2.89k reviews for:

The Celebrants

Steven Rowley

3.75 AVERAGE

erinelizaart's review

3.5

dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

Loveable characters: No

carolinetew's review

4.0

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3.75?/5
On one hand, this is totally pat, overly sentimental, and a little cliche. On the other, I was crying legit tears on my way to work and had to get myself together before entering the building (lest any of my coworkers think something real had happened). I love Rowley, but this isn’t his best (shout out Guncle!) though it’s still a damn good time. Also I know he did it for the bit but there’s actually a reason why characters don’t have the same name in books.

marcybooks's review against another edition

5.0

challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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Amazing writing. Amazing story. I’m going to buy the book now because I know this is one I will read over and over. So many feelings-I can’t put into words which is why I’m not a writer! Lol

befthhh's review against another edition

4.5

emotional funny reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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This was beautifully written. I loved getting to know Jordan, Jordy, Craig, Marielle, and Naomi through the years at their funerals. I appreciated the sentiment about death and grief and leaving nothing unsaid. I cried but I didn't sob. 

pagesand_polished's review against another edition

4.0

emotional medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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After the tragic loss of one of their own, a group of college friends makes a pact: whenever one of them needs it, they’ll come together (no questions asked) to throw a living "funeral," celebrating the person while they’re still here. Over the years, this promise weaves through each of their lives, reconnecting them in moments of crisis, joy, and reflection.

I loved this one. It beautifully explores the power of chosen family and the importance of expressing love and appreciation while people are still around to hear it. The Celebrants is a touching reminder not to wait until it's too late to show up for the people who matter most. A moving, emotional read about friendship, life, and the legacies we leave behind.

debldroege's review

5.0

funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

elizmarie's review against another edition

4.25

emotional inspiring reflective fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

abbyxbrandt's review against another edition

2.5

emotional reflective slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

maijaka's review

4.0

emotional funny hopeful inspiring slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

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I enjoyed this story of friends, the reflection on growing up, and the wrestling with mortality. At times the novel felt like it hit a slow spot or jumped around a bit too much, or was a bit didactic. Despite that, I was able to cherish the story and cheer on the characters, for the most part. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Cancer, Drug abuse, Grief

Moderate: Mental illness

judyk13's review

4.25

emotional funny hopeful inspiring sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated