An Abundance of Katherines

An Abundance of Katherines

Green, J. (2006).  An abundance of katherines. NY: Penguin.  In this Michael J. Printz Honor Award book, Colin Singleton is a child prodigy, recent high school graduate, who just got dumped by his girlfriend Katherine. Colin, a child prodigy, and his best friend go on a road trip and end up in Gunshot.  

Colin's character is one who lacks confidence and always wants someone to love him.  He is an only child who has never had many friends or good social skills. Readers can see his character changing as the story progresses. At first he is so busy making a theorem about dumpee/dumper relationships, he could miss the possible new friendship right in front of him.  Luckily, he learns to start taking risks like learning to shoot a gun so he can go hog hunting.  Lindsey teaches him to tell a story so that it is not only about him.  The author does a great job, showing the importance of being selfless.  We see Colin, who is so smart, but is struggling with how he can become "known." In contrast, Lindsey's mother is doing everything humanly possible to save her town and the workers from losing their jobs.  This trip teaches Colin to readjust his priorities.  

I chose this book because I am a huge fan of John Green.  I think many young adults will want to read all of John Green books.  I know I started with Fault With Our Stars and kept on reading!

Author's Website:
http://www.johngreenbooks.com/

Discussion Questions:
http://www.shmoop.com/an-abundance-of-katherines/quotes-quiz.html