"People who let themselves learn new things are the best kind of people." And my favorite kind of people to read about. Frank Li, first generation Korean American and nerdy AP senior in a Southern California high school, certainly qualifies. True to form and expectations, he's learning at an AP rate — about calculus, himself, his family, the SATs, his friends, racism, identity, dating, tribalism, society, forgiveness, communication, love, life, the universe, and everything (Hitchhiker's reference intentional). The lessons aren't without missteps and sacrifices, but Frank's overall sincerity and integrity as a friend, son, and human being ground the story, making it a pleasure to read. Which isn't something I often say about a book that makes me cry even a little. But it made me smile more.

A note about the writing and characters: I've seen some criticism about the writing and the too-mature-for-teens characters, but neither bothered me. I think the writing is good, with quirky but well-drawn characters driving the story and unexpected but well-placed details and gestures bringing it to life. Frank tells the story in first-person present tense, which I often find exhausting for high school tales of self-discovery, but his voice works for me — even when he's doing a weird faux British aristo dialect with his best friend / top chap, Q. (See previous re: quirky characters.) Yes, this group is more self-analytical, more comfortable expressing feelings, and perhaps more articulate than the average 18-year-old (and I do wonder where Frank learned his emotional intelligence), but they aren't adults in kid's bodies. They're observant, analytical, relatively sensitive, soon-to-be college students.

Content note: fake relationship trope, racism, cancer, off-screen gun violence, family estrangement, drunkenness, cheating, death, strong language, underage drinking, consensual sex (off-screen/non-explicit)