How I Paid for College: A Novel of Sex, Theft, Friendship, and Musical Theater

Excellent

Be prepared to laugh non-stop. This book is absolutely hysterical (and absolutely fabulous). If you're into musical theatre and debauchery, this book is definitely for you. An added bonus is that it takes place in New Jersey in the 1980s, which adds to the hilarity of the plot. Marc Acito is extremely creative and witty, and most importantly, sure to please.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Good.

Pretty good, really quirky. Some parts were so funny, and the 80's ness was awesome. I wasn't big on how big of ho's they all were, and certain things were a bit hard to follow. The relationships and friendships were interesting though, and so was the supporting characters who you just want to know more about.

Comical fun for everyone!

Marc Acito's comical, and easy to understand, writing style made this book fun and easy to read. He kept it on topic, and I was always eager to see what was next. I actually had to read this book for my high school senior english class. I'm not much of a reader, so i wasn't exactly looking forward to it. Luckily, Acito had an fun writing style that made it fun for people like me. The drama between Edward and his friends was awesome. Typical high school drama. This is one reason why I found this easy to read and connect to. There aren't many books that I can actually read, and not have to constantly put down, because of how boring they are. This was completely different. Edward being a bisexual drama student made a great character with a lot of personality. During numerous parts throughout the story, I actually found myself literally laughing out loud during class. Acito really did a great job of getting you to feel bad for Edward. Overall, I thought this was a great book with many laughs. People of all ages can read this without any problem. Many would even find connecting to the story very easy, because of all the high school drama. The only part I would consider changing is the ending. We were lead up to a big climax, and in the end, how Edward pays for college seems too simple and too easy. It seemeds a bit too dull, compared to the rest of the thrilling story. After finishing, I felt as if I were in Edward's shoes. I just wanted to sreeam,"AHH!"
Great recommendation for ANYONE looking to get a fun read!!!!!!

wunderbar!

this was one of the most thorougly enjoyable books i've read in a while. it was extremely clever. i laughed out loud very often. the characters are fantastic. such an original story.

I can totally relate!

This was a great book and I felt like I was part of the close friendship that Edward, Ziba, Kelly, Natie, and Doug had. Believe it or not I had this book lying around my house for like 2 years and just never had any urge to read it. But for some reason I picked it up the other day and could not put it down. I recommend it to anyone... bisexual, gay, straight, theater loving, or into anything. It was so funny and had a great portrayal of the 80's.

It was good

How I Paid for College is a really good book. Parts of the book are ackward because of morals I hold and some of the actions that Edward engages in during the book. If you dislike gay people and everthing about them this book is not for you. Overall its a good book that is worth reading.

Amazing!

Marc Acito is absolutly amazing. I honestly couldn't put the book down and read it over the course of one afternoon. The characters are fantastic, and I must admit, I wish my high school experiences would of been like this. Truly a great read!

Loved it!!

I loved this book, it felt like I was actually watching an 80's movie (a good one, mind you!) I'd love to read a sequel to this book, or any other novel by Marc Acito.

Marc Acito Rocks!

If you're looking for a great read, look no further! I was hysterically laughing at this group of teenagers who go through a not so typical summer...from the NJ suburbs to bars in NYC, from Buddha statues to the theatre. It reminded me so much of my own high school days that I was toughed by the ending and literally cried. Now in paperback, this book is cheap! :) Marc Acito's writing is awesome and I can't wait for his next book!!!

Beyond Fabulous

One of the best novels I have read in sometime, I couldn't get enough of it. I was sad when I finished because I felt as if the characters had grown to be close friends. A definite read for anyone just looking for a good laugh and a chance to get a way.

You'll wish you went to High School with these people.

I read an advance copy of this book, and couldn't get enough of it! Performers who read fiction on the performing arts are often disappointed by the lack of authentic detail and overall implausibility of the story line and characterization. This little gem manages to involve you in a compelling story, introduce you to sincerely likeable characters, present an ambience of cheesy 80's nostalgia, and give you a true taste of the musical theater experience - while making you laugh until cappuccino spurts out your nostrils. Don't miss it!

Deeply moving AND laugh-out-loud funny¿a compulsively good read!

Like Marc Acito, I grew up in the suburbs in the 1980s. While I retain many memories of that time, I never thought I could actually go back and inhabit my younger life ¿ until I read How I Paid for College (I was lucky enough to get an advance copy). Acito gets every detail, every mood right and the result is a book I read in just two sittings (I wish I could have done it in one!). His characters are particularly well done ¿ I feel like Edward is an old best friend. Even if the 80s weren¿t ¿your¿ era, you¿ll love this book for Acito¿s perfect sense of comic timing, ranging from dark to slapstick, and his light yet fearless touch with life¿s heartbreaking moments. This book is an absolute must!

PRE PRINTING REVUE BY BOOK REVIEWER

THIS BOOK PRACTICALLY MADE ME INCONTINENT. I LAUGHED SO HARD I HAD TO CHANGE MY UNDERWEAR TOO MANY TIMES. THIS WRITER IS A GEM, A ONE IN A LIFETIME TALENT, WITH A GIFT FOR COMEDY THAT IS UNIQUE BEYOND BELIEF. THERE IS AN OLD JOKE IN SHOW BUSINESS ABOUT TIMING, THIS WRITER COULD HAVE WRITTEN A NEW BOOK ON HOW TO TIME COMEDY WRITING SO THAT THE READER CAN NOT HELP BUT BURST OUT IN FITS OF LAUGHTER. I ENJOYED THIS BOOK, BY THIS NEW WRITER, AS MUCH AS I HAVE EVER ENJOYED ANY BOOK IN MY LIFE AND I HAVE READ COPIOUSLY. QUICK MR. ACITO WRITE MORE AND OFTEN.

Lisa Sloan, Quality Book Lover, May 5, 2004

What a treat it was to read an advance copy of this novel! Whether you were part of the 'theatre crowd' in high school or just wondered what in the world they were up to, 'How I Paid for College' has elements all of us can identify with. It is laugh-out-loud funny, and each chapter leaves the reader wondering what these kids are going to think of next. Their antics are creative, to say the least, yet it all seems perfectly plausable. This is a great read and will make a wonderful gift for anyone who has the spirit of fun and friendship alive within them. It is certain to become a best-seller.

Hilarious!

There are very few books in life that make you laugh out loud, and I predict this will be one. Because I work for a newspaper I got an advance copy and read it in one night. It's the kind of book you don't want to put it down -- it's so funny, and the characters' problems are so pressing and poignant, you are driven to find out what creative and hilarious means they use to solve them. They never disappoint. I especially laughed over the teenagers' acts of 'creative delinquency,' which I interpreted as desperate ways to somehow control an environment in which the all-powerful adults utterly ignore them, squelch them, or condemn them. The way the young people wrest power from the not-so-observant adults is both poignant and very funny. Another important aspect of this book: what happens when parents try to 'find themselves,' and the kids are left behind. Coping with wicked stepparents or parents who've disappeared in search of themselves is not typically comic material, but here it's handled with insight as well as wit. If you've ever been a disaffected youth (and who hasn't?), a sensitive misunderstood jock, a high school Theater Person, the brilliant geek, or anyone who dreamed big and had parents determined to keep you small, you'll find something familiar and amusing in this book. Oh yeah -- and there's lots of sex.

Don't miss this book

I was fortunate enough to read an advanced copy of this 'sure to become a classic' tale of growing up in the 'burbs. The story, the characters and the entire premise takes the reader back to their carefree youth through a hysterical, easy-read. You'll find yourself laughing out loud and wanting more.

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