By John Green & David Levithan
Dutton Books
Publication Date: April 6, 2010
ISBN: 9780525421580
Young adult novels have a way of conveying truth to those willing to read them. The readers see relatable situations from a distance; they can see their lives without actually participating. It’s that “I know exactly how that feels!” emotion that grabs them. To that effect, these novels are like self-help books for teenagers; they’re thought to help readers deal with and understand everyday issues.
When I heard that John Green and David Levithan, arguably two of the most defined voices in today’s young adult literature generation, were teaming up to write a novel, I knew the product would be memorable, but I surely wasn’t ready for the story they were presenting.
WILL GRAYSON, WILL GRASYON is ostensibly about love and friendship. It’s about accepting what you’re given and breaking those boundaries you set up to keep others out. It’s about following your heart and letting yourself fall, without fearing the landing.
The book was written in an interesting way. About two characters named Will Grayson (one straight, one gay), their stories are told separately in alternating chapters until, by miracle or fate, they finally meet.
Will Grayon #1 (numbers for ease of understanding in this review), written by Green, has two simple rules: 1. Don’t’ care too much, 2. Shut up. These rules have seemingly gotten him through life unscarred. He doesn’t accept girlfriends, in fear of hurt and blends in behind his best friend. Will Grayson #2, written by Levithan, is in a perpetual state of depression, due in part to his family’s situation (his father left, and his mother can barely afford dinner, causing him to pick up a weekend job), and in part to his blossoming sexuality (wherein, he learns that he prefers guys by becoming friends with one online).
In the center lies Tiny Cooper (who I love and want to be friends with), WG1’s best friend, who, as Green puts it, isn’t the world’s gayest person, nor the world’s largest person, but surely the world’s gayest large person, or largest gay person. Through raw determination, passion, and, yes, song and dance sometimes, he helps both Graysons realize who they are, and what, ultimately, they need to overcome.
During one cold night in the midst of Chicago, the two teenage Graysons meet, unplanned and unpredicted. Through this chance crossing of paths, they find themselves watching their lives go in new and unexpected directions, all culminating with ultimate realizations and the history’s most fabulous musical ever.
Both Green and Levithan do an incredibly job at giving their respective Will Grayson a voice. Observant and an over-thinker, Green’s Grayson is the confused high school student just trying to get by unseen. Similarly, Levithan’s Grayson is also trying to get by unnoticed, but as he does this, he creates this inner monologue devoid of happiness in order to illustrate his feelings. Both liars in their own sense, both refuse to listen to what they want and, ultimately, need. Both characters are extremely likable, regardless of their flaws and times you want to slap sense into them, – to the point of wanting them as friends of your own. They feel real and, in a way, raw.
In the heart of the story is acceptance. As Tiny plans his ultimate high school musical, he lets both characters in on a little secret: you’re only as insecure as you let on. The book shows that it’s okay to be gay, or fat, or ugly, or a dork. It’s okay to be who you are, because people will eventually like you for it, or regardless of it. And it’s this powerful message that shines through far after the last page is turned. Through Tiny, readers see that everything will be okay.
Gripping, powerful, and overwhelmingly heartfelt, WILL GRAYSON, WILL GRAYSON shows the reader that it’s okay to be who you are, even if that person is incredibly large, incredibly gay, and always full of song.
John Green's website
John Green's blog (which includes information on his tour dates)
David Levithan's website
The book's reading guide and author q&a
7 comments:
This looks like one I'd pick up. :)
Great review! I'll definitely keep a look out for this book!
This sounds like a wonderful, modern coming of age story. Sad to say I am not familiar with the authors but will check them out!
This sounds amazing. I really need to get my hand on books by these two authors, especially John Green - whose vlogs I love. <3 Brilliant review, hun.
Unrequited LOVE can be survived in a way that once-requited LOVE cannot.
Had to correct the misquote.
John Green hates misquotings.
Anonymous - That's interesting! I read the ARC and it says "heartbreak" in it. I'll check out the final one. Thanks for the tip!
I just finished this book an hour ago. I can't remember the last time that a novel gave me this much entertainment. It was heartfelt and clever and sweet.
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