In the spirit of A Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, a hilarious dystopian novel about a world ruled by fast food companies, where book clubs lead the revolution comes … A Highly Unlikely Scenario.
In the not-too-distant future, competing giant fast food factions rule the world. Leonard works for Neetsa Pizza, the Pythagorean pizza chain, in a lonely but highly surveilled home office, answering calls on his complaints hotline. It’s a boring job, but he likes it-there’s a set answer for every scenario, and he never has to leave the house. Except then he starts getting calls from Marco, who claims to be a thirteenth-century explorer just returned from Cathay. And what do you say to a caller like that? Plus, Neetsa Pizza doesn’t like it when you go off script.
I might get to it later, I have to run back up—in case you needed something now…
Meanwhile, Leonard’s sister keeps disappearing on secret missions with her “book club,” leaving him to take care of his nephew, which means Leonard has to go outside. And outside is where the trouble starts…
What librarians are saying about this fun debut novel:
“I devoured A Highly Unlikely Scenario and have recommended it numerous times. A fantastic read.”
—Kayla Birt, Research and Instructional Services Librarian, Dickinson University
“I liked the creativity, sense of humor, and Leonard’s journey of discovery.
“A Highly Unlikely Scenario added up to an engaging, surprisingly thoughtful read.”
—Marcus Lowry, Teen Librarian at Ramsey County Library in Roseville, Minnesota
“Definitely a fun read. I will be giving this to my Douglas Adams and Kurt Vonnegut fans. I love it when a book makes me laugh out loud.”
—Nicole Schulert from Whittier Public Library
“This one is sort of impossible to describe – think of Pratchett crossed with Douglas Adams and you might get an idea. Leonard works for Neetsa Pizza, a Pythagorean pizza chain, in the near-ish future. His job is to take calls, listen to complaints and help his customers achieve maximum pizza happiness. His employee manual gives him an answer for every scenario. Until he gets a call from Marco, who seems to be calling from another time or space. Now Leonard has a much bigger job. He has to save the world. This was a wild and fun read.”
—Jane Jorgenson from Madison Public Library
** If you’re attending ALA Midwinter in January Rachel Cantor will be on the AAP Debut Author’s Panel. Mark your calendars for Saturday, January 25 from 3-4:00pm in Room 108B Pennsylvania Convention Center.
Follow the Author @rachelcantor.
I should add that the protagonist falls in love with a fierce warrior-librarian! Look forward to seeing some of you in Philly–come say hi!
That is a very cool, very important fact to add! Rachel, we’re excited you’ll being joining us in Philly for ALA!