The Great American Whatever by Tim Federle - OPTIONAL

Federle, Tim The Great American Whatever, 274 pgs. Simon and Schuster BFYR, 2016. $17.99.

Language: R (95+ swears; 24 “f”); Mature Content: R; Violence: PG. 

Quinn Roberts is almost 17, a wannabe screenwriter, gay (even if he hasn’t told anyone), and his world has been practically shut down since the tragic death of his older sister in a car wreck six months ago. He finally starts to come back to life when he attends his first college party and falls for a guy named, Amir. As Quinn nervously explores this new experience, he allows himself to finally deal with the truth of his sister’s death and perhaps really start living again. 

The gold star for this novel goes to Federle’s ability to write in such a convincing and charming voice. Quinn is a wonderful character, and even the secondary figures have real personalities you can appreciate. The story is well put together, realistic, and often laugh-out-loud funny. I loved it. That being said, the sex and abundant language could definitely be off-putting in some communities and to some readers, thus the Optional rating. 

HS—OPTIONAL Reviewer: TC