Review - Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan

Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan

Published by Dutton Juvenile on April 6, 2010
Rating: 4.5 Bookcases

Summary from 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 both them legions of faithful fans.

____________________________________

I have to admit that I was expecting a brilliant book when I found out that John Green and David Levithan were writing a book together, but nothing could prepare me for the awesomeness that was Will Grayson, Will Grayson.  Once I started reading, I didn't want to put it down.  It grabbed me from the first sentence and when the end came, I wanted there to be more.

The story is told in alternating points of view, back and forth between the two Will Graysons, so that the reader gets to meet both Will Graysons before they meet each other.  The first Will, who I think is written by John Green, is the typical teen guy.  He wants to fly under the radar by not saying much and keeping to himself, but he has this very outgoing best-friend, Tiny Cooper.  The second will, (his chapters are all in lowercase) is a loner.  You get the sense that he really isn't comfortable in his skin.  After spending a bit of time in each Will's life, you have a greater understanding of the impact their meeting will have on each of them.

Once the two Wills meet their lives intersect in very interesting ways.  The constant in both their lives is Tiny.  Tiny is one of those characters that brings both levity and seriousness to the novel in different places. Unlike the Wills, Tiny knows exactly who he is and is not apologetic about it.  He is the catalyst behind most of the change in both Will Grayson's lives.  Because of Tiny, both Wills really grow as individuals.  Tiny is such a great character, that I wouldn't mind reading a book with him as the main character.

As good as Will Grayson, Will Grayson is there are a couple of places where you have to suspend belief just a bit.  The ending, especially, requires you to believe that all people are loving and accepting individuals. I think that both John Green and David Levithan are idealistic about certain topics, but it definitely does not take away from the story they are telling.  The story of Will Grayson, Will Grayson is ultimately about acceptance and finding a place for yourself where you are comfortable with who you are.  The book sends a great message, without being overbearing or preachy.

Overall, Will Grayson, Will Grayson is a wonderful book, with strong characters and a well paced plot.  I would definitely recommend Will Grayson, Will Grayson to both teens and adults.