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3.75 AVERAGE
3.75 AVERAGE
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…
3.75 stars. I loved The Guncle and really liked The Editor and was so excited to read this. The beginning did not grab me initially but after I figured out the flow I really cared about the cast, esp the Jordans. I do enjoy a college friends book.
Read this for book club and enjoyed it a lot. Steven Rowley has a way of injecting humor into the serious parts to help you get through it all.
"We weren't meant to see everything, we weren't built to do everything, we aren't capable of knowing everything. At a certain point, peace had to be found with the choices we've made."
"We weren't meant to see everything, we weren't built to do everything, we aren't capable of knowing everything. At a certain point, peace had to be found with the choices we've made."
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
Steven Rowley, I love you. This book was wonderful from start to finish. I loved the structure of flipping back and forth between focusing on each character, and the concept of having a living funeral to make sure that the people in your life know they are loved is so touching. I will be making sure that all my loved ones know that they are loved, even if I don't throw them a funeral. I'm ready for the next Rowley masterpiece please! I am never disappointed by his work.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Death, Death of parent
Rowley really does write well about death and dying in all of its facets. A markedly different tone than [b:Lily and the Octopus|27276262|Lily and the Octopus|Steven Rowley|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1499086357l/27276262._SY75_.jpg|45476016] and, especially, [b:The Guncle|54508798|The Guncle|Steven Rowley|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1594848421l/54508798._SY75_.jpg|85077741], but exploring similar themes of loss and love, the group dynamics were entrancing and the alternating timelines didn't feel confusing or overwrought, as they so often do.
This book was a good one. I laughed and cried (still crying as ai write this). What a wonderful story of love and friendship and life.
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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