The Improbable Theory of Ana and Zak by Brian Katcher
Reviewed by: Carey Gibbons, Reference Assistant
Genre: YA, Realistic Fiction
Suggested Age: Teens, Adults
What is the book about?: Ana is an overachiever. She’s at the top of her class, she’s captain of the Quiz Bowl team, she doesn’t date, and she certainly doesn’t have time for games or comic books. She’s headed off to college in the fall and she has her whole life ahead of her for continued greatness and perfection – or does she? Zak is a slacker. He’s a gamer and a comics nerd. He lives for conventions, specifically WashingCon. Zak is content to continue his aimless gamer guy lifestyle – or is he? When Ana’s younger brother escapes a Quiz Bowl trip to attend WashingCon, Ana’s best bet for help is Zak. Hi-jinx ensue as Ana and Zak chase Clayton from one end of the convention hall to the other, dodging drunk Vikings, angry Tributes, and Strawberry Shortcake(?!). And if they don’t find Clayton by morning, neither one of them will have the life they’ve so carefully or carelessly planned out.
My Review: I’m a fan of Brian Katcher’s work and his latest does not disappoint. Ana and Zak especially appealed to me since I’m a con goer myself. Katcher does a great job of depicting the con experience, from cos-play to fan girls and boys to super intense (and maybe a little smelly) gamers. It is easy to see that Katcher writes the con experience from a place of love. Both Ana and Zak are relatable and likable characters. While neither of them are out to save the world, their own problems mean a lot to them and the people they care for. Quite frankly, I find that refreshing. I’m a total sucker for YA dystopias but Ana and Zak reminds us that being a teen is difficult enough without having to lead a worldwide rebellion or save all of civilization. It’s also a heck of a lot of fun. This is a great book for both its intended audience and the fully grown adult nerd. Check this book out, and then go back and read Katcher’s other books too – they’re all pretty great!
P.S. How cute is that cover?!
Rating: 4/5
About FDL Reads
Welcome to FDL Reads, weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library. Librarians (and possibly some other guest reviewers) review all types of books, from children’s picture books, young adult favorites, to the latest adult thriller, and share their thoughts each week at fondulaclibrary.org. If the book is owned by Fondulac District Library (or another local library), you’ll see a direct link to the catalog entry and whether or not it is available. If it is checked out or at another local library, you will be able to place a hold as long as you have your library card and PIN numbers. As with any book review, these are our opinions…we disagree amongst ourselves about books frequently. We all have different likes and dislikes, which is what makes the world an interesting place. Please enjoy, and keep on reading!