Lyga, Barry. 2006. The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0618723927.Summary
Fifteen-year-old Fanboy is a "geek" who is an outcast at school, bullied by the popular kids and the jocks. On top of everything else, his mom and his stepfather, whom he calls the Step-Fascist, are awaiting the arrival of the "alien life form," Fanboy's half-sibling. He keeps a list of those who target him and spends the rest of his time involved with his passion: graphic novels. Not only does he enjoy reading them, but he is secretly writing one, as well. Then he meets Kyra, a.k.a. Goth Girl, an edgy, rebellious girl who loves comics, too, and who hates the jocks as much as he does, and they strike up a friendship. Goth Girl shows him how to stand up for himself and accept himself for who he is.
Critical Analysis (or WHY YOU SHOULD READ THIS BOOK--THE SCHOLARLY VERSION)
Barry Lyga's debut novel firmly establishes him as a writer to watch. With subtle humor, quiet intensity, and a deeply intimate honesty, Lyga addresses the issue of being different and being constantly tortured by school bullies while at the same time searching for the greatness within one's self. The characterization paints an authentic picture of confused teenagers trying to find themselves. Kyra's smoking, fast-driving, and foul-mouth cover her own issues as surely as Fanboy's behavior cover his. The pain is almost tangible as the socially awkward and insecure Fanboy finds the courage to rise above the constant beating down of his spirit. His intelligence, humor, sarcasm, and creativity make Fanboy a character everyone will want to know.
Reviews
School Library Journal (starred review)--"Though he toys with such concepts as teen suicide and Columbine-like violence, the novel never turns tragic. His love of comics carries over into all three teen characters, breathing animation into a potentially sad but often funny story. This is a great bridge book for teens who already like graphic novels."
Children's Literature--"Barry Lyga perfectly captures teen angst and ironic humor in this gritty portrayal of the life of a teenage geek. Fanboy's voice manages to be truly original and, at the same time, speaks to everyone who ever felt like a geek, even for a moment."
VOYA--"The book captures the joys, the troubles, and the aloneness that one can and often does feel as an adolescent. Teens will gobble it up and wait eagerly for Lyga's next title."
KLIATT--"Dark at times yet often wryly funny, this is a penetrating and convincing look inside high school life."
WHY YOU SHOULD READ THIS BOOK--THE REGUALR VERSION
Um, what else can I say? You have to read this one! You'll laugh out loud, but at times, you'll feel that burn behind your eyes that means you probably need a tissue. Again, girls and boys will like Fanboy and Goth Girl, but guys, here's another one that's especially good for you.
IF YOU LIKED THIS BOOK, YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
Well, it's newly published: Barry Lyga's next book is awesome, too. It's called BOY TOY and here's the book description from the cover:
Josh Mendel has a secret. Unfortunately, everyone knows what it is. Five years ago, Josh's life changed. Drastically. And everyone in his school, his town-seems like the world-thinks they understand. But they don't-they can't. And now, about to graduate from high school, Josh is still trying to sort through the pieces. First there's Rachel, the girl he thought he'd lost years ago. She's back, and she's determined to be part of his life, whether he wants her there or not. Then there are college decisions to make, and the toughest baseball game of his life coming up, and a coach who won't stop pushing Josh all the way to the brink. And then there's Eve. Her return brings with it all the memories of Josh's past. It's time for Josh to face the truth about what happened. If only he knew what the truth was...
This book made me forget I was reading....
You can order it from Amazon.
No comments:
Post a Comment