Famous
Book • 2025
by Blake Crouch
Famous is the darkly funny standalone thriller from Blake Crouch, the bestselling author of Dark Matter, for fans of Stephen King and Dean Koontz
Meet Lance. 38-years-old. Works a meaningless job. Still lives above his parents’ garage. By all accounts, a world-class loser.
Except for one glaring exception . . . he has a million-dollar face. Lance has been mistaken twenty-eight times for the Oscar-winning movie star, James Jansen, and for the last 10 years, he’s saved his money, studied Jansen’s films, his moves, his idiosyncrasies, even the way he speaks. Now, after an unceremonious termination from his job, Lance has decided that the time has come to go after his dream.
From New York’s ridiculous avant-garde, off-off Broadway scene, to the surreal glitter of Los Angeles, follow Lance on his madcap journey of self-abandonment to become his likeness. Part comedy, part human tragedy, and part suspense, the world through the eyes of Lancelot Blue Dunkquist is like none you’ve ever seen.
Praise for Blake Crouch:
'Blake Crouch has invented his own brand of page-turner – fearlessly genre-bending, consistently surprising, and determined to explode the boundaries of what a thriller can be' - Karin Slaughter, author of Pretty Girls
'Blake Crouch has a mind like Crichton and a heart like King' - David Koepp, author of Cold Storage
'Crouch isn’t just a world-class thriller writer, he’s a Philip K. Dick for the modern age' - Gregg Hurwitz, author of Orphan X
Famous
Book • 2025
by Blake Crouch
Famous is the darkly funny standalone thriller from Blake Crouch, the bestselling author of Dark Matter, for fans of Stephen King and Dean Koontz
Meet Lance. 38-years-old. Works a meaningless job. Still lives above his parents’ garage. By all accounts, a world-class loser.
Except for one glaring exception . . . he has a million-dollar face. Lance has been mistaken twenty-eight times for the Oscar-winning movie star, James Jansen, and for the last 10 years, he’s saved his money, studied Jansen’s films, his moves, his idiosyncrasies, even the way he speaks. Now, after an unceremonious termination from his job, Lance has decided that the time has come to go after his dream.
From New York’s ridiculous avant-garde, off-off Broadway scene, to the surreal glitter of Los Angeles, follow Lance on his madcap journey of self-abandonment to become his likeness. Part comedy, part human tragedy, and part suspense, the world through the eyes of Lancelot Blue Dunkquist is like none you’ve ever seen.
Praise for Blake Crouch:
'Blake Crouch has invented his own brand of page-turner – fearlessly genre-bending, consistently surprising, and determined to explode the boundaries of what a thriller can be' - Karin Slaughter, author of Pretty Girls
'Blake Crouch has a mind like Crichton and a heart like King' - David Koepp, author of Cold Storage
'Crouch isn’t just a world-class thriller writer, he’s a Philip K. Dick for the modern age' - Gregg Hurwitz, author of Orphan X
Suggested Age
Every child is different — this is guidance, not a rule.
The story's themes of identity, ambition, and the dark side of fame, coupled with its suspenseful thriller elements, are best suited for teenagers. The potential for complex psychological exploration and mature subject matter necessitates a higher age recommendation.
Content Safety Breakdown
Detailed breakdown of potentially concerning content
Sex & Nudity
The movie is described as having romantic tension and potentially suggestive dialogue as Lance pursues his dream. There may be some implied sexual situations or strong romantic themes.
Violence & Gore
The film is called a thriller and mentioned as being like Stephen King, suggesting there will be intense action sequences with some potential for blood or injury. The 'darkly funny' aspect might imply a certain level of grimness in its depiction of conflict.
Profanity
While not explicitly detailed, thrillers and dark comedies often include moderate profanity. Based on the genre and author comparisons, it's likely to contain some mild to moderate swear words, potentially used in moments of frustration or intensity.
Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking
the available information doesn't specifically mention substance use, but it's common in stories involving a journey through the entertainment industry. There may be social drinking or casual references to substances as part of the setting or character interactions.
Frightening Scenes
As a darkly funny thriller with comparisons to Stephen King and Dean Koontz, the film is expected to have suspenseful moments, potentially disturbing themes, and psychological tension that could be unsettling for some viewers.
Key Insights
Quick summary and important considerations
This is a story about a man who looks exactly like a famous movie star and decides to pretend to be him to achieve his own dreams, leading to a wild and sometimes strange adventure.
Content Warnings
Detailed Analysis
In-depth insights for parents and educators
What Parents Need to Know
This film is a suspenseful thriller with darkly comedic elements, centering on themes of identity and ambition. Parents should be aware of potential mature themes related to self-obsession and the darker aspects of chasing fame.
What Kids Can Learn
Older teens can explore complex ideas about identity, ambition, and the difference between appearance and reality.
Key Topics Discussed
Why Parents Might Like It
Fans of Blake Crouch's previous works, Stephen King, and Dean Koontz will appreciate the genre-bending suspense and character-driven narrative with a dark, comedic edge.
Positives & Learning
What makes this content valuable for children
Positive Messages
The narrative touches on pursuing dreams and the transformative power of self-improvement, though these are framed within a complex and potentially cautionary tale.
Positive Role Models
Lance's journey is one of extreme self-reinvention, offering a cautionary rather than imitative example of ambition and identity.
Diverse Representations
No diverse representations are indicated in the available information.
Educational Value
Explores themes of identity, perception, and the nature of celebrity, prompting reflection on authenticity and societal expectations.
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