Television writer Greenberger debuts with the humorous account of a Columbia student who spends the 1960 fall semester in Germany, where his neighbors are the Beatles. Arrogant poet Alan Levy was dumped by his girlfriend before he left New York, and in Hamburg he’s immediately obsessed with the boyish but comely photographer Astrid Kirchherr, who helps him find an off-campus apartment. The room comes with a catch; on the other side of his thin wall resides a group of “loud, detestable vulgarians,” as Alan later says of the Beatles. Plus it turns out Astrid is dating original bassist Stuart Sutcliffe. Having difficulty adjusting to his German school, Alan spends more time with the band: insulting John, cheeky Paul, wisecracking George, quiet Stuart, and drummer Pete Best, whom Alan convinces to spy on Astrid and Stuart. The tenuous plot revolves around Alan’s encounters and his gradual acceptance of both the sexual liberation of the city and the dour but confident Beatles. He inadvertently helps John write the lyrics to “In My Life,” and meets Ringo and the Rory Storm band. As a coming-of-age story, it’s fairly typical apart from the Beatles gimmick, but Alan’s indomitable optimism and humorous observations are infectious. Greenberger’s lighthearted style makes this work. (Self-published)