Vote for Larry - Softcover

Janet Tashjian

Softcover

ISBN 10: 014131835X ISBN 13: 9780141318356

Publisher: Puffin Books, 2005

Synopsis

Larry's Back. And this time he's getting political...
Place a cross in the square opposite your choice of candidate for President of the United States of America.
(x) Cult teenage hero who makes miraculous return from the dead!1
(x) Seventeen-year-old boy adored by two equally beautiful women2
(x) Young campaigner with crazed middle-aged stalker3
(x) Voice of America's teenagers who takes on George Bush, and parties with Bono!4
(x) All of the above-vote for Larry!
1You have to read it to believe it!
2Yes, I know this sounds amazing but believe me-a woman scorned...
3I couldn't have a beautiful fan like everyone else. Oh no-I get Betagold. Sexy as your mad old aunt.
4Still can't decide which is coolest!

About this title

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

From the Inside Flap

After falling off the wagon and becoming what he so clearly and strongly resisted--a consumer--Josh Swenson (aka: Larry) finds himself in a hyper-paranoid state of no return. That is, until he is kidnapped and coaxed back into resurfacing as his old persona. Before long, Larry is back on the scene with much more on his mind that a gospel website--this time Larry wants to effect change in government. What starts out as a small campaign to get the younger population to vote turns into a run for the presidency. Can Larry really take on George Bush? In this very smart, very witty novel, Janet Tashjian brings the political world to the forefront and exposes it from many different points of view.
From the Cassette edition.

Edition details

• Publisher: Puffin Books
• Publication date: 2005
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 014131835X
• ISBN 13: 9780141318356
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 222