The Improbable Theory of Ana and Zak by Brian Katcher

The finely drawn characters capture readers’ attention in this debut.Īutumn and Phineas, nicknamed Finny, were born a week apart their mothers are still best friends. The con provides fertile ground for humor, including but not limited to a “mixed” marriage ceremony of a Star Wars and a Star Trek enthusiast.įans of Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist will find con-tentment here. While Clayton constantly eludes them, Zak and Ana do find a connection through mutual loss, courage to stand up for themselves, and first love. Their alternating viewpoints narrate how they dodge and outwit parents, felons, and outlandish con characters.

After Ana’s younger brother and fellow quiz-bowl teammate, Clayton, sneaks out to attend Washingcon, Zak and Ana begin a humorously whirlwind night searching for him. Hyperfocused Ana, who must be perfect to show her parents she’s not like her older sister, who dropped out of high school to have a baby, has her doubts about Zak. Who really fails health? So he begrudgingly chooses the latter, even though it conflicts with his con. But when his health teacher (and quiz-bowl sponsor) notices that he plagiarized his health paper, she offers him two options: fail health and not graduate or serve as an alternate on the quiz-bowl team for their big tournament.

Still adjusting to a new stepdad, slacker Zak has anxiously been awaiting Washingcon, a science-fiction, fantasy, and comic-book convention in Seattle. Two teens discover that their improbable chemistry is just what it takes for a probable relationship.

The Improbable Theory of Ana and Zak by Brian Katcher