Allison: Will Grayson, Will Grayson | John Green and David Levithan | Book Review

I had high hopes for Will Grayson, Will Grayson because I had heard so many good things about it. Going into it I knew that it was a combined product of two powerhouse authors, John Green and David Levithan. The first I had read something from but the second I had only heard speak about his work but never actually read it. (Note: I do plan on reading some of his works soon). Were my high hopes validated? Absolutely!

Will Grayson, Will Grayson tells the story of two boys who live a town away from each other and who share the same name. The first Will Grayson is an easily intimidated boy with low self esteem, a best friend named Tiny Cooper, and a crush on a girl and doesn’t know what to do about it. The second Will Grayson is his opposite, a boy who is a bit troubled and deeply depressed, and who is very much in love with his online boyfriend but who is desperately searching for life’s answers. One crazy night, the two Will Grayson’s lives are intertwined and nothing is ever the same again.

Will Grayson Will Grayson Cover

Both versions of Will Grayson felt incredibly real to me. It felt like they could be actual teenagers living out there in today’s world. I think that this was because they were dealing with such real and complex issues. There was nothing fantasy like about what they were going through. They were dealing with issues with love and friendships, sexuality and depression, and school and parents; and all of it pulled at my heart strings and made me want to see them find the answers they were searching for and win.

And you know who else I was desperately hoping would win in this story? TINY COOPER! For me, Tiny Cooper was the best part of the book. He is just so awesome. He knows who he is, and he is perfectly alright with it. It was so wonderful to read about a character that is so self-assured and who calls other people out on their crap in a way that makes them actually think about things and want to change. I wanted Tiny Cooper to be real because I wanted him in my life. I wanted to see his show!

Will Grayson, Will Grayson is a beautifully written book that is hard to put into one little category.  To me it branched out over so many different spectrums because of all the issues that it dealt with. Yes, this is technically a YA book but I also feel that this is a book that anyone can relate to. It is also a book that teaches acceptance and love in such a non-judgmental and honest way that it makes me want to put it in the hands of people all over the world. I truly appreciated this book.

Disclosure: Borrowed from the local library

Other reviews of Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan:

Bookish Comforts: “Haven’t heard of this book, or weren’t too sure about it? Pick up a copy and try it! You may be pleasantly surprised.

Foil The Plot: “Will Grayson, Will Grayson is an incredibly funny and insightful book that touches on issues to which everyone can relate, most notably love.

Nose in a Book: “Will Grayson, Will Grayson is an original book full of humour and insight that I enjoyed immensely.

April’s Review: “My name is April and I appreciate Will Grayson, Will Grayson.

 

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Allison is 27 years old. She is always looking for new books, good music, quality/epic adventures, and a normal sleep schedule. She currently works with the elderly.

Comments

  1. This sounds fantastic. I have been wanting to read it forever. I think I will have to pick it up soon. Awesome review!

  2. I’ve had this book sitting on my shelf for EVER. The only thing I’ve read by David Levithan was Invisibility (well, co-written by him), and that was a bit disappointing… but I think more realistic YA is probably where he shines, and I’m definitely a fan of John Green. I can’t wait to pick this one up. Great review, Allison!

  3. Yay, Allison! I am SO SO SO happy you read this book and LOVED it. You’re absolutely right, the themes in WG, WG transcend waaaay beyond just the YA genre and it really is the type of story where everyone takes something away from it. Oh and Tiny Cooper. Really, that’s who the story should’ve been named after. Let’s just call it “Tiny Cooper, Tiny Cooper” instead.

  4. SO glad you loved this! I mean obviously it rules but I could see it not resonating with every reader everywhere.

    I need to read some David Levithan too!

    TEAM TINY COOPER. Forever.

  5. Yay! I’m so happy you liked this! I don’t know if I could bear anyone not liking this book since it’s so special to me. But seriously, John Green and David Levithan? That is like the ultimate collaboration. And oh my gosh, TINY! He blows everyone else in that book out of the water! Tiny is like one of my favourite characters! He is amazing!

    Great review! 🙂

  6. I *LOVED* this book! Tiny Dancer?! How could you not?!

  7. The start of the review had me worried! I thought you were going to say the book didn’t live up to your expectations, but I’m glad to hear it did. I have only read John Green’s books, but I’ve always met to read David Levithan’s. This book has been on my TBR list for a while now. This review really makes me think I need to move it up and read it soon. Great review 🙂

  8. I’ve had a copy of this book on my shelves for what feels like forever, but is in reality only two years. That’s two years too long in delaying my reading experience though! It sounds like you truly enjoyed it, and I love that it’s two of my favorite people – John Green and David Levithan – who co-wrote this one. After reading your glowing endorsement, I certainly want to read it within this year!