Two award-winning and New York Times–bestselling author join forces for a collaborative novel of awesome proportions.One cold night, in a most unlikely corner of Chicago, two teens—both named Will Grayson—are about to cross paths. As their worlds collide and intertwine, the Will Graysons find their lives going in new and unexpected directions, building toward romantic turns-of-heart and the epic … turns-of-heart and the epic production of history’s most fabulous high school musical.
Hilarious, poignant, and deeply insightful, John Green and David Levithan’s collaborative novel is brimming with a double helping of the heart and humor that have won them both legions of faithful fans.
A New York Times Book Review Editor’s Choice
An ALA Stonewall Honor Book
“Will Grayson, Will Grayson is a complete romp. [It is] so funny, rude and original that by the time flowers hit the stage, even the musical-averse will cheer.” —The New York Times Book Review
★“Will have readers simultaneously laughing, crying and singing at the top of their lungs.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“It is such a good book. [Green and Levithan] are two of the best writers writing today.” —NPR’sThe Roundtable
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This book was rather disappointing. More specifically, it elicited the frustrated remark, “This book is the worst!” uttered while slamming the book closed. Of course, I reopened the book and tried again. Twice. A collaboration between David Levithan, author of one of my all-time favorites, “Every Day,” and John Green, author of the famous “The Fault in Our Stars,” this book fell short of my expectations. It is full of teenage vulgar language and emphasis on sexual orientation. Green’s thought-provoking “Looking for Alaska” contained much of this same emphasis on sexual promiscuity with the implication that this is typical behavior. I decided to put aside my issues with language and promiscuity and focus on this book’s treatment of how humans relate to each another. It described numerous difficult relationships with the characters showing remarkable resilience and faith in one another. They were able to overcome many potential off-putting characteristics to see the essence of the person. This is the basic message of “Every Day,” being able to see and love a person for who they are rather than be prejudice and misled by outer superficiality. I would prefer to see more of this
“I loved the book because it didn’t try to be anything it wasn’t. It spoke the truth of the situation the characters created, and I find that awesome!! The story is so unlike anything I’ve read in a while that it was a really good change of pace. I definitely recommend it to everyone who wants to laugh a bit and read a musical coming to life (kinda). =0) 3 out of 5 stars!!”
Read more of this review and a TEASER here: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2009/12/hold-out-your-hand-cos-friends-will-be.html
literally, the worst book i’ve ever read. not what i expected from david levithan and john green AT ALL. didn’t even read the last 30 pages, just angrily scrolled through them. and when i finally closed it, i just thought; what a total waste of time!
but neutral milk hotel rocks.
Tiny Cooper for LYFE
This is a story of a boy – named Will Grayson who meets another boy named Will Grayson. One Will is straight, and one is gay. They run in two completely different circles. Once they meet, their lives intertwine. The story is told by the points of view of both Wills (one chapter was straight Will, the next – gay Will) and even though they are from different sides of the tracks, they both experience love and sadness and friendship in the same way.
This was a pretty good book. I like one book that John Green wrote, and I find myself trying many of this books. This one was better than “Looking for Alaska”, but not as good as “Fault In Our Stars”. I loved one character in this book – Tiny Cooper. We never really learn what his actual first name is, but Tiny is huge. Over 6 feet tall and 300 pounds. And gay. He becomes the common factor between the two Will Graysons and the reason their lives intertwine. The book ends on a high note, but I do wish it would have gone on a few more pages. It doesn’t really tell me what I wanted to know about one of the Will Graysons – even though I think it is implied. But I felt unsure, so I felt a little let down by the end.
Also – there is quite a bit of swearing in this book. It is a YA and I think of my own almost 13 year old and think I am not ready for her to read these books yet. She probably hears enough of it on the bus to fill a book on its own, but I think that for YA novels – they could keep the swearing to a minimum. It doesn’t add to the book at all. A few is one thing, but this one was worse than most.
Now that I have given my “mom” thoughts on the book, my final word is – give it a try.
This book was not at all what I was expecting, not that I even know really what I was expecting, but I was surprised. I think when you boil it all down it’s about relationships and being free to be who you are within those relationships…whether they are friendships, relationships with your parents, or romantic relationships. I think it’s beautiful to truly appreciate someone for who they are, but even more so to let them know that.
While the title leads us to believe that book is about Will Grayson, (and ok, it is,) it’s also about Tiny Cooper. Tiny is about the most real and honest character in the book and it’s really hard not to just love him for it, even when you don’t agree with what he’s doing or saying. I really enjoyed the growth of the Will Grayson characters though. While Tiny is already pretty secure in who he is, each Will has things about himself that he needs to work on or would like to change to feel more complete. I like that this story makes it about finding that within yourself and not looking toward a significant other or even a friend to complete you.
Finally, I love that the book shows that it’s ok to love someone and put yourself out there…not just in a romantic way but in your friendships too. I’m a person who readily tells my friends I love them, and I think more people should.