The Last Book Party is an atmospheric and inviting novel about growing up to leave behind misconceptions and creative restraints. Throughout most of the novel Eve is caught in the shadow of her shame for not being brilliant in the eyes of her family, and craving something more out of her life, even if that means making poorly considered and ill-fated decisions for her relationships and career. While the book was a relaxing read due to its easy-going descriptions of Cape Cod, it also felt like watching an explosion in slow motion. I appreciated its message on how genius is not all its made out to be, and its thoughtful exploration of a flawed protagonist.