logo

53 pages 1 hour read

Be More Chill

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2004

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Ned Vizzini

Be More Chill

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2004
Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New Jersey • 2000s

Publication Year

2004

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Be More Chill by Ned Vizzini follows Jeremy Heere, a socially awkward high school student who swallows a pill containing a quantum supercomputer, the SQUIP, which guides him to improve his social status and charm his crush, Christine Caniglia. Through a series of misadventures and moral dilemmas, Jeremy learns the complexities and consequences of blind conformity to social norms. The book includes references to death by suicide and self-harm.

Humorous

Fantastical

Emotional

Contemplative

Suspenseful

Reviews & Readership

4.1

18,072 ratings

58%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

15%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Be More Chill by Ned Vizzini explores teenage insecurity in a humorous and relatable manner, appreciated for its witty dialogue and unique concept. While some praise its engaging, fast-paced narrative, others critique its portrayal of sensitive topics and underdeveloped secondary characters. Nonetheless, it remains a fresh, thought-provoking take on adolescent struggles.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Be More Chill?

Fans of quirky, high school narratives with a sci-fi twist like Ready Player One will enjoy Be More Chill by Ned Vizzini. Ideal for readers who appreciate the wit and angst of The Perks of Being a Wallflower and the fantastical elements of Ender's Game. Suitable for young adults who relish humor in their coming-of-age stories.

4.1

18,072 ratings

58%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

15%

Not a fan

Character List

Jeremy Heere

A high school sophomore with brown eyes and hair, who struggles with social anxiety and self-image issues. He becomes more intertwined with his high school’s social dynamics after ingesting a technologically advanced supercomputer.

Jeremy’s love interest with blonde hair, who enjoys acting and aims to study psychology. She values good conversation and finds interest in Jeremy’s nerdy comments during rehearsals.

Jeremy’s best friend with a tall build and big headphones, passionate about alternative rock music. He values individualism and supports Jeremy even when neglected by him.

A quantum computer in pill form, providing Jeremy with advice to navigate high school popularity. It communicates through Jeremy’s mind, using scientific definitions and teenage slang, aiming to help but also causing misunderstandings.

Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New Jersey • 2000s

Publication Year

2004

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.