The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl: A Novel

Barry Lyga

Sep 2007 · HarperCollins

About this ebook

Fanboy has never had it good, but lately his sophomore year is turning out to be its own special hell. The bullies have made him their favorite target, his best (and only) friend seems headed for the dark side (sports and popularity), and his pregnant mother and the step-fascist are eagerly awaiting the birth of the alien life form known as Fanboy's new little brother or sister. 
   Fanboy, though, has a secret: a graphic novel he's been working on without telling anyone, a graphic novel that he is convinced will lead to publication, fame, and--most important of all--a way out of the crappy little town he lives in and all the people that make it hell for him.
   When Fanboy meets Kyra, a.k.a. Goth Girl, he finds an outrageous, cynical girl who shares his love of comics as well as his hatred for jocks and bullies. Fanboy can't resist someone who actually seems to understand him, and soon he finds himself willing to heed her advice--to ignore or crush anyone who stands in his way.

Ratings and reviews

I first read this book when I was I was in highschool. Its modern touch into the adolescent lives of mere relatable teenagers, bringing in the true display of hurt, heartbreak, confusion, and a play of making and breaking self-confidence in the character. The second book "Goth Girl Rises" is immensely as good, taking account of things that happened after (spoil alert) Kyra is taken to an institution, in her own point of view. Not only are the books very close to heart, but are very honest in their lack of censorship and "fairytail" projecting.

This book is an awesome book. It really makes you think about how people are judged in High school, and how easy it is to change. I tie in with this book in alot of way. I am a comic-book freak, and some peple say it's unusual for a girl to be. This book Shows alot of things that we just pass by and dont think about. Godd Job to you Barry Lyga, My new hero.

When I began reading this book, I noticed a few things; 1. This is not a typical adolescent novel. 2. This has some risky subjects that although acknowledged most tend to avoid. And 3. This book truly shows what life is like for a modern teenager. Growing up isn't as simple as black and white anymore. Anything that makes you different can make you or break a teenager. Even end lives. Ugh hormones raging, technology changing and stereotypes still coming into play; even the best of people fall victim.

About the author

Barry Lyga is a recovering comic book geek and the author of many books, including The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl, Goth Girl Rising, Boy Toy, and Hero-Type for HMH, Wolverine: Worst Day Ever for Marvel Books, and Archvillian for Scholastic. He has also written comic books about everything from sword-wielding nuns to alien revolutionaries. He worked as marketing manager at Diamond Comic Distributers for ten years. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.Visit Barry online at www.barrylyga.com.