THE FINAL WEEKEND : A STONED TALE BY NEAL CASSIDY
Book Review
Disclaimer : This story is meant for readers
older than 18 years.
Six friends who are done with their college lives decide to have a lot of crazy fun during one weekend before finally stepping into the real world. Four of them live together as housemates. Harry is about to start a business in a new state, Clarence is about to begin his life as a cop, Justin is a medical intern. Trent is that friend in the group, who hasn't figured things out yet. Courtney and Ling Ling live together in a cool apartment. They are poles apart but are still best friends. Courtney is the wild and popular girl and Ling Ling is a nerd who has her own personality but still tries to fit in. There is Professor Goodkat, who leads a carefree lifestyle and sleeps around with his students and does not attach himself to anyone. Schroeder is the guy who supplies blunts to all these people and is sort of a friend to them. This is a story about what happens during this one weekend and it is conveyed through satire and comedy.
THEMES IN
THE STORY :
1. Friendship : This is an important and a recurring theme as it is a story about six friends to begin with. Art often imitates life. In a real group of friends, some friends are always closer to each other than the rest, that happens in this story as well. I particularly liked reading about Harry's and Justin's friendship. Courtney and Ling Ling are friendship goals. We get to read about how these characters became friends and how far back their friendships go through the flashbacks. I am glad that there are six friends and not five or seven as no one gets left out. Friendships are an integral part of one's life and this story highlights that. There are many funny bits in the book in the form of the playful banter going on between friends.
2. Decadence :
The characters indulge in sleeping around and getting high with abandon. The
story is full of wild and raunchy incidents and doesn't hold back from being
explicit. Some parts really tested my open mindedness and I have to concede,
that I did get shocked more than once. One such element is the character of Courntey's
grandmother, a lady who lives a lifestyle dictated by her carnal desires. Love
her or hate her, she is definitely unforgettable.
3. Love :
The story also touches upon the love lives of the characters. Schroeder and his
girlfriend share an interesting relationship. Initially I didn't exactly like
what they shared but I ended sup finding it adorable ultimately. There are some
tender moments between the characters that are not bad.
4. Racism,
LGBTQ+ Rights, Bullying : These are some underlying themes in the
story that are explored through various incidents. The story is light hearted
on the whole but such themes try to add some depth in it.
WHAT I LIKED :
- The fun and
friendly vibe in the story was enjoyable.
- The story made
me laugh from time to time and I really appreciate that. Some parts were a
bit much but on the flip side, the irreverent comedy can be quite
entertaining for those who have a preference for it.
WHAT I
DID NOT LIKE :
- The transition in between the
scenes is a bit too seamless. No heads up is given before the scene
changes and that can be confusing until you get the hang out of this
writing style.
- The story goes
overboard with the descriptions sometimes. Things that have no bearing on
the overall story do not need to described beyond.
- Although, Trent
and Professor Goodkat were not glorified by the story, I could not help
but find them annoying as I did not agree with their choices.
CONCLUSION
:
If you
like a story that does get serious but has a risqué and sexually suggestive
vibe overall then you can go for it. On the other hand, steer clear of this
book if you get offended or shocked easily.
My
Rating - 3.25
stars
Get this book here
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