Going Bovine by Libba Bray

Title: Going Bovine*

Author: Libba Bray*

Publisher: Delacorte Books*

Release Date: Already Available

Received From: Library*
Cameron Smith, 16, is slumming through high school, overshadowed by a sister “pre-majoring in perfection,” while working (ineptly) at the Buddha Burger. Then something happens to make him the focus of his family's attention: he contracts mad cow disease. What takes place after he is hospitalized is either that a gorgeous angel persuades him to search for a cure that will also save the world, or that he has a vivid hallucination brought on by the disease. Either way, what readers have is an absurdist comedy in which Cameron, Gonzo (a neurotic dwarf) and Balder (a Norse god cursed to appear as a yard gnome) go on a quixotic road trip during which they learn about string theory, wormholes and true love en route to Disney World.

This new book by Libba Bray is nothing like her previous novels! First of all it is from a boy's perspective, and it is in America and in preset day. This was a very long book, while most of it was important the middle just kind of went on, and on. 

Cameron and his friends were hilarious Libba created some real characters with them. Cameron is dying of "Mad Cow Disease" and therefore sees all kinds of stuff that he should not see, so therefore his is perfect to save the world. Ok a little far fetched but I'll bite. This very interesting plot makes for a pretty good book. But it just goes on for too long. The book could have been cut in half and I would have been happy. 

The ending was the main problem for me. It made no sense. I could not tell you what happened if I re-read it right now. But besides the length and the confusing ending, the book was a good premise with great characters, a good book for boys!  I hope Libba finds a good medium for her next book, which I will definitely read!


3/5

 












*Sorry the info was wrong! I fixed it thanks!