RATING
5/5 stars. An amazing book - highly recommend.
CONTENT WARNINGS
Hate crimes against an Iranian character, homophobia
SUMMARY
Scott Ferdowsi has a track record of quitting. Writing the Great American Novel? Three chapters. His summer internship? One week. His best friends know exactly what they want to do with the rest of their lives, but Scott can hardly commit to a breakfast cereal, let alone a passion.
With college applications looming, Scott's parents pressure him to get serious and settle on a career path like engineering or medicine. Desperate for help, he sneaks off to Washington, DC, to seek guidance from a famous professor who specializes in grit, the psychology of success.
He never expects an adventure to unfold out of what was supposed to be a one-day visit. But that's what Scott gets when he meets Fiora Buchanan, a ballsy college student whose life ambition is to write crossword puzzles. When the bicycle she lends him gets Scott into a high-speed chase, he knows he's in for the ride of his life. Soon, Scott finds himself sneaking into bars, attempting to pick up girls at the National Zoo, and even giving the crossword thing a try--all while opening his eyes to fundamental truths about who he is and who he wants to be.
With college applications looming, Scott's parents pressure him to get serious and settle on a career path like engineering or medicine. Desperate for help, he sneaks off to Washington, DC, to seek guidance from a famous professor who specializes in grit, the psychology of success.
He never expects an adventure to unfold out of what was supposed to be a one-day visit. But that's what Scott gets when he meets Fiora Buchanan, a ballsy college student whose life ambition is to write crossword puzzles. When the bicycle she lends him gets Scott into a high-speed chase, he knows he's in for the ride of his life. Soon, Scott finds himself sneaking into bars, attempting to pick up girls at the National Zoo, and even giving the crossword thing a try--all while opening his eyes to fundamental truths about who he is and who he wants to be.
REVIEW
This is honestly one of the best books I've ever read. Scott was an awesome character to read about, his struggles and his escapes were intense and action packed. His reluctance to learn about his own culture is relatable, and his slightly sarcastic mindset was humorous. I also loved Fiora's confidence, and her own struggles to hide herself, trying hard to not be seen as weak. Trent, though he was usually high, was an enjoyable character, and some of the smaller details about him, how he paid Scott from his own pocket, showed how much he takes things thrown against him, and uses the experiences to make sure that no one else ever feels that way.
I liked how Fiora wasn't just Scott's love interest, and how they never ended up anything more than friends. I haven't been able to find many books lately that don't have the "guy gets the girl and they lived happily ever after" trope, which was refreshing.
Jeanette's character really showed how subtle discrimination can be sometimes - it's not always getting beat up (which also happens in the book), it could be simply a quote from her, "I'm sorry for [Trent]." Many people don't notice that saying small things can have a major impact on the characters, and her way of treating Scott like he was some kind of summer boy toy just because she didn't think his Iran background would work with her Christian one.
Fiora's desperation of hiding worked well with her crosswords, and her finally getting one published was awesome to read. Scott's family's final acceptance of their son not growing up sheltered was good. I do wish Trent had more closure.
I highly recommend this book! It'll make you laugh and cry (but mostly laugh), and it's an enjoyable read.
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