2.94k reviews for:

The Celebrants

Steven Rowley

3.75 AVERAGE

selinaphd's review

3.0

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This book should be right up my alley. It begins with five college friends senior year grieving the death of a roommate. They commit to having funerals for each other to celebrate their life while they are still alive. They meet up throughout their 40/50s as they navigate growing close and far apart. The story doesn’t go deep enough to connect with the characters and some of the plot lines are not realistic. All in all a decent vaca read.

thedicearecast's review

4.0

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

readerchristina's review

3.0

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Really more of a 3.5. I really like the premise of this book (and as a plus, I will read pretty much anything set in Northern California), but I found the majority of the characters insufferable. The beautiful, poignant ending saved this one for me.

ashbydodd's review

4.0

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When one of their closest friends dies, a group of college friends make a pact that no one will ever go without knowing how the others feel about them. When necessary, they will hold living funerals to show their fake-dead friends how much they mattered and how essential they are. As simple and sweet a concept as that is, their connections and history run deep, and secrets emerge that may influence how they feel about one another.

Steven Rowley's "The Celebrants" was a pleasant surprise. Although the book revolves around death and funerals, it is an upbeat book that emphasizes the value of close connections and chosen family. Each character has their own agenda and emotions, giving them a well-rounded and genuine feel. Who wouldn't want a bunch of friends that care so deeply about each other?

I'd been meaning to read "The Guncle" for a long, but I ended up reading "The Celebrants" first. Based on my enjoyment of this great story, I intend to read anything else Steven Rowley has ever written. I adore his easygoing style, eccentric characters, and intriguing plot lines. I strongly recommend everyone pick up a copy of "The Celebrants" today!

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

twinings's review

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Would recommend

riverdeboz's review against another edition

3.5

adventurous challenging emotional funny lighthearted reflective sad 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: Yes

reillya's review

3.75

adventurous challenging emotional reflective sad tense 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: Yes

slb242's review

3.5

emotional hopeful slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

ryannreidreads's review

4.5

challenging emotional funny hopeful 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: Yes

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It was an entertaining read until the last 5 pages, where you find yourself sobbing and texting your best friends. 

haleybrennan's review against another edition

3.5

emotional funny lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated