In a similar style as that written by Tom Leveen in his book Party (Random House, 2010), Justin Reynolds edits a book entitled House Party, in which ten authors pen perspectives from ten teens who all attend the party of the year at DeAndre Dixon’s house.
Set in Florence Hills, a glitzy, corporate, and commercial suburb of Chicago, this party is one of hook-ups, showmances, dangerous flirtations, and heart break. It’s where the young come to dance with abandon, confess feelings, reveal secrets, make future plans, or have a fashion show down. “The unfiltered life of the party is the perfect backdrop to the highly manufactured model” (31). Mascot goat nappings and dog rescues also play a role in the story where everyone is either horny or vying for power. I laughed until I cried during the scene with Carla Schmidt, the cool mom, crawling around in her cheetah print dress while looking for her pit bull Daisy.
By the book’s conclusion, the teens have all learned that life isn’t scripted; it’s improv and that you’ve got to take the moments as they come. In a poignant moment where Merrill is feeling especially vulnerable about wanting high school to be filled with lifelong memories and friendships, she tells Carla: “I wanted crushes and kisses and breakups and gossip” (196).
The cool mom tells Merrill, “Honey, none of that drama goes away” (196). She goes on to explain how teens often put themselves in small boxes instead of stepping out and taking risks: “When you’re young, it’s easy to find yourself playing a part. The athlete, the popular girl. You know, archetypes. But after graduation, the athlete’s off the team. The popular girl has to start over elsewhere. You grow up, you grow out, and you invent yourself all over again” (197). Such is the beautiful chaos called life.
Although targeted towards young adult readers, this collection of short stories that ultimately interconnect speaks to all readers, who—if we’re honest—realize that life is a process of growing, changing, evolving, and becoming. “Turns out, you can change anytime you want, for any reason. It doesn’t have to take graduation, or a party or . . . a divorce. You can just change. However many times it takes to fall in love with who you are. But you can’t force it. You’ve just got to follow your heart and let the rest of life catch up” (197).
- Donna