TL;DR
John Green's 'An Abundance of Katherines' is a comic novel about a young prodigy, Colin Singleton, who embarks on a road trip to find himself after being dumped by nineteen girls named Katherine.
What is An Abundance of Katherines about
John Green's 'An Abundance of Katherines' follows the story of Colin Singleton, an anagram-loving child prodigy who has dated nineteen girls named Katherine, only to be dumped every time. Feeling like a washed-up genius, Colin embarks on a road trip with his best friend, Hassan, to find meaning in his life and develop The Theorem of Underlying Katherine Predictability, which he believes will predict the outcome of any relationship. Set against the backdrop of love, friendship, and self-discovery, the novel is a layered comedic tale of reinventing oneself.
An Abundance of Katherines 5 Key Takeaways
Nineteen Katherines
Colin Singleton has dated and been dumped by nineteen girls named Katherine, leading him to question his self-worth and future prospects as a genius.
Road Trip
After his latest breakup, Colin and his best friend, Hassan, embark on a spontaneous road trip to escape their troubles and discover new perspectives.
The Theorem
Colin develops The Theorem of Underlying Katherine Predictability in an attempt to mathematically predict the outcome of any romantic relationship and avenge 'Dumpees' everywhere.
Gutshot, Tennessee
The journey leads Colin and Hassan to Gutshot, Tennessee, where they meet Lindsay Lee Wells and get entangled in the lives and mysteries of the town's residents.
Self-Discovery
Through his interactions with new friends and the experiences gained during the trip, Colin begins to understand the importance of living in the moment and embracing unpredictability in life and love.
Top An Abundance of Katherines Quotes
- 'What is the point of being alive if you don't at least try to do something remarkable?'
- 'You don't remember what happened. What you remember becomes what happened.'
Who should read An Abundance of Katherines?
The book is ideal for young adults and teens aged 16 and up who enjoy coming-of-age stories with a mix of humor, intellectual musings, and a focus on self-discovery and relationships.
An Abundance of Katherines Best Reviews
- USA Today praised the book for its 'ingenious layering of self-discovery and humor,' noting that it resonates with readers through its relatable characters and clever narrative style.
- The New York Times highlighted John Green's talent for blending 'intellectual humor with heartfelt emotion,' making the novel a compelling read for teens and young adults.
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An Abundance of Katherines FAQs
What is the book An Abundance of Katherines about?
The book follows Colin Singleton, a child prodigy who embarks on a road trip to find himself after being dumped by nineteen girls named Katherine. It explores themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery.
Why was An Abundance of Katherines banned?
The book faced challenges due to its inclusion of sexual references, leading some school districts to reconsider its inclusion in educational programs.
What age is An Abundance of Katherines appropriate for?
The book is recommended for readers aged 16 and up due to its exploration of mature themes, including relationships and sexual references.