Party School

by Jon Hart

Meet Dylan Mills. No biggie. High school senior, glee club dropout, and fifth-string hockey goalie, he’s a likable underachiever set to attend Party School, a small-town college notorious for raucous celebration.

The only thing is, Dylan doesn’t party. All he cares about is his high school girlfriend, Rosemary Silversmith. Rosemary is everything to Dylan: she’s incredible; his parents adore her. She’s, like, the one thing he seems to have done right in his whole life.

Unfortunately, Rosemary will not be going to Party School. She’s got grades and potential. She’s going to one of those colleges parents brag about. She is, frankly, embarrassed by Party School and its hardcore-stoner rap.

When freshman year begins, so does the drama; Rosemary starts seeing someone else; Dylan joins a badass underground motorcycle club, even though he doesn’t have a driver’s license. All is a blur of riotous nights, heartache, weed, and naked shenanigans, until a cheating scandal sends Rosemary running back to Dylan’s arms.

Now a changed man, he isn’t so sure he wants her back.

228 pages, Paperback

Published April 26, 2022

About the author

There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Iz Cerciello · Rating 4 out of 5]

one main message that stuck out above the rest of the life lessons: your hometown isn't everything, and it definitely isn't gold even though it might glitter.

Dylan grew up in a small town, Castleton, full of gossip and good reputations to uphold. He wants to leave it all behind, except his girlfriend Rosemary, as he goes off to college. Rosemary leaves for an “it school,” one that any Castleton resident dreams of attending, and Dylan ends up at what he deems as quite the opposite– a party school. At this party school, Dylan struggles with his long-distance relationship while balancing the adjustment to a college that couldn’t be more different from Castleton. As the novel progresses, Dylan learns the most valuable lesson that all high school and college students are forced to learn: “We must go on because life goes on” (Hart 169).
Party School is a significant novel, especially for high school students, because it addresses some of the unspeakable social rules that follow young adults. The pages hold immense truths that every small-town kid has to come to terms with– truths that are far from normalized in today’s society. It is a story about the struggle of being held to the stereotypes and expectations of others. This short but wisdom-filled read is a must because it is laced with deep truths nobody's keen to share.

[sierra · Rating 2 out of 5]

The following review contains major spoilers.

Party School is a novel by Jon Hart following Dylan Mills, a troubled teenager desperately trying to navigate the turbulence that young adulthood brings. Dylan’s life plan is his girlfriend Rosemary Silversmith, yet college forces them to confront an imminent issue– what happens to us? In this coming of age story, Hart explores the ups and downs of adolescence and the painful yet liberating growth that comes with.

Hart describes his novel as a mashup of Legally Blonde and The Catcher in the Rye, with Dylan as Holden Caulfield’s doppelganger. Holden and Dylan are similar in that they are both unreliable narrators– it’s hard to tell what actually happens compared to what Dylan chooses to narrate– and they bend the narrative to serve themselves. When I was reading the novel, I often found myself sympathizing with Dylan, especially towards the end of the novel. Dylan paints himself as reliant and completely subservient to Rosemary, allowing her to ‘call the shots’, yet he finally finds his power at the end of the book. Dylan seems to have selective rose-tinted vision; Rosemary’s controlling and manipulative self is camouflaged by her doting and confident facade. However, initially Dylan fails to find the good in his acceptance to North South, even though it is a decent school and a reach for some. After struggling with his reputation, relationships, academics and drug use, Dylan is able to cast aside his rose glasses and understand Rosemary for who she truly is and also make peace with his college.

Party School is relevant; it hits all the “cool teen stuff” criteria in terms of Instagram references, emoji language, and drug terminology. As a teen, reading Party School feels real and personable, relatable to my life as it is as well as a reflection of the challenges I’ll face as I move from teenagedom to adulthood. The dialogue often feels natural and flowy, especially due to Dylan’s comments he sandwiches between conversations. It feels so real that reading Rosemary and Dylan’s conversation as the novel progresses gets harder and harder because of the tensions building in their relationship. Sometimes, the texts she would send felt awkward and overly formal, aligning with her character and newfound demeanor. Watching the transformation of Rosemary was moving; I cried at the end of the book. They were partly tears of joy for Dylan and all that was to come, yet I also knew that was the end of them and a rocky new beginning for Rosemary. I ended the novel with a sense of anger as well; I despise Rosemary for stringing along Dylan for so long without giving him proper closure. Although she hadn’t had her own feelings sorted out, she could have been way more considerate towards Dylan. Dylan’s reliance on Rosemary and ‘she’s the boss’ attitude made annoyingly perfect sense with his character to the point I had to take a break at one point. Why can’t he just think for himself?

This novel was able to evoke deep conflicting emotions that made the reading fun and suspenseful. I was silently rooting for Dylan while also being his biggest critic. A lot of personal connection definitely came from how the book was written in first person; it connected me directly with Dylan and I was able to understand how he thought and spoke and why he acted the way he did. This psychological connection further immersed me into the world of the story and created suspense in guessing what Dylan would do next as well as a sense of connection when I would correctly predict Dylan’s reaction to something.

While there is a real life Castleton in Vermont, Hart creates an eerily familiar world of American teen culture in his novel. Party spots, homes on the wrong side of the tracks, and bubbling diners are quintessential to an average American teenager’s hometown. Castleton’s common and mass-produced facade could be mistaken for Anytown, USA– and this is the exact true beauty. This anonymity created by the lack of actual identifiers (for one, it school rather than ivy) allows readers to truly invest themselves into Dylan’s world. Lunchonette is the name of the bustling community gossip and news hub, how more stereotypical can it get? Castleton’s aesthetic tastes like a dry ham and cheese sandwich; well known and tolerated but not notable. The same way Dylan feels nothing is notable about him; he projects his internal feelings onto literally everything, even the way he describes how he does his job.

Dylan Mills feels he is quite run-of-the-mill, made clearly apparent by his narrative choices, behavior and relationships. However, by sticking out the tumultuous ride that adulthood will put you through, Dylan is able to find his stride and break the mold. He creates his own future, with himself at the center of it; putting Rosemary and all of Castleton into the past. Dylan is inspiring because he was able to make great changes in his life, and actively work to better himself without relying on others. Dylan is an inspiration for lost young people in the world who feel they need to embrace their own spirit and drive(literally!)– not letting someone else steer your life.

[Kaitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Originally posted on voyager-online.org by Kaitlin Swift and Maddie Soffian)
K: Choosing a college is a challenge for many high school students. It puts their destiny in their hands: the first major decision they make, potentially changing their life for the better or worse. Many students choose it-schools一coveted colleges that are renowned by all and satisfy parents, students, and society. But what about students who can’t afford such an elite institution? Who don’t receive the full-ride scholarship? Where do they go?
M: “Party School” by Jonathan Hart answers this question. Through the eyes of student Dylan Mills, we experience the stress and horrors of our generation's need for acceptance. This coming-of-age novel highlights college stigmas and the truth behind them. Dylan mopes over his high school ex-girlfriend Rosemary Silversmith who attends a so-called “it” school, while he attends the small North South University. She is embarrassed and ashamed, yet he looks up to her for everything throughout his high school years. As Dylan’s small-town college has a glorifying reputation for constant drinking and drugs, this book changes the stigmatism into exploring what truly matters: the character of the students and the journey they undergo.
M: From Dylan's participation in an underground motorcycle club—unlicensed and unsupervised— and Rosemary's new love interest, things get interesting quickly, to say the least. Rosemary makes her way back to Dylan, but at what cost? And with what reward? Has college changed them for the better or the worse? With a thrilling plot that stirs up drama between the characters, the novel comes full circle by the end of the story in a classic confusion of young love.
K: As a child with two teacher-parents, I heavily relate to “Party School” and Dylan’s struggle to find a school that could help him monetarily. Many students at my school have parents who are doctors, lawyers, professors一and I am always in awe when I see their massive houses, compared to my medium-sized suburban house. They can afford the prestigious institutions everyone dreams of, but I need to rely on scholarships and student loans.
What Hart does best in this novel is write from the perspective of someone who doesn’t have it all. A main character who desperately wants to be accepted, living in a suburban hellscape. A place where if you aren't going to a “dream school” that costs more than a Lamborghini, you are chastised. His satire about “it schools'' and the lengths people go to get their kids into them is what makes this novel great.
I was not expecting the twist of the fraud scandal, with parents paying tutors to get their kids into elite schools, but it was one of the best parts! I also enjoyed the satire of social media apology videos with the Taliban kid who turned out to be faking his entire story the whole time. The strongest part of the novel is its satire of the college decision process and the social scrutiny that comes with it.
With that being said, “Party School” is not without its pitfalls. My most major criticism is that it noticeably comes from a male-centric perspective. This makes it very cliche, with descriptions of his girlfriend Rosemary as pretty “even when she has a bun in”, and the women in the novel being mainly seen for their appearance rather than their personality. This does take away from the novel, in my personal opinion, but does not overshadow its excellent satire on college branding and choosing a socially acceptable college.
K & M: “Party School”, while flawed, is an exemplary example of the college experience of the unprivileged student. It tackles school shaming—an issue that many undergo but few discuss. With this, the future of our society should break the stereotypes defining what makes an “it school”, and instead recognize that no matter where a student goes, they will find themselves and have a memorable college experience. You don’t have to pay eighty thousand dollars a year or rig some SAT scores to do so. It will carry itself, and wherever one is meant to be they will end up.

[ava (taylor’s version) · Rating 4 out of 5]

As high school seniors approach “Decision Day” and juniors continue exploring schools that interest them, a stigma over choosing which school to attend still lies: The idea that you must go to a college labeled as an “it” school.

However, Jon Hart’s debut novel, “Party School,” reminds both high school and college students that “it’s not which college you attend. It’s what you make of it.”

This coming-of-age story follows Dylan Mills, who is seemingly laid back and has remained under the radar for his high school career. As summer comes to an end Dylan is now about to embark on a journey that he is not quite sure he is ready for.

While remaining under the radar in high school, readers of “Party School” get to take a look into Dylan’s life at home. A glee club dropout and fifth-string hockey goalie, Dylan is a “likable underachiever.” He still has yet to get his driver's license and his parents have just finalized their divorce but are now happier than ever.

Living in Castleton means being surrounded with people who spend summer at their second homes and will be attending those colleges known as “it” schools, including Dylan’s girlfriend Rosemary Silversmith.

After admiring her from afar, Rosemary and Dylan were finally formally introduced and soon made their relationship official. To Dylan, Rosemary feels like “the one thing he seems to have done right in his whole life.”

Rosemary and Dylan are polar opposites. She “calls the shots” and Dylan nods along with any idea she throws his way, hoping to avoid losing her at all costs. Intelligent and adored by his parents, Rosemary “is everything to Dylan. Now, however, the two will be leaving for different colleges. The two are faced with a decision on how to move forward with their relationship.

Unable to attend an “it” school, Dylan is beginning his freshman year at North South, a college notorious only for its partying. Living in a town with those bound for the ivy leagues, North South is unheard of or “dismissed as a party school, a punch line, a haven for fools, pretenders and everything in between.”

Dylan’s journey begins as anything but easy. The beginning of freshman year also means the beginning of drama, as Rosemary is seeing someone else and Dylan joins an underground motorcycle club, still without a driver's license.

Dylan soon embraces his new life. He finds a love for his new school and creates new friendships. But after a cheating scandal, Rosemary runs “back to Dylan’s arms” and is now faced with tough decisions.

While following Dylan’s journey, Hart keeps readers invested with humor, sarcasm and a group of lovable characters.

Growing up and leaving your childhood in the past is an uncomfortable and overwhelming experience for most. Hart has created a character who’s journey mirrors that of many starting college.
For college bound students nearing the beginning of this next stage in their lives, “Party School” is a must-read. With its message that you do not have to attend an “it” school and a tale of moving forward, this novel provides a sense of comfort to readers.

[Michael Botur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some reviews/ reviewers are calling this book “Legally Blonde meets The Catcher in the Rye."

Maybe – perhaps more like the film ‘Orange County,’ in which a young man who thinks an elite college will improve his life finds out that there are more satisfying things than trying to attach oneself to a college’s reputation. There are also flourishes of ‘The Mysteries of Pittsburgh’ in here (the amazing and blackly comedic novel by Michael Chabon.)
Party School is apparently set in 2023, but written by an author I assume might be in his 40s?
It’s written in past tense – could potentially be more exciting if written on present tense, so that we feel we’re undergoing Dylan Mills’ adventure with him.
Anyway: this novel – which is surely autobiographical, at least in the sense that author Hart is looking back on his college days and asking ‘What if?’ – brings us bong hits, The Taliban Kid, and a dormitory named the North Pole. It’s funny, our protagonist is likeable, and the change in Dylan’s worldview and values works well.
It’s hard to tell from outside the US if the book would be universally relevant to everyone – in New Zealand, where I’m reviewing from, there are many wasted university degrees which don’t get you ahead, and you’re likely to have a great career even if you simply have a diploma or complete an apprenticeship and get real work experience – because in 2023, practical skills like coding or plumbing are far more highly valued than a paper saying that you’ve sat in lectures. At the same time however, we have the Varsity Blues scandal showing how seriously privileged American families take college admission. And Rosemary’s parents spent $50,000 on a college consultant.
Expect an easy-to-read novel.
Also expect:
- Coming of age, painful adolescence, personal growth
- Funny party scenes
- Immature attitudes
- Nudie runs
- Lots and lots of sports
- Rosemary learning some home truths… or not.
-
The book also ties in nicely with a theme explored by Malcolm Gladwell when he compared the insane half-a-billion dollar fundraising of an elite American university to the tiny budget needed by a perfectly good New Jersey industrial college.
This book had me thinking about class conflict and Snobs versus Slobs.
Good book. I’d love to see something from the author set deeply in the world of sports stars and the competitive athletic mentality.

[Temi Bamigbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Jon Hart's Party School, the dynamic between Dylan Mills and his teacher Berkowitz and their differing perspectives elucidate the beauty of seemingly unfavorable circumstances.

Hart overtly presents Dylan as a low self-esteem and anxious teenager trying to navigate his first year of college without his girlfriend. Dylan's place as an average teenager who lacks a drive for overachievement is juxtaposed with his hometown Charleston, which consists of condescending rich parents who care for nothing except status and image. Though already poor, his image is further tainted when he fails to get into an "it" school and has to part ways with his girlfriend, Rosemary, who he had essentially let take control over his life. Rosemary was always in control of Dylan and the direction of his life. A recursive line by Dylan was "Rosemary called the shots", symbolizing his low self-esteem and unwillingness to oppose Rosemary in fear of losing her. Berkowitz is characterized as an overzealous, unconventional teacher who doesn't conform to the norms of society. Hart's introduction of Berkowitz establishes a dichotomous relationship between student and teacher. Berkowitz's role in Dylan's life acts as a symbol of control as he enables Dylan to get behind the steering wheel of his future for the first time. This sentiment contrasts with Rosemary's authoritative nature.

Berkowitz's phrase "Don't be sorry, be better", as a response to whoever trying to apologize, acts as a recurring motif throughout the narrative. The phrase serves as a representation of the ideology of control and of the role that North-South plays in Dylan's life in taking back control. The phrase admonishes one for submitting and rather encourages action to accommodate for their mistakes. When Berkowitz visits Dylan at his home, he connects with him over his former lover and lectures him about how he can't spend his time waiting and grieving over another person, because time never stops moving. Dylan often found himself drowning in his own thoughts and sorrow over Rosemary. When Dylan throws his phone out of his dorm window, he is no longer shackled to the thought of Rosemary. Berkowitz catalyzes Dylan's character arc in the sense that he paves the way for him to learn to make the most of what's given to you. North South itself serves as a symbol of taking charge of your life and the beauty that can be found and lessons that can be learned in unfavorable situations.

[Lauren Stendel]

Party School tells the story of Dylan Mills, as he leaves high school and enters college. He's not pumped, he's not at an it school, and his girlfriend wants to "grow", whatever that's supposed to mean. He comes from Castleton, a posh, high-end, and pretentious town that calls itself a village for the vibes. Where everyone around him is rich and going on to college at "it" schools, as they call them, Dylan instead, is heading to North South, formerly two separate community colleges combined into one, only about twenty minutes from a prison. He's an outsider from the poor part of town, trying to make a name for himself in Castleton.

His girlfriend, Rosemary, is going to one of these "it" schools, and while she's there, she wants to meet new people, and see new people, but they won't break up. She promises. Dylan wants no part of it, but he agrees. He would do anything for Rosemary, even the three weeks of radio silence she insists on.

Now with no contact from Rosemary, Dylan learns more about himself and grows into a new type of person. Away from pretentious Castleton, away from his, frankly, overbearing parents, and in a new place with stoner friends, eclectic professors, and a school with a reputation for weed and partying, Dylan sees a new side of himself, his loved ones, and the "village" he once called home.

Party School is a fun, quick read that taps into the mind of Dylan, all of his emotions laid bare for us to see and feel with him. The story is fast-paced and the characters are interesting to read about. From Wally and Sam and Berkowitz, to Dylan's best friend Dorian who we only ever meet through the phone, they all play a part in helping Dylan through his journey of self-discovery. Party School is definitely a book worth checking out.

[Jacob Feldman · Rating 4 out of 5]

[Spoilers Included]

As many other reviewers have noted, Party School offers a very relevant commentary on our obsession with college prestige. The novel's ending, reminiscent of 2019's Varsity Blues scandal, shows the extent of this obsession and its ability to pit social standing against our sense of morality. Dylan's inner monologue is well-developed, showing many of the internal conflicts that one faces when transitioning from high school to college.

In general, I found Party School to be a light, quick read that's comparable to other young adult novels. Aside from its specific focus on college prestige, the book is extremely similar to others in the genre, featuring an underdog-style protagonist and his journey towards personal growth. Most high school- or college-age readers might find Party School to be a little cliché (especially if they're already familiar with other YA novels), but I suspect that this would be a great book for a middle school audience—a nice read that's a good predictor of what to expect in the years to come.

[dejalynn samaniego · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hart writes of typical teenage hardships and wrongdoings with such care and detail. Readers follow the perspective of Dylan Miles and his co-dependence on his ex-girlfriend, Rosemary. The morally gray characters create a realistic world for teens to connect with, almost like they look into a mirror while reading. The academic and social success of Rosemary’s character in contrast to Dylan’s wild and underachieving lifestyle allows for all readers to connect to the world Hart has created in one way or another. I found the distinctions between Rosemary and Dylan refreshing, especially in a high school setting. Unlike the stereotypical “girl and boy next door” trope, I found their dynamic entertaining and invigorating. Having several subplots makes the book impossible to put down, as each character develops more and more throughout. In this debut novel, Jon Hart has perfectly painted a world for teenagers to connect with.

[Leorah · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you didn't go to an "it" school, worry not—a Party School is just as good. Dylan Mills's misadventures getting "North-Southed" at his decidedly non-Ivy League college are somewhat reminiscent of Holden Caulfield in Catcher in the Rye, but Mills is so much more sensible and dependable, it's almost cringeworthy. He's a safe choice for his high school sweetheart, but she wants to "grow" when they head into freshmen year. We can kinda understand why: Dylan's ambitions don't much exceed his childhood backyard rocket ship and his job as a busboy in his hometown. When Rosemary wants to split, Mills joins a motorcycle gang (even though he doesn't have a driver's license) and makes a few more questionable choices involving nudity. Will Mills "make it better!" as his legendary sociology professor insists, or will he give up and stay home with his divorced parents?

[Beetqueen · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an English teacher, I hear a lot from students about finding the best college. There is so much debate and snobbery about going to the "right" school. Since I live in one of the 15 largest cities in the US, there are also many choices for my students, hence the snobbery. Even when I was going to college, I remember my own mother questioning my college choice because it was a "party school" when she was younger. Despite having the best elementary and secondary education program in the state, it gets a lot of flack from people who want something more "serious," which is why I could relate to Dylan.

I like that Hart addresses the college hierarchy that exists and how students should look for the school that is right for them. It doesn't have to be an IVY to offer amazing educational opportunities.

[Jackie Tricolli · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Jon Hart's debut novel, he tells a heartfelt coming of age story that especially resonates with the pressures of young adulthood today. The story centers around likeable Dylan Mills, an underachiever who discovers his potential once he gets to college, even though it is not an "it" school but rather a small, remote "party school." Dylan has his doubts about everything: being separated from his girlfriend Rosemary, making new friends and fitting in, committing himself to his studies, and distancing himself from his over-zealous parents. Eventually Dylan settles in with the help of a best friend (a first best friend???) and a dedicated professor who blasts his students with the reminder, "Don't be sorry. Do better!" Hart creates realistic situations and problems, even incorporating a timely scandal straight out of today's headlines. Readers will be routing for Dylan throughout his freshman year!

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! Nostalgic for your end of innocence days of high school to whatever came next on that journey to becoming who we are... especially if it was that first semester of college. And a great read for those going through it. Memorable characters----we all knew a Wally or a Sam or a Quarters or a Professor Berkowitz or a Rosemary. The author strikes delightful balance of internal monologue and dialogue that puts you into our protagonist's head/heart and keeps you rooting for him till the end. The crazy stories, the exciting draw of the new life chapter, the pull to safety of the past, the chances we take, the poor decisions, and the good ones. It's all there! This was an entertaining read down memory lane for me. Thanks!

[Liz Villa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jon Hart’s writing creates the perfect tone for Party School, with modern, youthful language that attracts a younger audience, while still being proficient enough to appeal to older audiences as well; this novel could be enjoyed by both youths who may be attending a party school themselves, as well as adults who may have long been graduated.

Hart’s storytelling and unexpected twists in the plotline throughout Party School make it a true page turner, with numerous hilarious scenarios as well as deeper topics that make this novel a well-rounded read.

As Jon Hart’s newest novel, Party School is as hilarious as it is thought-provoking, conveying topics that are extremely relevant today, while staying entertaining, enjoyable and an overall wonderful read.

[Mike Kylis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Its not my usual genre but I read it because my son is off to college in the fall and I'm trying to get him to read more. Jon Hart is an excellent journalist and this is his first novel. He brings all of his impressive journalistic skills to this fictional account of a young mans uncertainty of the future after high school. Highly entertaining and a quick read. Now if I can only get my son to read it!

[Shelby Raebeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nicely plotted, affirming novel. BTW, this book has nothing at all in common with Catcher in the Rye, other than the age of the protagonist and his trouble finding his place. Though barely, this book is a relentlessly positive, glass half full comedy (though barely), which makes it less deep but nevertheless timely, apropos. This book provides affirmation when, and for those to whom, it is sorely needed.

[Kelsey Sycks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was AMAZING!!! I was really captivated by the words and the authors stylistic choices. The way they portray colleges and “it” schools really is a refreshing way to get over nerves and fears about college. Plus, the character development is huge, and you really grow into Dylan’s character. Overall this is a great read, and I would highly recommend it.

[Kate Sisk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Party School is perfect for seniors with college-induced relationship problems, people who never got into their dream school or got shamed for attending an unremarkable college, and anyone looking for an easy-to-read comedy with a bit of romance intertwined.

[John Shaheen]

Review by Gerri Hass: The lead character Dylan Mills was a good underwater swimmer, a good student in love with the wrong girl, but his real claim to fame was running naked down the football field before a crown in the stands, Go figure! Great Book, great Read!

[Adam Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was one of my favorite new books this year.you won't regret buying a copy.

[Nat Thomas · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wish I could rate it lower

[Fox R · Rating 3 out of 5]

entertaining but frankly, unmemorable.

[Eda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hot Take On College As Seen In "Party School"
~
Eighteen-year-old Dylan Mills is from Castleton, the rich town that churns out “it-school”-worthy students each year. However, Dylan doesn’t find himself at an it-school like his girlfriend, Rosemary Silversmith, does. Instead, he winds up at North South, the college that’s frowned upon in his hometown. It’s also notoriously dubbed Party School. “Party School,” a 2022 debut novel written by Jon Hart, puts an interesting perspective on growing up, accepting change, and everything college-related.

When Dylan first arrives at his new school, he has multiple things fueling his sour mood. He isn’t satisfied with his relationship with his girlfriend, Rosemary, which is currently on a “no contact” break. At the same time, his divorced parents are acting closer than ever, which is confusing him. Dylan quickly befriends Wally, a freshman who helps Dylan through the ropes of North South. Dylan soon encounters his first taste of the infamous North South party life itself, where drugs and alcohol are favored. Besides the underground motorcycle gang that throws ragers and the dorm dubbed ‘420’ for its smokers and music-playing, North South has good professors, whom Dylan slowly grows fond of. Berkowitz, a sociology professor, turns out to be an important character in the plot, often steering Dylan’s decisions and offering guidance.

Now, I found myself at first confused by Jon Hart’s “Party School,” due to the fact that I couldn’t wrap my head around the backstory. What was the reason for Dylan’s parents’ situation? I also felt like I needed to know more about Dylan and Rosemary. I knew that Dylan was obsessed with her, but why? The plot could’ve used more introduction to our protagonist. These points could possibly be connected to Hart’s simplistic writing style; sometimes, I felt the writing lacked detail. However, this kind of writing style can also be a plus, and ultimately I grew fond of Hart’s simple descriptions. A main characteristic of Hart’s style is the dead-panned comedy, which fits seamlessly into his characters. Another thing I appreciated about “Party School” was its characters themselves; I liked how Dylan Mills wasn’t written to be your cliche “nerd” or “loner,” but more realistic. The sociology professor, Berkowitz, also had a realistic and unique character make-up that made me excite at his dialogue. His motto, that frequently occurs throughout the novel, is, “Don’t be sorry. Make it better!”

Overall, I enjoyed the messages conveyed through this book. I admire Hart’s stance against the idea that prestigious schools are the best option for a recently graduated student--if anything, they can be incredibly expensive and oftentimes valued only for their name. Equally, I agree that change is natural and can greet us with new opportunities, a message given through Dylan’s relationship with Rosemary.

All in all, “Party School” by Jon Hart puts a thoughtful but also comedic take on college--a fast-paced, must-read for those with plans of college in their future. As a high school student in a town not unlike Dylan's, Jon Hart’s debut novel provided me with a breath of fresh air.