A typical teen story with humor, caring, really bad home-made movies, selfishness, family dynamics (no matter how crazy they are), friendship and even some homework. There is not a lot of traditional action, because it is more about Greg (or “Me”) telling about the few months he had to befriend Rachel (“Dying Girl”) because once they were friends in Hebrew school and now that she's dying their mothers think it is a good idea. And Earl? Well, he’s just Earl who does not have a lot to say, but when he does, it is a punch in the gut. Sometimes, literally. — Jeanette
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“This novel of unlikely friendship is a wry, self-effacing, sarcastic read that is impossible to put down. When Greg's (sort of) ex-girlfriend is diagnosed with leukemia, he finds himself prodded into a half-hearted friendship. Enter Earl, Greg's only other friend, a pseudo-thug with a Napoleon complex who curses like a sailor. Of course, friendship blossoms between all three. It's the gems of discovery made by each that make this book so memorable, and it doesn't hurt that it's told with a hilarious, cinematic tone. This is an honest, smart, belly laugh-inducing, tearjerker of a novel.”
— Megan Graves, Hooray for Books!, Alexandria, VA
Description
The New York Times bestselling novel that inspired the hit film!
This is the funniest book you’ll ever read about death.
It is a universally acknowledged truth that high school sucks. But on the first day of his senior year, Greg Gaines thinks he’s figured it out. The answer to the basic existential question: How is it possible to exist in a place that sucks so bad? His strategy: remain at the periphery at all times. Keep an insanely low profile. Make mediocre films with the one person who is even sort of his friend, Earl.
This plan works for exactly eight hours. Then Greg’s mom forces him to become friends with a girl who has cancer. This brings about the destruction of Greg’s entire life.
Fiercely funny, honest, heart-breaking—this is an unforgettable novel from a bright talent, now also a film that critics are calling "a touchstone for its generation" and "an instant classic."
Includes a teaser chapter from Jesse Andrews' new novel, Munmun!
About the Author
Jesse Andrews is a writer, musician, and former German youth hostel receptionist. He is a graduate of Schenley High School and Harvard University and lives in Brooklyn, New York, which is almost as good as Pittsburgh. This is his first novel. Visit him online at www.jesseandrews.com.
“This novel of unlikely friendship is a wry, self-effacing, sarcastic read that is impossible to put down. When Greg's (sort of) ex-girlfriend is diagnosed with leukemia, he finds himself prodded into a half-hearted friendship. Enter Earl, Greg's only other friend, a pseudo-thug with a Napoleon complex who curses like a sailor. Of course, friendship blossoms between all three. It's the gems of discovery made by each that make this book so memorable, and it doesn't hurt that it's told with a hilarious, cinematic tone. This is an honest, smart, belly laugh-inducing, tearjerker of a novel.”