Read a book set inside a New York City apartment building
The Party Upstairs by Lee Conell
What to Read This Week
The Party Upstairs by Lee Conell
What It’s About
Taking place over the course of a single-day in one apartment building in New York City, The Party Upstairs tells the story of, well, exactly that: a party being held in the penthouse apartment later that night.
Ruby grew up with her parents in a basement apartment in the Upper West Side, glimpsing the wealthy life but never quite living it herself. Her father was the super of the building, so they had free housing in a wealthy, gentrified neighborhood, and her childhood friend, Caroline, lived in the luxurious penthouse. As kids, the two never really understood their differences, but as they got older, their lives veered in different directions, largely based on their beginnings.
Ruby is unhappy that she’s recently had to move back in with her parents, and when she discovers Caroline is throwing a big party in the penthouse one night, she’s both excited and terrified about being back with her old friend after such large setbacks in her own life.
The book is told through present day and a series of flashbacks, but each encounter discusses important points about class, privilege, and who gets to define those things.
Who Will Like It
If what drew you to Only Murders in the Building was its closed-door setting and characters all up in everyone’s business, this would be a perfect next step. Though, if the murders and mysteries are what hooked you, I’d probably recommend this book instead. I particularly would give it to readers who don’t mind unlikeable (but realistic) characters, those who enjoyed Kevin Smith’s Nothing to See Here, and those who enjoy reading plot-light, character- and theme-heavy books. While it may not be for everyone, Conell’s handling of combining story with commentary on class and privilege in modern America is outstanding, and I think this book was overlooked by many for “flashier” books instead.
Next Up
I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump, but I’m slowly coming out of it. I took this photo of some bright pink books—I’ve been loving the pastel trend on book covers lately. [Books pictured: A Touch of Jen by Beth Morgan, The Very Nice Box by Eve Gleichman and Laura Blackett, Cheat Day by Liv Stratman, The Nature of Fragile Things by Susan Meissner, In the Quick by Kate Hope Day.]
I would love to know if you are looking for particular recommendations in any genre or have any questions about recent books you’ve been intrigued by! Leave a comment and let me know if you need a recommendation!
More Books
Can’t get enough, or looking for a different recommendation? Browse the archives, or check out some popular past recommendations:
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