Scott Ferdowski has trouble sticking with his passions. He’s smart, but lacks commitment, despite the variety of activities his high-achieving parents sign him up for. So when they leave town at the start of his summer vacation, Scott spontaneously decides to ditch his internship and become a bit more “gritty.” As his summer progresses, Scott meets a crossword-obsessed college student, a brilliant professor, and a cast of other characters. Through it all, he explores his newfound freedom, ultimately gaining perspective about his own life.
Scott’s first-person perspective offers a humorous retelling of his struggles and successes, keeping the story interesting from beginning to end. The plot is a bit repetitive at some points, but his fresh insights on friendship, learning, and independence make this a fun read.