53 pages 1 hour read

Budd Schulberg

What Makes Sammy Run?

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1941

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

What Makes Sammy Run?, by Budd Schulberg, is the story of Sammy Glick’s relentless rise through Hollywood in the mid-1930s, as observed by his colleague Al Manheim. Starting as a copy clerk, Sammy exploits others, including stealing a script to launch his screenwriting career. Despite his success, Sammy's drive leaves many damaged in his wake. The novel explores themes of ambition, exploitation, and the cutthroat nature of the entertainment industry.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

What Makes Sammy Run? by Budd Schulberg offers a compelling and sharply critical portrayal of Hollywood's cutthroat industry through its ambitious anti-hero, Sammy Glick. Praised for its incisive social commentary and enduring relevance, the novel also faces criticism for its cynical tone and unsympathetic characters. A thought-provoking yet polarizing read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read What Makes Sammy Run??

Readers who enjoy What Makes Sammy Run? by Budd Schulberg are typically intrigued by Hollywood's darker side and the ruthlessness of ambition. They will appreciate insights similar to those found in Nathanael West's The Day of the Locust and F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Last Tycoon, drawn to tales of complex moral landscapes and flawed protagonists.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Lexile Level

920L

Book Details

Genre

Classic Fiction

Satire

American Literature

Topics

Philosophy

Arts / Culture

Period

Great Depression

Themes

Values/Ideas: Loyalty & Betrayal

Values/Ideas: Power & Greed

Values/Ideas: Art