Vote For Larry [Bargain Price] [Hardcover]

Janet Tashjian (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2004

The Gospel According to Larry is an incredibly clever and timely pop culture story told through the journal of 17-yr-old Josh Swenson. Josh is bright, articulate, idealistic and in love with Beth - the girl next door and his best friend since sixth grade. Afraid to declare himself, he pours his energy into a clever website, through which his alter ego, Larry, advocates introspection, tolerance and anticonsumerism.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

After faking his own death in the last book (a "pseudocide") and then taking on a second phony identity, the allegedly real 17-year-old protagonist of the Gospel According to Larry shows up on author Janet Tashjian's doorstep again, with another manuscript detailing his latest exploits. Last time around, Josh changed the world by fighting global consumerism as Internet alter ego Larry; this time, he's going for the big enchilada as just plain ol' Josh--in a run for the presidency and an attempt to change U.S. politics forever. (And who's his running mate? Unrequited love Beth, of course.)

After going underground as a student at C.U.-Boulder, Josh (briefly "Mark") finds his anti-consumer ideals slipping--he tries to maintain his vow of austerity ("fewer than 75 possessions, in constant rotation"), but the slippery slope of a new girlfriend and an even newer credit card finds Josh in a Polo sweatshirt and Nautica pajamas before he can say "Walden Pond." Fortunately, Beth sweeps back into his life again with a big plan--and, more importantly, the proper jealousy-fueled inspiration, thanks to her Harvard boyfriend--to bring Josh back from the "dead" and into politics.

Fans of Tashjian's last award-winning outing will love catching up with their favorite activist superhero, as an almost unbelievable presidential campaign unfolds, amidst copious pop-culture references (U2's Bono is back, and Josh and Beth appear on the Simpsons), real-life stats about youth and the distribution of wealth in America, and--instead of Thoreau, this time around--quotes from the likes of Martin Luther King, Jr., Jim Hightower, and Paul Wellstone. Maybe it's just her "subject"/character's irresistible alacrity and idealism, but somehow Tashjian channels enough youthful hope and energy to inspire any proto-activist, adult or teen alike. (Ages 14 and up) --Paul Hughes --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

From School Library Journal

Grade 9 Up-Josh (aka Larry) is back-and so are Beth, Peter, Mom's spirit at Bloomingdale's, and even his old nemesis, betagold. This time, the topic de jour is politics-the electoral game, campaign financing, crooked politicians, and the power of the vote. The story begins with Larry finding a new girlfriend who has him out shopping and wearing designer clothes, until he is kidnapped by Beth, who wants him to return home and run for state representative. But that's not enough-Larry decides to run for president. Never mind that he is only 18-Congress can change that rule! When his campaign begins to gain momentum, the story's pace picks up, and the mysterious betagold reappears. Tashjian has written another sermonizing book disguised as Larry. Not that the lessons aren't interesting-they are-but in this book, they feel more like lessons. In The Gospel According to Larry (Holt, 2001) the idea was fresh and interesting, but this time it seems almost forced. The story itself is good, but is marred by sequel syndrome, unnecessary frills, and jumpy writing. Larry's fans will eat it up, but it needs Gospel to carry its weight.
Angela J. Reynolds, Washington County Cooperative Library Services, Hillsboro, OR
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• ISBN-10: 0805072012
• ASIN: B000FILLHI
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,274,978 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I was born and raised in Rhode Island, lived in Boston for the past twenty years, and am currently moving to L.A. (I will miss lots about New England but not the winters.)
I love making up stories and doing school presentations about writing. I still write most of my books in longhand -- I love the feel of a pen in my hand moving across crisp white paper. (Although I'd be lost without my MacBook.)
I have lots of ideas for stories but unfortunately not enough hours in the day to write them all.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'd vote for Larry, May 3, 2004

By 

Stuart Wilson (Southern California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Vote for Larry (Hardcover)

It is truly amazing how deep Tashjian has reached into Larry/Josh's inner being. Even though he was never once physically described, his personality is displayed in the most vivid of colors. Even in writing my own amateur fiction and psychoanalyzing my friends, I doubt I could come close to such a beautiful portrayal. The book is full of jaw-dropping political facts concealed within an adventurous story with mystery, romance, action, and a plot that keeps you on your toes. This is one of the best books I have ever read, to bad I won't be 18 by November. :-)
Thanks Tashjian!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible, October 28, 2004

By 

Kelcony "katk303" (Penfield, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Vote for Larry (Hardcover)

This is the most optimistic book I have ever read. It toys with not only the idea that people WANT to change the world, but that they CAN, without superpowers or magic or an appearance on Oprah. This was a Kid Runs For President book without the immaturity; it focused less on the age of the candidate than on the issues-real, true, important issues-he's pushing. Is this book realistic? No, of course not--but instead of faulting the author, why not fault ourselves? Why couldn't a group of people who were willing to fight for something get the rest of us to care? Not only does Janet Tashjian provide real solutions to problems--exaggerated and stretched, but on the right track--but she also introduces the novel idea of the Critical Patriot: the person who sees the flaws of the country but doesn't retreat into cynical commentary. The person who actually loves this country with its flaws AND IS WILLING TO MAKE IT BETTER. Her realistic portrayal--using actual candidates, events, issues, and facts--makes it all the more relevant to us. I think that all teens should read this book, just as all teens should register to vote when they're old enough. Josh/Larry is the symbolic epitome of what teens COULD be--not necessarily candidates but activists, working to make America and the world a better place. This book takes a stand--so should we.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Amazing Book!, May 3, 2004

By 

geudupe "Noah" (Storrs, CT United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Vote for Larry (Hardcover)

I cannot believe that I'm am the first person to review this fantastic book. Let me start off by saying that if you were a fan of "The Gospel according to Larry" you will not be dissapointed. This book perfectly continues Josh's quest to make the world a better place. But this time instead of tackling consumerism Josh/Larry comes out of hiding and gets into something totally different, politics. The author Janet Tashjian has an amazingly perceptive understanding of politics and the state of the world today. Not only that but she really makes the political system seem very exciting and interesting in an engaging story. This is an amazing book!