Jesse Andrews

Jesse Andrews is an American novelist and screenwriter best known for his young adult fiction and screenwriting work. His most notable works include the novel "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl" and its film adaptation, as well as co-writing the screenplay for Pixar's animated feature "Luca." Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1982, Andrews graduated from Schenley High School and Harvard University. His background in jazz music during his high school years would later influence some of his creative work, particularly his second novel "The Haters." His debut novel "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl" (2012) won the Cybils Award for Young Adult Fiction and was adapted into a critically acclaimed film that won both the Audience Award and Grand Jury Prize at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival. The film's success established Andrews as both a novelist and screenwriter. Andrews has continued to work in both literature and film, writing "The Haters" (2016) and adapting David Levithan's "Every Day" for the screen. His work with Pixar on "Luca" further solidified his position in the entertainment industry. He currently resides in Berkeley, California.

Readers appreciate Andrews' authentic teenage voices and dark humor, particularly in "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl." Many reviews highlight his ability to write realistic, awkward teenagers without romanticizing their experiences. Readers connect with his raw, conversational writing style and the way he handles serious topics with levity. Comments often mention laughing out loud while reading. Common criticisms include repetitive jokes, overuse of self-deprecating humor, and dialogue that can feel forced or trying too hard to be clever. Some readers find his protagonists unlikeable or immature. Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: - Me and Earl and the Dying Girl: 3.59/5 (144,000+ ratings) - The Haters: 3.37/5 (3,800+ ratings) - Munmun: 3.51/5 (1,100+ ratings) Amazon: - Me and Earl and the Dying Girl: 4.4/5 - The Haters: 4.1/5 - Munmun: 4.3/5 Many reviewers compare Andrews to John Green, though some note his style is less polished but more realistic.

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2012) A high school senior's life changes when his mother forces him to spend time with a classmate diagnosed with leukemia, while he and his best friend continue making low-budget film parodies.

The Haters (2016) Three young musicians escape from summer jazz camp to embark on a DIY tour, pursuing their dream of becoming a successful band while navigating friendships and self-discovery.

Munmun (2018) In a society where physical size is directly proportional to wealth, a teenage boy and his sister struggle to literally grow bigger by increasing their "munmun" bank accounts.

John Green writes coming-of-age stories that blend humor with serious themes and mortality. His characters navigate high school relationships while dealing with life-changing events, similar to Andrews' approach in Me and Earl and the Dying Girl.

Rainbow Rowell creates narratives about misfits and unlikely friendships in both young adult and adult fiction. Her work features creative protagonists who use art or media as a way to process their experiences, comparable to Earl's filmmaking in Andrews' work.

David Levithan explores teenage relationships through unconventional narratives and perspectives. His focus on authentic teen voices and complex emotional situations mirrors Andrews' storytelling style.

Francisco X. Stork writes about characters dealing with identity and personal challenges while maintaining a balance of humor and gravity. His work addresses serious topics through the lens of teenage experience, similar to Andrews' narrative approach.

A.S. King crafts stories that mix reality with elements of the unexpected while maintaining focus on authentic teenage voices. Her characters deal with complex family dynamics and self-discovery in ways that echo Andrews' character development.