'Will Grayson, Will Grayson' is a young adult novel that follows the lives of two teenage boys named Will Grayson, whose paths unexpectedly cross and intertwine. The book is narrated in alternating viewpoints, showcasing the unique voices of each Will Grayson. The plot revolves around themes of self-discovery, friendship, love, and acceptance, with a touch of teenage angst and humor. The characters, especially the larger-than-life Tiny Cooper, bring humor and heart to the story, making it a delightful and emotionally charged read. The writing style is described as raw, honest, and insightful, with a seamless interweaving of the two narratives.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The book includes discussions of depression, suicide, and bullying, which may be triggering for some readers.
Has Romance?
The book contains significant romantic elements, including a gay relationship and heterosexual interests, contributing to the overall themes of love.
From The Publisher:
One cold night, in a most unlikely corner of Chicago, Will Grayson crosses paths with . . . Will Grayson. Two teens with the same name, running in two very different circles, suddenly find their lives going in new and unexpected directions, and culminating in epic turns-of-heart and the most fabulous musical ever to grace the high school stage. Told in alternating voices from two YA superstars, this collaborative novel features a double helping of the heart and humor that have won them both legions of fans.
Ratings (30)
Incredible (6) | |
Loved It (10) | |
Liked It (8) | |
It Was OK (4) | |
Did Not Like (2) |
Reader Stats (48):
Read It (34) | |
Want To Read (10) | |
Did Not Finish (1) | |
Not Interested (3) |
1 comment(s)
Will Grayson, Will Grayson is the story of two Will Graysons, told in alternating chapters by Green and Levithan (at least I think this is how they wrote it. I also think the first Will Grayson is Green's). Both of them live in Chicago suburbs, but that and their names are about as similar as they get. One straight with a gay best friend, one gay with no real friends; one determined not to let the world get close (Rule 1. Shut up, Rule 2. Don't care), one clinically depressed and living with his single mother. The Wills Grayson cross paths early in the book under circumstances both hilarious and heartbreaking. Each one finds himself reevaluating friendships and romantic possibilities after this encounter, and each one has to learn to let go of his preconceived notions of safety and connection with other people.
But I wonder if, despite the title, this book is really about Tiny Cooper, Will Grayson.1's best friend (.1 only because his is the first chapter). The ironically named Tiny is 6'6", 300 pounds of exuberantly gay teenager, constantly falling in and out of love, a strange foil for the reluctantly social Will. Tiny is writing a musical based on his life as a gay person, coming out and falling in love. Of course, there is a character in the play called "Gil Wrayson," which Will takes some umbrage at. The entire book builds toward this musical, and even though both Wills undergo great transformation and growth, when we finally get to the play it seems like the authors have been pointing us towards Tiny and his journey the whole time. Both Wills are first person narrators, but we only see Tiny through their eyes.
I think this is a great book for not just for teenagers (although I think it would be incredibly valuable for that demographic), but for anyone exploring the relationship between love and truth, friendship and honesty, or the risk of hiding yourself away versus the risk of putting yourself out there.
What can you read after
Will Grayson, Will Grayson?
About the Author:
John Green is the award-winning, #1 bestselling author of books including Looking for Alaska, The Fault in Our Stars, and Turtles All the Way…
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