Whew - what a story!

The Miller brothers have written a fast-paced, funny, caffeine-infused book chronicling the miraculous and epic twelve-month journey that resulted in the film, Touching Home. Logan and Noah never doubted their father's life had meaning. They also knew that it was up to them to tell that story.

This book, Either You're In or You're In The Way, has a lot going on that made it intriguing for me. First, I'm a sucker for stories about outsiders (especially working class heroes) who manage to break into closed systems on their own terms. In this case, without film school pedigrees or famous relatives, but armed with grit and a shared delusion (their term), Noah and Logan  overcome the barriers surrounding the Hollywood film industry.

As the older sister to identical twin sisters, I could also relate to those instances in the narrative when Noah and Logan give a nod to the synergistic and kinetic energy that exists in their relationship. So much so, that I wonder if a single person could have pulled off what they did together -- or even a non-twin pair of siblings.

There's also the Ed Harris factor. Who among us doesn't acknowledge the place Harris has as one of our nation's very best actors? I was on edge page after page, thinking Ed Harris better come through for these guys!

Much of the book takes place in California, with the actual film shot in northern California. Since I live in this area, I enjoyed reading about the specific locations and all the logistical considerations. I could truly understand the huge gamble they took in planning an outdoor shooting schedule in December.

Maybe it's not surprising that the Miller brothers give a shout out to independent booksellers in the acknowledgements section of their book, given that as independent filmmakers they are fellow travelers in a David versus Goliath dynamic. But, I've never seen this before. These young men "get it."

The film Touching Home is about to be released here in the U.S. This is definitely a book you'll want to read before you see the movie.

I'm going to give away a copy of Either You're In or You're In The Way. Just leave a comment that answers this question: Have you ever thought about making your own movie or writing a book?

Leave a second comment if you follow this blog for an extra entry and be sure to leave your email so I can contact you. I'll select from the comments using random.org on Monday April 5th at or very near midnight. U.S. only.

Note: I received a review paperback copy of this book from the publisher.