Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle

Hands down, my favorite new book of 2013 is the laugh-out-loud funny Better Nate Than Ever, by Tim Federle. 

Nate Foster is 13-years-old and pretty miserable.  While his brother the jock gets nothing but accolades, all Nate gets is picked on.  He's short, a little overweight, and his love of Broadway musicals puts his "cool" factor in a deep, deep deficit.

Fortunately, he has a kindred soul in his best friend Libby.  Together they act out their favorite shows and dream of getting out of dull, grey Jankburg, PA to the exciting world of Broadway.  When Libby gets word there's an open-call audition for the upcoming "E.T. The Musical," together they concoct a plan for Nate to run-away to New York and audition for the role of Elliot.  After all, Nate's a "boy soprano with a ballsy chest voice" - perfect!


Once in Manhattan, Nate discovers a world he never dreamed existed: a place where there are entire stores that sell just cupcakes, and where grown men can enjoy musicals without anyone wanting to stuff their heads in the toilet.  Nate knows he's found a place that calls to him, but can he survive the audition process to get his shot at life in the city?

Nate's adventures in navigating the city are hilarious.  Not only will you laugh at his escapades, you'll be cheering for him the whole time, too!


(P.S. I loved Better Nate Than Ever so much I wrote to the author to tell him so.  He wrote back, and now we're friends!  Have you ever been so moved by a book that you wrote to the author?  What would you like to say to the person who wrote a book that you love?)