There are three kinds of readers: The ones who only read non-fiction, the mostly fiction readers who will take a gander at non-fiction from time to time (just to prove we can), and finally, we have the ones so inspired by stories that they want to craft some of their own. In The Last Book Party, our protagonist Eve Rosen is an avid reader who yearns to be a writer, but has been encouraged to believe that writing takes genius and isn’t for the merely mediocre.

Eve has always been in the shadow of her brother – his brilliance as well as his struggles with depression. So when her work at a publisher gets her into the social circle of Henry, Tillie and their son Franny, she feels ever so starstruck and is made to feel special in her connection with them. Refusing to play it safe, she dives recklessly into these relationships, caught in the carefree hues of summer. An outsider to all this is Franny’s friend Jeremy, who is all edge and thorns with her, with none of Franny’s easy presence.

As Eve navigates the waves of all these relationships, we wonder who she will end up with before realising that’s not the point. Eve is not Eve with any of them, wanting them to recognise her creativity and wit but diluting herself in the process. With the exception of Eve, there is no character really likeable enough in The Last Book Party to warrant my sympathy. These gatherings of literary folk come across as pretentious and superficial, where none of the relationships feel authentic, and their behaviour feels so contrary to what writing and storytelling should be about.

It is heartbreaking to see Eve turning over the pieces of herself after that summer, trying to figure out who she is and where she exists in the world of writing. It is a painful thing to recognise you are a writer, since at times it is an experience akin to Sisyphus and the arduous pushing of a boulder to get nowhere. However, its siren call cannot be avoided as we throw ourselves against the rocks for a taste of literary glory.

Karen Dukess is a debut novelist. I had to remind myself of that fact many times as I read The Last Book Party, because her prose is intricate and far from green. There is none of the usual pitfalls most debut writers face, which is a need to excessively deliver on the exposition. She is also excellent at crafting chemistry and anticipation on a page, painting sensual strokes so skillfully that a simple hair tug can feel combustible.

It is the kind of book to gobble up in one seating, probably on a beach somewhere under a big red umbrella, with the water lazily licking the sand. Or you can read it the way I did, while standing in queue for cup noodles in Japan – you are guaranteed a fantastic experience either way.

4 summer reading stars

For me, this was a perfect summer read, a refreshing break from thrillers and historical fiction. Much is set on Cape Cod, a favorite summer location for me and the author does a great job of putting us in the setting. We meet Eve in the late 1980s as she’s toiling away as an assistant in a publishing house in New York. This was a fascinating look at life working in publishing, another dream of mine. Eve is an aspiring writer but can’t quite bring herself to write anything. Eve’s older brother is considered the genius of the family and this doesn’t help her self-confidence.

She ends up meeting a glamorous Cape Cod literary family and decides to work for the author for the summer. There’s some summer love and betrayal in the story and Eve gets entangled in some complicated issues. Per the title, the Book Party hosted by the artistic family each summer is the big culmination of the storyline.

I did enjoy how Eve did a lot of growing in the late part of the book and I enjoyed another character, Jeremy, a young author, as well. This is my first read from this author and I will definitely read more from Karen Dukess.

A delightful summer escape! A solid 4 stars!
We meet 25-year-old assistant, Eve Rosen. She works in a publishing house in New York and has aspirations of becoming a writer one day. Things don't go as she hopes with her job, so she quits and takes a summer job as an assistant to a well-known writer Henry Grey, who writes for the New Yorker. She is immediately attracted to Henry's son, Franny, who is close in age.

"I took his damp glove. Bits of oyster shell dug into my fingers as he clasped my hand. His eyes were an arresting green." But, Franny has another love interest we soon learn about and Eve becomes confused about what his intentions are.

Henry's wife explains to Eve, "Every Labor Day weekend, to mark their wedding anniversary, she and Henry threw a big costume party for which everyone must dress up as a character from a book. Over the years, Henry turned the costumes into a competition, insisting that a prize be given to the first person to identify all of the characters at the party. "

As the summer unfolds we find Eve becomes involved with the handsome and charismatic Henry, while his wife, Tillie, might have other interests of her own. I loved the setting the most...making this a perfect summertime beach read. Lots of book references...some I have read and loved. For instance..I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith. Growing pains, as well as various romances, are involved. I don 't usually find myself reading this kind of book...typically more interested in suspense or a psychological thriller. This was such an entertaining read and break away from my usual fare. I will add more by this talented debut author. I smiled all the way through it.

Many thanks to the publisher who provided me a digital copy to read for review. I also enjoyed this read with some friends in the Traveling Sisters Group.

THE LAST BOOK PARTY is a breezy, fun read about the publishing world in the mid 80s, and a young woman coming of age. Eve starts the book as an editorial assistant, unhappy in NYC and misses out on a promotion due to sexism. She decides to spend the summer in Cape Cod to be an assistant to an older, well known author, and gets caught up in the drama of his family. Filled with twists, love affairs, and all the literature talk a book lover could want, I really enjoyed this trip back in time and my one complaint is that I wish it was longer! This reminded me, in all the good ways, of MY SALINGER YEAR, an unexpected favorite of mine from a few years ago.

***SPOILERS INCLUDED***

The Last Book Party leaves me somewhat torn. I liked it well enough, but it didn't live up to all the hype, in my opinion. I'd say this was a 3.5 star read.

I greatly enjoyed the quirky character of Jeremy and loved the settings of Cape Cod, the "big city" and the publishing world. There was so much here to hold a book lovers attention and pull them in. I wanted to read all about it publishing part and kind of wished the icky-squicky part of Eve having an affair with a married man twice (or more) her age hadn't been included. I'm not a prude, but I found that took away from the fun of the book and it seemed unnecessary.

There was so much going on that I felt like time was wasted on assignations etc. and then the end was just rather loosely left to flounder. This is my first book by this author and I would read another. It could be that this book just didn't hit me right. I'm not sure. See what I meant though? Torn.

Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for an ARC of The Last Book Party at my request. All thoughts, as always, are my own and freely given.

The 1980's and Eve Rosen works in New York. She goes to Cape Cod for a party and falls for a young man Franny. She quits her job and decides to become an assistant for Franny's Dad.
This story takes us through her challenges with love. Her time getting a taste of adulthood even if she doesn't realize it.
The book started out slow but picked up about a fourth in. I thought the main character Eve was immature for her age.

This truly was the perfect read to start summer off with. At least I know I've always dreamed of what summer on the Cape would be like and this book totally had me feeling like I was there. Then you add the fact that it's also a book about books and writing and I was totally sold. This was an easy, breezy and fun read and one you could get lost into for a bit. Eve was quite the engaging main character, trying to navigate her life and career after college, which I think most people can relate to. Thank you to Henry Holt and Co. and Netgalley for the ARC.

Several thoughts on this book. First, it feels very much like a memoir as though Ms. Dukess is looking into her own past for writing inspiration. Second, the story feels like Ms. Dukess was given an assignment in a writing class to write a short story about a time in her past that has had a continued impact on her. It is like this was an overgrown short story. And that isn't necessarily a bad thing, it is just the feel the writing style lends to the story. Third, the book is set in 1987 but feels much more dated than that. Eve's parents dote on their son to the point of dismissing Eve's ambition. They expect her to make a good match for herself and go have babies somewhere, whether that is stated or just implied. I think this last thought ties in to the feeling of it being an assigned memoir type short story. These points don't take away from the enjoyment of reading the book. Instead, they support why character development is superficial for the most part and the story is very focused on what Eve feels and sees. A good book to read on the beach, while holding a cocktail, and wearing an oversized hat. Preferably on the east coast!

Many thanks to NetGalley, Henry Holt & Company, and Karen Dukess for the opportunity to read and review her debut novel - a great summer read!

In the late 1980s, Eve is working for a publishing company as an editorial assistant while she dreams of being a writer yet holds back actually writing because of fear. She attends a party thrown by Henry Gray, an acclaimed writer for The New Yorker, who lives in her family's Cape Cod hometown. There she meets Franny, Henry's son, and becomes infatuated with him. When she goes back to NYC, she is told that she was passed over for a promotion and decides to quit and become Henry's assistant on his memoir. Romantic feelings begin to develop between the two, made easier by the fact that Franny is away. She also meets Jeremy, a family friend, who has just written a wonderful first novel. These three men and Eve will come together in a dramatic way at the Gray's annual book party.

I just enjoyed being immersed in the Cape Cod summer while reading about writing and books! A great debut - looking forward to more from this author!

The Last Book Party is a fun, light read which I totally enjoyed and would recommend for a beach read. Eve is working as an assistant in a publishing house and has dreams of becoming a writer, but she hasn't been writing anything for awhile. When passed over for a promotion the thought she deserved she quits her job and moves back to Cape Code and takes a summer job working for an established author, Henry Grey, as his assistant. Eve makes some bad choices over the summer during her interactions with the Grey family. At the end of the summer there is a costume book party every year where everyone gathers at the Grey beach house to mark the end of summer. Secrets unravel and some lives are forever changed.

Totally recommend this enjoyable read! Karen Dukes definitely has a talent for writing entrancing prose.

Thanks to Karen Dukes and Henry Holt & Company through Netgalley for an advance copy.

I was excited to read this book because I enjoy a good coming of age story. Eve was an interesting character to me, but she lost me midway through the book. Some of her questionable decisions left me shaking my head. But Eve will remain in my thoughts for awhile. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I highly recommend this for any book lover just for the literary references and the beautiful writing. I loved the settings—I gravitate to books set in beach towns—and also Boston and NYC. I was also drawn to the cover of the book. I definitely think it was perfect for the main character and as a book lover, I can't think of anything better than relaxing and reading in the summertime.

I look forward to reading future books by this author!

A delightfully bookish coming-of-age story set in the small town of Truro (a rural part of Cape Cod) during the summer of ‘87. Eve is a Brown grad with writing aspirations. Having grown up in the shadow of her brilliant brother she’s desperate to find her way and voice. I loved watching Eve navigate her way through the literary world, from the a publishing house in NYC to working for Henry as a writers assistant. I enjoyed Eve and Henry’s bond over reading. They often would merely place a book in one another’s hand and just say “Trust me. Read this book.”...nothing else was needed. As summer comes to a close the biggest party of the summer, the infamous Book Party will ultimately open Eve’s eyes to the uncomfortable truths that surround her.

4 stars for this nostalgic, refreshing and bookish summer read.

Is a short and sweet little book that I found quite delightful to read. Taking place in the 80s in New York in the publishing world, it takes place during one summer. Eve Rosen is trying to find her place in the working world and this is kind of a coming of age story full of interesting characters who all end up being quite selfish. I stayed up late to finish this one!

The story was just okay for me, and I felt that the literary references in the book felt a bit pretentious. Not one of my favorites, although reading the reviews, I am in the minority.

Thank you to NetGalley for my copy of this book.

What a fabulously delicious book. This book has a fantastic story line, excellent characters and is just unputdownable. I would highly recommend this book to anyone and I enjoyed it immensely.

Thank you to Henry Holt & Co. / Netgalley for allowing me to read this for an honest review.

I was super excited to read a book that involved a book party. People dressed up as a character from any book! I don't dress up, but that sounds like so much fun.

Characters | Each character had their own story and their own mysteries. You learn bits and pieces of each person as you progress through the book. I found that to be what kept me reading. I wanted to know what everyone was hiding. An issue I had was that I didn't connect with any of the characters. Yes, they all had very separate backgrounds, but they would sometimes run together. I often would forget who the story was talking about. None of them had their own voice.
I did like that Eve realized what she wanted to do with her life. She knew that how her parents showed favoritism of her brother wasn't right. She went out there and learned how to make it through the real world. She found that it wasn't all rainbows and butterflies. Through a series of unfortunate events, she found her place. Henry, Jeremy, her parents, and Tillie all helped her figure it out. They hurt her and loved her just enough to push her into the right direction.

Plot | There isn't a ton of plot to go off of. This was definitely a character driven novel. I enjoyed that it took place during summer, just because it's summer where I live. It had that "feel good" vibe going on. The story didn't really start changing until about 75% of the way through. It mainly dealt with the little love triangles that were taking place between the characters. The whole novel talked about the book party, but it never actually happened until the end of the book. I think I wanted something a little bit more from this one. I wanted more writing talk, and less "romance."

Writing | I would definitely pick up another book by Dukess. Her writing is basic, but mature. I didn't have any issues with it. The dialogue didn't annoy me, which I find happens more often than not.

Overall | This a "feel good" summer read. There isn't much you need to think about. It has steamy parts, sad parts, and parts that make you upset. It won't blow your mind by any means, but if you're looking for a fun, quick read, then this is it!

The Last Book Party is a fun summer read for those who like bookish stories. Set predominately in Cape Cod, readers get immersed in the publishing world of eccentric writers, ambition and social pitfalls.

Eve Rosen, the main character, is an aspiring writer that has been in a bit of a writing rut. She can’t seem to finish anything she starts, so she works as an assistant at a publishing firm until circumstances prompt her to leave the firm and spend the summer working as a research assistant to a famous writer.

By the end of the summer when the writer holds his famous “book party” some difficult situations come to the surface that cause a fracture among some of the people in the group and prompt Eve to reevaluate her life and make some much needed changes.

Readers will enjoy a peek into the world of publishing and all the references to other books that are made throughout the story.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Henry Holt & Co. for allowing me to read an advance copy and give my honest review.

This was a great beach read - more intelligent than the usual girl meets boy (and his father) shenanigans. LOVED the setting and all of the well drawn characters in this book - having had family vacations in Cape Cod, I found myself wanting to go back there, except I REALLY want to be invited to the house in Truro, where all the artistic and creative people congregate.

I loved all the book references - in fact, the story culminates with the popular annual end of the summer party at the Grey's, where guests are encouraged to attend in costume as a literary character and the hinted at fireworks begin to happen.

I also liked how Eve, the protagonist, grew from her summer experiences and things may or may not work out happily ever after for her.

This was a quick read and I am sorry that is over - I kind of have a book hangover now...

This book felt like a memoir of someone working in the publishing industry. But it is not. Dukess nails the challenges of writing/publishing like an industry insider in this fictional story. Dukess’s characters don’t often do what is right, yet I felt their human vulnerability. Her title-dropping of books throughout the story was a great touch.

An enjoyable summer read set against a literary landscape.


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This was a very light and easy read for me and so nice to enjoy a book like this between so many thrillers and heavy dramas. Twenty five year old Eve Rosen wants to be a writer but lacks confidence, inspiration, and the hard work that can be necessary to write a book. She does work in a publishing house as an assistant, hoping everything about writing will rub off on her but actually is getting nowhere with her writing. When she misses out on a promotion that should have gone to her, she quits her job and takes a summer job as an assistant to famed New Yorker writer Henry Grey.

Eve has already been more than just attracted to Henry's son Franny and then once she starts working for Henry, she becomes very attached to him, too. There is also Jeremy, a very promising author being published by her old publishing company and someone who her mom seems to think has real talent, as opposed to thinking of Eve's writing as her just dabbling in a hobby.

As the summer comes to a close, these three men and others from her summer town, come together for a big book party. Deceits are revealed and truths are exposed, changing how Eve sees those around her and how she feels about herself. Thank you to Henry Holt & Company and NetGalley for this ARC.