The author gives the title character every advantage: we learn he's got a cool name and the coolest team nickname, he's the smartest boy in school, he's an incredibly talented artist, he's the handsomest boy on campus (according to the two hottest girls, who are both after …more him in their own way), he's a star player on the rugby team But throughout, Winger keeps telling us he's a loser. There's no proof of that whatsoever, nor of a deep friendship he supposedly wrecks with a former roommate. He keeps whining about being younger than others in his class, but it apparently makes no real difference to them. And despite having two hot girlfriends, he is extremely sexist and misogynistic - not a single female character avoids being ranked for "hotness." Also, Winger mentions his genitals on NEARLY EVERY PAGE. I kid you not. In the end, he sails right through the story (which has no real shape but just goes on and on) without learning any lessons or earning any prize that wasn't ready to be handed to him at the very beginning. Throughout, he's lucky to be backed up by at least one truly loyal, fearless, wise friend, whom he lets down in the most tragic way possible in the end - though Winger doesn't acknowledge that guilt at all - the author just quits. Cleverly written, but lame. (less)