Play Book Tag discussion

Giving this an in-the-middle three stars. Reading this in "preparation" for seeing the show this Saturday. I've listened to the music many many many times, and read about the plot of the show (maybe watched some bootlegged videos)- but hey, why not try a YA book version to get in the mood. This is based of the Broadway show Dear Evan Hanson. Sometimes shows are just meant for one format- and I think this didn't quite translate over to a YA book form as well as it should have.

Maybe because I was reading into the book- finding lyrics, seeing how they changed lyrics that rhyme into regular prose. It took away from the reading entertainment side. Also, Evan seemed way more unlikable in this- we know he makes some questionable decision making, and none of it is malicious or ill-intended, but the book seems to paint him in a worse light- without the understanding of Evan's mental health and taking his past, family, external factors into account. All his life is presented as facts, but he comes across as unsympathetic and the story never quite clicks together as it should.

Anyway, I still enjoyed it, and it made me even more excited to see the show this weekend!

I so want to watch the show though . I started reading the book and I was confused as to whether it will spool the feeling of the play.. I'm in love with the songs already like I've listened to the music a million times..Would you recommend I read the book before I go.... If I ever see the play in my life is? Lol

Tanya wrote: "I so want to watch the show though . I started reading the book and I was confused as to whether it will spool the feeling of the play.. I'm in love with the songs already like I've listened to the..."

Honestly, I'd probably just skip the book and see the show. The show had such better developed characters, so much more nuance, everything. If you don't think you'll ever see the show, the book is a nice quick fix for that- but really nothing compares to the live show!