Abbi Glines' Until Friday Night, the first installment in The Field Party series, is a compelling exploration of grief, healing, and the unexpected connections that can arise from shared pain. Set against the backdrop of high school football culture in Lawton, Alabama, the novel delves into the lives of two teenagers, West Ashby and Maggie Carleton, each grappling with their own profound losses.

At first glance, West Ashby appears to be the quintessential high school hero. As the star quarterback, he embodies the confidence and charisma that often accompany such a role. However, beneath this facade lies a young man struggling with the impending loss of his father to cancer. Glines skillfully portrays West's internal turmoil, capturing the complexity of his emotions as he navigates the pressures of maintaining his public persona while privately dealing with his grief. This duality in West's character is one of the novel's strengths, as it adds depth to what could have easily been a stereotypical portrayal of a high school athlete.

In contrast, Maggie Carleton is introduced as the silent new girl, a character shrouded in mystery and pain. Her decision to stop speaking after witnessing her father's violent act of murder is both a poignant and powerful narrative choice. Through Maggie, Glines explores the theme of silence as both a refuge and a barrier. Maggie's muteness is not just a reaction to trauma but also a means of self-preservation, a way to control the chaos that has engulfed her life. Her character is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and her journey towards finding her voice is both inspiring and heart-wrenching.

The relationship between West and Maggie forms the emotional core of the novel. Their connection is forged in the shadows of a post-game party, where West, overwhelmed by his father's deteriorating condition, confides in Maggie. This moment of vulnerability marks the beginning of a profound bond between the two characters. Glines excels in depicting the gradual development of their relationship, allowing it to unfold naturally and authentically. The dialogue between West and Maggie is sparse yet impactful, reflecting the weight of their shared experiences and the comfort they find in each other's presence.

One of the novel's most compelling themes is the idea that healing often comes from unexpected places. Both West and Maggie are initially drawn to each other because of their shared understanding of loss, but it is through their interactions that they begin to heal. Glines emphasizes the importance of empathy and connection in overcoming personal struggles, a message that resonates deeply with readers. The novel suggests that while grief is an isolating experience, it can also be a catalyst for growth and transformation when shared with others.

In terms of character development, Glines does an admirable job of fleshing out her protagonists. West's journey is marked by moments of introspection and self-discovery, as he learns to confront his emotions and accept the inevitability of his father's death. Maggie, on the other hand, undergoes a more subtle transformation. Her gradual return to speech is symbolic of her reclaiming her identity and agency, a process that is beautifully portrayed through her interactions with West and other characters.

While the novel primarily focuses on West and Maggie, the supporting characters add richness to the narrative. The dynamics within West's circle of friends, as well as Maggie's interactions with her aunt and uncle, provide additional layers to the story. These relationships highlight the various ways people cope with grief and support one another, reinforcing the novel's central themes.

Comparatively, Until Friday Night shares thematic similarities with other young adult novels that explore grief and healing, such as John Green's The Fault in Our Stars and Gayle Forman's If I Stay. However, Glines' novel distinguishes itself through its focus on the intersection of sports culture and personal tragedy. The setting of Lawton, Alabama, with its emphasis on football as a unifying force, adds a unique dimension to the story, illustrating how communal activities can provide solace and distraction from personal pain.

Overall, Until Friday Night is a poignant and emotionally resonant novel that captures the complexities of grief and the power of human connection. Abbi Glines' sensitive portrayal of her characters' struggles and triumphs makes for a compelling read that will resonate with anyone who has experienced loss or sought solace in unexpected places. The novel's exploration of silence, vulnerability, and healing is both thought-provoking and uplifting, offering readers a hopeful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.

For those interested in a heartfelt story about love, loss, and the journey towards healing, Until Friday Night is a highly recommended read. Its blend of emotional depth and relatable characters ensures that it will leave a lasting impact on its audience.