VOTE FOR LARRY
Janet Tashjian
Henry Holt and Company
Fiction
ISBN: 0805072012
240 pages

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO LARRY delighted readers two years ago with its combination of suspense, humor and insights. VOTE FOR LARRY picks up right where it left off, offering a satisfying sequel to the popular story of teen guru Josh/Larry.

At the end of THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO LARRY, Josh has to disappear after faking his own suicide. Now, he surfaces as Mark in Colorado, with new girlfriend Janine and an uncharacteristic new hobby: shopping. Is this the same Josh/Larry who scorned commercialism and limited his possessions to only 75, including clothes?

Soon, Josh is kidnapped and brought right back to the life he left, but there are noticeable differences: former crush Beth has a new boyfriend, stepfather Peter has become laid back to the extreme, and Josh can no longer hear his mother's spiritual messages at the cosmetic counter at Bloomingdale's. He is brought back, however, for a purpose --- Beth wants him to run for office.

What begins as a local campaign quickly morphs into a run for President! Once Josh starts to research how little activism there is in the 18-24 age group, he decides to do something about it. When one of his regional campaign managers turns out to be Janine, Josh tries to sort out his romantic feelings on his rapid road to maturity.

Josh's race to the Oval Office is filled with the drama of THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO LARRY while maintaining believability. The statistics and commentary about today's two largest political parties will be enough to inspire readers everywhere to get out the vote for November's big election. Janet Tashjian even provides sources at the end for further information.

Hopefully Josh will return, though it is difficult to imagine what he could do after the feats he performs in this book. Enjoyable and motivational!

   --- Reviewed by Amy Alessio

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