The Gospel According to Larry (2001) by Janet Tashjian follows 17-year-old Josh Swensen, a prodigy who creates an online alter-ego named Larry to promote anti-materialism and challenge the celebrity culture. As Larry, Josh gains a massive following, but struggles with the consequences of his online persona, especially when his identity is revealed. Despite his efforts to make a positive impact, the media frenzy surrounding Larry undermines his message. In a desperate bid to escape the pressure and reclaim his life, Josh fakes his own death, only to find that his attempt to opt out of fame leaves him unable to return to normalcy. The novel explores themes of activism, capitalism, and the complexities of fame and public persuasion.
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