Going Bovine
Going Bovine
Book Brief
480
Novel • Fiction
•
Modern Classic Fiction•
FantasyUnited States • 2000s
2009
YA
15-18 years
HL680L
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
35,495 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
35,495 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Going Bovine won the 2010 Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature, recognizing its outstanding literary quality.
The book incorporates elements of Don Quixote and was inspired by the Spanish classic, adding a whimsical and surreal twist to its narrative.
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480
Novel • Fiction
•
Modern Classic Fiction•
FantasyUnited States • 2000s
2009
YA
15-18 years
HL680L
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