Vote For Larry: Summary and book reviews of Vote For Larry by Janet Tashjian, plus links to an excerpt from Vote For Larry and a biography of Janet Tashjian.
Vote For Larry
by Janet Tashjian
Hardcover: May 2004,
240 pages.
Paperback: Jan 2005,
240 pages.
After falling off the wagon and becoming what he so clearly and strongly resisted--a consumer--Josh Swensen (aka Larry) finds himself in a hyper-paranoid state of no return. That is, until he's kidnapped and coaxed into resurfacing as his old persona. Before long, Larry is back on the scene with much more on his mind than a gospel Web site--this time Larry wants to affect change in government. What starts out as a 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 explores it from many different points of view.
It's not as good a book as 'The Gospel According to Larry' and because Tashjian chose to place the characters in the middle of the 2004 USA Presidential Election, elements of the book already appear not so much dated as slightly out of kilter - because the political front runners of the book aren't the front-runners of the election at this time. However...Tashjian (through the voice of Josh/Larry and his friends) raises many issues about the US political system, which teenagers may find themselves thinking about for the first time, and the comprehensive list of resources in the back of the book will give them the tools they need to learn more.
Media Reviews
Pages Magazine
Whether young readers tap into their inner activist through Larry or not, they're in for a great story.
Bookpage
Vote for Larry is a crash course in the rough and tumble world of national politics, and teen readers will get a taste of just what it takes in idealism and courage to achieve such goals.
Horn Book
Once again, Tashjian manages to take a fairly unbelievable premise and make it seem more than fairly believable. The fast-paced story and Josh's witty narration will keep readers hooked.
Teen People
Hilarious.
School Library Journal - Angela J Reynolds
Gr 9 Up. 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.
Booklist - Ilene Cooper
Gr. 7-10. Fans of the first book won't be disappointed in Josh/Larry's further escapades.
Kirkus Reviews
Tashjian's lively, comic prose, coupled with her characters' anger at politics as usual in this country, may just inspire young readers to become young voters. This can stand on its own, but those new to Larry's world will want to read the previous installment as well.
Publishers Weekly
Starred Review. Readers will get a charge out of Josh/Larry's fiery speeches and outrageous platform, and startling facts plus a resource list in the back (with voter registration Web sites) provide plenty of fuel for those motivated by the hero's call to action. Ages 14-up.
Recent Reader Reviews
Rated of 5
by Emz Great I have read a lot of books and I got to say it is in my top ten favorites. This book made me want to make a change in how I look at things. It is very inspirational. I love this book, and I think you would to.
Rated of 5
by Eliot
A 16-year-old's View of Vote For Larry.
This is one of those rare books (i.e. Harry Potter, Holes) that are originally aimed at young adults that doesn't talk down to them. It's great to see Larry back in action, and fans who... Read More
Rated of 5
by Leia
Age: 14 When I first started reading this book I wasn't really intrested but once I got in the middle of this book it reached in and took my heart out. This is my favorite book now, and I recomend it for teens of all ages! This is such a beautiful... Read More
"You must understand that I did not become a resistance fighter, a smuggler of Jews, a defier of the SS and the Nazis all at once. One's first steps are always small: I had begun by hiding food under a fence." An amazing, courageous, uplifting autobiography about a brave teenager who was not afraid to get involved.
A poignant collection of original pieces selected from more than eight hundred contributions, Ophelia Speaks culls writings from the hearts of girls nationwide, of various races, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
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