Books like How I Paid for College by Marc Acito

In 1983 Wallingford, New Jersey, Edward Zanni—a theatrical, sex‑confused teenager—faces a sudden financial crisis when his father’s remarriage prevents him from receiving the aid he needs to study acting at Juilliard. Unable to secure scholarships or contact his mother, who is in Peru, Edward turns to his loyal but morally ambiguous friends for help. Together they devise elaborate schemes—disguised as clergy, engaging in embezzlement, forgery, and other mischief—to obtain the tuition money. Their criminal capers are set against the backdrop of Edward’s preparations for a high school performance of *Grease*, and his personal growth through friendship and hard work. The novel blends humorous elements with a first‑person voice, offering a far‑cical yet heartfelt coming‑of‑age story about boyhood aspirations and the complexities of family and financial struggle.

First publish date: 2004