“BSE stands for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy. Should I tell our studio audience morea bout it, Jim? Sure, let’s tell ‘em what I’ve won. Well, folks, it’s a fatal virus that eats holes in your brain, turning it into a sponge. The tying-shoes brain cell? Sorry, this item permanently out of stock. We regret to tell you that your gross motor skills and neurological functioning will no longer be in your control. Here’s your econo diaper pack. Watch out for those hallucinations, and have a nice day.” (p. 85)
Bray, Libba. Going bovine. New York: Delacorte Press. 2009.
Genre: Fantasy
Review:
Cameron is a sixteen-year-old slacker. The most exciting thing that’s ever happened to him was when he was five and almost died at Disney World. Until now. He’s started seeing fire people and a pink-haired angel. Then he’s diagnosed with mad cow disease and told by the same angel that he needs to go on a quest to find his cure. Not only that, but he needs to take Gonzo (a dwarf who’s also a hypochondriac) with him. Along the way they meet Balder (a Viking god who is currently stuck in the form of a yard gnome) and together they go on an unbelievable and entertaining roadtrip to find the mysterious Dr. X.
Surprisingly different from her Gemma Doyle Trilogy, Bray’s Going Bovine is hilarious (Even the Acknowledgements were funny!). Though the writing style differs from her Trilogy, they are both equally well written and while the other appeals to female readers this book has many aspects that will appeal to male readers (and female too). Readers will enjoy the humor, interactions, and cast of characters, as well as the plot. Aspects of mythology, science fiction, and fantasy are expertly woven into an interesting, funny, and thought-provoking story.