Special Topics in Calamity Physics

This book is rife with too many literary and pop culture references, a lead that is too self aware, and a supporting cast of adolescents and adults who cannot get their life together. At times it's almost a chore to read and other times I believe I'm reading some of the greatest prose ever written. What this novel has going for it, and what ultimately garnered it 4 stars was a payoff that you never saw coming and the ability to tie up loose ends with a fancy now. Even the questions you're left wondering about (provided so cleverly by the author) are gratifying enough that the answers don't even matter. Overall, a great read if you can survive the name dropping of every author known to man.