RUBBISH.

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Rubbish Reads: Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan

I really enjoy John Green, one of the most popular YA novelists for this generation (Do I count as part of this generation, still? Probably not). There are hardly any YA books with male protagonists and so Green’s writing and perspective is a refreshing voice for YA lit. I only know David Levithan through his collaboration on Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist but I do like his characters as well. Two particularly different authors in writing and style.

And so begins Will Grayson, Will Grayson, two same-named teen strangers near Chicago, with each chapter alternating between the two characters’ lives, and also, alternating between the two authors.

At the start of Chapter 2, I immediately knew Green wrote Chapter 1 and is the first Will Grayson, a Neutral Milk Hotel-listening quiet guy who tries to avoid social and emotional commitments to anything and everyone. Unsurprisingly, This Will Grayson is my favorite. His story, his voice, his character.. He’s someone I would undoubtedly have a crush on were he at my high school.

The second will grayson is a closeted gay, anti-social and clinically depressed type who is pretty whiney and too woe-is-me and his chapters are presented completely in lowercase. I think I’m too old to connect to his teenage angst and emo-tion anymore, but his chapters do carry the most memorable and weighted words. His growth is the most rewarding to unravel.

The most notable personality is neither of the title characters, but Tiny Cooper, a loud vibrant gay character who is not at all a stereotype.

Things really get going when the two Will Graysons meet unexpectedly, sparking significant changes in both their lives. I’ve read a few collaboration novels with alternating author chapters, but I’d say this is the best I’ve finished thus far. The story is seamless and flows smooth, as though they plotted the denouement (which, they hadn’t) and the two styles compliment and contrast each other brilliantly for the two tales.

In typical YA fashion, it unravels lessons of love and friendship and growing, resulting in a coming-of-age. But it does so in a very entertaining and authentic way that doesn’t lean too sweet or sappy.


Favorite quote: “You like someone who can’t like you back because unrequited love can be survived in a way that once-requited love cannot.”

Movie dream cast:

Will Grayson: Callan McCauliffe, Michael Angarano, or Kyle Gallner

will grayson: Ezra Miller or Kyle Gallner

Tiny Cooper: Daniel Franzese (Damian in Mean Girls)

Jane: Alia Shawkat

Filed under will grayson will grayson john green book review rubbish: robbie rubbish: reads

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Rubbish Zine’s favorite songs to STALK TO

Not actual, physical, stalking though. I’m talking the more standard accepted practice of  exhaustive Facebook research. Going back 128 pages on some hot dude/lady’s Tumblr. Covertly visiting his/her twitter page every day but not actually following him/her (because that would obviously blow your cover). The most basic Google search can yield some of the most interesting results. 

After realizing that I spend maybe a little too much time internet creepin’, then deciding I’m not willing to stop, I figured I might as well have a rocking soundtrack to accompany all the wrong doings. And if there’s anything good in this world, there are more cyberstalkers like myself out there. So let’s get to it. (Click the links to take you straight to the groovy grooves on Spotify!)

1. In Motion - Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross

This song is for the beginning stages of your search. You only know his first name, his phone number, and that maybe he mentioned he’s from Maine but you were a little woozy that night and maybe he actually said Ukraine? Not to worry. Pop on this baby and soon you’ll be Zuckerberging all over the place. Your fingers will be typing so fast it’ll look like a time lapse! Reverse 411 that shit! Take advantage of facebook networks! You can do this, you computer genius. I know you can. 

2. Creep - TLC

Okay, time to take it down a notch. You found his OKCupid by searching his race and keyword “Blank Check” cause you guys had a weird conversation about when/where a mansion could have possibly cost $250,000, and figured on the off chance he listed it as a favorite movie. BINGO. He did. Now it’s time to keep this shit on the DL and change your privacy settings. Make sure he can’t see you lurking on his profile just yet, but take comfort in the fact that T-Boz, Chili, and Left Eye are with you 100%. 

3. Mr. Sandman - The Chordettes

Listen to this when you’re scrolling through his profile pictures. Sigh, so dreamy. Get it? Heh.

4. Dream About The Future - The Apples In Stereo

If you’re not picturing your future life with this guy yet, you’re probably not doing it right. Put on this song to kickstart the process. Ah, can’t you see it now? Jogging together through a wooded glen (but normal speed, none of that weird Twilight stuff), cooking spaghetti together and putting sauce on each other’s noses, watching Carl Sagan’s Cosmos together on the couch and crying, picking out eggplant at the farmer’s market… is this helping? Are you imagining it?

5. I’m Gonna Get You - Bizarre

Yo, DJ, pump this party! Honestly, when I think stalking boys, I think 90s hits. The two are much better together than apart. Sing it out! “Why waste your time?! YOU KNOW you’re gonna be mine.”

6. Anytime - Bryan McKnight

Might as well keep this 90s train rolling. This is the last song on the list, because this song is for when you’re laying awake in bed, contemplating all the information you’ve just unearthed and wondering if maybe he’s done the same thing to you this evening. “Do I ever cross your miiiind? Anyytiiiime?” It’s possible. Anything is possible. 

Filed under rubbish: caitie rubbish: music

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