mrs_b's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? It's complicated
4.0
ivalael's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
4.75
ashleywhitereads's review against another edition
5.0
It’s been a while since a book made me sob like this :’)
heypretty52's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol, Suicide, Terminal illness, Abandonment, Cancer, Death, Death of parent, Drug use, and Grief
Of the content warnings listed, all are handled with great care in a way that isn't overtly triggering to readers.scott_thelibrarian's review
5.0
I adored The Guncle, so I had high hopes for The Celebrants. Steven Rowley did not disappoint. This book pulled at my heartstrings and made me feel every emotion. I laughed, cried, felt anger, but most importantly, I felt love. The premise of this book is awe-inspiring. It takes the found family trope to a new level, taking readers on a magnificent yet emotional journey. The idea that there are certain friendships that you can never let go of is beautiful. No matter how many years passed without contact, these friends were always able to find their way back to each other. At first, they believed it was through obligation, but as they got older, they realized just how powerful and meaningful their celebrant pack really was. If Rowley continues to write like this, I don't think anything can stop him. This is definitely one of my favorite books of the year. I highly recommend this book!
ajacoby's review against another edition
3.0
3 ⭐️ while I appreciate the author’s ability to make a depressing subject lighthearted and almost fun, I didn’t feel like I really got to know any of the characters
jenabest's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
5.0
The Celebrants was one of my 2023 Most Anticipated Releases. After reading The Guncle, I fell in love with Rowley's writing style, and it's heartening to see that I stand by that decision.
The Celebrants will make you cry, and laugh, and then cry again. But at its core, this is not a novel about death, but about life and love.
I did rage at exactly one sentence in this story, describing a morning drive into San Francisco: "The drive into the city was smooth at that hour and they arrived with plenty of time to find parking"
Never, in all my visits to SF, did this ever seem remotely possible.
The Celebrants will make you cry, and laugh, and then cry again. But at its core, this is not a novel about death, but about life and love.
I did rage at exactly one sentence in this story, describing a morning drive into San Francisco: "The drive into the city was smooth at that hour and they arrived with plenty of time to find parking"
Never, in all my visits to SF, did this ever seem remotely possible.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Cancer
sheebs15's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
daffodill37's review
4.0
(E-Book)
I was delighted to find I won a copy of this book through a GoodReads giveaway. I've read 2 other books by this author and absolutely loved them both.
This book reminded me of my reckless and carefree friend that we also lost too soon but it was in a sweet and healing way. There's a part where they're talking about strange it is to be smiling about fun and happy memories when the sadness is so consuming. Our author has a way of writing grief that's extremely relatable.
Overall, this book is about found family and cultivating lifelong connections and making time to enjoy life. It's happy and it's sad and I enjoyed it.
I was delighted to find I won a copy of this book through a GoodReads giveaway. I've read 2 other books by this author and absolutely loved them both.
This book reminded me of my reckless and carefree friend that we also lost too soon but it was in a sweet and healing way. There's a part where they're talking about strange it is to be smiling about fun and happy memories when the sadness is so consuming. Our author has a way of writing grief that's extremely relatable.
Overall, this book is about found family and cultivating lifelong connections and making time to enjoy life. It's happy and it's sad and I enjoyed it.