Sometimes I read too many reviews before I dive in. I picked
up Loner by Teddy Wayne completely by chance. It was a one dayer and my head is
still spinning. David Federman is an awkward freshman at Harvard. Hailing from
nowhereville New Jersey, an average looking guy from an average (actually above
average but not in his eyes) family. David who was mostly a loner in highschool
shocks his entire grade by getting into the most prestigious college. He wants
to reinvent himself and LIVE a true young person’s life. He wants to experience
things and ditch his virgin status. Starting out with the best of intentions he
makes a strong effort in class, easily melds into the nerdy clan of the dining
hall and meets Veronica Morgan Wells. She is just as her name sounds and looks
like she jumped off the pages of Town & Country. From an elite NYC high school
and of course - very beautiful. David begins a mission to befriend her, gain her
trust and dreamily imagines them becoming a couple. Veronica barely
acknowledges his existence until she needs him. Filled with surprising twists
and turns and an original narration as David is telling Veronica the story. I
was sucked into this novel with surprising speed. Suspenseful enough that it
was unpredictable and twisted enough that the reader cannot easily decide whether
to love or hate the characters. This incredibly original twist on a coming of
age story debates the merit of higher education, whether you can honestly
remake yourself and the most pressing ethical dilemma: can ones seemingly
innocent manipulation destroy someone’s life. Highly recommend!
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