The Gospel According to Larry by Janet Tashjian

The Gospel According to Larry by Janet Tashjian is a coming of age novel about a teenage boy who takes on the identity of a mysterious online crusader, Larry. In the novel, seventeen-year-old Josh Swensen creates the “Gospel According to Larry” and takes on the persona of Larry, an nonreligious individual who champions human rights, challenges the status quo, and questions beliefs of the privileged few.

The novel starts with Josh sitting at the bus stop on the way to school. After the bus arrives and with no one paying attention Josh slips away and later appears, again no one notices, with a new haircut and his father's carefully pressed suit. Josh has replaced his ordinary school snicker with tailored shirt, jeans, and ties. He is also wearing a backpack with a printed, red and white logo of a beaver which reads “Larry.”

While on his new quest to become Larry, Josh discovers a website by the same name and he is instantly mesmerized. Soon, Josh feebly starts writing his own version of “the gospel according to Larry” in which he exclaims, “Fight for the oppressed.” Not long after, he creates an online blog and posts statements under the moniker Larry which become an overnight sensation. Josh is suddenly thrust into the spotlight and is frequently featured on news channels and talk shows.

Josh begins to transform himself into a full-fledged activist, giving speeches, attending rallies and protests, and leading campaigns to challenge injustices.Larry is now being recognizable by the public. The mission of the new Larry is to challenge authority, and to make others question their preconceptions about the world. Through his blogs and statements, Josh creates an online system which means that anyone, regardless of their background has a chance to challenge the system and fight against social oppression.

When people learn that Josh is Larry, their feelings and beliefs towards him start to shift. Josh’s parents get scared when they realize the possible consequences that could come out of his new identity, while his once-unorrible peers take to the streets with Larry posters in hand and his old teachers begin to admire him for his courage and activism.

As Josh’s newfound fame begins to catch up to him, he starts to realize that his Larry identity has created an alternative universe with different rules and realities. After his own exclusive party causes disruption on the streets, and after a confrontation leaves him with a criminal charge, Josh begins to understand the cost of power, and he comes to terms with his Larry identity.

The Gospel According to Larry by Janet Tashjian is a coming of age novel about a young boy who realizes the cost of power and learns to accept his identity as an activist for social justice. Through the lessons Josh learns on his journey, readers are encouraged to question the structures of power and authority, and to keep in mind the importance of standing up for social justice. Entirely empowering and motivating, this novel is a must-read for those who wish to make a difference in the world.