Book Review: The Improbable Theory of Ana and Zak, by Brian Katcher

The Improbable Theory of Ana and Zak is cute. I know that's a cliche, but this book is the epitome of cute.

Ana and Zak get thrown together at a Sci-Fi convention frantically searching for Ana's brother, and getting into some trouble themselves. I won't go into all of the details, except to say this convention is Zak's life, and Ana is the captain of the debate team who only cares about things she can put on her college application.

The Improbable Theory of Ana and Zak is also silly. The situations Ana and Zak get into are not very likely. I'm not saying this isn't an entertaining book, because it totally is. But I'm just giving you a heads up about what you are getting into.

The Improbable Theory of Ana and Zak has been compared to Nick and Norah and Statistical Probability and I think that's fair -- except I found both of those books more romantic and less silly. There are not many swooney moments, and the romance doesn't really happen until the very end.

The side characters are all pretty superficial. Ana's family is definitely strict -- both parents so controlling that it is unhealthy, which is an interesting side story that isn't fully explored. Zak's issue is his stepfather, and that one has more of a satisfying resolution.

The book is engaging and quick. It made me laugh (and roll my eyes.) This isn't a book that will stick with me for long, but I would definitely recommend The Improbable Theory of Ana and Zak to teens who enjoy these cute stories about unlikely romances.

Published by Katherine Tegen, May 19, 2015
eARC obtained from Edelweiss
336 pages

Rating: 3/5

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