Will Grayson, Will Grayson in Mock Newbery 2026

Aug 06, 2012 Carol Royce Owen rated it liked it

This book is narrated by two high school boys, both named Will Grayson, and both going to different schools in Chicago. One is a boy trying to get through high school making as few waves as possible, but finds it hard to do because of his flamboyantly gay best friend, Tiny, who is anything but tiny. The other boy is a depressed, mostly friendless boy trying to deal with growing homosexual feelings towards an online friend who he has agreed to meet. When the two paths cross life suddenly gets mor ...more

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Nov 12, 2012 Mary Ann rated it it was amazing

In Will Grayson, Will Grayson, John Green and David Levithan had me laughing out loud and cringing at the same time as I followed two boys, both named Will Grayson, and their quests to survive high school, find friendship, and grow up--whatever that means. Witty, cynical and irreverant, this book is definitely for older teens with its snarky jokes about sex, relationships and life.

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Mar 10, 2011 Pam rated it really liked it

Shelves: ya, fiction

What happens when two boys named Will Grayson meet each other by chance in Chicago? There lives overlap as one starts dating the best friend of the other. As is the case with other David Levithan books, he and John Green assume the perspective of one of the main characters and alternate chapters. This book deals with all the usual things teenagers obsess about - relationships. The confusion, the feeling of being left out, and the desire to be liked is so well done by these two authors. One Will ...more

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Mar 15, 2010 Dawn rated it liked it

Shelves: ya, 2010

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I've enjoyed John Green's previous books, but didn't like the one David Levithan I read, so I will admit that I was biased going in. That said, I thought JG's half was much better than DL's.

I like that JGWG's story was more friendship focused, a welcome departure from the "chasing the snarky/pretty/mysterious girl" focused stories of his past books. Tiny Cooper was the best character in the whole book. Also enjoyed JGWG in general, and really liked the scene he had with his dad. Jane was less d I've enjoyed John Green's previous books, but didn't like the one David Levithan I read, so I will admit that I was biased going in. That said, I thought JG's half was much better than DL's.

I like that JGWG's story was more friendship focused, a welcome departure from the "chasing the snarky/pretty/mysterious girl" focused stories of his past books. Tiny Cooper was the best character in the whole book. Also enjoyed JGWG in general, and really liked the scene he had with his dad. Jane was less developed, the water polo ex subplot was a little lame and not completely fleshed out, but if there had to be a storyline sacrificed a little, I'm glad it was JGWG & Jane, not JGWG & Tiny. Jane was a little snarky/pretty/mystery generic, but her "mystery" was resolved early on, so not too bad. JGWG was hovering between 3.5 and 4 stars, but the awesomeness of the final chapters with the musical being described, hilarious lyrics and all definitely pushed it into a 4.

DLWG was a total opposite. So whiny and self-pitying. I really felt bad for his mom more than anyone else. I've never been a gay teenage boy on antidepressants, so I should cut the character some slack, but damn was he annoying. Capitalize the beginning of sentences and stop saying "fuck" so much! I disliked Maura as well. Even though DLWG was taking advantage of her, it was very annoying how she was always questioning him about his sexuality. The whole Isaac thing just made me really uncomfortable because it reminded me of some of the cases of online harassment/bullying. So Maura and DLWG were both just toxic people, and I was rooting for neither of them. Gideon was way too one dimensional, a little too "perfect", maybe to balance out DLWG? I liked DLWG's mom though, the only character that balanced out on he DL side. 2 stars.

Tiny Cooper and his musical *****
JGWG and having the book take place in Chicago ****
the Jane subplot and DLWG's mom ***
the ending (you gave it away with "you think they're really here?") **
DLWG & Maura and the use of the word "bitchsquealer" * ...more

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Jun 14, 2010 Sandy rated it it was amazing

Shelves: contemporary, teen, friendship, lgbt, alternating-viewpoints

I do not generally like David Levithan's work. I know he's kind of a big deal in the world of teen lit, but I just have never liked his stuff - not even Nick and Norah's Infinate Playlist. That's my personal taste. But I adore John Green, so I decided to give this book a shot when it came recomended.

I liked it! I definitely enjoyed the chapters penned by John Green more than David Levithan's, but this book was really a good exploration of the nature of love and friendship. The alternating voices ...more

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Apr 08, 2010 Margaret Kensinger-Klopfer rated it liked it

This was a page turner, for sure. Some of the scenes felt a little recycled from past books by the same authors. An off the cuff hunt for a mysterious concert (Nick and Norah's anyone). A story about many people with the same name (Abundance of Katherines...) That said, the characters were charming, many parts were laugh out loud funny, and great to find books with gay teens that are not just love triangles between gay guy, straight best friend, and girl.
A surprise charmer. ...more

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May 11, 2010 Marianne rated it really liked it

Why I read it: Saw a lot of buzz about it and am reading more GLBTQ novels since I recently saw the awesome Alex Sanchez (author of the Rainbow Boys trilogy) speak from the heart at a conference.

Who would I recommend this book to: Older teens who have read John Green's other books and won't have a problem with the raw, edgy language.

I especially liked: The parents of both Will Graysons for their acceptance and cool factor. Also Tiny Cooper is an unforgettable character! ...more

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May 05, 2010 Jennifer rated it it was amazing

Shelves: to-review

A compelling realistic coming of age book. The alternating voices were effective - the writing styles reflected the personality of the voice. Tina, the larger than life drama queen was portrayed wonderfully. Definitely for older teens.

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May 10, 2010 Alyson rated it liked it

Shelves: teen-books, teen-books-for-adults

I keep changing the stars and be wishy washy about a review. There were great moments but I liked one Will Grayson much more than the other so that affected my opinion. Interesting read but not a favorite.

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