The Gospel according to Larry, by Janet Tashjian, is the story of a young man with the wish to change the world. Written as though the main character, Josh Swensen, one day delivers his story to the author, in the form an essay, the story explains how Josh starts a blog under the pseudonyme Larry to battle consumerism. Everything is going smoothly, untill the site becomes popular and his anonymity is compromised, turning the world of Josh Newman upside down.
The Gospel according to Larry is an informative, 'coming of age' novel, that explores the inner- and outer world of 'Larry', who wishes to rid the world of consumerism, and 'Josh', who wishes to remain the unknown author, and get the interest of his favorite girl in the process.
The Gospel according to Larry is an informative, 'coming of age' novel, that explores the inner- and outer world of 'Larry', who wishes to rid the world of consumerism, and 'Josh', who wishes to remain the unknown author, and get the interest of his favorite girl in the process.
Josh Swensen: from secluded nerd to passionate anti-consumerism priest
Josh Swensen is a bright young character, with a passion for not-buying. Having numbered all his possesions, he will buy something new only when one of his numbers has been totally lived. The book The Gospel According to Larry describes how Josh changes from a secluded smart young man outside of his house, to the passionate anti-consumerism priest as 'Larry', his pseudonym. - even though Josh is not religious.
As a young blogger myself, reading this novel on a bright young man with a blog was very surprising. I hadn't read a single book myself on blogging, and although The Gospel According to Larry is not a blogging-guide, it did explain the prime idea of blogging: to always blog of one's greatest interests.
Josh Swensen is a bright young character, with a passion for not-buying. Having numbered all his possesions, he will buy something new only when one of his numbers has been totally lived. The book The Gospel According to Larry describes how Josh changes from a secluded smart young man outside of his house, to the passionate anti-consumerism priest as 'Larry', his pseudonym. - even though Josh is not religious.
As a young blogger myself, reading this novel on a bright young man with a blog was very surprising. I hadn't read a single book myself on blogging, and although The Gospel According to Larry is not a blogging-guide, it did explain the prime idea of blogging: to always blog of one's greatest interests.
A fresh writing style: a new way to 'essay'
Janet Tashjian, or should I mention, Josh Swensen, has written the novel in the style of an essay. Using numerous footnotes, in which Janet/Josh provide extra information, anecdotes and memories, all adding to the fun of reading a novel in such an original, fresh style. When adding humor in the mix, it provides for the read of the year!
Janet Tashjian, or should I mention, Josh Swensen, has written the novel in the style of an essay. Using numerous footnotes, in which Janet/Josh provide extra information, anecdotes and memories, all adding to the fun of reading a novel in such an original, fresh style. When adding humor in the mix, it provides for the read of the year!
All in all, The Gospel according to Larry is a coming-of-age novel I consider one that should be read, at least once, by the young (blogging) generation!
Reviews by other peoples
“A thrilling read, fast-paced with much fast food for thought about our consumer-oriented culture. The voice is clear, the ending satisfying. Teenagers will eat this one up.” Kirkus – Starred Review
“A terrific read with a credible and lovable main character. Tashjian’s gift for portraying bright adolescents with insight and humor reaches near perfection here.” School Library Journal – Starred Review
“Tashjian does something very fresh here, which will hit teens at a visceral level. She takes the natural idealism young people feel, personalizes it in the character of Josh/Larry, and shows that idealism transformed by unintended consequences. The book's frank discussion about topics paramount to kids--celebrity worship, consumerism, and the way multinational corporations shape our lives--is immediate, insightful, and made even more vivid because it's wrapped in the mystery of Larry.” – Booklist – Starred Review
“A thrilling read, fast-paced with much fast food for thought about our consumer-oriented culture. The voice is clear, the ending satisfying. Teenagers will eat this one up.” Kirkus – Starred Review
“A terrific read with a credible and lovable main character. Tashjian’s gift for portraying bright adolescents with insight and humor reaches near perfection here.” School Library Journal – Starred Review
“Tashjian does something very fresh here, which will hit teens at a visceral level. She takes the natural idealism young people feel, personalizes it in the character of Josh/Larry, and shows that idealism transformed by unintended consequences. The book's frank discussion about topics paramount to kids--celebrity worship, consumerism, and the way multinational corporations shape our lives--is immediate, insightful, and made even more vivid because it's wrapped in the mystery of Larry.” – Booklist – Starred Review
Have you read The Gospel according to Larry? Please tell me what you thought of the novel.
Did you like it, love it, hate it? Leave a comment in the comment section!
Did you like it, love it, hate it? Leave a comment in the comment section!