This is kind of silly. I decided to read this book because I read on the inside cover that it was about a reunion. My husband and I both have class reunions coming up this fall, and I thought it would help me get in the mood, add to my anticipation, build enthusiasm for seeing old friends.

The Last Girls is a contemporary novel about four women, now in their 50’s, who decide to reunite for a steamboat cruise down the Mississippi. It is a trip they all took together once before, when they were college students in the 1960’s (34 years ago)…but the last time it was a raft trip, with a whole group of girls. And, this time they are carrying a fifth friend’s ashes to ceremonially bury her in the river. Not because they are still all real close to one another, or real sentimental about the deceased friend, but because she made it clear to her husband that those were the best years of her life.

The women:
Harriet, a shy, single teacher, unhappy with her life but can’t seem to change it.
Courtney, married, pretty, sophisticated, seems to have it all, but is she happy?
Anna is a world famous author. She lives vicariously through her romance novel heroines.
Catherine, on her third husband, Russell, (who tags along on the cruise), and frankly, he gets on her nerves.
And the deceased, Baby. She was wild, passionate, unpredictable, and liked to live dangerously.

This book could have been great. The characters all had potential, and the concept of the reunion was intriguing, but what a disappointment. Character development fizzled early, and the plot became bland and predictable. Plus, the plot didn’t really make sense; the women took the time to re-connect and honor Baby and their glorified past, and then were all aloof, pretentious, and self absorbed. They had very little communication with each other, and only Harriet seemed emotionally invested in the trip. Ironically, the two most interesting characters were husband number three Russell, and the deceased friend Baby. By mid book, you find yourself wondering if these women were ever really that close to begin with, and if they will ever see each other again. I certainly wouldn’t read a sequel! It reminded me of a mediocre “made for TV” movie. ( )

Review of the audiobook version: This novel, a revolving door of flashbacks and current-day story lines, details a group of college friends who reunite decades after graduating to relive a ride down the Mississippi River and to bury one of their friends, who has died in mysterious circumstances. The characters are parodies of various stereotypes -- the spinster, the uptight Southern Belle, the audacious romance writer, the rebel and so on. It seemed to drag in many parts. For those listening to the audiobook, the narrator sounds like Fannie Flagg -- quite a thick southern accent, which does lend a bit of authenticity to the descriptions. ( )

http://bookcrossing.com/journal/47217... ( )

Class reunion trip down the Mississippi River to release the ashes of a friend. Most of the book club members didn't find the charactors or the plot credible. ( )

The "Last Girls" are a group of women celebrating their 40th reunion from A Southern college by repeating a trip down the Mississippi they had taken after their original graduation. They also plan to spread the ashes of one of their original members in the river. This time, however, they are traveling by steamship instead of the raft they used on the original journey. Some travel with their "significant others", & others are alone. The story is told from these various POV's & we get to know each "girl" & her history. This is a fun read. The 40 years between the trips has not made as many changes as would be imagined. The scenes of the river, the ship & crew, the Mississippi Gulf Coast & the City of New Orleans made me long to take such a journey. The Last Girls was published before the destruction of hurricane Katrina which has added an un-intended defination to the word "last". ( )