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Will Grayson, Will Grayson #2
Hold Me Closer: The Tiny Cooper Story
This is the full script of Hold Me Closer, the musical written by and starring Tiny Cooper, from the novel Will Grayson, Will Grayson, written by David Levithan and John Green. Filled with humour, pain, and 'big, lively, belty' musical numbers, readers will finally learn the full story of Tiny Cooper from his birth and childhood to his quest for love and his infamous eighteen ex-boyfriends.
256 pages, Paperback
First published March 17, 2015
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9482 people want to read
About the author
David Levithan
119 books19.4k followersDavid Levithan (born 1972) is an American children's book editor and award-winning author. He published his first YA book, Boy Meets Boy, in 2003. Levithan is also the founding editor of PUSH, a Young Adult imprint of Scholastic Press.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,076 reviews
May 15, 2015
Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
“HOLD ME CLOSER, TONY DAAAAAANZA” . . . .
Come on! Don’t tell me you didn’t see this title and get that tune stuck in your head too.
First things first: If you have not yet read Will Grayson, Will Grayson this book will make zeros of sense to you. Do yourself a favor and check out the magic that is a Green/Levithan combo.
If you have read Will Grayson, Will Grayson you should already be in love with Tiny Cooper . . .
This is his story - told as a giant musical production . . .
“What is life if not a series of loud and quiet moments shuffled together with some music thrown in?”
And oh what a story it was! On the scale of zero to cavity, this one ranks right about here . . .
Such a lighthearted telling of one young man’s coming out and search for love. Tiny takes you through his entire life and his emergence as a “big gay butterfly” . . .
There are no broken hearts here, no tears, no real bullies – just quote after quote of life lessons that every kid should know . . .
“Mom and Dad can no more make me straight than they can make me short. There’s this thing called biology and it’s calling the shots. Mom and Dad realize this. Others do not.”
“It’s always easy to blame other people for holding you back. But sometimes, the only person hold you back is . . . well . . . you.”
“No relationship should rely on you blocking out the world. The world will always get in.”
“Don’t do what you don’t want to do. Ask yourself that simple question: Do I want to do this? If the answer is yes, go for it. If it’s anything but yes, don’t.”
I could have quoted nearly the entire book. David Levithan I want you to be my life coach! Your little story proves that. . .
Another little piece of my heart was taken when Levithan shared what it truly means to be religious if you were raised in Illinois . . .
Tiny Cooper . . . what a star!
Recommended to everyone who believes that someday their prince will come . . .
“HOLD ME CLOSER, TONY DAAAAAANZA” . . . .
Come on! Don’t tell me you didn’t see this title and get that tune stuck in your head too.
First things first: If you have not yet read Will Grayson, Will Grayson this book will make zeros of sense to you. Do yourself a favor and check out the magic that is a Green/Levithan combo.
If you have read Will Grayson, Will Grayson you should already be in love with Tiny Cooper . . .
This is his story - told as a giant musical production . . .
“What is life if not a series of loud and quiet moments shuffled together with some music thrown in?”
And oh what a story it was! On the scale of zero to cavity, this one ranks right about here . . .
Such a lighthearted telling of one young man’s coming out and search for love. Tiny takes you through his entire life and his emergence as a “big gay butterfly” . . .
There are no broken hearts here, no tears, no real bullies – just quote after quote of life lessons that every kid should know . . .
“Mom and Dad can no more make me straight than they can make me short. There’s this thing called biology and it’s calling the shots. Mom and Dad realize this. Others do not.”
“It’s always easy to blame other people for holding you back. But sometimes, the only person hold you back is . . . well . . . you.”
“No relationship should rely on you blocking out the world. The world will always get in.”
“Don’t do what you don’t want to do. Ask yourself that simple question: Do I want to do this? If the answer is yes, go for it. If it’s anything but yes, don’t.”
I could have quoted nearly the entire book. David Levithan I want you to be my life coach! Your little story proves that. . .
Another little piece of my heart was taken when Levithan shared what it truly means to be religious if you were raised in Illinois . . .
Tiny Cooper . . . what a star!
Recommended to everyone who believes that someday their prince will come . . .
April 24, 2019
4 SWEET STARS! outrageously cheesy and glorious; magnificently sparkling and musical (♪); cutely YA, heartwarming, and gay :)
“People who don’t understand musical theater tend to think of it as being unrealistic. I disagree. Because what is life if not a series of loud and quiet moments shuffled together with some music thrown in?”
Which is ultimately what this musical novel is: sparkling and loud and proud and fat with gay
It’s a perfect picture of what we musical devotees believe—that the right song at the right time can stop all the clocks, wipe away all the cares, and gently make you see the world in a new way. We believe this because we have felt it. We believe this because ultimately this is what we have to offer. Music. Words. Songs. A little light choreography.
It's the best thing ever
to be home alone
with a musical novel!
Why?
Because you start
singing the songs
at the top of your lungs!
Storyline
It's about a Big Gay Baby, our Tiny, who knew he was gay from the beginning; the only thing stopping him from saying it out loud wasn't shame, it was because of the neighbors' words to his parents, it was because he was worried.
So when he decides to write this play, he wants to give the fat kid a place to shine. Because the theater is not really kind to the big ones; they're always the comedic relief. Tiny would change that, he promised.
Storytelling
Characterization
I just LOVED him!
He is so real, and I'm glad Levithan gave him his own book after him and John Green co-parented him in Will Grayson, Will Grayson.
Relationships
Companions
Related book:
• Will Grayson, Will Grayson (Will Grayson, Will Grayson, #1) by John Green & David Levithan [ MY REVIEW ]
Such kissing on the catwalks!Tiny himself starts the introduction like this, and I'm gonna steal it for a moment:
Such competition for the leads!
We fell in love so often and fully—
across all races and sexualities and creeds!
“People who don’t understand musical theater tend to think of it as being unrealistic. I disagree. Because what is life if not a series of loud and quiet moments shuffled together with some music thrown in?”
Which is ultimately what this musical novel is: sparkling and loud and proud and fat with gay
It’s a perfect picture of what we musical devotees believe—that the right song at the right time can stop all the clocks, wipe away all the cares, and gently make you see the world in a new way. We believe this because we have felt it. We believe this because ultimately this is what we have to offer. Music. Words. Songs. A little light choreography.
It's the best thing ever
to be home alone
with a musical novel!
Why?
Because you start
singing the songs
at the top of your lungs!
Storyline
“If act one in life is about finding yourselfHold Me Closer consists of two acts, one with ten scenes, the other with eleven. It starts like this:
then act two is about finding everyone else.”
Most babies come into the world crying or gasping or snotting.The plot is absolutely sweet and hilarious and careless!
Not Tiny Cooper.
He comes into the world singing.
It's about a Big Gay Baby, our Tiny, who knew he was gay from the beginning; the only thing stopping him from saying it out loud wasn't shame, it was because of the neighbors' words to his parents, it was because he was worried.
Mom and Dad can no more make me straight than they can make me short. There’s this thing called biology, and it’s calling the shots. Mom and Dad realize this. Others do not.He was a very compassionate kid. And with role models like his parents and his lesbian babysitter, he learns to be fearless and loud and not bother with what others think.
“It didn’t matter that I was five—Did I mention that he was also HUGE? And he heard no small amount of bullshit about it.
I saw her pain come alive.
Just like a sorcerer
fighting a deadly foe,
she met it eye to eye
and wouldn’t let go.”
So when he decides to write this play, he wants to give the fat kid a place to shine. Because the theater is not really kind to the big ones; they're always the comedic relief. Tiny would change that, he promised.
“It’s not the size of the package,It's a very empowering musical novel with amazing songs and ideas and I devoured it in one bite and one setting!
it’s the size of the thrill.
It’s not the tip of the scale,
it’s the lift of the will.
It’s not the size of the package
that’s the source of your pride.
It’s not the stretch of the belly,
it’s the fire inside.”
We diminuendo in our doubt, but then we crescendo into understanding, together.
Storytelling
“Come over hereDavid Levithan has such an interesting way of telling his story, and this book had everything that I felt like Will Grayson, Will Grayson was missing!
and give me a hug
because my soul’s been treated
like a threadbare rug.”
BULLY PLAYER #2: Tiny’s gay.The songs were amazing and made you want to sing them out loud (which I did :D), and the whole writing was just excellent really!
COACH FRYE: Hey! HEY! No insulting teammates.
PHIL (valiantly): It’s not an insult. It’s just a thing. Like, some people are gay. Some people have blue eyes.
“The only way to learnIf he'd written like this in the first book, I'm pretty sure it would've been a solid 4.5 stars instead of 3.75! Whatever Levithan lacked in character development and prose in Will Grayson, Will Grayson, he made up for in this novel!
how to make something last
is to be yanked from your future
to reckon with the past.“
Characterization
“I’ve got genes that fit me wellMeet Tiny Cooper—the spectacular, baffling, bold, and unique protagonist!
and a spirit all my own
I was born this way—
The rest is a great unknown!”
I just LOVED him!
He is so real, and I'm glad Levithan gave him his own book after him and John Green co-parented him in Will Grayson, Will Grayson.
“Though I’ve been completely knocked off courseThe others character were interesting and well developed, too. He did here what he sadly failed to do in the first book :((
I’m not getting off my faithful horse!”
LYNDA: Don’t get trapped into thinking people are halves instead of wholes.Agreed, indeed. To wrap it up, I'd say it was fabulous and nothing less.
TINY: People are halves?
LYNDA: They’re not trying to sell you on it yet, but believe me, they will. The idea that two is the ideal, and that one is only good as half of two. You are not a half, and you should never treat someone else like a half. Agreed?
Relationships
“It’s not all about romance, Tiny. There are other kinds of love.”While Tiny kept wanting to focus on finding love in act two (not act one, in the first half he's reasonably paying attention to friendship and family), the author didn't forget that other relationships are important, too—even more important, really.
“My own father took me fishingThe bonds in the family were so sweetly explored, which would make it an awesome read for all young adults out there, and even enjoyable for proper adults with its sweet nostalgic feeling :)
and left me always wishing
that being in that boat
would make us less remote.
But instead we’d sit without speaking,
time together slowly leaking.
Our lines tied in a knot,
the big one never caught.”
TINY: I’ll be standing in the outfield, staring at the sky ...The friendships were also touching and beauiful and funny and adorable!
PHIL: ... but what I’m really seeing are the thoughts that travel by.
Companions
Related book:
• Will Grayson, Will Grayson (Will Grayson, Will Grayson, #1) by John Green & David Levithan [ MY REVIEW ]
If you’re tired of feeling,
tired of fighting,
I understand.
If you’re tired of twisting,
exhausted by existing,
I understand.
If you’re tired of every thought,
sick of feeling caught,
I understand.
April 15, 2015
Es tan original por parte de Levithan el presentar la historia así... Es muy arriesgado; pero la jugada le sale bien. La historia de Tiny Cooper es una historia que medio conocemos en Will Grayson, Will Grayson y que necesitamos saber. (Al menos, yo ardía en deseos de conocer más a Tiny Cooper.) En sí, toda esta novela musical tiene un tomo de humor asombroso, al igual que unas reflexiones preciosas y un personaje principal que no para de hacer referencias. Hold Me Closer: The Tiny Cooper Story es una delicia para los fans de los musicales o de la cultura pop actual. Hablo de referencias a Benedict Cumberbatch, Buffy cazavampiros, Idina Menzel o musicales como Rent o Cats. Aunque realmente hay muchas más, pero de primeras recuerdo estas pocas. Y es que Tiny no solo representa a una parte de los jóvenes de ahora, sino que la manera en la cual plantea el musical es simplemente magistral.
Es una historia muy recomendable si queréis leer algo lleno de humor, fresco, con un estilo impoluto (Levithan, de verdad, gracias por escribir ERES MARAVILLOSO y punto) y por si queréis saber más sobre Tiny Cooper. Que sí, que seguro que os interesa, vaya.
Es una historia muy recomendable si queréis leer algo lleno de humor, fresco, con un estilo impoluto (Levithan, de verdad, gracias por escribir ERES MARAVILLOSO y punto) y por si queréis saber más sobre Tiny Cooper. Que sí, que seguro que os interesa, vaya.
March 21, 2016
A copy of this novel was provided by Text Publishing for review.
I’m just going to be upfront about this: I was disappointed in Hold Me Closer. And this makes me really sad. I mean it’s TINY COOPER in musical form. But I just wasn’t feeling it. And I’m pretty sure it was because of this: there was no emotional connection for me.
Don’ get me wrong, I feel an emotional connection to Tiny, but only through Will Grayson, Will Grayson . If I hadn’t read WG, WG before Hold Me Closer I would not have felt any kind of connection to Tiny at all. And even so, knowing Tiny from WG, WG - Hold Me Closer just fell flat for me. There were parts where I was keen, and there were feels, but mostly I was kind of bored. Maybe it's because I already knew so much about Tiny, and we'd gotten parts of the musical in WG, WG?
You have no idea how much this upsets me. I mean this is my darling David Levithan we are talking about here, and I was really unimpressed. CUE ALL THE SOBBING AND TEARS, OKAY? ALL THE SOBBING AND TEARS.
My favourite aspect of Hold Me Closer was the “stage directions” given by Tiny, which is where the Tiny as a character really came out. There was more emotion and depth in these parts, compared with the rest of the novel. I wish there had been more of these stage directions because they gave me the ~feels, and they also had me laughing out loud a few times (which is a great feat, I tell you. Great).
To be honest, I would love to see Hold Me Closer as an actual musical. I think it would be all kinds of fun and pain – which is exactly how a musical should be. I think the musical Tiny would make you fall head over heels in love with him, and everything he has to go through would just make you appreciate his character 100%. But as a book, I feel like this emotion just didn’t come across.
I also missed David’s writing. I am always going on about how much I am in love with it, and it was missing.
I don’t know – I’m really sad that I didn’t fall in love with Hold Me Closer because I really thought I would.
© 2015, Chiara @ Books for a Delicate Eternity . All rights reserved.
I’m just going to be upfront about this: I was disappointed in Hold Me Closer. And this makes me really sad. I mean it’s TINY COOPER in musical form. But I just wasn’t feeling it. And I’m pretty sure it was because of this: there was no emotional connection for me.
Don’ get me wrong, I feel an emotional connection to Tiny, but only through Will Grayson, Will Grayson . If I hadn’t read WG, WG before Hold Me Closer I would not have felt any kind of connection to Tiny at all. And even so, knowing Tiny from WG, WG - Hold Me Closer just fell flat for me. There were parts where I was keen, and there were feels, but mostly I was kind of bored. Maybe it's because I already knew so much about Tiny, and we'd gotten parts of the musical in WG, WG?
You have no idea how much this upsets me. I mean this is my darling David Levithan we are talking about here, and I was really unimpressed. CUE ALL THE SOBBING AND TEARS, OKAY? ALL THE SOBBING AND TEARS.
My favourite aspect of Hold Me Closer was the “stage directions” given by Tiny, which is where the Tiny as a character really came out. There was more emotion and depth in these parts, compared with the rest of the novel. I wish there had been more of these stage directions because they gave me the ~feels, and they also had me laughing out loud a few times (which is a great feat, I tell you. Great).
To be honest, I would love to see Hold Me Closer as an actual musical. I think it would be all kinds of fun and pain – which is exactly how a musical should be. I think the musical Tiny would make you fall head over heels in love with him, and everything he has to go through would just make you appreciate his character 100%. But as a book, I feel like this emotion just didn’t come across.
I also missed David’s writing. I am always going on about how much I am in love with it, and it was missing.
I don’t know – I’m really sad that I didn’t fall in love with Hold Me Closer because I really thought I would.
© 2015, Chiara @ Books for a Delicate Eternity . All rights reserved.
March 17, 2015
We know him. We love him. Tiny Cooper is back.
Remember Will Grayson, Will Grayson? Yeah. That Tiny Cooper.
In Hold Me Closer, readers get to experience the musical of Cooper's life that he put on at his high school in Will Grayson, Will Grayson.
At first I thought that Hold Me Closer was going to be a bit of a farce -- not very serious and full of nothing but fluff. But I never should have doubted David Levithan. And the fact of the matter is, this is now my favorite Levithan novel to-date. It is a master class in musical theater. Fans of Tim Federle's Better Nate Than Ever are sure to love The Tiny Cooper Story. Levithan has really nailed the genre of the musical. There are upbeat parts, sad parts, hilarious parts and they follow the arc of a musical production perfectly. And even in parts that seem to be utter ridiculousness (e.g., a random visit from the ghost of Oscar Wilde) there are still moments of depth and poignancy.
Read my entire review on my blog.
Remember Will Grayson, Will Grayson? Yeah. That Tiny Cooper.
In Hold Me Closer, readers get to experience the musical of Cooper's life that he put on at his high school in Will Grayson, Will Grayson.
At first I thought that Hold Me Closer was going to be a bit of a farce -- not very serious and full of nothing but fluff. But I never should have doubted David Levithan. And the fact of the matter is, this is now my favorite Levithan novel to-date. It is a master class in musical theater. Fans of Tim Federle's Better Nate Than Ever are sure to love The Tiny Cooper Story. Levithan has really nailed the genre of the musical. There are upbeat parts, sad parts, hilarious parts and they follow the arc of a musical production perfectly. And even in parts that seem to be utter ridiculousness (e.g., a random visit from the ghost of Oscar Wilde) there are still moments of depth and poignancy.
Read my entire review on my blog.
March 31, 2015
I'd rate this 4.5 stars.
Will Grayson, Will Grayson , by John Green and David Levithan, was one of the best books I read in 2010, and years later, it remains one of my favorites.
That book, populated by two very different high school students, both named Will Grayson. One Will Grayson's best friend, "Tiny" Cooper, who isn't shy about his size or his sexuality, and tries to push Will to declare his feelings for his best friend, Jane, all while Tiny is getting ready to produce his autobiographical musical.
This "companion piece," authored by Levithan, is the script of Tiny's musical, complete with his commentary/stage direction, which in some cases, lets the reader in on how the lives of both Will Graysons, Jane, and Tiny progressed after the book ends. But mostly, the musical gives tremendous insight into what it's like to live a life where everyone thinks they know who and what you are, and just how much courage it takes to put yourself so far out there and be happy with who you are every day.
"There are those of us who draw our power from those electric moments when everyone is watching, everyone is listening, and there is the most perfect silence you can imagine, the entire room waiting to hear whatever you will say next. Especially for those of us who ordinarily feel ignored, a spotlight is a circle of magic, with the strength to draw us from the darkness of our everyday lives."
Tiny's character really resonates for me. I remember what it was like to feel most at home in the middle of a stage, singing my heart out to an audience, even if it was an apathetic one. I remember what it was like not feeling comfortable in my own skin, but still wishing that I'd find others like me. And I remember what it was like to like someone so much, and fall so fast, that the biggest mistake you could make was expressing how you felt too soon. His musical is full of the unconditional love Tiny gets from his family and his best friends, as well as flamboyant musical numbers, some of which even star the ghost of Oscar Wilde.
While it's difficult to read a musical as if it were a book without knowing what the songs sound like, getting a glimpse into Tiny's heart, head, and personality more than makes up for it. Levithan once again treats his characters with the respect and love they deserve, and looks beyond the stereotypes. I hope this isn't the last we see of Will, Will, Jane, and Tiny...maybe Levithan and Green can team up again?
See all of my reviews at http://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blo....
Will Grayson, Will Grayson , by John Green and David Levithan, was one of the best books I read in 2010, and years later, it remains one of my favorites.
That book, populated by two very different high school students, both named Will Grayson. One Will Grayson's best friend, "Tiny" Cooper, who isn't shy about his size or his sexuality, and tries to push Will to declare his feelings for his best friend, Jane, all while Tiny is getting ready to produce his autobiographical musical.
This "companion piece," authored by Levithan, is the script of Tiny's musical, complete with his commentary/stage direction, which in some cases, lets the reader in on how the lives of both Will Graysons, Jane, and Tiny progressed after the book ends. But mostly, the musical gives tremendous insight into what it's like to live a life where everyone thinks they know who and what you are, and just how much courage it takes to put yourself so far out there and be happy with who you are every day.
"There are those of us who draw our power from those electric moments when everyone is watching, everyone is listening, and there is the most perfect silence you can imagine, the entire room waiting to hear whatever you will say next. Especially for those of us who ordinarily feel ignored, a spotlight is a circle of magic, with the strength to draw us from the darkness of our everyday lives."
Tiny's character really resonates for me. I remember what it was like to feel most at home in the middle of a stage, singing my heart out to an audience, even if it was an apathetic one. I remember what it was like not feeling comfortable in my own skin, but still wishing that I'd find others like me. And I remember what it was like to like someone so much, and fall so fast, that the biggest mistake you could make was expressing how you felt too soon. His musical is full of the unconditional love Tiny gets from his family and his best friends, as well as flamboyant musical numbers, some of which even star the ghost of Oscar Wilde.
While it's difficult to read a musical as if it were a book without knowing what the songs sound like, getting a glimpse into Tiny's heart, head, and personality more than makes up for it. Levithan once again treats his characters with the respect and love they deserve, and looks beyond the stereotypes. I hope this isn't the last we see of Will, Will, Jane, and Tiny...maybe Levithan and Green can team up again?
See all of my reviews at http://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blo....
November 13, 2016
I wasn't really concerned about whether I would like this book: I loved Will Grayson, Will Grayson, I love David Levithan's writing, and I love Tiny Cooper.
This book was incredibly cute. It was hilarious. And it was really emotional and deep. I loved it. Some of the elements were very relatable,and the ones that were more specific, were just so beautifully laid out that the empathy they caused made the experience richer.
Some parts tug hard on the readers' heartstrings, and there's potential for tears.
It was a very special read.
This book was incredibly cute. It was hilarious. And it was really emotional and deep. I loved it. Some of the elements were very relatable,and the ones that were more specific, were just so beautifully laid out that the empathy they caused made the experience richer.
Some parts tug hard on the readers' heartstrings, and there's potential for tears.
It was a very special read.
October 6, 2015
Reseña completa de esta preciosidad :3
Son 4, 5
Hasta ahora no he leído nada de Levithan que baje de venerable.
Lo amo.
Son 4, 5
Hasta ahora no he leído nada de Levithan que baje de venerable.
Lo amo.
April 26, 2015
Ay, David. La verdad es que impresiona tu capacidad de hacer magia con las palabras.
April 23, 2017
Maybe it's because I've seen several Broadway shows recently but ahhh I WAS SUPER INTO THIS MUSICAL. Tiny is so witty and so wonderful and the songs are so point. I could really envision the production and performances and I WAS PRETTY MUCH SINGING THE BOOK IN MY HEAD. THIS WAS SO MUCH FUN TO READ!!!
March 11, 2020
Tenia ganas de leer este libro desde que termine de leer Will Grayson,Will Grayson,pero no fue sino hasta este año que lo encontre en la libreria y pude comprarlo.
Mi mayor problema con este libro fue que no recordaba practicamente nada de la historia original,pero creo que eso no importa demasiado pues despues de todo la estrella de este libro es Tiny Cooper, espero no ser el unico que se confundio cuando Phil Grayson era mencionado en un principio,hasta que mire lo del cambio de nombres que menciona Tiny en las primeras paginas;y
la historia con su ultimo ex,me hizo sentir mal pues queria que terminaran juntos,creo que la forma en como concluyen su relacion fue la mejor.
Me encantaria tener un Tiny Cooper como amigo en mi vida.
Aunque algunas canciones no me gustaron mucho del musical,creo que el problema en este caso fue que al momento de trasladarlas del ingles al español no rimaran como deberian.
Sin duda la evolucion que se muestra de Tiny desde que nace hasta el final del musical fue muy buena,y hace que termines muy orgulloso de el por todo lo que ha pasado.
Mi mayor problema con este libro fue que no recordaba practicamente nada de la historia original,pero creo que eso no importa demasiado pues despues de todo la estrella de este libro es Tiny Cooper, espero no ser el unico que se confundio cuando Phil Grayson era mencionado en un principio,hasta que mire lo del cambio de nombres que menciona Tiny en las primeras paginas;y
la historia con su ultimo ex,me hizo sentir mal pues queria que terminaran juntos,creo que la forma en como concluyen su relacion fue la mejor.
Me encantaria tener un Tiny Cooper como amigo en mi vida.
Aunque algunas canciones no me gustaron mucho del musical,creo que el problema en este caso fue que al momento de trasladarlas del ingles al español no rimaran como deberian.
Sin duda la evolucion que se muestra de Tiny desde que nace hasta el final del musical fue muy buena,y hace que termines muy orgulloso de el por todo lo que ha pasado.
January 4, 2015
Fuck, yeah, Tiny Cooper! Everyone's favorite character from 'Will Grayson, Will Grayson' finally gets his solo in the spotlight and it is magnificent. I want Hold Me Closer, the musical, to become a staple in the high school musical theatre repertoire, because as much as I loved reading it, I am absolutely gasping to see it performed live. Make this happen now, high school theatre directors!
March 17, 2015
This is truly everything you could have ever hoped for. A wonderfully extravagant and emotional musical experience.
With Tiny's emphatic lyrics and thoughtful asides, David Levithan makes Tiny Cooper even bigger and brighter than life.
Full review on TheYoungFolks.com: http://wp.me/p5gXzl-dmX
With Tiny's emphatic lyrics and thoughtful asides, David Levithan makes Tiny Cooper even bigger and brighter than life.
Full review on TheYoungFolks.com: http://wp.me/p5gXzl-dmX
August 3, 2015
Een leuk script over het toneelstuk van Tiny Cooper uit Will Grayson, Will Grayson, maar ik ben er niet dol op geworden. Lees hier mijn recensie:
http://nerdygeekyfanboy.com/recensie/...
http://nerdygeekyfanboy.com/recensie/...
December 13, 2015
this feels like reading the literature textbook back in high school. (thats the only coherent thing u can get outta me now lol) i read this in an hour anyway, fyi.
August 9, 2016
Nasıl anlatacağımı bilemediğim çok farklı bir şeydi. Kafamda bir yerlere oturtmak için Will Grayson, Will Grayson'ı okumalıyım, hadi bakalım.
January 1, 2016
Vamos começar este breve comentário deixando claro, eu NÃO gosto de musical. Não tenho paciência nenhuma para este gênero, e posso contar nos dedos da mão direita quais são os únicos que se salvam. Não entendo a cantoria, sempre fico enfadado quando uma cena é interrompida para dar a vez a um número musical, e se a história INTEIRA for cantada... Não vou aguentar nem os primeiros quinze minutos (cofcof Caminhos da Floresta cofcof). Para mim, história é história, show é show. Um pensamento quadrado, eu sei, mas muito maior do que eu.
Dito isto, acho que dá para entender um pouco melhor como eu estava um tanto quanto receoso a ler este "companion book" de Will Grayson Will Grayson, de John Green e David Levithan. Sim, "Will & Will" se tornou um dos meu Bookcrushes de 2014, tudo bem que Tiny Cooper é a grande estrela do original, e tudo bem que entre o Verde e o Levithan, eu sou TeamDavid sem pensar duas vezes... Mas, um livro musical? Minha mente gritava "fuja para as colinas!". Mas eu não fugi. Eu precisava ver com os meus próprios olhos o resultado final desta empreitada. E o mais hilário disto tudo, é que - depois que li - não imagino a história de Tiny sendo contada de outra forma além de um Musical.
Teoricamente, este é o roteiro da peça homônima (que aparece no outro livro) mas em momento nenhum o livro é uma releitura de "Will & Will" sob o ponto de vista de Tiny. Aqui, os dois Wills [ou Will e Phill] são meros coadjuvantes para as estripulias espalhafatosas do protagonista de ossos largos. Nós conhecemos a vida dele desde que nasceu (literalmente) até o momento em que conhece o segundo Will Grayson de sua vida - tudo com muita música repleta de duplos sentidos, coreografias e troca de cenários. A primeira vista, a leitura do roteiro pode parecer meio bizarra... Mas funciona completamente. Pois ao mesmo tempo em que temos o texto da produção, também temos várias anotações do próprio Tiny - dando dicas de como montarmos a peça e, lógico, apresentando seu ponto de vista sobre o que acontece nas cenas.
Com sua escrita esperta, as milhares de referências à cultura pop, e a incrível capacidade de escrever como um estivador - e mesmo assim não parecer grosseiro ou agressivo nem por um minuto - David Levithan conseguiu mais uma vez. Assim como ele me convenceu a me apaixonar por um garoto egoísta, narcisista e cujo maior sonho era criar uma produção sobre A PRÓPRIA vida, o autor me convenceu a gostar de um Musical! Eu realmente não sei como ele consegue fazer isto, mas ele faz. É incrível ver como cada livro dele é completamente diferente do anterior, e como cada um é escrito de uma maneira única. Desta vez, podemos ter a oportunidade de conhecer mais sobre Tiny - e o personagem me revelou facetas e inseguranças e medos que eu realmente não imaginava (e que também não esperava que este livro pudesse nos trazer).
Assim como a maioria dos livros do Levithan, devorei ''Me Abrace Mais Forte'' em uma sentada. E foi uma ótima forma de encontrar este personagem tão carismático e terminar o meu ano de leituras de 2015. XD
Dito isto, acho que dá para entender um pouco melhor como eu estava um tanto quanto receoso a ler este "companion book" de Will Grayson Will Grayson, de John Green e David Levithan. Sim, "Will & Will" se tornou um dos meu Bookcrushes de 2014, tudo bem que Tiny Cooper é a grande estrela do original, e tudo bem que entre o Verde e o Levithan, eu sou TeamDavid sem pensar duas vezes... Mas, um livro musical? Minha mente gritava "fuja para as colinas!". Mas eu não fugi. Eu precisava ver com os meus próprios olhos o resultado final desta empreitada. E o mais hilário disto tudo, é que - depois que li - não imagino a história de Tiny sendo contada de outra forma além de um Musical.
Teoricamente, este é o roteiro da peça homônima (que aparece no outro livro) mas em momento nenhum o livro é uma releitura de "Will & Will" sob o ponto de vista de Tiny. Aqui, os dois Wills [ou Will e Phill] são meros coadjuvantes para as estripulias espalhafatosas do protagonista de ossos largos. Nós conhecemos a vida dele desde que nasceu (literalmente) até o momento em que conhece o segundo Will Grayson de sua vida - tudo com muita música repleta de duplos sentidos, coreografias e troca de cenários. A primeira vista, a leitura do roteiro pode parecer meio bizarra... Mas funciona completamente. Pois ao mesmo tempo em que temos o texto da produção, também temos várias anotações do próprio Tiny - dando dicas de como montarmos a peça e, lógico, apresentando seu ponto de vista sobre o que acontece nas cenas.
Com sua escrita esperta, as milhares de referências à cultura pop, e a incrível capacidade de escrever como um estivador - e mesmo assim não parecer grosseiro ou agressivo nem por um minuto - David Levithan conseguiu mais uma vez. Assim como ele me convenceu a me apaixonar por um garoto egoísta, narcisista e cujo maior sonho era criar uma produção sobre A PRÓPRIA vida, o autor me convenceu a gostar de um Musical! Eu realmente não sei como ele consegue fazer isto, mas ele faz. É incrível ver como cada livro dele é completamente diferente do anterior, e como cada um é escrito de uma maneira única. Desta vez, podemos ter a oportunidade de conhecer mais sobre Tiny - e o personagem me revelou facetas e inseguranças e medos que eu realmente não imaginava (e que também não esperava que este livro pudesse nos trazer).
Assim como a maioria dos livros do Levithan, devorei ''Me Abrace Mais Forte'' em uma sentada. E foi uma ótima forma de encontrar este personagem tão carismático e terminar o meu ano de leituras de 2015. XD
July 14, 2015
You can also read this review on my blog here
In short: Hold Me Closer: The Tiny Cooper Story by David Levithan is a brilliant musical script that would be highly entertaining as a musical theatre performance.
If you've read Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan then odds are, you fell in love with Tiny Cooper. The not-so-tiny Tiny Cooper is the link between the two Will Graysons of the novel and acts as a bit of a life coach for the two Wills as they struggle to find their truths and gain the confidence in their selves that Tiny already has in leaps and bounds. Unlike most LGBT teen characters, Tiny already knows who he is and is happy and proud to be big and gay. Hold Me Closer is Tiny's life story in musical form.
I'm kind of in awe that the musical that we only saw glimpses of in Will Grayson, Will Grayson has been completely fleshed out here in Hold Me Closer in multiple acts and scenes, and full musical numbers and soliloquies by David Levithan. I mean, of course I knew he was a very talented and prolific novelist who writes great characters and very quotable prose, but who knew that he had the ability to write a consummate musical production, complete with music index and stage directions in his wheelhouse? I should have known better because David Levithan has yet to disappoint me.
Impressive as this complete musical theatre script is, musicals are meant to be seen as a performance, not read without any melody. Perhaps someone with more musical talent than I could fill in the gaps and add tunes to the lyrics of the songs, but I was left simply to read it. I have no doubt however, that Hold Me Closer would make for a brilliant audiobook or a highly entertaining musical theatre performance! Hold Me Closer: The Tiny Cooper Story is not only amusing, but I think also very inspiring. I recommend it, but I also highly recommend reading Will Grayson, Will Grayson first!
In short: Hold Me Closer: The Tiny Cooper Story by David Levithan is a brilliant musical script that would be highly entertaining as a musical theatre performance.
If you've read Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan then odds are, you fell in love with Tiny Cooper. The not-so-tiny Tiny Cooper is the link between the two Will Graysons of the novel and acts as a bit of a life coach for the two Wills as they struggle to find their truths and gain the confidence in their selves that Tiny already has in leaps and bounds. Unlike most LGBT teen characters, Tiny already knows who he is and is happy and proud to be big and gay. Hold Me Closer is Tiny's life story in musical form.
I'm kind of in awe that the musical that we only saw glimpses of in Will Grayson, Will Grayson has been completely fleshed out here in Hold Me Closer in multiple acts and scenes, and full musical numbers and soliloquies by David Levithan. I mean, of course I knew he was a very talented and prolific novelist who writes great characters and very quotable prose, but who knew that he had the ability to write a consummate musical production, complete with music index and stage directions in his wheelhouse? I should have known better because David Levithan has yet to disappoint me.
Impressive as this complete musical theatre script is, musicals are meant to be seen as a performance, not read without any melody. Perhaps someone with more musical talent than I could fill in the gaps and add tunes to the lyrics of the songs, but I was left simply to read it. I have no doubt however, that Hold Me Closer would make for a brilliant audiobook or a highly entertaining musical theatre performance! Hold Me Closer: The Tiny Cooper Story is not only amusing, but I think also very inspiring. I recommend it, but I also highly recommend reading Will Grayson, Will Grayson first!
July 11, 2016
Jeg elskede "Will Grayson, Will Grayson", og da jeg hørte at der kom en companion-novel til den bog, så var jeg jo solgt. Denne bog er Tiny Coopers historie, der er fortalt som en musical, som vi egentlig får en lille forsmag på i slutningen af den første bog. Selvom Tiny Cooper ikke ligefrem var min yndlingskarakter, så var jeg alligevel for nysgerrig til ikke at læse bogen. Derudover var jeg forundret over at David Levithan skulle skrive denne bog, da Tiny Cooper, så vidt jeg ved, er John Greens karakter fra den første bog.
Det var en anderledes måde at læse en ungdomsbog på, altså ved at læse den i musical-form med replikker, sange og sceneforklaringer. Men det var et herligt gensyn med karaktererne fra "Will Grayson, Will Grayson", og jeg fik kuldegysninger, når de velkendte passager blev repræsenteret i bogen. Det jeg vil holde fast i ved denne bog, er budskabet. Det er okay at være homoseksuel, og det er okay at være stor - at være anderledes. Man skal være tro mod sig selv, og så er det ligegyldigt, hvad alle andre tænker. Tiny Cooper er et godt eksempel på dette, også selvom han er højrøstet og måske ikke tænker sig om før han taler - så står han ved, hvem han er.
"TINY: It's always easy to blame other people for holding you back. But sometimes, the only person holding you back is ... well ... you." - citat side 46.
Jeg var vild med, hvordan David Levithan formår at gøre homoseksualitet til en så normal ting, som om der ikke ville være nogen grund for nogen til at stille spørgsmål. Man er født sådan, og det er ikke noget man bare kan ændre fordi samfundet måske ikke synes om det. Bogen gav et ekstra indblik i Tiny Coopers liv, som man ikke rigtig fik i den første bog, og det er det, som den skal læses for.
Det var en anderledes måde at læse en ungdomsbog på, altså ved at læse den i musical-form med replikker, sange og sceneforklaringer. Men det var et herligt gensyn med karaktererne fra "Will Grayson, Will Grayson", og jeg fik kuldegysninger, når de velkendte passager blev repræsenteret i bogen. Det jeg vil holde fast i ved denne bog, er budskabet. Det er okay at være homoseksuel, og det er okay at være stor - at være anderledes. Man skal være tro mod sig selv, og så er det ligegyldigt, hvad alle andre tænker. Tiny Cooper er et godt eksempel på dette, også selvom han er højrøstet og måske ikke tænker sig om før han taler - så står han ved, hvem han er.
"TINY: It's always easy to blame other people for holding you back. But sometimes, the only person holding you back is ... well ... you." - citat side 46.
Jeg var vild med, hvordan David Levithan formår at gøre homoseksualitet til en så normal ting, som om der ikke ville være nogen grund for nogen til at stille spørgsmål. Man er født sådan, og det er ikke noget man bare kan ændre fordi samfundet måske ikke synes om det. Bogen gav et ekstra indblik i Tiny Coopers liv, som man ikke rigtig fik i den første bog, og det er det, som den skal læses for.
April 14, 2015
http://www.divabooknerd.com/2015/04/h...
Utterly fabulous, this gorgeous storyline is told in the form of a Broadway musical script, with none other than Tiny Cooper as the star. His larger than life sense of fun jumps off the page and leaves the reader feeling joyful and entertained. I loved the format, something I haven't seen in young adult before.
The thing about a spotlight is that you have to step into it. You have to get onto that stage. I haven't been ready for a lot of things, but from early on, I was ready for this.
Intelligent and creative, it tells Tiny's story in both song and the narrative, in what could only be described as fun, flirtatious and flamboyant. But beneath the musical, it also depicts the story of a boy who hopelessly wants to fall in love and feel his own self worth. Battling bullies who are threatened by his differences and learning to love who he is, the gentle giant with a heart to match.
It was glorious and so incredibly joyful. A feel good book for not only fans of Will Grayson, Will Grayson and Tiny himself, but those looking for a celebration of acceptance.
I have to believe we have enough songs in our hearts for endless musicals, about an endless number of things. And it's fun, every now and then, to let them out into the world.
Utterly fabulous, this gorgeous storyline is told in the form of a Broadway musical script, with none other than Tiny Cooper as the star. His larger than life sense of fun jumps off the page and leaves the reader feeling joyful and entertained. I loved the format, something I haven't seen in young adult before.
The thing about a spotlight is that you have to step into it. You have to get onto that stage. I haven't been ready for a lot of things, but from early on, I was ready for this.
Intelligent and creative, it tells Tiny's story in both song and the narrative, in what could only be described as fun, flirtatious and flamboyant. But beneath the musical, it also depicts the story of a boy who hopelessly wants to fall in love and feel his own self worth. Battling bullies who are threatened by his differences and learning to love who he is, the gentle giant with a heart to match.
It was glorious and so incredibly joyful. A feel good book for not only fans of Will Grayson, Will Grayson and Tiny himself, but those looking for a celebration of acceptance.
I have to believe we have enough songs in our hearts for endless musicals, about an endless number of things. And it's fun, every now and then, to let them out into the world.
February 21, 2015
Tiny, the huge, gay, football player from WILL GRAYSON, WILL GRAYSON, is back. He has rewritten his life as a musical comedy. And it's a hit.
Tiny's voice is here...clever, knowing...creative. The musical comedy allusions had me in stitches.
Hold me closer tells Tiny's story, from his birth and his parents' complete acceptance and devotion, to his struggle for friends, and his search for the one.
The whole story is told through musical numbers...with choreography by Tiny. Words by Tiny, music by Tiny.
We see his parade of exes, and we see the relationship with Will...and how hard these all are on Will. The advice and insights of the Ghost of Oscar Wilde set Tiny on the right course...and I love Oscar even more for this.
Levithan can make me laugh and cry on the same page. His poetry (and that's what his songs here are...poetry) is crisp and pointed.
I love Levithan...I love Tiny. I love this book.
Tiny's voice is here...clever, knowing...creative. The musical comedy allusions had me in stitches.
Hold me closer tells Tiny's story, from his birth and his parents' complete acceptance and devotion, to his struggle for friends, and his search for the one.
The whole story is told through musical numbers...with choreography by Tiny. Words by Tiny, music by Tiny.
We see his parade of exes, and we see the relationship with Will...and how hard these all are on Will. The advice and insights of the Ghost of Oscar Wilde set Tiny on the right course...and I love Oscar even more for this.
Levithan can make me laugh and cry on the same page. His poetry (and that's what his songs here are...poetry) is crisp and pointed.
I love Levithan...I love Tiny. I love this book.
Read
December 3, 2015Graded By: Poshdeluxe
Cover Story: Fabulous
BFF Charm: Extra Sparkly Platinum
Swoonworthy Scale: 3
Talky Talk: The Script
Bonus Factors: LGBTQ, Musical
Relationship Status: Season Ticket Holder
Read the full book report here.
Cover Story: Fabulous
BFF Charm: Extra Sparkly Platinum
Swoonworthy Scale: 3
Talky Talk: The Script
Bonus Factors: LGBTQ, Musical
Relationship Status: Season Ticket Holder
Read the full book report here.
December 27, 2014
I want to SEE and HEAR this now! Fabulous.
July 4, 2015
I loved this book. It was original, funny, and it made me laugh and smile a lot. I love Tiny Cooper so much and I will always love all of the characters in these amazing books. :) <3
April 21, 2017
This was shorter than I'd hoped (because Tiny Cooper was my favourite character in Will Grayson Will Grayson) but it was EXCELLENT. Basically, it's the screenplay of the Tiny Cooper Story that Tiny wrote in Will Grayson Will Grayson. It's fabulous.
June 14, 2016
"It might feel like the end of the world--
but it's the beginning of your art."
Actual rating: 4.5 stars.
As I was opening presents this morning, and found this lovely musical/book I vowed to not read it until I was done with Steelheart.
Whoops. I failed.
This book was the perfect book to read on Christmas. It was short, deep (for a book covered in glitter and written as a musical,) laugh out loud funny at times, and filled to the brim with references to plenty of musicals and other things of theater geeky glory. Which means that I absolutely loved it.
I already knew most of Tiny's story from reading Will Grayson, Will Grayson, but I loved learning the things I didn't. Such as the story behind almost all of his 18 ex-boyfriends. (Personal favorite was Brad. Any man who's a fan of Darren Criss and Teenage Dream is a friend of mine.)
I've been reading a lot of David Levithan lately, and I haven't regretted a single read. He's definitely destined to stay at the top of my favorite authors list if he keeps producing beauties such as this. His prose is just so perfect, and despite the array of voices he's used in the books of his I've read so far, it manages to adapt to the characters individuality while maintaining his personal artistic and elegant style.
This book is perfect for fans of theater and musicals, unique novel formats, even more unique narrators, and of course, fans of Tiny Cooper (the big, gay football player who wrote the musical.)
but it's the beginning of your art."
Actual rating: 4.5 stars.
As I was opening presents this morning, and found this lovely musical/book I vowed to not read it until I was done with Steelheart.
Whoops. I failed.
This book was the perfect book to read on Christmas. It was short, deep (for a book covered in glitter and written as a musical,) laugh out loud funny at times, and filled to the brim with references to plenty of musicals and other things of theater geeky glory. Which means that I absolutely loved it.
I already knew most of Tiny's story from reading Will Grayson, Will Grayson, but I loved learning the things I didn't. Such as the story behind almost all of his 18 ex-boyfriends. (Personal favorite was Brad. Any man who's a fan of Darren Criss and Teenage Dream is a friend of mine.)
I've been reading a lot of David Levithan lately, and I haven't regretted a single read. He's definitely destined to stay at the top of my favorite authors list if he keeps producing beauties such as this. His prose is just so perfect, and despite the array of voices he's used in the books of his I've read so far, it manages to adapt to the characters individuality while maintaining his personal artistic and elegant style.
This book is perfect for fans of theater and musicals, unique novel formats, even more unique narrators, and of course, fans of Tiny Cooper (the big, gay football player who wrote the musical.)
December 4, 2016
I absolutely loved Tiny Cooper when I read Will Grayson, Will Grayson, so I was so excited for this novelization of Tiny's musical to come out.
I wasn't disappointed. I read this book in about 2 hours – because it is a play, the reading goes very quickly – but I was laughing *out loud* pretty much the entire time. Tiny is larger than life and hilarious, and this play shows the events from Will Grayson, Will Grayson from his POV, which was intersting. It is also a musical, and a super fun one at that.
I didn't really have any complaints about this book, other than that I wish it were longer! It is definitely a companion novel and not a standalone, which is why it is four stars instead of five. For what it is though– a companion to a standalone novel– it was superb. Lots of fun, lots of laughs. Well done, Tiny Cooper and David Levithan.
I wasn't disappointed. I read this book in about 2 hours – because it is a play, the reading goes very quickly – but I was laughing *out loud* pretty much the entire time. Tiny is larger than life and hilarious, and this play shows the events from Will Grayson, Will Grayson from his POV, which was intersting. It is also a musical, and a super fun one at that.
I didn't really have any complaints about this book, other than that I wish it were longer! It is definitely a companion novel and not a standalone, which is why it is four stars instead of five. For what it is though– a companion to a standalone novel– it was superb. Lots of fun, lots of laughs. Well done, Tiny Cooper and David Levithan.
March 11, 2015
A script for a musical, a narrative of "coming out" and growing comfortable with who you are,this is a book I couldn't put out down as I experienced Tony's growing up, being gay, singing and dancing through heartbreak and joy. The stage directions and references to movies,plays, etc. add to the full experience of this book so you are agreeing with the dramatist/producer/director as you are agreeing with Tiny who won't settle for second best in love or anything else. I loved all the characters, especially the ex -boyfriends who find each other and the dad who participates in the mother daughter fashion show. Funny, Sad, true to life and brilliant.
April 28, 2015
Simply amazing, as are all of David's books. A quick read, but extremely insightful, funny and all-around awesome. I also believe that, aside from his loudness and flamboyancy, Tiny and I are pretty much the same person, lol- there were so many times throughout the book when I was nodding my head in agreement and feeling the same way he feels with some of the boys he's dating. Anyway, such a good book and now I feel like I must re-read Will Grayson, Will Grayson again to get more of Tiny and to see the same story again from the two Wills' perspectives.
May 23, 2016
I might enjoy this musical live in person, but as a reading experience it wasn’t totally satisfying. I loved Tiny in Will Grayson, Will Grayson and I was so looking forward to more of him, but I didn’t feel the same kind of emotional connection from this and we really don’t learn much new. I enjoyed some of the clever lyrics and Tiny’s stage directions, but I would’ve rather read a real novel.
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