The Beta Boys

by Arin Mikailian

Roman Vallancourt hates people, but loves his computers. It's 2002 and he wants to be the next Bill Gates. The only thing standing in his way is the eleventh grade. With a constant itch to prove his skills, Roman hatches a plan to hack into his school's computer system.

He recruits the only humans he tolerates, his friends Tadeh Tovmasian, an obsessive overachiever, and Alex Ter Alaverdian, a food-loving video game nerd, to help with some real-world steps that klutzy Roman would certainly trip over.

Despite their closeness, the fear of getting caught, pressure to excel, and girl crushes end up being the toughest final exam for their friendship.

Inspired by true events, THE BETA BOYS is told through the perspectives of the three friends.

414 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 27, 2023

Reviews

[Shaunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooked from page one. Follows the misadventures of a group of high school friends, and their heist-of-sorts. I was impressed by the literary prose as well, reminiscent of the writing styles of Franzen or DeLillo. Recommended for any tech nerd, or thirty-something year old nostalgic for a bygone era.

[Clint Hannah-Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly I thought this was an absolute blast. It perfectly captured adolescence in the early 2000s, and the awkwardness of the age. It might not be for everyone, but I had a great time reading it.