Now a Major Motion Picture by Cory McCarthy is a story about film, feminism, and finding yourself. This one has a vibrant setting, and the main character gradually starts to discover a new passion for a series she once despised. I especially enjoyed the feminist themes throughout the book and the empowering message the director of the film spreads. This is an inventive story that will tug at your heartstrings–just in time for St. Patrick’s Day.
Title: Now a Major Motion PictureAuthor: Cory McCarthy
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: April 3, 2018
Rating:
Fandom and first love collide for Iris on the film set for her grandmother’s famous high-fantasy trilogy.
Unlike the rest of the world, Iris doesn't care about the famous high-fantasy Elementia books written by M. E. Thorne. So it's just a little annoying that M. E. Thorne is her grandmother—and that Iris has to deal with the trilogy's crazy fans.
When Iris gets dropped in Ireland for the movie adaptation, she sees her opportunity: if she can shut down production, the Elementia craze won't grow any bigger, and she can finally have a normal life. Not even the rascally-cute actor Eamon O'Brien can get in her way.
But the crew's passion is contagious, and as Iris begins to find herself in the very world she has avoided her whole life, she realizes that this movie might just be amazing…
Review: Now a Major Motion Picture by Cory McCarthy
When her grandmother’s feminist fantasy trilogy gets adapted for the screen, Iris travels to Ireland with her little brother, secretly hoping to shut down production. While she initially hated the Elementia trilogy for the boundaries an extreme fan crossed, being on set surrounded by a community of people who are so passionate about it starts to change her perception. Books about movies are always a win for me, and I loved how there are little clips from the filming notes throughout the story. The setting is also vividly described, and reading this book had me dying to visit Ireland.
❀ Realistic Main Character
Iris is a stubborn character, but a realistic one. When we meet her, she is judgmental and firmly opposed to the Elementia trilogy because of the harm it has brought her family. Her relationship with the series is interesting–the way she hates the books because her father disapproves, but also because some of the plot has leached into real life. This adds another layer of depth and makes it easy to understand Iris’s motives at the beginning of the story. While Iris may be immature at first, she gradually changes, coming to love the Elementia community and developing friendships with the cast and crew along the way.
❀ Strong Feminist Message
One of the book’s highlights is its strong feminist message. The film’s director is a woman, and her character provides a commentary on the struggles of being a woman in the male-dominated field of directing. Cate exposes the way she is not taken seriously and has to work twice as hard for less than a man would earn, raising important discussions about gender inequality in the film industry. Her character is so empowering, but never to the point where it feels forced, and I have to say, Cate may have been my favourite.
❀ Humorous and Heartfelt
Now a Major Motion Picture by Cory McCarthy is a feminist story about finding yourself and embracing fandom. I loved the depictions of Ireland and the main character’s gradual transformation. There is much to love about this book, but the feminist themes are especially noteworthy. Those looking for a humorous and heartfelt contemporary will love this one.
About Cory McCarthy
CORY MCCARTHY studied poetry and screenwriting before falling in love with writing for teens at Vermont College of Fine Arts. Cory is an Irish-Lebanese American and, like many of their characters, a member of the LGBTQ+ community. They live in New England with their partner, YA author Amy Rose Capetta.
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ Canadian YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, & professional bibliophile.
Aw! I love both the blurb and your review. I will have to try this one if I find it at my library.
It’s such a great read! I hope that you love it. 🙂
I love this has feminist themes and humor. I will see if I can find this.
I hope that you enjoy it if you get the chance to read it! 🙂
That seems an amazing read! Perfect for these gloomy times.
Right?! I couldn’t agree more! 🙂
The movie set setting sounds so fun!
It really is! 🙂
I’m really liking the sound of this! I could be wrong but I don’t think I’ve ever read a book that was about a movie so that on its own draws me already.
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AH! You will love this one, Stephanie! 🙂
This looks so good!! Im definitely reading this story!!
I hope that you enjoy it, too! 🙂
I love everything about this, especially the setting. Ireland is so beautiful.
The setting is fantastic! 🙂
Sounds like a heartwarming read! Love the cover!
Absolutely! 🙂
Sounds like a good read. I like the cover.
I love the cover, too! 🙂
Thanks for the review. This sounds like a lovely book to read!
Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
I remember liking this one a lot. The characters, focus on friendship, and adorable romance were all things I loved. And, yes, I agree it was funny with a lot of heart.
Sam@wlabb recently posted…Isn’t It Romantic?
It is a fantastic book! So glad to hear that you enjoyed it, too. 🙂
Sounds like a nice book
This sounds l;ike a fun read. Nice cover!
This sounds like a great movie.
I loved this one as well. Glad to see you enjoyed it too. Great review!
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature) recently posted…Blog Tour Review: The Secret Recipe for Moving On by Karen Bischer
Thanks, Lisa! 🙂
Great review!
Sounds great, thanks for the review!