I am a HUGE fan of John Green! I’ve previously reviewed two of his books (Paper Towns and Looking for Alaska), so when I saw that he would be writing with another YA heavy-hitter, David Levithan, I knew I had to get my hands on it. After begging publishers for an advanced reader of “Will Grayson, Will Grayson” (unsuccessfully, might I add), I surrendered and bought myself a brand new hardcover the very day it was released.

“Will Grayson, Will Grayson” tells the story of two teenage boys living in the Chicago area, both named Will Grayson. Other than their name, they have little in common, but a chance meeting one night sets into motion a series of events that changes both of their lives. The first Will Grayson that we meet is a smart, normal teenager. His best friend is a massive, gay football player ironically named Tiny, who has decided to write a musical chronicling his life being gay. Will isn’t too thrilled about this musical, especially about the character who is supposed to represent him, Gil Wrayson.

The other Will Grayson is a bit sadder; he’s living with his single mother, is on anti-depressants and is all together quite lost. All of his happiness comes from an online boyfriend, Isaac, so one night when Isaac suggests that they meet, Will Grayson is thrilled. On the same night, Tiny, the first Will Grayson and their other friend, Jane, decide to go to Chicago for a concert. However, neither of the Will Grayson’s nights go according to plan and they end up meeting.

And that’s all I’ll tell you. Read More »

Anyone who reads the Saturday Read knows that I am a closet teen fiction reader. It’s so honest and spirited that I can’t help but devour teen fiction after teen fiction. And, as I have said before, a teen read is a nice way to take your mind off of your school textbooks. I have read books where I’ve needed a dictionary beside me the entire time just to comprehend what’s going on. Those books are experiences, but can also be work, and with a course overload right now, I can’t afford to be working in my relaxation time.

So, I’ll say it again – I turn to teen fiction.

John Green is definitely one of my favorite authors of teen fiction. He always creates smart, funny, likable “heroes” and “heroines.” (I put it in quotes because even though they don’t really contribute a ton as a result of the plot of the novel, they undergo heroic transformations!) The hero of “Paper Towns” is Quentin Jacobson. He is very normal, very smart and, as he says, very well-adjusted, thanks to his therapist parents. His neighbor Margo Roth Spiegelman is pretty much the exact opposite: rebellious, popular, desired. Quentin and Margo were childhood friends, but clearly, their paths have since divided and Quentin has spent a good deal of time pining over Margo. One night, Margo appears at Quentin’s window and takes him on a life-changing ride, pranking everyone who has done her wrong. And then she disappears.

Quentin is the last one to see Margo and also seems to be the only one who wants to find her.

Of course, this is only in the first few pages. Margo leaves Quentin clues, including a worn copy of “Leaves of Grass” by Walt Whitman (one of my favorite poets!) and paper towns, which are unfinished subdivisions and apparently, very popular in central Florida. Completing the book (and aiding Quentin on his journey) is Quentin’s sidekick and best friend, Radar, who runs an online encyclopedia and helps deduce the mystery that is Margo. Read More »