AOK features a washed-up child prodigy named Colin attempting to find his way in the world. Colin is a melodramatist, which may or may not be a word we just made up. He really isn't that washed up. He's only in his late teens, but is already relatively sure that his glory days are behind him. We know the feeling (after all, we started Patricorp at the age of 5). After the 19th girl named Katherine breaks up with him--yes, you read that correctly--he weeps for days and then embarks on a summer road trip with his quirky friend Hassan. While visiting the tomb of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand, they meet a cute girl named Lindsay and their summer begins to get quite interesting.
Once again, we find that John Green knows how to write. When we read JG's books, we start to think that writing is easy. We wonder why he's able to put words on paper that make so much SENSE. Why is he--even when writing about fat Judge-Judy-loving friends--so believable and genuine? And if he makes it seem so easy, why can't anyone else write this well? Frankly, Mr. Green himself shatters any preconceived notions about literary merit in the field of Young Adult Literature. His work evoked such emotion in us that we immediately shared Green novels with three people. After they each read his work, they asked if there were other John Green books to be had. This is nuts. We're going out of our heads thinking about how cool it is that JG makes people want to read so vociferously that they'll put aside video games, TV, the internet, meals and regular bathing.
In short, we realize we're rambling, but also recognize that as a side effect of thinking about John Green. We hope he keeps up with what he's doing. We can't wait to read Paper Towns.
Dear Patrick;
ReplyDeleteWhile we think bathing is important, we are thrilled our son's books are so compelling that your friends are putting away their video and TV. FYI, An Abundance of Katherine's takes place in Gut Shot Tennessee which is based on his grandmother's father's home...Skullbone, Tennessee. We are glad John's books evoke such emotion. John always says that writing is not as hard as coal mining, but we know how hard he works - which might not be as hard as coal mining but is pretty damn close. Mike and Sydney Green (parents)
To have John Green's mom and dad discover your blog entry puts this blog assignment in an amazing new light. I am so glad your praise for John and his books reached them.
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