Again, just wow. I started reading this book in Barnes and Nobles, but didn't finish it. So, I went to the library to finish it there (that's how I roll- cheap and educated). Anyway, it was worth the driving everywhere to get to the end.
The first half of the book is all done in pictures. We experience the beginning of generations of thespians named Marvel. Some are evil, some are tenderhearted, but ultimately end in Leo, who does not have the calling to be on stage. He runs away, only to see the theater his grandfather lives in go up in flames. He runs back to save Gramps, and then a white page. We don't find out what happens to Leo. Then, after about page 400 (it's amazing how much you can get simply from illustrations) you get to the writing. So in 200 more pages, you learn about Joseph Jarvis, who is faintly reminiscent of Lorelei Gilmore- rich family, but just wants to have a normal relationship with his parents. Never happened and he ended up running away from boarding school to live with his barely-mentioned-while-growing-up uncle. There is some eerie connection to the Marvels, and Joe just has to figure it out. There are some verbal scuffles and threats, and then the two finally end up communicating. And of course, there's a cute dog involved, but is more a supporting actor than the main billboard name. There's great closure, and I'm quickly becoming a fan of Selznik's medium. Plus, I won't lie- reading a 600 page book in a couple of days feels pretty good.