Larry and the Meaning of Life Book

Josh Swensen (otherwise known as Larry) can’t seem to get off the couch. His usual overactive imagination and save-the-world mindset have all but vanished, and his best friend Beth is seriously worried.When Beth coaxes Josh into taking a walk at Walden Pond, Josh meets Gus Muldarian, a spiritual guru who convinces him to join his study group as a way to find deeper meaning in life. Josh thinks Gus is a joke. Still, feeling desperate and seeing no way out of his rut, he agrees to try it. What begins as a harmless Thoreau-esque search for meaning soon turns into Josh’s most chaotic and profound adventure yet.

After the success of The Gospel According to Larry and Vote for Larry, Janet Tashjian returns with yet another tour de force—a book that explores important topics and will keep teens hooked right until the unexpected end.

www.thegospelaccordingtolarry.com

VOYA

Josh Swensen, aka Larry, is back. After authoring a phenomena-inducing anti-consumerism Web site, faking his own death, and running for president, Josh is now at a loss for what to do. Back home following a fruitless search for his girlfriend Janine, Josh has transformed from an activist leader to a couch potato. What can get him moving again? Perhaps the utopian teachings of a questionable guru at Josh's hallowed Walden Pond will motivate Josh. He believes that he can successfully face his existential crisis with the help of a few paint-by-numbers, especially when Janine returns. But doubts over the honesty of his teacher and the return of betagold challenge Josh in his quest for the meaning of life. Fans will be excited to pick up this third chance to explore the world and philosophize with Larry. But just as Larry is at a loss for what to do with his life, it seems Tashjian was at a similar loss for what to do with Larry. Larry lovers will still enjoy his wit - footnotes and all - and they will undoubtedly find seeds for thought woven throughout Larry's musings, but the story line moves a bit too slowly toward a disappointing end. Reviewer: Joyce Doyle