Matt B Gets Lit reviewed Hold Me Closer by David Levithan
Review of "Hold Me Closer: The Tiny Cooper Story"
4 stars
I read "Will Grayson, Will Grayson" in March, and it was easily one of the best books I've read this year. One of the standout characters in that book was Tiny Cooper, the larger-than-life best friend of one of the Will Graysons. Tiny's sole mission in Will Grayson, Will Grayson is to produce his autobiographical musical, Hold Me Closer, and readers get a few hilarious snippets of it in the story. At the time, I told my book club that I wanted to see Tiny's musical, no matter how ridiculous it sounded. Imagine my surprise when I found out… it exists!
"Hold Me Closer: The Tiny Cooper Story" is a companion book to "Will Grayson, Will Grayson" and dives headfirst into the world of Tiny Cooper. Instead of a traditional narrative, the book is written as the musical script Tiny is directing in the earlier novel, complete with songs, monologues, …
I read "Will Grayson, Will Grayson" in March, and it was easily one of the best books I've read this year. One of the standout characters in that book was Tiny Cooper, the larger-than-life best friend of one of the Will Graysons. Tiny's sole mission in Will Grayson, Will Grayson is to produce his autobiographical musical, Hold Me Closer, and readers get a few hilarious snippets of it in the story. At the time, I told my book club that I wanted to see Tiny's musical, no matter how ridiculous it sounded. Imagine my surprise when I found out… it exists!
"Hold Me Closer: The Tiny Cooper Story" is a companion book to "Will Grayson, Will Grayson" and dives headfirst into the world of Tiny Cooper. Instead of a traditional narrative, the book is written as the musical script Tiny is directing in the earlier novel, complete with songs, monologues, and stage directions.
The format is as campy and over-the-top as you'd expect from Tiny, but that's what makes it so much fun. Beneath the humor and theatrics, though, are some thoughtful themes about being openly gay in high school, navigating the ups and downs of love and friendship, and learning to embrace your individuality. Tiny's voice is unapologetic and full of heart, making this a delightful read.
It's a quick, light book—I finished it within a week—and while I thoroughly enjoyed it, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who hasn't read "Will Grayson, Will Grayson" first. That context is crucial to really appreciating Tiny's story and the humor of this musical-turned-book.
"Fade to black. Or whatever color you like. If you can find a way to fade to pink or purple, please do."