The Interestings, by Meg Wolitzer

What happens when a bunch of smart, talented kids grow up and realize they’re not all super stars? That’s the overall story of Meg Wolitzer’s fantastic 2013 novel, The Interestings. The book follows the kids throughout their lives, starting with them all attending a smart-kid summer camp. 

I don’t want to spoil any of the outcomes, but not everything goes according to plan. This isn’t a tragic book, though there are sad parts. It’s not a comedy, though there are some moments of levity. It’s just a good example of the mythic Great American Novel.

If you ever were in the gifted program in elementary school and now wonder “What happened to my life?!,” this book may speak to you. Note: I was not in the gifted program in any school because I didn’t need extra tests to tell me I’m fantastic. Also, I was bad at math…and English…and putting the straw in my Capri Sun.

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