Get Shorty: A Novel

If you’ve never read any of Elmore Leonard’s novels (perhaps because crime fiction isn’t a genre that interests you?),1) I find your opportunity to discover Elmore’s genius (as I did long ago) enviable;2) no other author, in any genre, is better at creating scenes, characters, and plots, while also injecting a fair amount of humor; and3) “Get Shorty,” as one of Elmore’s best efforts, would be an excellent choice, for you to acquaint yourself with his work.

Its a testament to how strong the characters are in this novel that Hollywood didn't change the story too drastically. The big difference between book and movie is the ending. I never thought the ending in the book was very strong. It seemed like Leonard didn't know how to end it on a definitive note. Not sure the hollywood ending is better, but it definitely gives a stronger expression as to Chili's future. Maybe, thats because it had a sequel in mind and Leonard didn't.

The value of this book is watching a collection of characters and the shallowness of movie-making. It was different and good. But I can't say I really liked it. Each time I put it down I had no desire to get back to it.THE DRAW IS CHILI'S CHARACTER:Chili is a wise guy loan shark. He doesn't use a gun. His style of intimidation is quiet, making the victim imagine bad things will happen if he doesn't pay. Before he makes a loan, Chili tries to talk the borrower out of it saying you really don't want to borrow from me. But they are desperate and do it.Chili goes to Los Angeles to collect from two of his clients who are hiding. Chili has an intriguing way of tracking them. I was impressed. While there Chili decides he likes the movie business and tells one of his borrowers Harry that they are now partners in Harry's coming movie. Chili doesn't invest money in this partnership, but he has a strange way of making things happen. There are a couple of guys causing problems for Chili. I like the way Chili responds when he's in danger, how he quietly talks or doesn't talk to the threat.I was intrigued that Chili was able to talk to an A-list movie star when others couldn't get to him. Chili used his typical methods for finding people. Chili had a way that got the guy interested.PLOTS:I wanted more of a traditional plot. When I read the last page, I couldn't believe it was over because things were unresolved. Much of the book was planning and discussing two possible movies, but that plot was not finished.A secondary plot involved Ray Bones who caused problems for Chili. Chili arranged a problem for Ray, but the reader didn't get to see it. I wanted to watch Ray suffer or watch him get out of it some how. I was disappointed. I don't want to make up my own endings.DATA:Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: 359 pages. Swearing language: strong, including religious swear words. Sexual content: one sex scene vaguely described. Setting: around 1990 mostly Los Angeles, California, plus Miami, Florida, and Las Vegas, Nevada. Copyright: 1990. Genre: wise-guy fiction.

The movie "Get Shorty" has always been one of my fave's since it came out. I finally decided to read the book. It's great, well worth reading to get more at the motives, but I was disappointed because some of my favorite scenes were "missing" (rather the movie added them.) Maybe I would have been mad at the movie if I'd read the book first.I feel like Chili Palmer myself, having watched the movie first and having liked it better. But here's my review: The characters in this story are great. Chili - the too-cool-for-anyone-but-nice-guy ex-mobster, Leo - the pathetic loser dry-cleaner, Karen - the hot, smart, cynical actress, Bo Catlett - the mean, delusional, drug-dealing Hollywood-player-wanna-be. You have no idea what is going to happen next in Leonard's books and the characters really become alive as a result.The book can help bug fans of the movie get more out of the "visual fabric" of the story. The interactions between Chili and Bo are more developed in the book than the movie, which I appreciated, as well as more insights and discussions about what the movie "Mr. Lovejoy" is actually about. The meeting between Nikki and Chili is hilarious in the book. And the book focuses on Karen's personality more. My advice is to read it and see it.

Chances are that not much could be added to what has already been said about the work of Elmore Leonard. He was a genius. No doubt about it. I saw the movie based on GET SHORTY and it was an excellent film. Now that I finally got around to reading the book, I can safely say: “The book is better.”Who could have guessed?That last comment was written ironically, of course, because aren’t most books always better than the movie? One of the genius elements, of GET SHORTY, of course, is the author creating his work of fiction as if it were in real time even as the characters use their lives in real time to create a movie – or maybe movies – about their unfolding lives. One could even imagine Leonard envisioning the unfolding stories to become a movie.As part of this genius, Leonard makes this dizzying combination not just plausible but believable. He does this with his trademark mix of characters – whether hoodlum, Hollywood tycoon, or both – who seem amazingly authentic and dialogue that that seems genuine.A work of genius and a tremendously enjoyable story.What else is there to say?

Loved this. Haven't seen the film, but I can't imagine a better casting than John Travolta for the cool. original hero of this novel. Funny, but no cheap laughs. Clever entertaining plot full of schemes and twists. I sometimes think that a novel of this weight (not heavy) might as well just be seen as a film and reading time better spent on something more substantial, but that isn't the case here. The quality of the writing is really satisfying and the humour smart and subtle...like when you have to spot the meaning of the title.

I was expecting something a funny, clever crime novel. But it really is not as good as it's made out to be. About 50%. Hence, 3 stars only.

Chilli Palmer is the cool guy trying to get out of the loan shark business and into the movie business. He's pitching his hopefully last (and current) loan assignment as a movie, though he's got no script and doesn't know the ending. Plenty of stereotype characters here but they all come alive on the page - the dialogue is first rate. Everything is tongue in cheek. A fun read.

I’ve read this book over & over. It rewards each time. Elmore Leonard is a class above; no he created his own class.The current TV series bears no relation to the original so do yourself a favour & read this masterpiece.

My old copy of Get Shorty was coming apart. Had to replace it. Chili Palmer is one of Elmore Leonard lucky characters. I’d feel really safe being around him.