Plot Summary

Going Bovine

Libba Bray
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Going Bovine

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2009

Book Brief

Libba Bray

Going Bovine

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2009
Book Details
Pages

480

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

United States • 2000s

Publication Year

2009

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

15-18 years

Lexile Level

HL680L

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Super Short Summary

In Going Bovine by Libba Bray, sixteen-year-old Cameron, an unhappy teenager who feels isolated and unmotivated, is diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Syndrome. Guided by visions of a punk rock angel named Dulcie, Cameron embarks on a surreal road trip with his hypochondriac friend Gonzo to find a time-traveling doctor in an effort to save his life and the world. Contains themes of terminal illness.

Adventurous

Humorous

Mysterious

Emotional

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.0

35,495 ratings

61%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

17%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Going Bovine by Libba Bray garners praise for its imaginative plot, vibrant characters, and humor, blending a touching coming-of-age story with fantasy. Critics laud its originality and emotional depth but note the complex narrative may confuse some readers. Overall, it's celebrated for its unique voice and thought-provoking themes, though it's not universally accessible.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Going Bovine?

Readers who enjoy quirky, surreal adventures with a mix of humor and heart, like in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams or Catch-22 by Joseph Heller, would love Going Bovine by Libba Bray. Teens and young adults drawn to coming-of-age stories with a twist will find this book compelling.

4.0

35,495 ratings

61%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

17%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

480

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

United States • 2000s

Publication Year

2009

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

15-18 years

Lexile Level

HL680L

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