Recently I picked up the book Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan. John Green was recommended to me by a close friend and I had honestly been putting off reading his stuff because he is a young adult author, and I often find young adult literature to be dumbed down or a caricature of what young adults actually are. This is not the case for Will Grayson, Will Grayson (or, for that matter, the other books I’ve now read by Mr. Green). It is, in fact, a refreshing read where characters are complex and emotional, but they feel real.
OK, this is sounding like a review, but this is a Geek Public Service Announcement. Will Grayson, Will Grayson is a rare book that I keep thinking about after reading. I find that there is a lot more to it than a bunch of high school kids trying to find their identity, their voice, or acceptance from their peers — it has a really good message that I think could really be spread around a little. Tell people you appreciate them. Recently I had a friend who had really gone above and beyond for me, and when I thanked her, she shied away from it. Later, when I sent her flowers as a thank you (I mean, she really went above and beyond and she has always been a wonderful friend), we discussed how she wasn’t used to getting that kind of affection. (McKayla, I appreciate you for throwing an awesome bachelorette party.)
I know that’s a little more personal than I tend to get on here, but that conversation really hit on why Green and Levithan’s book has stuck with me, we really don’t tell people we appreciate them very much. Whether as in the book it is your overly flamboyant friend pushing you towards a love interest you weren’t sure you had or helping you realize that you are your own person and there’s nothing wrong with being you. So let me start out by saying, John Green and David Levithan, I appreciate you for sharing this message. Brett, I appreciate you for introducing me to Mr. Green’s work. Jason and Celeste, I appreciate you for letting me write for Fandomania whenever I want to. Fandomania readers, I appreciate you for reading our posts and coming back for more. Dan, I appreciate you for encouraging me to write and to be a geek.
Try it. Tell someone you appreciate them! Next time you’re at a con hanging out with the friends you only see at conventions tell them you appreciate them. If someone does something nice for you, let them know. I would advise you go check out the book, but again, this isn’t a review, this is a PSA. Go out there and tell someone that you noticed what they’ve done and you appreciate them. I can guarantee it doesn’t only make them feel better but it makes you feel better. Will Grayson, Will Grayson passed along a great message, and I appreciate that.
