Will Grayson, Will Grayson
- First published 2010
- 336 pages
- Spanish
One cold Chicago night, two teenagers are about to cross paths. The only thing they have in common is their name: Will Grayson. The first Will Grayson lives by two simple rules: shut up, and don't care. His world is defined by his attempt to fly under the radar, a goal made difficult by his best friend, the impossibly large and fabulously gay Tiny Cooper, who is determined to stage his own autobiographical musical. The other Will Grayson is a world away, navigating depression and a secret online romance that feels like his only source of hope. He sees only darkness in his life and has no friends to confide in.
An unlikely meeting in the most unexpected of places is the catalyst that will send their separate lives colliding, creating a chain reaction of romance, heartbreak, and theatrical brilliance. This encounter forces both boys to re-evaluate everything they thought they knew about themselves, friendship, and the complicated, messy, and beautiful nature of love. The result is a story that explores with humor and honesty what happens when you finally open yourself up to the world and find the courage to be seen.
An unlikely meeting in the most unexpected of places is the catalyst that will send their separate lives colliding, creating a chain reaction of romance, heartbreak, and theatrical brilliance. This encounter forces both boys to re-evaluate everything they thought they knew about themselves, friendship, and the complicated, messy, and beautiful nature of love. The result is a story that explores with humor and honesty what happens when you finally open yourself up to the world and find the courage to be seen.
What readers say
3.69
416K ratings across the web 6 in 10 readers loved it, 1 didn't like it
The book is widely praised for its unique blend of humor, wit, and emotional depth. Many readers found themselves laughing out loud thanks to the hilarious language, sharp dialogue, and cynical yet relatable observations from the characters. A standout element for many is the character of Tiny Cooper, frequently described as a "force of nature," magnetic, and the true heart of the story, beloved for his larger-than-life personality and charm. David Levithan's Will Grayson is also often highlighted as a unique and complex character with a significant journey of self-discovery, offering a refreshing perspective. Reviewers appreciate the book's strong focus on themes of friendship and self-acceptance, valuing its portrayal of realistic relationships and the importance of caring for one's friends. The collaboration between the two authors is commended for creating distinct and engaging narrative voices, and the audiobook version is particularly recommended for its excellent narration that perfectly captures the characters' humor.
However, the book is not without its criticisms. Some readers found John Green's Will Grayson to be a familiar archetype, echoing his previous protagonists and lacking originality or depth. Tiny Cooper, despite being a favorite for many, was perceived by some as a collection of stereotypes, self-centered, or even irritating. A significant point of contention is David Levithan's stylistic choice to write one Will's chapters entirely in lowercase, which many found distracting and difficult to read. The plot itself was sometimes deemed predictable, bland, or lacking substantial excitement, with the initial premise of two characters sharing a name feeling a bit unlikely to some. The book's ending, involving a high school musical, proved divisive; while some loved its over-the-top and romantic nature, others found it corny, unrealistic, or reminiscent of television shows in a negative way. Additionally, some reviewers felt the book contained excessive teenage angst, that certain characters were insufferable, or that the female characters were underdeveloped.
Overall, Will Grayson, Will Grayson is a polarizing but often highly engaging read, celebrated for its humor and heartfelt exploration of friendship and identity. While it may not appeal to all readers, particularly those sensitive to unconventional writing styles, perceived character clichés, or a certain level of teenage angst, it deeply resonates with many who appreciate its unique voice and emotional honesty. The book is especially recommended for young adult readers seeking a story with witty dialogue, memorable characters, and a strong emphasis on the complexities of platonic love and self-discovery. Those who enjoy a blend of comedy and genuine emotional moments, and are open to a narrative that culminates in a grand, theatrical fashion, are most likely to find this collaboration a worthwhile and impactful experience.
However, the book is not without its criticisms. Some readers found John Green's Will Grayson to be a familiar archetype, echoing his previous protagonists and lacking originality or depth. Tiny Cooper, despite being a favorite for many, was perceived by some as a collection of stereotypes, self-centered, or even irritating. A significant point of contention is David Levithan's stylistic choice to write one Will's chapters entirely in lowercase, which many found distracting and difficult to read. The plot itself was sometimes deemed predictable, bland, or lacking substantial excitement, with the initial premise of two characters sharing a name feeling a bit unlikely to some. The book's ending, involving a high school musical, proved divisive; while some loved its over-the-top and romantic nature, others found it corny, unrealistic, or reminiscent of television shows in a negative way. Additionally, some reviewers felt the book contained excessive teenage angst, that certain characters were insufferable, or that the female characters were underdeveloped.
Overall, Will Grayson, Will Grayson is a polarizing but often highly engaging read, celebrated for its humor and heartfelt exploration of friendship and identity. While it may not appeal to all readers, particularly those sensitive to unconventional writing styles, perceived character clichés, or a certain level of teenage angst, it deeply resonates with many who appreciate its unique voice and emotional honesty. The book is especially recommended for young adult readers seeking a story with witty dialogue, memorable characters, and a strong emphasis on the complexities of platonic love and self-discovery. Those who enjoy a blend of comedy and genuine emotional moments, and are open to a narrative that culminates in a grand, theatrical fashion, are most likely to find this collaboration a worthwhile and impactful experience.
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Details & editions
- This edition
- Penguin Bolsillo, 2021
- ISBN
- 9788466353434
- Language
- Spanish
Original edition Will Grayson, Will Grayson Originally published in 2010 · English · Speak
