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Rock the Boat
Old friends discover how much has changed (and how much has stayed the same) when they reunite in their seaside hometown for one unforgettable summer--from the New York Times bestselling author of From the Corner of the Oval
"The perfect summer read."--LAUREN WEISBERGER, author of The Devil Wears Prada and Where the Grass Is Green and the Girls Are Pretty
When Kate Campbell's life in Manhattan suddenly implodes, she is forced to return to Sea Point, the small town full of quirky locals, quaint bungalows, and beautiful beaches where she grew up. She knows she won't be home for long; she's got every intention (and a three-point plan) to win back everything she thinks she's lost.
Meanwhile, Miles Hoffman--aka "The Prince of Sea Point"--has also returned home to prove to his mother that he's capable of taking over the family business, and he's promised to help his childhood best friend, Ziggy Miller, with his own financial struggles at the same time. Kate, Miles, and Ziggy converge in Sea Point as the town faces an identity crisis when a local developer tries to cash in on its potential. The summer swells, and white lies and long-buried secrets prove as corrosive as the salt air, threatening to forever erode not only the bonds between the three friends but also the landscape of the beachside community they call home.
Full of heart and humor--and laced with biting wit--Rock the Boat proves that even when you know all the back roads, there aren't any shortcuts to growing up.
"The perfect summer read."--LAUREN WEISBERGER, author of The Devil Wears Prada and Where the Grass Is Green and the Girls Are Pretty
When Kate Campbell's life in Manhattan suddenly implodes, she is forced to return to Sea Point, the small town full of quirky locals, quaint bungalows, and beautiful beaches where she grew up. She knows she won't be home for long; she's got every intention (and a three-point plan) to win back everything she thinks she's lost.
Meanwhile, Miles Hoffman--aka "The Prince of Sea Point"--has also returned home to prove to his mother that he's capable of taking over the family business, and he's promised to help his childhood best friend, Ziggy Miller, with his own financial struggles at the same time. Kate, Miles, and Ziggy converge in Sea Point as the town faces an identity crisis when a local developer tries to cash in on its potential. The summer swells, and white lies and long-buried secrets prove as corrosive as the salt air, threatening to forever erode not only the bonds between the three friends but also the landscape of the beachside community they call home.
Full of heart and humor--and laced with biting wit--Rock the Boat proves that even when you know all the back roads, there aren't any shortcuts to growing up.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published June 29, 2021
319 people are currently reading
15672 people want to read
About the author
Beck Dorey-Stein
3 books750 followersBeck Dorey-Stein is a native of Narberth, Pennsylvania and a graduate of Wesleyan University. Prior to her five years in the White House, she taught high school English in Hightstown, New Jersey; Washington, D.C.; and Seoul, South Korea.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 674 reviews
June 10, 2021
“Growing up is just one long effort to course-correct the best you can.”
Technically speaking, I’m not supposed to include quotes from this book, because it’s not in its final published form, but it SO epitomizes this story, that I hope I’ll be forgiven for adding it this one time!
I’d venture to say all of us struggle with “adulting” on any given day, and it can be particularly hard when you first cross that threshold into your 20’s. Nevermind the rude awakening that comes when each decade passes and you realize age STILL doesn’t give you all the answers!
When smart and ambitious NYC PR executive Kate Campbell is dumped by her wealthy boyfriend of 12 years, she’s forced to do the one thing many young adults dread most: move back home, which in this case is quaint and quirky small town Sea Point, NJ. There she reconnects with two old friends: her neighbor and childhood bestie, Ziggy Miller, a third-generation plumber who’s just lost his beloved dad and business partner, Zeke, and “Prince of Sea Point” Miles Hoffman, Ziggy’s best friend and uber-privileged son of Jo Hoffman, owner of Sea Point’s biggest tourist destination, The Wharf.
The unexpected death of Ziggy’s dad and beloved community member, Zeke, plays a central role in how the book’s events play out, and ultimately is the magnet that connects all the various characters. Kate, Ziggy and Miles struggle to redefine their futures, which they were so sure they had figured out, and it’s a wake-up call to the whole Sea Point community, which is under threat from Harry Leeper, a real estate developer with dollar signs in his eyes. With an abundant cast of characters, the journey there is full of humor, warmth, a lot of mistakes and unwise choices, hurt feelings, reconciliations, a little romance, and a whole lot of heart. It’s all the messy things life is full of, but handled in such a genuinely endearing way.
I would love this story any time of year, but it would make a particularly fun summer read. The residents of Sea Point will win your heart, as will Kate, Ziggy and Miles, as they bumble their way to adulthood. Their friendships with each other are rocky at times, but the dynamic between them is also a lot of fun and was a trip back in time for me to the joys and challenges of being a young adult.
It’s a coming-of-age story that shows that we’re never too old to keep growing up!
★★★★ ½
Thanks to Random House, Dial Press, NetGalley and author Beck Dorey-Stein for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. It will be published June 29, 2021.
Technically speaking, I’m not supposed to include quotes from this book, because it’s not in its final published form, but it SO epitomizes this story, that I hope I’ll be forgiven for adding it this one time!
I’d venture to say all of us struggle with “adulting” on any given day, and it can be particularly hard when you first cross that threshold into your 20’s. Nevermind the rude awakening that comes when each decade passes and you realize age STILL doesn’t give you all the answers!
When smart and ambitious NYC PR executive Kate Campbell is dumped by her wealthy boyfriend of 12 years, she’s forced to do the one thing many young adults dread most: move back home, which in this case is quaint and quirky small town Sea Point, NJ. There she reconnects with two old friends: her neighbor and childhood bestie, Ziggy Miller, a third-generation plumber who’s just lost his beloved dad and business partner, Zeke, and “Prince of Sea Point” Miles Hoffman, Ziggy’s best friend and uber-privileged son of Jo Hoffman, owner of Sea Point’s biggest tourist destination, The Wharf.
The unexpected death of Ziggy’s dad and beloved community member, Zeke, plays a central role in how the book’s events play out, and ultimately is the magnet that connects all the various characters. Kate, Ziggy and Miles struggle to redefine their futures, which they were so sure they had figured out, and it’s a wake-up call to the whole Sea Point community, which is under threat from Harry Leeper, a real estate developer with dollar signs in his eyes. With an abundant cast of characters, the journey there is full of humor, warmth, a lot of mistakes and unwise choices, hurt feelings, reconciliations, a little romance, and a whole lot of heart. It’s all the messy things life is full of, but handled in such a genuinely endearing way.
I would love this story any time of year, but it would make a particularly fun summer read. The residents of Sea Point will win your heart, as will Kate, Ziggy and Miles, as they bumble their way to adulthood. Their friendships with each other are rocky at times, but the dynamic between them is also a lot of fun and was a trip back in time for me to the joys and challenges of being a young adult.
It’s a coming-of-age story that shows that we’re never too old to keep growing up!
★★★★ ½
Thanks to Random House, Dial Press, NetGalley and author Beck Dorey-Stein for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. It will be published June 29, 2021.
March 21, 2022
"Rock the Boat" by Beck Dorey-Stein is a small town beach read!
Kate Campbell is excited! She's convinced her boyfriend of twelve years is planning to finally propose. Instead, Thomas tells her he's unhappy and breaks up with her!
Kate is employed by Thomas' mother making it awkward for Kate, so she quits her job. After she moves out of the apartment she shares with Thomas, she leaves NYC and heads back to her hometown of Sea Point, N.J. for the summer. Maybe longer!
Kate's neighbor and long-time friend, Ziggy Miller, is trying to cope with the sudden death of his dad, Zeke. He's also attempting to make sense of the financials for the plumbing business he shared with his dad. He's hugely overwhelmed!
Miles Hoffman, Ziggy's BFF, is back in town to prove to his mom, Jo, he's capable of running their thriving family business. He also promised to dive into the financial books for his best buddy, Ziggy. Maybe!
I had trouble connecting with these three primary characters making it a challenging read for me. 'Quirky' and 'humorous' is the combo-balm that satisfies my reading respite between the heavier books. Sadly, it didn't work for me here.
The three primaries were 30-somethings who seemed stuck in their previous-selves from 'high school days'. They're doing ridiculous things for ridiculous reasons and I found all three immature and irritating.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Kristen DiMercurio whose voicing accentuates the juvenile tone of the three primary characters. Her voicing overall was not believable. I do listen to audiobook's at an accelerated (1.75-2.0) speed but this has never influenced my opinion prior to this audiobook.
I am an outlier with this book, so please check out other reviews before you cross this one off your list! 2.5 stars.
Kate Campbell is excited! She's convinced her boyfriend of twelve years is planning to finally propose. Instead, Thomas tells her he's unhappy and breaks up with her!
Kate is employed by Thomas' mother making it awkward for Kate, so she quits her job. After she moves out of the apartment she shares with Thomas, she leaves NYC and heads back to her hometown of Sea Point, N.J. for the summer. Maybe longer!
Kate's neighbor and long-time friend, Ziggy Miller, is trying to cope with the sudden death of his dad, Zeke. He's also attempting to make sense of the financials for the plumbing business he shared with his dad. He's hugely overwhelmed!
Miles Hoffman, Ziggy's BFF, is back in town to prove to his mom, Jo, he's capable of running their thriving family business. He also promised to dive into the financial books for his best buddy, Ziggy. Maybe!
I had trouble connecting with these three primary characters making it a challenging read for me. 'Quirky' and 'humorous' is the combo-balm that satisfies my reading respite between the heavier books. Sadly, it didn't work for me here.
The three primaries were 30-somethings who seemed stuck in their previous-selves from 'high school days'. They're doing ridiculous things for ridiculous reasons and I found all three immature and irritating.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Kristen DiMercurio whose voicing accentuates the juvenile tone of the three primary characters. Her voicing overall was not believable. I do listen to audiobook's at an accelerated (1.75-2.0) speed but this has never influenced my opinion prior to this audiobook.
I am an outlier with this book, so please check out other reviews before you cross this one off your list! 2.5 stars.
July 20, 2021
Rock the Boat was a really good summer read — A light, beachy atmosphere but a story with enough substance to stay interested and root for the characters.
Kate is blindsided when Thomas dumps her, shattering her plans for their future in New York City. She returns home to Sea Point, New Jersey, where one of her closest friends Ziggy is dealing with the aftermath of his father’s death, trying to keep their plumbing business in tact while grieving. Ziggy summons his best friend Miles to help him with the books, and Miles comes back for the summer to prove to his mother that he is capable of running The Wharf, one of Sea Point’s main venues, with a bar, restaurant, and wedding space.
Friendship is the central theme of Rock the Boat, with some nostalgia, family, professional ambitions, and secrets also thrown into the mix. I liked the story and think many readers will find at least some relatability to Kate, Ziggy, and Miles.
Thank you to NetGalley, Dial Press, and Random House for providing an advance reader copy of Rock the Boat in exchange for an honest review.
Kate is blindsided when Thomas dumps her, shattering her plans for their future in New York City. She returns home to Sea Point, New Jersey, where one of her closest friends Ziggy is dealing with the aftermath of his father’s death, trying to keep their plumbing business in tact while grieving. Ziggy summons his best friend Miles to help him with the books, and Miles comes back for the summer to prove to his mother that he is capable of running The Wharf, one of Sea Point’s main venues, with a bar, restaurant, and wedding space.
Friendship is the central theme of Rock the Boat, with some nostalgia, family, professional ambitions, and secrets also thrown into the mix. I liked the story and think many readers will find at least some relatability to Kate, Ziggy, and Miles.
Thank you to NetGalley, Dial Press, and Random House for providing an advance reader copy of Rock the Boat in exchange for an honest review.
July 7, 2021
A little bit like Legally Blonde at the start, and a lot like Gilmore Girls (specifically the reboot) everywhere else, this is a charming, sweet, yet still substantial beach read.
Three 30-somethings from a small beach town in New Jersey find themselves reunited under strange circumstances. Kate is back in her hometown after being broke up by her very long-term boyfriend and is trying desperate to get her life on track so she can win him back. Miles is coming home to prove to his mother that he can take over the family business, since no one thinks him capable. And Ziggy has stayed in the town all along, working with his father in their well-respected plumbing business - but after his father's death, he's in a hard place in a number of ways.
I loved this story. There are some dramatic moments and secrets, but nothing is overwrought and everything is believable. The pacing wasn't exactly stellar, but I was more than willing to forgive that because of the commitment to the core message that life is about second guessing what we thought we wanted and giving ourselves the space to try new things and maybe find the thing that really makes us happy. The characters are flawed, but totally lovable.
An absolutely PERFECT book to be in the beach bag of every 30-something this summer!
Three 30-somethings from a small beach town in New Jersey find themselves reunited under strange circumstances. Kate is back in her hometown after being broke up by her very long-term boyfriend and is trying desperate to get her life on track so she can win him back. Miles is coming home to prove to his mother that he can take over the family business, since no one thinks him capable. And Ziggy has stayed in the town all along, working with his father in their well-respected plumbing business - but after his father's death, he's in a hard place in a number of ways.
I loved this story. There are some dramatic moments and secrets, but nothing is overwrought and everything is believable. The pacing wasn't exactly stellar, but I was more than willing to forgive that because of the commitment to the core message that life is about second guessing what we thought we wanted and giving ourselves the space to try new things and maybe find the thing that really makes us happy. The characters are flawed, but totally lovable.
An absolutely PERFECT book to be in the beach bag of every 30-something this summer!
June 22, 2021
I read ROCK THE BOAT over the weekend and just loved it! It’s such a fun, smart novel and I truly couldn’t put it down. I generally love novels about small town dynamics, but ROCK THE BOAT feels like the best one I’ve read in years.
I’m not sure what I loved most about the book, though, because I truly enjoyed the plot, setting, and characters in equal measure. The plot was tight and propulsive, with the perfect amount of drama and suspense. I’m not exaggerating at all when I say I read the manuscript in one sitting. And reading this book genuinely made me want to pack up and move to Sea Point. I want to have a drink at the Wharf, drive by the remaining mansions, and spend the day on the beach. I wish the Rock the Boat party was real and we could all go for Labor Day weekend! The characters, too, are so wonderfully rendered. They felt like real people I know and would want to spend time with. Their problems felt real to me and I was emotionally invested in the resolution.
Reading this book felt like taking a vacation, and I wish I could return to summer at the Jersey Shore on this dreary Tuesday morning.
I think ROCK THE BOAT is perfect for fans of J. Courtney Sullivan, Emma Straub, Meg Wolitzer, and Claire Lombardo.
#teamprh
I’m not sure what I loved most about the book, though, because I truly enjoyed the plot, setting, and characters in equal measure. The plot was tight and propulsive, with the perfect amount of drama and suspense. I’m not exaggerating at all when I say I read the manuscript in one sitting. And reading this book genuinely made me want to pack up and move to Sea Point. I want to have a drink at the Wharf, drive by the remaining mansions, and spend the day on the beach. I wish the Rock the Boat party was real and we could all go for Labor Day weekend! The characters, too, are so wonderfully rendered. They felt like real people I know and would want to spend time with. Their problems felt real to me and I was emotionally invested in the resolution.
Reading this book felt like taking a vacation, and I wish I could return to summer at the Jersey Shore on this dreary Tuesday morning.
I think ROCK THE BOAT is perfect for fans of J. Courtney Sullivan, Emma Straub, Meg Wolitzer, and Claire Lombardo.
#teamprh
July 9, 2021
This book was SO LONG and also tells lies about turtles.
July 25, 2021
Smart writing and a story that was well developed. Just needed a bit more on the story of Ziggy and Louisa. There really isn’t any romance in this book, and I think it was needed. Otherwise, I read it in 48 hours and enjoyed it.
February 11, 2021
I had so much fun reading this novel. I always make predictions about the plot as soon as I start a book, unlike most of what I read, my predictions were wrong. So, I was totally engaged in the journey of Kate after being dumped from her home, plans and job, as she returns to her hometown to pick up the pieces and start again.
Many women will feel inspired by her path. Going backward is painful, but for her it was a cleansing and provided a time to breathe, recharge and restart. All the characters were interesting and the author focused on 3 of them, all from their tiny hometown. With this lens, the reader was able to get involved with the characters and their growth. I hate books that are “crowded” so I loved the intimacy her writing created with the key characters.
Without a doubt, this will be a favorite beach read. Obviously, the publisher agrees since it will be released in June. I recommend this to reading groups. Thank you Netgalley for this charming read.
Many women will feel inspired by her path. Going backward is painful, but for her it was a cleansing and provided a time to breathe, recharge and restart. All the characters were interesting and the author focused on 3 of them, all from their tiny hometown. With this lens, the reader was able to get involved with the characters and their growth. I hate books that are “crowded” so I loved the intimacy her writing created with the key characters.
Without a doubt, this will be a favorite beach read. Obviously, the publisher agrees since it will be released in June. I recommend this to reading groups. Thank you Netgalley for this charming read.
August 8, 2021
What song winds up in your head while reading this book (or even just seeing my review) is definitely a generational thing. Some (like me) hear the 70s song "Rock the Boat" by Hues Corporation; the hipper (read: younger) ones among us mostly hear Aaliyah's song of the same name.
This is a summery read about friendship, love, family, and figuring out what to do when your plans are derailed.
Kate has her life in NYC figured out, and a big part of that includes marriage to her longtime boyfriend Thomas. But when his marriage proposal doesn’t quite happen as she expects, she doesn’t go to Harvard Law like Elle in Legally Blonde (what, like it’s hard?), but she has to move out of their apartment. Licking her wounds, she moves back home to her Jersey Shore town of Sea Point and back in with her parents—but it’s only temporary.
Meanwhile, her best friend Ziggy, who has never left Sea Point, is dealing with his grief following his father’s death and trying to make sense of the financial status of the family plumbing business. He’s asked for the help of his childhood best friend Miles—the so-called “Prince of Sea Point,” who is also returning home in an effort to prove to his mother that he’s worthy of becoming the CEO of their family’s company.
The lives of Kate, Ziggy, and Miles intersect in many ways, and with all three of them in one place for the first time in a long time, there’s bound to be ups and downs. Memories will be held up to the light, old wounds will be reopened, secrets will be revealed, and each of them has to figure out what they really want.
I usually really love books like Rock the Boat , but I never warmed up to this one. While I want Ziggy to be my book boyfriend, I found Kate and Miles fairly irritating for a while. I did love the feelings they had about their hometown—whenever I visit mine I’m hit with a mixture of nostalgia, longing, and dread. But I know others have enjoyed this more, so if it sounds up your alley, give it a try!
I really enjoyed Beck Dorey-Stein’s memoir, From the Corner of the Oval , in which she recounted her years as a stenographer for the Obama administration, so I’d recommend that.
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2020 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2020.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
This is a summery read about friendship, love, family, and figuring out what to do when your plans are derailed.
Kate has her life in NYC figured out, and a big part of that includes marriage to her longtime boyfriend Thomas. But when his marriage proposal doesn’t quite happen as she expects, she doesn’t go to Harvard Law like Elle in Legally Blonde (what, like it’s hard?), but she has to move out of their apartment. Licking her wounds, she moves back home to her Jersey Shore town of Sea Point and back in with her parents—but it’s only temporary.
Meanwhile, her best friend Ziggy, who has never left Sea Point, is dealing with his grief following his father’s death and trying to make sense of the financial status of the family plumbing business. He’s asked for the help of his childhood best friend Miles—the so-called “Prince of Sea Point,” who is also returning home in an effort to prove to his mother that he’s worthy of becoming the CEO of their family’s company.
The lives of Kate, Ziggy, and Miles intersect in many ways, and with all three of them in one place for the first time in a long time, there’s bound to be ups and downs. Memories will be held up to the light, old wounds will be reopened, secrets will be revealed, and each of them has to figure out what they really want.
I usually really love books like Rock the Boat , but I never warmed up to this one. While I want Ziggy to be my book boyfriend, I found Kate and Miles fairly irritating for a while. I did love the feelings they had about their hometown—whenever I visit mine I’m hit with a mixture of nostalgia, longing, and dread. But I know others have enjoyed this more, so if it sounds up your alley, give it a try!
I really enjoyed Beck Dorey-Stein’s memoir, From the Corner of the Oval , in which she recounted her years as a stenographer for the Obama administration, so I’d recommend that.
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2020 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2020.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
July 29, 2021
Kate Campbell thought she was living her best life in NYC's West Village with her boyfriend Thomas. She worked at his mother’s PR firm. After twelve years together, she was preparing for a proposal when instead, she got the breakup speech. “I’m not happy. I'm really, really not happy.” What??? She promptly quits her job and since she has nowhere to live, she heads back to the Jersey Shore and her hometown of Sea Point to regroup. Her friend and neighbor Ziggy is the local plumber and is also facing a fork in the road as he has just lost his father and is unsure of the future of the family business. The company books are a mess. His best friend Miles heads home to Sea Point to help Ziggy sort out the finances and also returns to prove to his mother Jo that he is worthy of running their family business, the Wharf, Sea Point’s very successful resort. Kate, Ziggy and Miles all have life decisions to make as friendships are renewed and broken along the way. Is Kate going to win Thomas back as she is plotting to do? Is Ziggy or Miles possibly her true love?
The description of Sea Point felt very real. You won’t be able to book a room at The Wharf or have drinks at the Jetty Bar but you will be interested to know if these three thirty-something friends can make the right decisions and not let their glory days pass them by.
Rock the Boat by Beck Dorey-Stein is a very sweet book. Light but has some substance. It doesn’t break new ground but will make your day at the beach all the more enjoyable.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
The description of Sea Point felt very real. You won’t be able to book a room at The Wharf or have drinks at the Jetty Bar but you will be interested to know if these three thirty-something friends can make the right decisions and not let their glory days pass them by.
Rock the Boat by Beck Dorey-Stein is a very sweet book. Light but has some substance. It doesn’t break new ground but will make your day at the beach all the more enjoyable.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
June 24, 2021
Thank you, The Dial Press, for the gifted copy of Rock the Boat! {partner}
Genre: Fiction
Trope: Small Town
Pub Date: 6.29.21
Star Rating: ☆☆☆.5
“Well, the alligator gets us all in the end, my dear. It’s a matter of perspective — and skincare."
Rock the Boat is packed full of the dynamics and idiosyncrasies that are often found in a small town - while the book does focus on Kate, Ziggy, and Miles, there were several other characters that we learned about throughout the book. By the end, I felt like I knew the characters in this book as if they were my neighbors (which I’m very close with, btw).
🏘 Small town charm featuring your typical town “scrooge”
🏃🏽♀️ All three characters are running from their own problems
📚 Focus on saving the library
🙅🏽♀️ Didn’t feel a connection to the characters
🚧 Showed the impacted overdevelopment can have on small towns and their histories
☑️ The main characters were not in their 20s
✂️ In-depth character descriptions
My two biggest complaints about the book are that I felt it became a little wordy at times - I could flip to the next page and the same topics were still being discussed. The first part of the story is told in alternating chapter perspectives of each of the 3 MC’s but then it switches to all of their perspectives in one chapter which made it hard to follow at times.
How do you feel about books with unlikeable characters?
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebookend....
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Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebookend....
Follow my blog: https://thebookenddiner.com/
Genre: Fiction
Trope: Small Town
Pub Date: 6.29.21
Star Rating: ☆☆☆.5
“Well, the alligator gets us all in the end, my dear. It’s a matter of perspective — and skincare."
Rock the Boat is packed full of the dynamics and idiosyncrasies that are often found in a small town - while the book does focus on Kate, Ziggy, and Miles, there were several other characters that we learned about throughout the book. By the end, I felt like I knew the characters in this book as if they were my neighbors (which I’m very close with, btw).
🏘 Small town charm featuring your typical town “scrooge”
🏃🏽♀️ All three characters are running from their own problems
📚 Focus on saving the library
🙅🏽♀️ Didn’t feel a connection to the characters
🚧 Showed the impacted overdevelopment can have on small towns and their histories
☑️ The main characters were not in their 20s
✂️ In-depth character descriptions
My two biggest complaints about the book are that I felt it became a little wordy at times - I could flip to the next page and the same topics were still being discussed. The first part of the story is told in alternating chapter perspectives of each of the 3 MC’s but then it switches to all of their perspectives in one chapter which made it hard to follow at times.
How do you feel about books with unlikeable characters?
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebookend....
Follow my blog: https://thebookenddiner.com/
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebookend....
Follow my blog: https://thebookenddiner.com/
October 27, 2025
This definitely wasn’t for me. Kate was so full of herself and seemed to learn nothing and not grow at all during the whole book. I pity the person who ends up with her, she will never be happy. Always digging for more and so completely superficial it’s amazing how she functioned as a human.
The title here didn’t work for me either, not enough tie in to the story. I could drone on and on about Kate drooling over someone’s clothing or sunglass labels, cars, vacations, etc. I just don’t get it.
My copy was provided by NetGalley for review
The title here didn’t work for me either, not enough tie in to the story. I could drone on and on about Kate drooling over someone’s clothing or sunglass labels, cars, vacations, etc. I just don’t get it.
My copy was provided by NetGalley for review
August 8, 2021
Kate moved back into her parents house in a NJ beach town after being dumped by her longtime boyfriend. She works part time at a restaurant and Library where she helps the quaint town from being taken over by developers. She reunites with and old friend Ziggy, whose father just passed away. The whole town mourns his death and are looking forward to the end of the season Rock the Boat Party to honor his life.
I wanted this to be a good book as I love a good beach read, but I hated it. Every single character was unlikeable. I wanted a fun summer read and this was just a bit depressing.
I wanted this to be a good book as I love a good beach read, but I hated it. Every single character was unlikeable. I wanted a fun summer read and this was just a bit depressing.
August 2, 2021
This book feels like a celebration of a particular kind of liberal whiteness that is as boring as it is problematic. DNF.
August 27, 2021
3.5 stars. There was a lot to like about this book, but I felt like the author kind of had to rush to tie up all the loose ends in the last few chapters.
November 23, 2021
ROCK THE BOAT
Beck Dorey-Stein
OMG, I am going to swim against the tide here. This book was not for me, that was sure. I read every page longing for the last. I dreamed of the last page!
The book was about thirty-somethings but read like a middle school audience was going to read it. These were the most immature characters EVER. They were supposed to be intellectual, lived in New York, and were successful business people there. Kate quits her job when her boyfriend of 12 years breaks up with her and moves home to a small town on the Jersey shore. The problem is that SHE burned her bridge with HER employer. The thought processes of Kate while with her rich boyfriend's friends was of a petulant child, always whiney, no confidence at all. In truth, all I thought was that Kate was a tad of a gold digger. If she was just so unhappy with the arrangement with her boyfriend, yet her every move plotted to keep him interested, afraid to communicate her feelings about anything (including money) with him.... then she stayed with him just to be in New York?
Dorey-Stein writes her characters as if they were below 90 on the IQ scale. Are you really telling the reader that a man who has worked in a business all of his life has NO ability to price out a job? I can price out the job and I am not even a plumber! But the same character got into an elite school and college, but quit? If an author wants us to believe that a character is smart, I wouldn't write him as a whiney child unable to carry an adult conversation and dressed in overalls or too big clothes all the time, or as a rich man in his 30s who has childlike wonder at how drinks are mixed. This was a continuous issue in the book for me.
A first-time reader of Borey-Stein and I shan't be back for more.
2 stars
Happy Reading!
Beck Dorey-Stein
OMG, I am going to swim against the tide here. This book was not for me, that was sure. I read every page longing for the last. I dreamed of the last page!
The book was about thirty-somethings but read like a middle school audience was going to read it. These were the most immature characters EVER. They were supposed to be intellectual, lived in New York, and were successful business people there. Kate quits her job when her boyfriend of 12 years breaks up with her and moves home to a small town on the Jersey shore. The problem is that SHE burned her bridge with HER employer. The thought processes of Kate while with her rich boyfriend's friends was of a petulant child, always whiney, no confidence at all. In truth, all I thought was that Kate was a tad of a gold digger. If she was just so unhappy with the arrangement with her boyfriend, yet her every move plotted to keep him interested, afraid to communicate her feelings about anything (including money) with him.... then she stayed with him just to be in New York?
Dorey-Stein writes her characters as if they were below 90 on the IQ scale. Are you really telling the reader that a man who has worked in a business all of his life has NO ability to price out a job? I can price out the job and I am not even a plumber! But the same character got into an elite school and college, but quit? If an author wants us to believe that a character is smart, I wouldn't write him as a whiney child unable to carry an adult conversation and dressed in overalls or too big clothes all the time, or as a rich man in his 30s who has childlike wonder at how drinks are mixed. This was a continuous issue in the book for me.
A first-time reader of Borey-Stein and I shan't be back for more.
2 stars
Happy Reading!
July 28, 2021
The good: this was basically like snarky, current Gilmore Girls with a sense of place that was *top notch* - I totally was in Sea Point in my head every time I picked this up.
The not-so-good: fairly unlikeable characters that I wasn’t really rooting for making annoying decisions, a plot that was both really drawn out and meanderingly paced in some ways and really rushed and un-fleshed-out in others.
I really, really enjoyed this book at parts and was really ready for it to be done in others. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a chance to read an advanced copy!
The not-so-good: fairly unlikeable characters that I wasn’t really rooting for making annoying decisions, a plot that was both really drawn out and meanderingly paced in some ways and really rushed and un-fleshed-out in others.
I really, really enjoyed this book at parts and was really ready for it to be done in others. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a chance to read an advanced copy!
July 22, 2021
Thanks to the publisher for the free review copy!
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5 rounded up
I am a huge fan of Beck Dorey-Stein. Her memoir, From the Corner of the Oval is one of my favorite nonfiction reads. Rock the Boat is her first novel and it takes you to the charming beach town of Sea Point, and follows a cast of characters over the course of a summer.
Overall it was a sweet and heartfelt story. I listened mostly on audio and the narration was great.
I was left wanting a bit more focus on the Kate and Ziggy story line. I felt like all the side characters took attention and momentum away from the potential romance.
I was also surprised that the actual Rock the Boat party felt so rushed at the end. I was listening to the audiobook and there wasn’t even 20 minutes remaining when we got to that part. I guess I just assumed it would play more of a prominent role in the plot than it did.
Still a very cute and fun summer read!
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5 rounded up
I am a huge fan of Beck Dorey-Stein. Her memoir, From the Corner of the Oval is one of my favorite nonfiction reads. Rock the Boat is her first novel and it takes you to the charming beach town of Sea Point, and follows a cast of characters over the course of a summer.
Overall it was a sweet and heartfelt story. I listened mostly on audio and the narration was great.
I was left wanting a bit more focus on the Kate and Ziggy story line. I felt like all the side characters took attention and momentum away from the potential romance.
I was also surprised that the actual Rock the Boat party felt so rushed at the end. I was listening to the audiobook and there wasn’t even 20 minutes remaining when we got to that part. I guess I just assumed it would play more of a prominent role in the plot than it did.
Still a very cute and fun summer read!
September 1, 2021
I have a few bones to pick here. First and foremost, the author wrote about the Jersey Shore as only someone who literally never lived there could.. it was out of touch, cliche and at times downright offensive. You can’t open the book with Bourdain’s quote “To know Jersey is to love her” and then refer to her as America’s armpit for the duration of the story. I get that the main character didn’t like her hometown…but this book was set up as an ode to NJ when in fact it is anything but. The author also has a penchant for writing truly detestable characters; it’s hard to enjoy the plot when you don’t want to see anyone succeed. Hard pass.
February 10, 2021
I have been waiting for Dorey-Stein's novel to come out every since her memoir "From the Corner of the Oval." She is an exceptional writer, one of a kind. Her bold and unique way of describing characters is something I've never experienced with a writer. You know the characters as if you've grown up next door to them your whole life. I thoroughly enjoyed her first novel, you'd like to take your time so the book lasts longer but I poured through this book in two sittings. Cannot wait for her next genius creation. LOVE IT!!!!!!
July 26, 2021
My thanks to The Dial Press for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts.
ROCK THE BOAT by Beck Dorey-Stein was a book I’d long looked forward to because I so loved her 2018 memoir, From the Corner of the Oval. I was excited to see what she’d do with fiction. The story revolves around Kate, dumped by her fiance as the book begins. She returns home to the small town of Sea Point, NJ where she grew up. There she reconnects with Ziggy, her neighbor and childhood friend. Ziggy is reeling from the recent death of his father, a man everyone adored. Into this mix is Miles, longtime friend to Ziggy and nemesis to Kate. He’s come back to town to prove to his mom that he’s capable of taking over the beach resort she owns.
Now this sort of combination is not really unusual and not many of the events in it were particularly surprising, but I still liked it! The beginning was a little slow and for a short time I even considered DNFing it, but am so glad I didn’t Rock the Boat is a perfect example of a book that gets better and better and pays off in the end. The more I read, the more attached I became to the characters, to the point where I even shed a couple of tears at the end. My advice? Give it about 100 pages and then, if you’re like me, you’ll be all in! Grade: B
ROCK THE BOAT by Beck Dorey-Stein was a book I’d long looked forward to because I so loved her 2018 memoir, From the Corner of the Oval. I was excited to see what she’d do with fiction. The story revolves around Kate, dumped by her fiance as the book begins. She returns home to the small town of Sea Point, NJ where she grew up. There she reconnects with Ziggy, her neighbor and childhood friend. Ziggy is reeling from the recent death of his father, a man everyone adored. Into this mix is Miles, longtime friend to Ziggy and nemesis to Kate. He’s come back to town to prove to his mom that he’s capable of taking over the beach resort she owns.
Now this sort of combination is not really unusual and not many of the events in it were particularly surprising, but I still liked it! The beginning was a little slow and for a short time I even considered DNFing it, but am so glad I didn’t Rock the Boat is a perfect example of a book that gets better and better and pays off in the end. The more I read, the more attached I became to the characters, to the point where I even shed a couple of tears at the end. My advice? Give it about 100 pages and then, if you’re like me, you’ll be all in! Grade: B
September 16, 2025
3.75 Stars
What started a bit rough due to an initially unlikable heroine gained momentum and ended on a high note.
Rock the Boat began in Kate’s POV, and almost immediately, I wasn’t a fan of her characterization. It started with a breakup and deteriorated as she remained adamant about getting back together, regardless of his arrogance and dishonorable ways. Soon after, two additional POV’s were introduced, and the story dynamic shifted. I can't say it was love at first few chapters, but the consistent flow and variety of characters kept me reading until I was full-blown invested and falling in love with their story(ies.)
Each of the three main characters, Kate, Miles, and Ziggy, had wonderful character transformations, and their connections were entertaining, romantic, and often funny. Oddly enough, my favorite of the three was the scoundrel Miles. I loved how he recognized and owned who he was (a sometimes douchbag, a charmer, a commitment-phobe, but also a loyal friend).
After a rocky start, this book became an entertaining read with some great wit and overall writing.
May 1, 2021
An excellent story about home and finding who you truly are even when faced with difficult decisions and loss. This story was told from the point of view of three different characters in their 30s.
Kate has just returned home to New Jersey after being dumped by her boyfriend of 12 years. She has to decide how to reinvent herself so that she can win him back and return to New York City. Ziggy has recently lost his father and does not know who he is going to cope. Miles, has been living the high life in California but now might lose his birthright so must return back to New Jersey to win it back.
I loved the pace of the book and how the three characters interacted. I have to be honest that after reading this book I did really want to move to the coast of New Jersey and join up with the three of them. This is a great read and it will not disappoint!
Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
Kate has just returned home to New Jersey after being dumped by her boyfriend of 12 years. She has to decide how to reinvent herself so that she can win him back and return to New York City. Ziggy has recently lost his father and does not know who he is going to cope. Miles, has been living the high life in California but now might lose his birthright so must return back to New Jersey to win it back.
I loved the pace of the book and how the three characters interacted. I have to be honest that after reading this book I did really want to move to the coast of New Jersey and join up with the three of them. This is a great read and it will not disappoint!
Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
July 5, 2021
Ok so this could have been a really fun beach read. I loved the Sea Point setting and the small, beach town feel. I was interested to see what Kate got up to back in her hometown after she left her luxurious NYC life behind post-breakup. However, at the end of the day there were just too many storylines and sub plots to keep track of, and I honestly did not find any of the main characters to be likable at all. They didn’t undergo any sort of major character development, there were just weird resolutions to their immature, selfish problems.
I don’t know. I expected a lot from this book and I was excited to read it over a long weekend, but I just couldn’t get past the characters.
I don’t know. I expected a lot from this book and I was excited to read it over a long weekend, but I just couldn’t get past the characters.
June 20, 2021
4.5-5 stars RTC. Such a great summer novel with so much heart!
July 10, 2021
3.5 RTC
July 29, 2021
Loved this! I first read Becky Dorey-Stein’s From the Corner of the Oval a few years ago and loved it. It is a nonfiction account of her years as a young White House stenographer. It’s very funny and shines a light on the Obama years behind the scenes. Her novel Rock the Boat manages to combine humor, a cast of lovable characters and captivating plot about dealing with love, loss and identity. There is an underlying theme of winding up back in your hometown as an adult and how you run back into your past. Highly recommend this one. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review an advanced readers copy of this novel.
April 25, 2021
This book is told from 3 POVs and while I loved Ziggy from the start, Miles and Kate were both somewhat annoying. This made the first 20% of the book a little slow and hard to get into for me. As the story went on, I was really happy with their character growth and engaged with what would happen for all of them. Once things clicked into place, I flew through the rest of the novel. I thought the portrayal of a small town was spot on and I loved a lot of the side characters, who also felt well developed. I also thought the dynamics between the friends felt realistic.
I did question the emotional maturity of some of the characters choices - they felt more appropriate for someone much younger than mid 30s. At the same time, I did like seeing characters in their 30s who are still figuring their lives out. There was a lot going on and a few of the sub plots didn’t seem to relate as well to the main storyline. Overall this was a lighthearted and enjoyable take on coming to terms with death, loss, friendship, love and forgiveness. 4/5⭐️
Thank you NetGalley and Random House for gifting me this eARC. Rock the Boat will be out on June 29.
I did question the emotional maturity of some of the characters choices - they felt more appropriate for someone much younger than mid 30s. At the same time, I did like seeing characters in their 30s who are still figuring their lives out. There was a lot going on and a few of the sub plots didn’t seem to relate as well to the main storyline. Overall this was a lighthearted and enjoyable take on coming to terms with death, loss, friendship, love and forgiveness. 4/5⭐️
Thank you NetGalley and Random House for gifting me this eARC. Rock the Boat will be out on June 29.
July 18, 2021
This is a clean, Hallmark movie style summer story featuring three childhood friends who are reunited in their small, New Jersey coast town of Sea Point as each of them come to terms with different life crises. Kate has just been dumped by the long-term boyfriend she was expecting to marry, Miles has come back to take over the family business and Ziggy is dealing with the death of his father. All three discover it's never too late to start over and try new things and that there's nothing better than the friends who know you best. I loved how Kate found a new passion working at her local library, Miles wants to become a chef and Ziggy is the one who never left home and is fighting to save his town from being taken over by a big developer. This is a satisfying, feel-good summer read I highly enjoyed! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced review copy.
Favorite quote:
"Librarians had steering power, Kate realized, and connecting readers to their new favorite book was the strongest intellectual high she had experienced since working with her college thesis advisor."
Favorite quote:
"Librarians had steering power, Kate realized, and connecting readers to their new favorite book was the strongest intellectual high she had experienced since working with her college thesis advisor."
June 7, 2021
This was a summer bummer.
I saved this to read by the beach and that is where I started it...a month ago.
If you've been around for a bit, you know I read freaky fast and the longer it takes me to read a book, it usually correlates to a lower star rating. Not on principle, but purely based on the fact that if I like something, I have to finish it. If I don't like something, its easy to put aside, start and finish 20 other books and keep coming back to it.
I finally forced myself to finish and it was just very underwhelming. There were way too many people to keep track of (another common theme around here) and I didn't find myself invested in anyone. I found most of the characters to be annoying, to be honest.
Thank you @Netgalley and Random House & The Dial Press for this advance copy in exchange for an honest review. Get your copy on June 29 - and hopefully you'll have better luck than me!
I saved this to read by the beach and that is where I started it...a month ago.
If you've been around for a bit, you know I read freaky fast and the longer it takes me to read a book, it usually correlates to a lower star rating. Not on principle, but purely based on the fact that if I like something, I have to finish it. If I don't like something, its easy to put aside, start and finish 20 other books and keep coming back to it.
I finally forced myself to finish and it was just very underwhelming. There were way too many people to keep track of (another common theme around here) and I didn't find myself invested in anyone. I found most of the characters to be annoying, to be honest.
Thank you @Netgalley and Random House & The Dial Press for this advance copy in exchange for an honest review. Get your copy on June 29 - and hopefully you'll have better luck than me!
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