Josh Swensen is not your average 17-year-old. At the age of two, he was figuring out algebraic equations with colored magnetic numbers. He is a prodigy who only wants to make the world a better place. Josh’s wish comes true when his virtual alter ego, Larry, becomes a huge media sensation. Larry has his own Web site where he posts sermons on anti-consumerism and has a large following of adults and teens. Meanwhile, Larry’s identity is a mystery to everyone. While it seems as if the whole world is trying to figure out Larry’s true identity, Josh feels trapped inside his own creation. What will happen to the world, and to Larry, if he is exposed?
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"Though it's not a new-new book, it's just as on-the-button relevant now as ever. Josh is just a boy with a blog, until the blog takes off (and along with it, Larry--his online persona) and suddenly he has to deal with all the pros and cons of sudden fame and living in the spotlight, and what this will mean to his friendships. In that sense, you could almost see this book as an Audrey, Wait! from the male perspective. The message that "Larry" promotes in his humorous and thought-provoking blog rants: independent thinking, the rejection of materialism, and so forth--is something that we're all thinking about more than ever with our growing concern about green living and carbon footprints. This book is a great companion read to Scott Westerfield's So Yesterday and like Westerfield's book, saves itself from preachiness with a good dose of humor and a very likable main character. The ending is pretty far-fetched to say the least, but still a very enjoyable read overall." — Susan (4 out of 5 stars)
"Though it's not a new-new book, it's just as on-the-button relevant now as ever. Josh is just a boy with a blog, until the blog takes off (and along with it, Larry--his online persona) and suddenly he has to deal with all the pros and cons of sudden fame and living in the spotlight, and what this will mean to his friendships. In that sense, you could almost see this book as an Audrey, Wait! from the male perspective. The message that "Larry" promotes in his humorous and thought-provoking blog rants: independent thinking, the rejection of materialism, and so forth--is something that we're all thinking about more than ever with our growing concern about green living and carbon footprints. This book is a great companion read to Scott Westerfield's So Yesterday and like Westerfield's book, saves itself from preachiness with a good dose of humor and a very likable main character. The ending is pretty far-fetched to say the least, but still a very enjoyable read overall."
" A very good book. It was very suspenseful gonna finish the series. "
" I read this on my vacation, and found it very interesting. It is all about how a person we don't even know and can't even see can become such a huge phenomenon and inspirational person. It was a great quick read. "
" Read this one originally a few years back. Picked it up this afternoon, and read it pretty quickly. Nice, fast, slightly intelligent read. "
" this is a great book that is funny and shows you a lot about how far things can go on the internet. "
" A boy fakes his death and abandons his identity to live a life untouched by consumerism. "
" Really well written Young Adult Novel. The ending will throw you for a loop. Still not sure how I feel about the ending. "
" One of my favorite books of all time. It's a young adult book but great for anyone! "
" This was a funny book that I think most teens would enjoy. I am curious as to whether there is such a person as Larry as the author intimated. "
" Consumerism and technology are well infused in this novel that it surprised how this aspects can be so entertaining. If you are not interested to either, it wouldn't matter because "The Gospel According to Larry" will make things less complicated though it is replete with mystery and more mystery. "
" Teen reading challenge. I don't have a lot of sympathy for self-aggrandizing geeky boys in love with the girl next door, but there were moments here that were great. All the anti-consumerism stuff seemed pretty rote and uninteresting, but perhaps that was the point. "
" This is a good book if you like fiction, its about a boy that think he can see the futuer but always see it in a creepy way.he's like a goth kid that give you nightmares "
" If you want a boisterous book club discussion, choose this title. A lot of issues are brought up here. I liked how it makes you think of how a person can really make a difference or not. "
" This was a Mother/Daughter Book Club book. Interesting plot about someone who creates an alternate identity on the web and later regrets it because of how popular the online character becomes. "
" A very fast read. It was fun. Nothing bad about it, but nothing all that fantastic either. It definitely makes me wanna know what happens next, though. "
" Not bad, not bad. Interesting concept, certainly believable...Beth was a bit cliche'd and it could have done without that, but an the pure brain candy scale, not bad at all. "
" Not sure when adolescent literature got so hippy dippy. "
" A good and very exciting book with a brilliant plot. Good characters, too. "
" Fantastic book. Good story, well constructed, interesting characters, great voice, and a page-turner. "
" This book was an uber-quick read. After reading the first chapter I truly was intrigued, however it ended up being just another amusing read (which I suppose is a good thing.) Young adult this was indeed. "
" This is a wonderful book! I think everyone should read it. Great book to get you thinking about the enviroment and grass roots efforts. "
" A kind of Pump Up the Volume teen novel that is bigger than its clever conceit. Really enjoyed it but am afraid to read the sequel. Hmm. "
" I read this book for a high school class and loved it. It has an important message. "
" Booktalked to LVMS 7th grade. "
" it was hilarious. very suspensfull. i cant wait to read the other 2 Larry books "
" This book is about a kid who changes the world under a fake name, until his real name came out. "
" AWESOMEST BOOK I HAVE EVER READ!! I'M STILL MULLIG OVER THER WHOLE BEING LIKE LARRY!! IT WAS AN AWESOME BOOK THAT MAKES ME WONDER IF IT'S REALLY FICTION!! "
" Kristen Landon's new book, THE LIMIT, would be a good one to read before or after this. This novel takes a crack at materialism and consumerism but also at teen identity. "
" Everyone should read this book! I don't want to give anything away by putting any detail in a review. "
" Great teen read. Depressing end, but really liked the story! "
" Now that I have finished the book, I realized that it wasn't that bad. It was a little boring in the beginning, but as I got further into the pages, it became more reasonable... "
Janet Tashjian is the author of several novels, including Fault Line, as well as The Gospel According to Larry, which was named a Best Book for Young Adults, a Notable Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies, a New York Public Library Best Book for the Teen Age, and a Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s Book. She lives outside of Boston with her family.
Jesse Eisenberg is a television and film actor. He first appeared in the film Roger Dodger in 2002, winning the award for Most Promising New Actor at the San Diego Film Festival. His other film work includes roles in Zombieland, Adventureland, and 30 Minutes or Less, among others. In 2010, he was nominated for an Academy Award for his role in the film The Social Network.
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