Posted by Brian on Monday, Feb 10, 2014
Grasshopper Jungle by Andrew Smith is about the end of the world as told by 16-year-old Austin Szerba. Austin is confused: He's in love with his girlfriend Shann, but he's also in love with Robby, his gay best friend. Austin is preoccupied with history, and he points out that history chews up sexual confused young men.
Austin's narration meanders and repeats itself. He gives us history lessons about his Polish ancestors as well as telling us the unlikely series of events that led to unstoppable, giant, man-eating praying mantises being unleashed on the fictional town of Ealing, Iowa. Yes, you read that right: Giant, man-eating praying mantises.
Grasshopper Jungle is a brutally honest work. Smith is an amazing writer. He has expertly tapped into the adolescent male mind. A word of warning: This book is awesome, and it also contains copious profanity, sexual situations and people being eaten by giant bugs. I recommend it to readers looking for a highly original YA book.
About the Author
Brian works as the Senior Adult Services Librarian at the Iowa City Public Library.
I'm officially at the halfway point of this fan favorite series. It still entertains, and I'm always impressed by the scope of the story. If I had to criticize one thing--it's odd how one dude, James Holden, is at the center of so many important things to happen to humanity. Maybe it gets addressed later in the series? Also, the authors love the phrases "a darker darkness" and "companionable silence." -Brian