The Improbable Theory of Ana and Zak

Perfect for fans of Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist and The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, The Improbable Theory of Ana and Zak is Stonewall Award–winning author Brian Katcher's hilarious he said/she said romance about two teens discovering themselves on an out-of-this-world accidental first date at a sci-fi convention.

When Ana Watson's brother ditches a high school trip to run wild at Washingcon, type-A Ana knows that she must find him or risk her last shot at freedom from her extra-controlling parents.

In her desperation, she's forced to enlist the last person she'd ever want to spend time with—slacker Zak Duquette—to help find her brother before morning comes.

But over the course of the night, while being chased by hordes of costumed Vikings and zombies, Ana and Zak begin to open up to each other. Soon, what starts as the most insane nerdfighter manhunt transforms into so much more. . . .

• Opposites Attract: She’s a type-A overachiever who needs to find her runaway brother. He’s the slacker geek who’s her only hope.
• Dual POV Romance: Told in hilarious, alternating chapters, this he said/she said story shows both sides of their accidental first date.
• Enemies to Lovers: They can barely stand each other, but a frantic manhunt involving costumed Vikings and zombies at a sci-fi convention might just change everything.
• Geek Culture Setting: Journey into the heart of Washingcon, a world of cosplay, epic quests, and unexpected connections, perfect for fans of nerd culture.

“There is something very sweet and nerdy about the entire premise of the story, where the upside-down rules of cosplay and gaming conventions like Washingcon allow the outsiders to be heroes.” - Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)

“A nerd-friendly adventure story with a gooey, sweet romance center.” - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“A zany romantic comedy for pop culture geeks and ‘Con’ enthusiasts.” - School Library Journal

“With perfect comic timing and outrageous twists, The Improbable Theory of Ana and Zak will have you cheering for the underdog.” - Robin Constantine, author of The Promise of Amazing

“Fans of Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist will find con-tentment here.” - Kirkus

“A love letter to fanboys and fangirls everywhere. On the surface, the story is a lighthearted and entertaining romance, but serious undertones explore the fractured side of parent-child relationships and misfit characters desperate to find a tribe. A delightful romp for anyone still figuring out where they belong.” - Publishers Weekly

“Peppering his novel with references to delight die-hard SF fans and pop-culture aficionados alike, Katcher (Almost Perfect) pens a love letter to fanboys and fangirls everywhere. On the surface, the story is a lighthearted and entertaining romance, but serious undertones explore the fractured side of parent-child relationships and misfit characters desperate to find a tribe. A delightful romp for anyone still figuring out where they belong.” - Publishers Weekly

“This well-paced novel is an excellent combination of self-discovery and adventure. Give this to fans of Eleanor and Park or Nick and Norah.” - Booklist