Since writing book recommendations on my blog almost 3 years ago, I’ve read some really wonderful titles. There have only been 1 or 2 that have been mediocre. I’m adding my latest read to the “really wonderful” pile. For this book report, I recommend The Last Romantics by Tara Conklin.

This book was the first pick for the Read With Jenna Book Club in March 2019. It’s now published in paperback so I picked up a copy. I usually read books from recommendations but this time I thought I’d be adventurous. I haven’t heard anything good, or bad, about this title. I’m glad I took a chance! 

After a quick flash forward, the setting of the book jumps to the early 80s.  You’ll meet the Skinner Family who live in a yellow Colonial house in Connecticut. I was quickly pulled into their traumatic and unstable world getting to know siblings Renee, Caroline, Joe, and Fiona. The book navigates their lives from adolescence to adulthood. Specific life events each one encounters change their dynamics yet they find themselves closely connected. 

If you enjoy books about dramatic family relationships, this one’s for you! The sibling’s emotional bond was interesting. They had different life experiences that affected their interpersonal connections. At times your breath will stop short when reading certain passages. Other segments of the book will make you cheer on certain characters under your breath. Plus, it’s a story that’s simply engaging and entertaining. 

I was also a fan of Conklin’s book, The House Girl, published in 2013. That was part of the reason I chose to pick up another piece of her work. Add The Last Romantics to your summer reading list. It’s not a fluffy beach romance, which definitely isn’t my genre, but it does have an easy-read feel. It has plenty of substance but it’s not too heavy. You will easily stay engaged in this book either on a plane or on the beach. Enjoy!