Paying for college unorthodox, but uplifting

"How I Paid for College" is a witty coming-of-age novel by Marc Acito, a Portland humor columnist considered the "gay Dave Barry" by some of today's writers. \nAcito's novel is set in 1983 in a small New Jersey town and revolves around Edward Zanni, a high school senior and star of the drama club. Acito tells Edward's story as he deals with relationships, rehearsals, bisexuality and getting into The Juilliard School. He spends the summer before his senior year enjoying a lighthearted, Peter Pan attitude -- choreographing and performing in musicals by day and rearranging lawn ornaments with his friends under the cover of darkness. \nEdward's carefree summer comes to a depressing end when he learns his father and wicked stepmother refuse to pay for his upcoming tuition bill at Juilliard. His parents say they will only pay for school if Edward majors in business, and he would rather die than become a suit. Edward doesn't qualify for scholarships because his father is a rich business tycoon. His hippie mother is channeling Incan spirits in Peru, so he turns to his friends for help. \nPaula, Edward's best friend, is preparing to leave for Juilliard in the fall. The goal of Paula's drama-driven life is to lose her virginity before her raging hormones kill her. Edward's girlfriend Kelly -- whom he may or may not be in love with -- was a cheerleader before succumbing to the appeal of theatre. Doug is a former football player whom Edward convinced to try out for the role of Danny in "Grease." Doug fell in love with theatre, and Edward fell in love with Doug. Nate, the least popular kid in school, proves helpful with his gift for scheming felonies. This group of misfits dresses as nuns and priests as they raise money for Edward's college fund through embezzlement, identity theft and money laundering. \nTold in first person, Acito's writing draws the reader in on a personal level. He points out many of the absurd truths in teenage life with a great mix of humor and sensitivity. Although the premise of the group's fraudulent activity is a bit ridiculous, Acito deals with real life challenges through Edward's longing for family connection and his quest to discover his sexuality.\nThe characters are bold and full of quirks; from Paula's tragically overdramatic view of life to the stepmother's hilarious Austrian accent. The author takes the story through many interesting episodes, including awkward family dinners, a hilarious karaoke scene in a Manhattan gay bar and even the classic high school party where the entire senior class shows up at Edward's house.\nAcito's smart, witty style can be appealing to a wide variety of readers. \n"How I Paid for College" is a great summer read -- uplifting and entertaining.