Reviews

House Party by Justin A. Reynolds

raavenreads's review against another edition

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3.0

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I was interested in this book for the authors that were featured for the most part. It was a little bit confusing at times going back and forth between characters. There were times I forgot who someone was and then had to go back to a previous chapter to try to remember who they were speaking about. There were some segments I liked and others I thought were drawn out too long. Some endings seemed too abrupt and like the conflict didn’t really happen at all.

I liked the idea of a party that changed everyone’s lives and the 5 years later segment at the end was very cute. I just don’t think these types of books are really for me. I couldn’t completely get into it like I wanted to. My favorite parts were the ones with Jrue & Sadie and then with Carla the Cool Mom. This was really cute at times, however and I encourage everyone to give it a shot!!

theespressoedition's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

*queues up Jade's House Party playlist* Yes, I made one based on the songs mentioned in the book.
*grabs cherry strudel with extra icing packet* Because they always need more than one packet, right?
*settles in to write rave review* Oops - was that a spoiler? Please, keep reading. It'll be worth it. I swear.

AHEM! Attention everyone (and I mean everyone)! I can officially say, without a doubt, that House Party is going to be your favorite YA book of summer 2023.


If you're looking for a belly laugh, you're sure to find it in the pages of House Party.
If you're looking to have a good cry, House Party is sure to make it happen.
If you're looking for a beautifully diverse, thought-provoking, and satisfyingly fun read, pick up House Party.

I'll be honest with you right now: when I began reading this book, I thought it would be something that I enjoyed well enough but didn't necessarily connect with. I mean, it's about a bunch of teens at the biggest party of the summer. I'm someone who avoids parties like my life depends upon it. I assumed I'd live vicariously through these party people and move on with my life. This definitely wasn't the case. If you scan the first few pages and think you know where it's going, I promise you don't (and that's a good thing).

What I didn't expect in the slightest was getting totally sucked into each and every POV--and finding commonalities with nearly all of the characters. By the end of the book, it was as if these were my friends and I was walking through the (totally bonkers) night with them, not just reading about it. I felt their embarrassment, their joy, their panic, their sorrow, and their excitement. It was as if I was reliving my senior year again, which might not sound great to some people, but I enjoyed the walk down memory lane (even if my memories never included a night quite like this).

The events of this book take place over the course of one night, but none of it felt rushed. Sometimes, with novels like this, it can feel like everything happened too quickly, relationships moved too fast, and rash decisions were made. However, with this book, you understand that everyone has known each other for a long period of time. There's a maturity to it that exists outside of the pages and helps you feel more settled in the timeline set for the story.

At the time of writing this review, it's been nearly a week since I finished the book and I'm still picking up my Kindle on an almost daily basis to reread certain moments that stood out to me.
No matter who you are or where you come from, you'll find that something about this book feels like home. It's truly one of a kind and I know it'll be a book that I'll turn to time and again for comfort and cheer.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

kylamari's review against another edition

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funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

thebeesknees79's review against another edition

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funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I received an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book was perfection. No notes. All vibes, interesting stories and an overall feel good book that felt like a 90s teen movie and I’m here for it.

Can we talk about the fact that Carla is my favorite character, and I was cackling every time I got to her story. I even shared with my students about her unfortunate cookie mishap and had them all interested in the book. Every character was a wonderful stand alone character but the stories weaving together on that fateful night? Again simply perfect. I don’t think this review needs to be inundated with plot description. Like I said before it’s all vibes and 90s teen movies. Debauchery, romance, confusion, and a dog and goat that also steal the show. I loved it. I want everyone to read this because it’s somehow fresh and nostalgic at the same time.
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