I think there's a huge crossover between readers and crossword lovers, and so to that segment of the reading population, this book is like catnip. I like that it feels like it skews to a somewhat older YA audience, too.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via Net Galley.

Young Adult. This book was a DNF for me. I got about half way in but found it so implausible that I couldn't continue. Scott is a junior in high school, but his parents have left the country for the summer and he's supposed to be working at an internship. He quits within days of starting and heads to Washington DC where he is befriended by a female college student and hijinks ensue. It was all such a stretch that I called it quits. Not recommended

I loved this book. It's pretty far fetched, but it's a funny, spunky story, and I think teens will enjoy it. It has a little Basil E. Frankweiler to it that is very appealing. And my husband is a crossword-nerd, so I have a soft spot for the topic.

This was so-so for me. The characters were well developed, the plot well paced, and the main character's struggles were relatable. It's funny, and smart, but there was just something missing for me. The diversity, realistic plot (and ending!) combined with the powerful friendship make this worth a peek.

This was such a nice surprise of a book. Especially for this cruciverbalist! AND, I love that there is no real romance...the story is plenty without that element taking away from it or complicating things. The crosswords as synonyms for life though....mind-bogglingly accurate! I loved this book!!! ☺♥

This is a pretty solid little book for a debut. The plot isn't as consistent as I would have liked and it didn't seem to have much of a story arc, but the characters were pleasant enough. The teen prankster cruciverbalist may be the most MPDG of all the Manic Pixies, which grated on me. Weird hobby, odd name, mental illness, unusual looks, devil may care attitude, and she even gets a pixie haircut for God's sake. She literally checks every box. I also feel like all the boys in this novel needed a healthy dose of self-respect. I think his exploration within Scott's character was very good, as was the part about pursuing grit. Otherwise this one is pretty meh.

DOWN AND ACROSS by Arvin Ahmadi will be appearing on our shelves soon. No doubt there will be student readers who relate to 16 year-old Scott Ferdowsi, the main character who cannot seem to hold a thought for much more than a paragraph. At first, that trait was endearing, but it became old quickly.

The son of Iranian immigrants who are travelling back to see relatives, Scott (Saaket) takes off to visit a professor at Georgetown to learn about grit, meets a young woman named Fiora and … well, has some misadventures. Although underage drinking, drug use and depression all are mentioned in this debut novel, I would say that this rather immature character will likely find more fans among relatively younger readers.

DOWN AND ACROSS had starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and School Library Journal (specifying grades 8 and up).

I had a hard time finding a connection with this book. I am well acquainted with children's books and young adult books, but this one just didn't do it for me. I found myself rushing to finish.

A smart, well-written story that compels the reader to keep going until they're done.

2.5 stars. This book just wasn't for me, but I know a lot of people will enjoy it!

Down and Across is a sweet coming of age story set in DC. It has unique features such as a focus in grit where Scott does profiles on people he finds gritty as he is in search of grit. Anyone looking for something fresh in YA contemporary fiction will want to check Down and Across out.

Arvin Ahmadi's 'Down And Across' brought to mind the early books that made John Green famous; the road trip, weird but brilliant female character, the male main character dealing with some sort of internal turmoil...it's all here in Ahmadi's debut. But this time we get to see it all from an Iranian American 16-year-old. Basically, this might not be anything entirely new, or innovative, or shocking, but it is an entry into the lexicon of diverse YA that many will appreciate, and see themselves in.

DOWN AND ACROSS is a very charming, funny, and relatable debut about a kid figuring out his place in the world. The cast of supporting characters are fun, although Fiora is a textbook Manic Pixie Dream Girl. But if you like that kind of thing, you'll love her. :-)