Sam Esmail

Mr. Robot is one of my favorite shows for it's complexity and layers. I had to buy this book as a birthday present, as I don't want to miss any of the pieces in this "found footage" type of book with so many realistic pieces throughout. It's like that odd formatted book that I love to find. But this is an incredibly detailed book from a great show that fills in some gaps in a crazy show reveal. I'm also believing the book exists mainly for the purpose of stating one fact that could not be stated from Elliot's point of view. But then the book goes above and beyond with little details, like the awesome comics on the back of a newsprint page of Tyrell sightings or even just the incredibly detailed stains on a page. The writing in pencil is someone actually writing the book, not a font (though not someone handwriting each copy, I hope.) There are details that even the internet finds incredibly difficult to collectively solve. I think some things probably won't ever be puzzled out. I have no doubt that show runner Sam Esmail is a genius that puts so much HEART into his work, doesn't matter if it's the show or this book. This book has as much heart as the show. I've noticed that heart from episode one of Mr. Robot and will follow any work that he does! Courtney Looney deserves some credit as well.

Some favorite things from the book: Elliot imagining a show that combines 90s sitcoms characters. I have had that idea but with characters across all shows, books, movies. Mr. Esmail could make that show! Imagine Elliot hanging out with Community's Abed! They would be best friends... it would even be incredibly meta when they talk to each other about shows.… (meer)

Who knew it was possible for the weirdness and confusion of Mr Robot to be contained in a novel?

I spent most of Red Wheelbarrow trying to guess what was happening, what was about to happen, what various characters were doing, and how this fit into the larger narrative of Mr Robot's season two. In other words, it was just like watching the show, while adding an extra layer to the story I already knew.

It's hard to discuss this without spoiling the book or the show. I enjoyed seeing more of characters I loved, like Leon. The clues and puzzles hidden throughout Red Wheelbarrow deepened the fun and mystery of the story, and sent me to reddit for confirmations and solutions. Again, just like the show. Sometimes I found Carla's marginalia more distracting and irritating than value-adding. Overall, though, it's a fascinating, and occasionally, terrifying glimpse into the mind of Elliot that manages to capture the feelings I have whenever I watch Mr. Robot.… (meer)