I found that the prose itself was decent but not memorable. I kept reading for the plot since there were some twists that I didn't expect and was impressed with. However, I did feel that the ending let down the momentum that had been built in the middle of the book. I see what the author is trying to do with the ending (and the book in general), trying to make a statement on the way that families hide secrets even from each other, and the way that lying can become ingrained in some peoples way of being, but I could have gathered that from reading the dust jacket. 

This book really drew me in right out of the gate, the pace was fast but not so fast that it was all over the place! The characters are all terrible, except for a handful of the kids, which really drove home the concept of the book. There wasn't really any twists, the plot was mainly arrogant rich people making everything about themselves. But like, I'm not mad at it, I couldn't put it down and the drama of it all really drew me in.

 Title: The Party
Author: Robyn Harding
Genre: Thriller
Rating: 2.0
Pub Date: June 6th 2017

T H R E E • W O R D S

Dramatic • Quick • Dissatisfying

📖 S Y N O P S I S

Turning sixteen is typically seen as a rite of passage, and as Hannah's birthday approaches, her parents, Jeff & Kim, have arranged a modest party including pizza, cake, movies and a sleepover with four of Hannah's closest friends. Sounds pleasant right? Wrong! What ensues is life-altering accident, and the drama and lawsuits that come in the aftermath. The Party is filled with teenage drama, secrets, lapses in moral judgement, and the idea of how far you'll go to protect your reputation, and family.

💭 T H O U G H T S

I picked this up looking for a quick read, and because I'm trying to cull my shelves, this book seemed like one I wouldn't be holding on to. My judgement was correct!

I'll admit this was a fast read, but not because I was immersed in the story, rather because I just wanted it to end. Put together a cast of narcissistic and unlikeable characters, shallow and mean teenage antics, suburban rich white family drama, a whole host of triggering events and a story that abruptly ends, and you have an easily forgettable novel that missed the mark entirely. I'd suggest skipping it.

📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• readers looking for a mindless read
• anyone looking for a light thriller