Will Grayson, Will Grayson by David Levithan, John Green Narrator: MacLeod Andrews, Nick Podehl
Published by Dutton E P (children) on 2010
Length: 7 hours 52 minutes
Genres: Coming of Age, Friendship, Homosexuality, Performing Arts, Social Issues, Theater, Young Adult
Pages: 310
Format: Audiobook
Goodreads
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 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 Discussion Guide to Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan
Lynn’s Review:
First off, we are going to need some code names for the characters. Both of the main characters are named Will Grayson. I will clarify here: OTW or Other Will Grayson is Tiny Cooper’s friend Will. And will is Tiny’s boyfriend. Yes, I know, it’s complicated. But it will make sense later.
OTW is the first Will Grayson that we meet. (The one on the right in the above graphic.) He’s the kind of kid who purchases a fake id to get into concerts, and ends up with one that shows his age as 20. Not 21. will is a depressed teenager trying to find himself. (The one on the left in the above graphic.) The two Wills meet due to a random happenstance that I won’t spoil for you. But I really think that Tiny Cooper is the star of this book. So much so that David Levithan wrote a book just for Tiny. He is large in every respect. Personality. Size. Life.
The audio for this book switched between two different narrators, with the change between the two Wills. I think this really worked for me. As a collaboration, I enjoyed that each other wrote the narrative for one character. This showcased the character voice very well.
My emotions ran the gamut while listening to this book. Depression. Happiness. Sorrow. Glee. All of it. And I would totally see Tiny Cooper’s musical. And download the soundtrack. Check this book out if you haven’t already.
I think I won a copy of this book but when I received it I wasn’t too excited to read it. But having read your review I’m thinking I need to read it super soon 🙂 It sounds like the characters are great and a book that makes you feel a ton of emotions is definitely one I would enjoy. Great review!
Zareena recently posted…Review: Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge
Thanks, Zareena. The characters were great!
I’m glad you enjoyed Will Grayson Will Grayson, Lynn. It’s been on my shelf for who knows how long. My son is a huge John Green fan and is ‘gently’ entreating me to read this one, as well, as Green’s others. This one has me intrigued. 🙂
Bookworm Brandee recently posted…#2015HW #ShelfLove Review ~ Raphael ~ DB Reynolds
I’ve liked all the John Green books, Brandee. And at least this one wasn’t a tear-jerker like Fault in our Stars.
This book has been on my TBR for a ridiculous amount of time. I really should do a ‘draw jar’ so some of my older TBR gets read. This sounds like such a great read!
Suzi Q, The Book Dame recently posted…Different Where It Counts: The Art of Sinning by Sabrina Jeffries
Thanks, Suzi! We are actually starting a draw jar for our book club. Sounds like a good idea for personal books as well!
Been meaning to read this for a while, but just didn’t find the time. I should try harder 🙂 I know it’s pretty amazing. Excellent review <3
Ramona recently posted…YA LGBT Books 2015
Thanks, Ramona! The audio was good, if you are into audio books!