Reviews

Will Grayson, Will Grayson by David Levithan, John Green

sunlit's review

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2.0

Can we just get something straight? John Green is a great marketer, not a great author.

I have no idea why this book is called Will Grayson, Will Grayson if most of the book was about Tiny Cooper. Tiny Cooper and his incorrect definition of love, Tiny Cooper and his ridiculous play, Tiny Cooper and how terrible he is to his friends. Tiny Cooper is a terrible character. He did not make me enjoy this book one bit. How could someone like such a disgruntled and selfish role?
SpoilerHis play had nothing to do with love and everything to do with Tiny Cooper anyways, even though he claimed it was about love.


John Green's Will is pretty much like most of his other characters that are male. He's posed as the nerdy sidekick who relies on his friends. David Levithan's Grayson is the polar opposite of the other. He's the typical depressed teenager who also has the I-feel-depressed-sometimes friend and complains more than he does anything else. Neither of these characters get character development. Will does nothing but makes new rules for himself the whole book and Grayson does nothing but mope.

Let's not forget about the star of the book, Tiny Cooper. Who wedges his way into the way of all of the characters? Tiny Cooper does. Why does Tiny Cooper do this? Becuase Tiny Cooper is a selfish and absorbed character who relies on his ego. Why was he written like this? Because John Green is great at marketing, so he made this character that seems flamboyant and amazing to get more popularity.

martinaferro's review

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2.0

This book tried to be so alternative that it was painful. Not funny. Cringy. Waste of time.

blueberry31's review against another edition

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3.0

This is not the deepest and most thought-provoking book ever... but I enjoyed it! I liked lower case will grayson and prefered the author's style on his chapters: a bit more raw. For the Will Grayson part by John Green I was a little disappointed to see that he reused most of the quirky witty teen traits that are present in practically all his books. But I have to say I liked Tiny Cooper's character. I think he is central to the book really, maybe his name should have been the title instead.

I appreciated that the story focused also on gay teens and how they come to terms with who they are, I think representation, in YA fiction especially, is very important. Though this wasn't super realistic either... I wish the real world was a tolerant as book world, because I'm pretty sure in real world noone would cheer for an obese gay teen putting on a musical about himself. But hey, this was a quick but nice read, and very funny in some parts, I recommend.

_chaeyoung's review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny hopeful mysterious reflective relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

Will Grayson, Will Grayson was a surprisingly fun read. The two Wills were so different but blended together in a way that kept me hooked.
I wasn’t expecting Tiny Cooper to steal the spotlight, but he totally did—his confidence and energy were the heart of the book.
The story had just the right mix of humor and feels, and it was easy to get into. While it’s not one of my top faves, it had some great moments, and I found myself smiling through a lot of it. Definitely a solid, enjoyable read that’s a little offbeat in the best way.

dech_ennn's review against another edition

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4.0

3.9 stars
Will Grayson, Will Grayson has a slightly complex storyline and it was rather interesting to read. As the teenager, Will Grayson, moves onto adulthood, he realizes mistakes and makes many more while trying to correct them.
When I started reading this book, I couldn't keep it down and it was definitely intriguing.
I would, however, recommend this book to only those above 13 since it has a rather complex plot and the use of profanities is also there.

savannahwelch's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This was extremely wholesome and I loved the mental health aspects. This was in one sitting and it felt like binging a really good limited series. I’m not normally drawn to a story like this but I’m really glad it’s in my mind now. 

eva_bailey's review against another edition

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4.0

I love this book. I think that John Green and David Levithan's writing styles perfectly compliment each other; the two Wills in the story are different enough to be distinct characters with their own story arc, and yet similar enough that the story flows nicely and doesn't seem jarring. Also, how can anyone not love Tiny Cooper?!
I loved that the ending wasn't the traditional happy-sappy-woo-they-got-back-together-let's-all-celebrate-with-rainbow-sprinkles, either. It was honest and real and didn't seem forced. All in all, this is a really great book.

cupcates's review against another edition

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4.0

I appreciate you, Tiny Cooper.

funiminimini's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

when I was young this was everything to me.. 

danoreading's review against another edition

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4.0

4.5 stars (.5 taken off for a few minor quibbles with the text)

A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E.