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jenrud31's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
fast-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
4.5
Really enjoyed it. Love a good ensemble cast.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer
mynameisrebecca's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The description of this book makes it seem like a comedy... it's not. It's an absolutely poignant look at living your life to the fullest, and hugging your loved ones a little tighter. It's a unique idea with really well fleshed out characters. Some of the dialogue is cheesy and the twists are relatively predictable, but it's such a beautiful novel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Death, Suicide, and Medical trauma
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Abandonment
juliacsmith's review against another edition
3.75
Some touching moments
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer and Death
anarobin's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
Unfortunately the friend group dynamic and personalities really did not work for me in this one. I found it hard to believe these characters really liked each other and therefore felt disconnected from them and lacked investment in their development/outcome.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer
Moderate: Death of parent
joensign's review against another edition
emotional
funny
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Death, Terminal illness, and Grief
Moderate: Drug use, Suicide, and Death of parent
campredwood's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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? It's complicated
5.0
gut wrenching queer reflection on mortality, identity, and chosen family
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Death, Terminal illness, and Grief
Moderate: Death of parent and Pregnancy
Minor: Drug abuse, Suicide, and Abandonment
kimberleyw12's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Death, Drug use, Grief, and Alcohol
Minor: Death of parent
liamliayaum's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Death, and Death of parent
hlckhrt's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer
mamasuereads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
After reading Steven Rowley's The Guncle, and then his newest The Guncle Abroad, I was told (by my friend at the bookstore) this book of his was going to be different and it was. That being said, it was still a beautifully told story about college friends who experience a tragic loss their senior year. They decide to make a pact, a friendship pact, agreeing to celebrate each other's lives while they are living. The story focused on the past and present of each of the five friends, then each had a "celebration" during a rough time in their life. I especially enjoyed Naomi's celebration destination. I also enjoyed the somewhat subplot of Marielle's story and also the mention of the game board they played at one "funeral" !(Takes me back in time-Haha). I guess I didn't find this one as humorous but that's probably because I didn't relate to this friend group. 3.5 stars rounded up.
Content Warnings
Minor: Addiction, Cancer, Death, Drug use, Grief, and Death of parent