Child prodigy Colin has been dumped by 19 girls named Katherine. After the nineteenth Katherine breaks his heart, he falls into a major depression. His best friend, Hassan, decides the only way to make Colin feel better is to go on a road trip.
The two end up in Gutshot, Tennessee. There, they meet a girl named Lindsey and get jobs recording the oral history of Gutshot. Also, Colin finally has a Eureka! moment (i.e. a new idea). He comes up with a mathematical theory that can predict the outcome of any relationship. It is based on the idea that the world is divided into two types of people: Dumpers and Dumpees. Colin is definitely a Dumpee, but he hopes that by using his theorem of love he can discover a way to finally make a relationship work.
This is a great book for dorks, nerds, dweebs, child prodigies, smarty pants, wallflowers, the socially inept and pretty much anyone who has ever had relationship problems. John Green creates a world of complex (fully realized) characters, a quirky (sometimes poignant) plot and a good mix of humor. Some readers might be turned off by the footnotes and mathematical equations, but to me, these make the book.
Readers who like this book should also check out Looking for Alaska by the same author.
Discussion Questions:
Do you think it’s possible for someone to really be dumped by 19 girls named Katherine?
Can you relate to Colin’s relationship problems? Why or why not?
Are you a Dumper or a Dumpee?
How does this book rank in comparison to other books by John Green?
Links
-Reviewed by Fullmetalibrarian
3 responses so far ↓
Jamey // June 19, 2008 at 8:12 pm
I can DEFINITELY relate to Colin’s theory of Dumpers and Dumpees. But I think the idea of being dumped by NINETEEN girls named Katherine is a little unrealistic.
fullmetalibrarian // June 22, 2008 at 4:26 pm
I agree that the concept of being dumped by 19 Katherines is hard to buy at first glance, but John Green is such a skilled writer that he makes it plausible. He is one of the best author’s I’ve read at portraying the subtleties of daily life. That first scene in Looking for Alaska (the birthday scene) is so simple, yet so teeming with quiet desperation. I luv it!
emily // July 8, 2008 at 2:24 am
this was a great book. i love everything by john green.