"An Abundance of Katherines" by John Green
I picked this book up at our annual book sale. I had no idea that it was a Young Adult book (which I couldn't believe since half the book was cussing and what not, but whatever). I think the cover intrigued me the most. (Apparently this book was a finalist for Michal L. Printz award. Also, there was a cover contest, and I guess that makes sense since it drew me in). Colin Singleton is a child prodigy who is looking to become a great genius in the world. The story begins the summer before college as Colin just graduated high school. His only claim to fame (other than bein a child prodigy) is that he won a child cable game show. I'll say that Colin is not very likeable, and I wanted to punch him in the face throughout most of the book. Colin only wants to date women named Katherine. (No different spellings or changes) Ironically, he has dated 19 Katherines, so he decides his great Theorm of Katherines will make his mark. Also, Colin doesn't seem to have much game since he keeps getting dumped. Colin decides to take a road trip with his best friend (and only decent character) named Hassan. He and Hassan take off for South and make it to Gutshot, Tennessee (which is fictional since I actually looked it up. It has a cool name after all) where a roadside sign states that Archduke Franz Ferdinand is buried there. At this point, I almost stopped reading since the book seemed so ridiculous, but I kept going.
Hassan was the comedic foil, and he really helped the story. The duo meet Lindsey, a sweet Southern belle who's mother is the owner of the largest plant in town (which makes tampon strings of all things). Throughout the summer, Colin and Hassan go around town with Lindsey and meet all the townspeople for a history lesson. As most young adult novels go, this one was pretty predictable.
Jen's Rating: **