 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Going Bovine
- By Libba Bray
- Genre: Fantasy
Common Sense Media says
Edgy, quirky road trip fantasy skewers reality TV and more.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know this wacky novel features a teenager's death, a punk angel, and plenty of edgy behavior by teens (condom-free sex, drinking, pot-smoking, and running away). Lots of salty language, too.
What's the story?
When Cameron, a high-school slacker, finds out he has fatal mad cow disease, he sets out on an epic quest to find a cure and maybe save the world, too. Accompanied by his friends -- Gonzo, a dwarf, and Balder, a Viking god disguised as a long-suffering yard gnome (don't ask) -- Cameron faces an increasingly bizarre series of misadventures involving a punk angel, New Orleans jazz musicians, and snow globes in this very postmodern retelling of Don Quixote.
Is it any good?
Fans of Bray's Gemma Doyle triology (A Great and Terrible Beauty) will recognize the alternative-world fantasy elements in GOING BOVINE, but any resemblance ends there. Though the middle section stretches too long as Cameron moves from one absurd situation to the next, readers will stick with Bovine for its male bonding and humorous send-ups of fast-food restaurants, self-esteem, and reality shows. The over-the-top elements ultimately serve a quieter purpose, asking teens to ponder what it means to really live an engaged life.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the CESSNAB, the cult-like youth compound with the motto, "Don't hurt your happiness." Would you want to live in a place like that? Was it a utopia or dystopia?
Would you want to participate in a "realitymercial" where you could order custom-made lives? What is the author trying to say about "reality" TV?
Why do you think the author chose to make a yard gnome a key character in the novel?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
A philosophical but funny and heart wrenching novel
This book is easy to read and is humorous at most times, despite the overall theme being sad. The characters are very diverse, and feature both realistic and fantastical qualities. This book adds in tidbits about Norse mythology, which was a fun added bonus. It mixes the genres of fantasy and coming-of-age in a unique way. There is mention of sex and drugs, but the sex is not very detailed or described, and the drug references are mainly marijuana. I enjoyed this book, because it made me feel all sorts of emotions, and rarely did I find a stale moment. It's perfect for teenagers, because even though the role model is not perfect, he's real. So many kids are like Cameron, and maybe reading a book with such a similar character who has some great philosophical realizations, will help some teens. I read it this year at the age of 19, and it changed the way I see the media, friendship, music, and life. It's a book that's just too many things to sum up in a small review, so I recommend it to anyone 14 and up.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Quirky Young Adult Novel
Going Bovine is an extremely great book. It's very funny, and perfect for teenagers (or children who read at a very advanced level.) The concept is interesting, and if you ask me, the imagery was very good. It's kind of long, but I personally like long books, and even if you or your teen doesn't, it's well worth it.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Great book
this is a great book! It's hilarious, and very realistic. it's great for kids 12+. you aren't doing your kids any favors by sheltering them from stuff like this just because of some language and vague references to sex. they hear worse things at school or even on TV. This book is about what real teenagers do, and it's not going to cause your children to get into drugs or anything like that, so don't worry. Fantastic book.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Read Bray's Victorian-based novels instead
I picked this up because I'd read other books by the author that were okay, so I decided to try this one. I don't think I allowed myself to get past page 20 or so. I could not sympathize with the main character and I recall one moment where he was trying to impress his sister's friend that was kind of inappropriate. Then, at school, he and his friends regularly escape to the bathroom to smoke and curse (included the F-word). I think I stopped at the chapter title "I have a discussion with my a--hole father" because I wasn't going to put up with it.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Only Appropriate for Yound Adults
Now this is a book for the older teens or young adults. DEFINITELY a no for tweens.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
pretty disappointing.
not a good book. one graphic sex chapter between cameron and stacey. detailed sexual phrases like, "I venture out a little more and find the buckle on her bra," and, "we shed clothes like we're setting a land speed record." also a lot of drinking underage, and bad words spattered through out the book.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Teen book
Good book problem is swearing eg a-- f--k "bone" and other profanities
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Amazing.
GOING BOVINE is, simply put, frickin' awesome. There's some sex, swearing and a violent scene, if that's the kind of thing that gives you pause.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Simply Wonderful!
This is possibly one of the most original books I've ever read. It's about a teenage boy named Cam who discovers that he has mad cow disease. He meets a dwarf named Gonzo and a punk rock angel named Dulcie. Cam and Gonzo escape from the hospital they're being treated at and go on a mystical road trip, where they battle evil with a magic jazz musician, encounter a happiness cult, and much more. Also, they have to hunt down a scientist who they believe can cure Cam. This is a very unique and entertaining book, and a great read for teens who don't normally enjoy fantasy.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Eh.
The first half of this book is magnificent. It's funny, intriguing, witty, and entirely entertaining. Halfway through however you begin to realize that the story line is annoyingly repetitive and it's about 100 or so pages too long to keep interest. The ending was entirely bizarre and I felt like I had wasted a lot of my time reading the book. I was disappointed because I love Libba Bray and the beginning had so much potential. Overall, not a book I would recommend.
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Author: | Libba Bray |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Fantasy |
| Publisher: | Delacorte Press |
| Publication date: | September 22, 2009 |
| Number of pages: | 496 |
| Hardcover price: | $17.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 14 - 17 |
| Read aloud: | 14 |
| Read alone: | 14 |
Review It
Register now to save reviews and advice articles to your personal lists!
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already read it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
