The Gospel According to Larry
Author: Janet Tashjian
ISBN 978-0-4402-3792-1

After creating a controversial and hugely popular website, teenager Josh Swensen becomes trapped inside his brilliant creation and must find a way to remain anonymous.

Josh Swensen isn’t your average teenager–when he observes America, he sees a powerhouse of consumerism and waste. He’s even tried to do something about it, with his start-up controversial website. But when Josh rises to messiah status in the internet world, he discovers that greed and superficiality are not easily escaped. Trapped inside his own creation, Josh feels his only way out is to stage his death and be free of his internet alter-ego, "Larry." But this plan comes with danger, and soon Josh finds himself cut off from the world, with no one to turn to for help. In this suspenseful young adult novel, Janet Tashjian has written a probing exposé on today’s society.

Review: The Gospel According to Larry is sure to stimulate great discussion on the topics of advertising, consumerism, and marketing. Though the main character is a bit morose and serious, students will identify with his experience and point of view.

Resource management, consumerism, advertising, commercialism, marketing

Activities based on The Gospel According to Larry are included in our resource A Novel Approach, Reading in the FACS      Classroom.

 

Published: 2003
Format: Paperback
Price: $6.00