What do you get when you combine the movie St. Elmo’s Fire it it was directed by Quentin Tarantino, with a script written by David Mamet and influenced by the movie Reefer Madness? You’d probably get Neal Cassidy’s novel The Final Weekend: A Stoned Weekend.
First, meet six college pals, Clarence the soon to be cop, Trent the screw up, Justin the medical intern, and wannabe business owner Harry.
Rounding out are besties who couldn’t be more different, Courtney and Ling-Ling who lives in an apartment that Courtney’s grandmother pays for (who’s a hooker turned millionaire).
All of these friends are connected by their beloved professors Goodkat who lives in a life of debauchery.
During the weekend these friends party, hook up, have lots of sex, and smoke a lot pot.
Yet, all of them have goals and desires that will propel them into the world of “adulting.” Meanwhile, Goodkat lives in a world of arrested development despite being nearly middle-aged.
As for Grandma? Cassidy could write a novel on her. She’s quite a character with a certain flair with a certain cuss word.
As for the final weekend? You won’t see it coming and when you do you will be thoroughly shocked.
Cassidy is an excellent writer, each chapter is written from each character’s point of view as they explore unrequited love that may blossom into true love, moments utter idiocy, sex romps, secrets, and moments of regret.
This novel is not for those who despise excessive cuss words, drug use, sex scenes and I did notice a few grammar errors. However, I was able to look past them. I hope Cassidy has writes more novels. He’s a literary voice to keep an eye on.
thebookselfblog 