Special Topics in Calamity Physics
by Marisha Pessl
Special Topics in Calamity Physics by Marisha Pessl holds a well received rating of 3.70 out of 5, based on 29.4K reader ratings. First published in 2006. The book spans 514 pages.
About Special Topics in Calamity Physics
Special Topics in Calamity Physics is a darkly hilarious coming-of-age novel and a richly plotted suspense tale told through the distinctive voice of its heroine, Blue van Meer. After a childhood moving from one academic outpost to another with her father (a man prone to aphorisms and meteoric affairs), Blue is clever, deadpan, and possessed of a vast lexicon of literary, political, philosophical, and scientific knowledge—and is quite the cineaste to boot. In her final year of high school at the elite (and unusual) St. Gallway School in Stockton, North Carolina, Blue falls in with a charismatic group of friends and their captivating teacher, Hannah Schneider. But when the drowning of one of Hannah's friends and the shocking death of Hannah herself lead to a confluence of mysteries, Blue is left to make sense of it all with only her gimlet-eyed instincts and cultural references to guide—or misguide—her.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | Marisha Pessl |
| Published | 2006 |
| Pages | 514 |
| Genres | Fiction, Mystery & Thriller, Fiction, Young Adult |
| Average Rating | 3.70 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 29,369 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is Special Topics in Calamity Physics?
Special Topics in Calamity Physics is categorized as Fiction, Mystery & Thriller, Fiction, Young Adult. Its primary genre classification is Mystery & Thriller.
Is Special Topics in Calamity Physics worth reading?
Based on 29.4K reader ratings, Special Topics in Calamity Physics has an average score of 3.70 out of 5.00, which is considered "Well Received."
How many pages is Special Topics in Calamity Physics?
Special Topics in Calamity Physics has 514 pages. It is a longer read suited for dedicated readers.
Who wrote Special Topics in Calamity Physics?
Special Topics in Calamity Physics was written by Marisha Pessl. It was first published in 2006.
What is the ISBN for Special Topics in Calamity Physics?
The ISBN-13 for Special Topics in Calamity Physics is 9780670037770.0.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026
