The Friday Night Club, a Novel

Bridget's Review

There are two different paths staring Davis in the face. One is to marry his fiance, whom is not in love with or go after the woman of his dreams. Instead of looking forward to the big day, Davis is stuck in a never-ending cycle of events that will dramatically change his life. Who knew that so much could happen in just four days?

I loved it! Friday Night Club is unlike any book I have ever read because it has a little bit of everything, romance, drama, suspense, etc. It's like "Sex and the City" except instead of girls it's guys.

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Virtue Or Vice - How Do You Choose...?

Youth has been good to Davis Robertson: as proud members of The Friday Night Club, he and his college buddies got together at the end of every week and partied hard to celebrate their survival through another round of tests, papers, and the other challenges of university life. On top of that, Davis has enjoyed more than his fair share of "fleshly indulgences," including everything from strippers to extended acid trips. So, as he reminisces while watching his fiancée walk down the aisle toward him, Davis is suddenly confronted with three equally compelling choices: 1) follow through with getting married and settle for a mundane life of boring routine; 2) run away to Brazil with the love of his life in pursuit of unchecked passion; or 3) make a beeline back to his indulgent lifestyle of drinking, partying, and stripper-juggling. With so little time to make the most important decision of his life - how can Davis possibly choose...?

Definitely not for the young or faint of heart, The Friday Night Club is quite the titillating read. Taking the reader on a vicarious journey through the hedonistic life and times of a self-indulgent party animal, author Jacob Lurie's engaging tale doubles as a salacious story of the highs and lows of living life to the fullest, as well as a poignant commentary on the virtues of finally growing up. Skillfully penned, and backed by a vivid cast of vibrant, larger-than-life characters, The Friday Night Club successfully combines humor and gravitas in conveying a cautionary tale of learning to appreciate what you've got - while you've still got it. As a result, readers of all ages - and at all stages of growth and development - are sure to relate to the numerous hidden truths peppered throughout Lurie's narrative that make it so endearing - and highly worthwhile. A recommended, enjoyable literary treat.


Renee Washburn
Apex Reviews

Reviewed for Midwest Book Review

Although Davis Robertson's getting married in a few days, he finds his mind dwelling on past loves and friendships. As he hangs out with his best friends and groomsmen, Davis relives past experiences with these men, former college mates who formed The Friday Night Club, which was nothing more than a party club. Although Davis loves his fiancée, his thoughts keep turning to the one woman he never really had, a woman he's always held in high regard but never pursued. He fears committing, fears an uncertain future, but tells himself it's time to grow up and move forward. While partying with his friends, Davis vacillates from being certain he wants to marry to doubting his commitment to his fiancée.

This quasi-autobiography isn't your typical bachelor's last fling, although there are the quintessential drunken parties, humorous scenarios, assaults and ultimate arrest. Although couched as a coming-of-age story, The Friday Night Club goes beyond that, delivering poignant, profound insights into the struggling mindset of a young man as he passes into adulthood. Lurie skillfully pulls his reader into Davis's angst, his at-times conflictual relationships with his Friday Night Club partners, his earnest yearning for something he thinks is unattainable. This intriguing book doesn't limit itself to men; women will enjoy the read as much, if not more.

Excellent Wit!!

For those who like their entertainment robust and hilarious the Vegas shenanigans of main character, Davis Robertson, and his friends are right on the money. You'll shake your head, say "No way is Lurie going there," and then burst out laughing as he does indeed "go there." The dialogue is so enjoyable and witty I'm sure some enterprising individual could make a great drinking game out the frequent cultural references and quotes that are seamlessly delivered.

For those who like to analyze and alter the course of train wrecks in the making, a.k.a. "Men" to some, then Davis Robertson, and his friends are just the tickets. You'll shake your head, say "No way is Lurie going there," and then wish you could just shake Davis. Or maybe give him a hug as we ultimately gain insights into Davis' thought process (and frequently arrested thought process).

Lurie takes us to a place that is both funny and poignant as The Friday Night Club reminds us that we're all flawed people doing the best we can with what we've got, and thank God we've got friends like Jonesy and Peter for the journey.

A Wild Trip to the Altar

For some people, getting married to your college sweetheart makes perfect sense. However, the trip to the altar may be the logical thing to do, but for our hero, Davis Robertson, the journey is filled with many wild twists and turns, thanks in large part to the antics of his close circle of friends - aka, The Friday Night Club.

Not only do they uphold their long-standing tradition of outrageous debauchery for Davis' wild and wooly bachelor party, Davis spends most of the time prior to the wedding rehashing the other loves and lusts of his life, as he tries to come to grips with a lot of emotional baggage. He seems to have good intentions, but worries that his life is going to become a boring and passionless existence, if he goes along with the planned nuptuals. Certainly, his plight is not all that uncommon in modern society; most of us can relate.

The author, Jake Lurie, writes a breezy, often hilarious and occassionally poignant narrative which keeps the reader fully engaged in the antics of these old college buddies over the years. For most guys who've experienced the wilder side of college life - the parties, the alchohol fueled sexual encounters, the fights, the pranks, the hangovers - The Friday Night Club is sure to stir some fond and perhaps not-so-fond memories. In the end, Davis seems to have come of age through all the turmoil, giving us hope that his married life won't be so bad after all. Based on past experiences, it seems inevitable his life will be anything but dull going forward.

For the reader, Davis' wild journey makes for a most enlightening and entertaining tale. You'll be glad you tagged along for the ride.