The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl is such a fun, quick read that I’d recommend it to just about anyone in 8th grade or higher.  It’s especially good for teen boys that don’t like to read much, or girls who are interested in a teenage male’s point of view.  Fans of graphic novels and comics will dig it, too, as it’s full of references to popular graphic novels, comic books, and their famed creators.  Having said that, it also seems that readers who are new to the world of graphic novels and comics, or even slightly curious about them, would enjoy this story and find the world of Fanboy and Goth Girl highly entertaining.  Lyga, a comic lover himself, is a great writer and fills the book with short, entertaining chapters sure to hold the reader’s attention.

The main character is a cunningly smart 15 yr. old who attends a typical high school where he is often overlooked and just can’t seem to fit in anywhere.  He despises the jocks, yet his best friend, Cal, is one.  This particular dynamic thread proves itself to be one of the most interesting relationships in the story.  Then there’s Goth Girl.  Ah, Goth Girl.  She’s fearless, predictably unpredictable, and in many ways just what Fanboy needed in his life.  The two of them together-often hilarious, sometimes dark, essentially realistic-are quite the pair and it’s a treat to witness their adventures.

Aside from the high school bubble, Fanboy lives with his Mom (who’s preggers) and his step-dad (more commonly referred to as the step-fascist) and has been secretly pouring his heart and soul into the creation of his own graphic novel he calls Schemata. He’s a diehard fan of classic comics and graphic novels and has hatched a semi-secret plan to present his work to his favorite creator at the upcoming Comic Book Convention.  He figures it’s his best shot at publication, fame, and fortune.  Check it out for yourself to see what actually happens!

Posted under Libraries Together, review