Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan

Despite the fact that they share a name, the two Will Graysons are VERY different.

The Will Grayson we begin with is best friends with a guy named Tiny Cooper. Will points out the misnomer by stating that Tiny is “the world’s largest person who is really, really gay, and also the world’s gayest person who is really, really large.” Tiny is always falling in love with some new boy, and Will is always there to pick up the pieces. Will doesn’t have much drama in his own life because he lives by two rules — don’t care too much, and shut up.  The problem is, though, that it’s a little tough to stick to those rules all the time.

The OTHER Will Grayson is a loner.  He has no friends, unless you count a girl named Maura who believes him to be gay but would probably want to date him if she found out otherwise.  Will finds Maura completely obnoxious and would love to tell her he likes guys, but he is afraid that he would become her “gay pet.”  Will also makes the comment that he’s “not that gay,” and elaborates with the declaration, “I f#@king hate Madonna.”

So.  Yeah.  Through some very random circumstances, the two Will Graysons end up meeting at a place called Frenchy’s.  While they are both more than a little weirded-out to discover that they share the same name, it’s enough to get them talking a little bit about what got them there.  And, because they are hanging out talking, the second Will Grayson has the opportunity to meet Tiny Cooper.

This is one of those stories that I could never do justice in a review simply because there is too much going on and I don’t want to spoil any of the plot.  There are a couple of things I have to say, though, to at least try:

1. This story is amazing for how it really gets to the heart of the way that teens look at life.  To a teenager, every little thing really IS that important when it is happening.  Life changes so quickly for teens that living in the moment and being all-wrapped-up in that moment just feels so right!
2. This book is able to cover a lot of “heavy” topics while being absolutely hilarious.  I started trying to keep track of the “best” parts I should play back for my husband (since I was listening to the audiobook), but I had to admit defeat and just beg him to read or listen to this story for himself.

And now, dear readers, I implore you to read this book for your selves!  I am certain that someone, somewhere will try to have this book banned for foul language, for references to teen drinking, and/or for containing homosexual characters.  But, I think that is all the more reason to read this one now!  Be ready to defend this book because it’s a fun/engaging read that will also speak to a wide variety of teens.

Happy Reading!