to find in most contemporary novels! Otto is a great character. It's easy to feel bad for the things he has to deal with in his life, but at the same time, it's made known that Otto isn't always perfect. He can mess up too and has to be called out on it.

The Otto Digmore Difference is a quick, fun read, and I really can't wait to read more about Otto in the next book! I was given a copy of this book to read/review by the author, but all opinions are my own.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Otto Digmore is an interesting character who goes through so many challenges and troubling emotions he becomes so engaging to the reader and I love his story. He goes on a cross country trip to audition for a big role and takes best friend and ex boyfriend Russell along for support. Do they have feelings for each other? What about Kevin? Russell is the original character of the series and I am already invested in him and Otto from the outset which helps drive the story forward.

Is it a road trip book? Its definitely a road trip reference guide as Russell is obsessed with movie cliches. Will Otto get the role, become super famous, etc? Will Russell make it big too? These are what you want as a long time fan of the series. The novel is engaging and the writing is clever and pushes the pace to be a one thing after another thing mentality as well as having emotional blow up moments that take their time to draw you in.

I was not totally into a few of the twists and turns as they were actual road trip cliche moments that seemed unbelievable. See spoiler notes for those and for what I think about Russell’s arc being handled so much in someone else’s book.
They are followed by a giant black truck with angry homophobes who try to hurt them. They are abducted by accident by a Mexican kid obsessed with stardom who may be a gay fan. They help a girl in a wheelchair to become famous.
Otto doesn’t get the gig, but impresses the director who lets them stay at his mansion, and they become friends and the director helps Russell break into screen writing after he rewrites the script Otto auditions for and pitches the director. Otto gets gigs on tv and in theater but his big break must come in book two. Russel’s big break happening in Otto’s book is ok as far as it is presented there, but I’m not happy it was explored so much here and his fate seemed revealed in total it seemed in this book. He is the star of the series and his reveal happens in another person’s book? No. I want a Russell book for that.

However, the way it happens, they all kind of work and don’t distract from the real story, which is the struggle of someone with differences trying to make it in a world enamored by conventional beauty.

It’s a fun, quick read about characters we already know and love that does not disappoint.

[Dilyana · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Otto Digmore Difference - I thought it was an interesting title, but I didn't realize just how interesting until I was maybe a third into the book.

I finished The Otto Digmore Difference pretty quickly. For one, it was a short book (well, compared to what I'm reading lately, anyway); it was also a very smooth read.

I interviewed the author before I started to read his book and I ended up expecting a more complicated writing style, maybe something that would even prompt me to google a few words and phrases. Well, I didn't need to do that. I didn't manage to resist googling Gold Bond body powder, but that was out of curiosity, not need.

What I'm going at is that Brent's style isn't as complicated as I expected or fancy; it's simple and impactful, and very pleasant to read.

The characters are interesting and relatable, and no, I'm not saying this just because Otto and I are the same age. We are very different, yet I felt an instant connection to the guy. And you know how it is: if you bond with the characters, you'll enjoy the book, even if the plot is a cliché... Which is not the case here.

I've read stories about people with disabilities and scars before, so I'm not going to claim that part as original, even though it's not common; what makes this story memorable for me is the fact that I didn't have a clue where it was going.

The Otto Digmore Difference is not one of those novels that you start reading and you know how it will end. It's not even one of those books, in which you can guess where the characters will be when you get to the middle of it. I couldn't predict whether there will be a happy conclusion or not, not for Otto's audition, nor for his relationship with Russel. I couldn't even tell what kind of relationship the two men would be in by the end of the book, let alone figure out whether that would be a good thing or not, especially given the fact that Russel had just gotten married and seemed happy with his husband. So even if Otto did end up in a more-than-just-friends relationship with Russel, that still wouldn't have been a "and they all lived happily ever after" moment.

That was one of the reasons why I was hoping they wouldn't end up together (not telling you if they did or didn't; read the book), the other one being that I thought Otto might be a nice pair with another male character, although I didn't know whether that character was even gay.

And speaking of characters: Mo. She was there for just a few chapters, but I loved her. She was funny and she also helped Otto in a way; I'm glad the two of them met. I think it was something both characters needed.

I'd recommend The Otto Digmore Difference to people who like journeys. I'm not just talking about road trips; I mean to people who enjoy the characters going on an emotional journey, on something that makes an impact on their life.

I'd also recommend the book to people who are more into movies than books. Odd, perhaps, but while I was reading, I kept thinking how well this book would morph into a movie.

[The Novel Approach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Otto Digmore was brought to life by Brent Hartinger back in 2005, in the second of his Russel Middlebrook books—the series that began with the acclaimed novel, Geography Club. In The Otto Digmore Difference, Otto is back, now twenty-six and trying to figure out his life, his career, and his relationship with his best friend, Russel Middlebrook.

As the blurb tells us, Otto is a burn survivor and has scars covering half of his face and part of his body. He has spent his entire life trying not to let his scars define him and, as an actor, has struggled against taking parts that are offered based solely on his disability rather than his talent. He has gotten some good buzz and celebrity status from his current supporting role on a television series, but unfortunately, the gig turns out to be short lived. He gets a little sliver of hope while he’s at his agent’s office, however, when he learns about an amazing sounding part in an upcoming film project, for which he is potentially perfect.

I loved Otto and the idea of the premise very much. I love that he’s garnering some positive attention as an actor, and the fact that he’s so willing to fight for this role that he feels is the perfect fit for him. I’m one million percent down with the messages in the book…messages of fighting for your dreams, of friendship, of embracing what makes you different… It was the actual telling of the story I had some mixed feelings about. Fundamentally, the writing is very good. Hartinger obviously knows his craft. But, at times the story felt melodramatic and even repetitive in places. The tone also kept throwing me off a bit; though The Otto Digmore Difference is an NA book, it definitely reads as a YA book throughout much of it.

Otto’s desire to land this movie role turns into a road trip, on which Russel accompanies him. As a screenwriter, Russel gets very excited about all the possible ‘road trip movie clichés’ that might befall them—and, one after the other, they do. Again, the melodrama of several of the situations threw me off a fair amount, particularly in the first half of the story, but in the last thirty percent or so it started to turn around and things really tied together nicely at the end.

Like I said, I loved Otto a lot and Russel was lots of fun. But a thought that kept coming back to me was the fact that these characters were introduced over ten years ago, and I couldn’t help but wonder if their personalities and the way they are written is much the same, even though they have aged in years. Having not read the Russel Middlebrook books, I obviously can’t say for sure, but I did feel the characters perhaps lacked a certain maturity. And, though this book did hold up well as a standalone, I bet that readers coming in with a previous fondness for Russel and Otto will love the book even more.

I was inspired by Otto, and I liked where he ended up when this first chapter of his adult journey wrapped. I’ll definitely tune in to see where the author takes him next.

Reviewed by Jules for The Novel Approach Reviews

[Lena Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Without even realizing it, you taught me a lot of things. Not only about life, but how it's okay to feel something extraordinary about someone.” ~ unknown

Otto Digmore, of 'The Otto Digmore Difference', hasn't had an easy life. Since the age of seven, Otto has struggled not only with his physical scars that obviously brought a lot of unwanted attention, but with his wounded psyche as well. He's driven to make something of himself, to be famous, but he finds that being famous is a two-sided coin. It still doesn't stop the small-minded people who see his scars and nothing else.

Despite his hardships, Otto has finally achieved his goal of becoming a famous actor, but he soon realizes that he's still not able to just be himself and not even sure who that is. Otto is always playing a role; the character he plays on the screen and the other he plays for his 'adoring' public. Even with all his fame he still feels empty, lonely, as if everything he owns, as nice as it may be, doesn't belong to him. Otto thinks that going to his best friend and ex-boyfriend's wedding is going to be a difficult experience, but it isn't. It is surprisingly nurturing. Otto feels good being with people who genuinely care for him. Yet, when he comes home to a perfect, but empty apartment, with the door decorated with candle wax, Otto realizes nothing has changed. It doesn't help matters when his short-lived claim to fame evaporates after the show he's in is dropped after one season and his agent is only interested in him accepting offers like Freddy Kruger, knowing that's the last thing he would be interested in. With the help of Charlie, his agent's assistant, Otto gets a chance to audition for a feature film with one of the biggest directors in Hollywood. His best friend, Russel, encourages him to do what it takes to audition for the director and offers to go with him.

Otto and Russel head on a road trip that ends at the director's mansion in New Orleans. Otto still has feelings for Russel and doesn't know how he will fare on such a long trip alone with him. Otto and Russel have been friends for a long time. Russel is oblivious to Otto's lustful reactions; he's just acting as he always does. Instead of appreciating the level of affection and loyalty it takes to drop everything, including leaving your new husband, to help a friend in need, Otto is resentful, thinking that Russel, who is trying to be supportive, is trying to push him too hard when he's not walked in Otto's shoes. If Otto doesn't get his head on straight, he is in danger of losing the best friend he's ever had.

I've always liked Otto and have been waiting for his story; I really wanted him to have a happy ending. This story is full of angst, mostly on Otto's part, and I did want to smack him a few times for being so short-sighted and not reaching outside of himself enough to realize the good things in his life. Fortunately, Otto is able to get it and realize that love is not always framed in a traditional way; it doesn't make it any less spectacular. Thanks, Brent, not just for making Otto's life better, but for touching my heart and making me feel so deeply.

NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

[Allison]

I'm not going to star this because I gave up in the middle of chapter five, and there were so many chapters left.

I had high hopes for this, I love reading stories with MCs that aren't physically perfect because so many are. But this quickly just became a rant about how awful Hollywood/the movie industry is and I just don't care (also, duh, don't act like this is a revelation). I didn't care about Otto because I didn't learn much about him other than he has burn scars on his face and he is a great actor who can't get work because of his scars. Perhaps I'd have gotten to know him better if I'd kept on, but I just couldn't stand the thought of listening to any more about the movie industry.

Part of the problem may have been the narrator, he's got a great voice and narrates well, but his presentation is so slow that I felt like every chapter took forever. That was probably a combination of not being interested in the subject matter and his narration.

So, if you love hearing about the behind the scenes of the movies you would probably love this. It just didn't work for me because I felt like I was just listening to a failed screen writer/actor bitching about the system that rejected him. Not that what is said isn't valid, but it wasn't what I wanted to read about.

[Wide Eyes, Big Ears! · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every now and then you encounter a book with such real feelings it takes you breath away. We met Otto in Russel Middlebrook’s stories and here we get to see what it’s like to live with facial and bodily scaring due to burns. Otto Digmore is a talented actor who is turned down for most Hollywood parts due to his looks. His agent is encouraging him to take demeaning roles that reinforce the stereotypes. He cops A LOT of online abuse for even daring to try. In an effort to audition for the lead in a major film, he and Russel travel from LA to New Orleans to wow the director. This is ultimately a road trip story with hair-raising and frustrating incidents and Otto must manage his hopes and fears as well as his long-held unrequited feelings for Russel. As with all travel stories, it’s about self-discovery rather than reaching a destination: it’s sobering, heartfelt and, ultimately, very moving. Otto is one of the most relatable and real characters I’ve come across in a book, I suffered right along with him. This is gay fiction rather than m/m romance; romance plays a very small part in the story. YA super narrator Michael Crouch does his usual amazing job on the audiobook.

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by Brent Hartinger, so it's also my first book with Otto. I am definitely interested in reading more of Otto's series, though.

The Otto Digmore Difference really kept my attention throughout the entire book. While it's a shorter book than what I normally read, it didn't feel that way. Not to say that it felt overly long, because it didn't, but it was really perfect. It kept my attention, it was interesting, and a fully fleshed out story.

The only thing that felt a bit off (for lack of a better word) was the characters felt a bit younger than their age. I'm not sure if this is carried over from the Russel Middlebrook series as I haven't read it. Either way, though, it's not enough to ruin my enjoyment of the book.

I'm so glad that I was contacted to read this book because it's not necessarily something that I would pick up on my own (which is a shame because I would be really missing out).

* This book was received from the author in exchange for an honest review. *