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3.75 AVERAGE
3.75 AVERAGE
Anyone who knows me knows I adore Steven Rowley. He never disappoints. His latest book, "The Celebrants," is wonderful. As described, it's very much a spin on "The Big Chill" for Gen X. With its message of telling those you love how much you love and admire them while you can, I think "The Celebrants" will tug at the heartstrings. It certainly did mine - I was ugly crying at the end!
This was 3.5 stars I rounded up. I love a good character driven novel but this was one I didn’t really connect with any of the characters. That being said it was a touching story and easy read. I liked the “theme”
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
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:
Complicated
No rating because it's not a genre (Realistic Fiction) that appeals to me. So why did I read it? Well the Washington Post compared it to the movie, "The Big Chill", which I liked, although my entire enthusiasm for the film is based on a single line that I'm not sure Meg Tilly's character actually says in the movie. Also, every blurb on the jacket says the book is "funny" which is something I really yearn for. Sadly, like Lucy holding the football for Charlie Brown, I fall for the jacket blurbs over and over again. On the plus side, it's a quick read.
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The thing about Steven Rowley’s books is how different they are except for the basics: people need people. This clever new “big chill” was so full of surprises—the type that college friendships bring—and yet also the emotional depth I’ve come to expect.
5 college friends, since they buried one, Alec, far too soon after graduation. And a pac they make—a pac to have a funeral for each other before it’s time, when they need it. One would think that this could get formulaic, except for the power of Rowley’s imagination and writing. I cannot even…
5 college friends, since they buried one, Alec, far too soon after graduation. And a pac they make—a pac to have a funeral for each other before it’s time, when they need it. One would think that this could get formulaic, except for the power of Rowley’s imagination and writing. I cannot even…
emotional
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
This is the second book I’ve read by Steven Rowley and, as a result, I have added him to my “must read authors” list.
While the Celebrants is about difficult and serious subject matter, Rowley does an excellent job making it funny and even light at times. This clever writing style reeled me in from the start and held my attention until the end. I loved the characters and the story line.
While the Celebrants is about difficult and serious subject matter, Rowley does an excellent job making it funny and even light at times. This clever writing style reeled me in from the start and held my attention until the end. I loved the characters and the story line.
I’m setting it at 4 stars but don’t hold me to it, I’m now just an emotional wreck.
Do you ever get in a funk and think “gosh, I’d love to read something that makes me cry my fucking face off”…? Well this is for you!
I honestly wasn’t prepared for the amount of emotional moments this book had … not enough cookies, not enough wine, not enough Kleenex in the house.
SPOILER IN 3… 2… 1…
.
.
.
.
Ok one thing that REALLY bothered me that I hope Steven Rowley changes:
When Jordan is saying Jordy showed up on his doorstep but he was already seeing someone … this makes no sense! They were apart for 3 weeks, right? Jordan had been pining for Jordy all of college. They finally got together. But 3 weeks later he’s been seeing someone in his new life in NY? This makes zero sense to me. Nope. Even if he was happy it was Jordy who shows up to eat his leftovers, what the fuck…
Do you ever get in a funk and think “gosh, I’d love to read something that makes me cry my fucking face off”…? Well this is for you!
I honestly wasn’t prepared for the amount of emotional moments this book had … not enough cookies, not enough wine, not enough Kleenex in the house.
SPOILER IN 3… 2… 1…
.
.
.
.
Ok one thing that REALLY bothered me that I hope Steven Rowley changes:
When Jordan is saying Jordy showed up on his doorstep but he was already seeing someone … this makes no sense! They were apart for 3 weeks, right? Jordan had been pining for Jordy all of college. They finally got together. But 3 weeks later he’s been seeing someone in his new life in NY? This makes zero sense to me. Nope. Even if he was happy it was Jordy who shows up to eat his leftovers, what the fuck…