THE FINAL WEEKEND

In this debut novel, some graduates and friends spend their last days at an American college partying before embarking on their separate paths to adulthood.

Having only a weekend of university life remaining, a small group of friends makes plans to celebrate with alcohol, weed, and sex. Justin will be leaving soon for his medical internship while Harry, his roommate and childhood friend, is returning to South Carolina to start a business. They’re pals with Clarence, whose duties as a police officer begin on Sunday, and Trent, who’s notorious for his impressive inability to hold down a job. In fact, Trent has just lost his gig at the smoothie shop and now has no responsibilities during their weekend of partying. Joining the four are Courtney and Ling-Ling. Though they’re all friends, Courtney and Harry have dabbled in casual sex, which is something Ling-Ling and Justin may try if they can move past their awkward timidity. In between bouts of nostalgic reminiscing, the friends go out for drinks while weed dealer Schroeder provides them with a steady supply of buds. They revel in merriment as the Sunday of woeful goodbyes gradually approaches. Cassidy’s unfiltered story delivers frank discussions and explicit sexual acts. But despite the debauchery, the book is often encouraging. Characters, for example, have fond memories of one another; for example, Harry and Justin met in elementary school. Likewise, their banter and mutual jabs aren’t mean-spirited. The story skillfully alternates among the first-person narratives of various characters, including professor Goodkat, who lives and parties like a student. Dialogue is sometimes indistinguishable, as many of the players employ the same slang, but this also prompts well-placed humor. For example, the friends, while getting high, trade drolly profound thoughts: “If two vegans are arguing, is that still considered a beef?” The bold, unexpected ending shows that preparing for every one of life’s events remains an impossibility.

A tale of indulgence and camaraderie that ultimately proves moving.