Title: Going Bovine
Author: Libba Bray
Publication Date: September 2009
Pages: 480
Source: Library
First Lines:
"The best day of my life happened when I was five and almost died at Disney World."
Back Cover:
Cameron Smith, 16, is slumming through high school, overshadowed by a sister “pre-majoring in perfection,” while working (ineptly) at the Buddha Burger. Then something happens to make him the focus of his family's attention: he contracts mad cow disease. What takes place after he is hospitalized is either that a gorgeous angel persuades him to search for a cure that will also save the world, or that he has a vivid hallucination brought on by the disease. Either way, what readers have is an absurdist comedy in which Cameron, Gonzo (a neurotic dwarf) and Balder (a Norse god cursed to appear as a yard gnome) go on a quixotic road trip during which they learn about string theory, wormholes and true love en route to Disney World.
My Thoughts:
My first reaction: this book was definitely NOT what I expected. At first, I wasn't sure of how I felt about Going Bovine. However, once I read that last page, I had the urge to flip back through the book and reread certain passages. That in itself made me step back and realize that I really did enjoy the book.
For Libba Bray fans expecting something similar to her Gemma Doyle trilogy, you'll probably be disappointed. My recommendation: go into the book with an open mind. It's definitely a bit out there. Going Bovine in some ways reminded me of The Perks of Being a Wallflower with a much more satirical, fantastical twist.
If nothing else, you should read this book just because Libba Bray is insanely hysterical. She is the sole author I know of that is capable of making me bust out laughing during her acknowledgments (If you decide to read Going Bovine, read the acknowledgments. They're worth it). Kudos to Libba for that!
I'd recommend this book to anyone looking for a good laugh or even a slightly philosophical view on life and death. I really enjoyed Going Bovine, even though it is an eccentric novel. I'd recommend waiting to read it until you're in the mood for something funny though.
Cover: 4 stars
Plot: 4.5 stars
Characters: 4 stars
Writing Style: 4.5 stars
Overall: 4 stars
Publication Date: September 2009
Pages: 480
Source: Library
First Lines:
"The best day of my life happened when I was five and almost died at Disney World."
Back Cover:
Cameron Smith, 16, is slumming through high school, overshadowed by a sister “pre-majoring in perfection,” while working (ineptly) at the Buddha Burger. Then something happens to make him the focus of his family's attention: he contracts mad cow disease. What takes place after he is hospitalized is either that a gorgeous angel persuades him to search for a cure that will also save the world, or that he has a vivid hallucination brought on by the disease. Either way, what readers have is an absurdist comedy in which Cameron, Gonzo (a neurotic dwarf) and Balder (a Norse god cursed to appear as a yard gnome) go on a quixotic road trip during which they learn about string theory, wormholes and true love en route to Disney World.
My Thoughts:
My first reaction: this book was definitely NOT what I expected. At first, I wasn't sure of how I felt about Going Bovine. However, once I read that last page, I had the urge to flip back through the book and reread certain passages. That in itself made me step back and realize that I really did enjoy the book.
For Libba Bray fans expecting something similar to her Gemma Doyle trilogy, you'll probably be disappointed. My recommendation: go into the book with an open mind. It's definitely a bit out there. Going Bovine in some ways reminded me of The Perks of Being a Wallflower with a much more satirical, fantastical twist.
If nothing else, you should read this book just because Libba Bray is insanely hysterical. She is the sole author I know of that is capable of making me bust out laughing during her acknowledgments (If you decide to read Going Bovine, read the acknowledgments. They're worth it). Kudos to Libba for that!
I'd recommend this book to anyone looking for a good laugh or even a slightly philosophical view on life and death. I really enjoyed Going Bovine, even though it is an eccentric novel. I'd recommend waiting to read it until you're in the mood for something funny though.
Cover: 4 stars
Plot: 4.5 stars
Characters: 4 stars
Writing Style: 4.5 stars
Overall: 4 stars
It took me a while to get into the book, but once I did I couldn't put it down. It was a great book. It was funny and I definitely felt like I had gone on a great adventure after reading it.
ReplyDeleteDEFINATELY going ot check it out. Seriously. I love out-of-the-box lit once and awhile! :0)
ReplyDeleteI love Libba Bray's Gemma Doyle series, but I don't think this is for me.
ReplyDeleteAnyways good review ^^
Awesome, I love eccentric! Sounds like a book right up my alley. Great review!
ReplyDeleteOh cool...I am glad you liked it. I have been wanting to read this just because of the crazy cover/title LOL I
ReplyDeleteI've heard good and bad things about this book so I'm on the fence about reading it. I'll have to think about it some more but thanks for posting some more good things about it!
ReplyDeleteGreat Review!
ReplyDeleteI thought A Great and Terrible Beauty was just okay, so I'm a bit iffy about reading this book. But I''ll look into it after this review!
Great review! I absolutely loved this book (although I'm not really a fan of the cover). The story definitely smacked some reality into me.
ReplyDeleteWell written review! Thanks for linking this up and joining in the party.
ReplyDelete-CYM
“pre-majoring in perfection"? LOL I was reading the description of this book and thinking it was sounding pretty wild...
ReplyDeletegreat review - I would give it a try based on what you said here. :)
I haven't really heard much about this book yet, so I was so glad to see this review! I've been iffy about reading Going Bovine, but I enjoyed The Perks of Being a Wallflower so I might just pick it up and see what happens. Great review! =)
ReplyDeleteI've also awarded you the Honest Scrap Award!
Great review. I am still not sure about jumping into this book. I think I will pass for now. I have heard rave reviews about it though. Just not my type.
ReplyDeleteHaven't read this one yet, but I have been hearing some crazy things about it. Glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for the review! You definitely make it sound weird - in a good way. :)
ReplyDeleteGood review! I've been wanting to read this for a while now...
ReplyDeleteI've been hesitating on reading this one but I think I'll give it a try now. Next to covers I'm a first-line junkie and this one is great!
ReplyDelete