It is 1985 and Brian Jackson, a working-class kid on full scholarship, has started his first semester at a university. In addition to his anxiety about his humble origins and whether or not he’ll fit in, Brian harbors a dark secret: a burning, long-held, lovingly kindled ambition … He wants to appear on the wildly popular TV quiz show University Challenge. When he finally makes the team and his dream comes true, life seems perfect, especially given his infatuation for a fellow teammate—the beautiful, brainy, and intimidatingly WASPy Alice Harbinson. But just when Brian thinks he has all the answers, he discovers that the question of attraction is the most mind-boggling of all …
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“In his first novel, which has all the hallmarks of a
classic coming-of-age story, Nicholls creates one droll, perfect set
piece after another. From Brian’s James Brown-like dance moves to his
excruciating encounter with Alice’s naked parents, this is sublime and
brilliant comedy.”
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Booklist (starred review)