cover image Life After Genius

Life After Genius

M. Ann Jacoby, . . Grand Central, $24.99 (387pp) ISBN 978-0-446-19971-1

A boy genius has a rough go of it in college in Jacoby’s uneven debut. While Theodore Mead Fegley’s domineering mother looked over his shoulder and his father ran a funeral home and furniture store, Mead’s early years were defined by bullies and comparisons to his popular, athletic cousin Percy. At 15, Mead is accepted to the prestigious Chicago University and put on the accelerated track to graduate in three years. With the help of the eccentric Dr. Alexander, Mead is determined to solve the Riemann Hypothesis, a conundrum that has plagued mathematicians for over a century. But Mead’s life is soon thrown into disarray by Herman Weinstein, a cunning frenemy and fellow math student, and, as graduation—where Mead is supposed to give a much anticipated presentation—nears, Mead grows increasingly insecure. The tropes are familiar—troubled genius, overbearing mother, kooky mentor—and Jacoby, sadly, doesn’t do much to tweak the formula. It’s a pleasant enough diversion, but there’s nothing especially exciting or original going on. (Oct.)