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A review by readingwhilemommying
The Celebrants by Steven Rowley
4.0
One of my fave movies is The Big Chill & this book reminded me of that. What really struck me was how real the characters & their distinct personalities are. The Jordans, Craig, Naomi & Marielle are as loving yet snarky & temperamental as real people. Rowley does a wonderful job presenting a multi-character story with strong, vivid characterizations. Their personalities jump off the page.
The story is lovely, too. A group of college friends meet up over the years for a "living funeral," so that they can learn what they mean to the others while they're still alive. This is prompted by the death of one of their group just as they're done school. The references to 80s/90s references & the notion that people, even when so close at college, don't stay super-close over the years (although they will drop everything to help you if you need it) really struck a cord with me. It's like that with my college friends.
The Jordans anchor the group as a couple that fall for each other in college & eventually marry. Their connection is palpable and really serves as the heart of the story. This book is a heartfelt, funny, charming read that explores love, tragedy, death, and friendship in all their ups and downs. It may me laugh, smile, and cry. It's a perfect summer read. It's also a nice incentive to encourage you to send old friends a text or give them a call. Life's short but friendships can bring so much to it. Even if time gets in the way, it's never too late to reconnect.
I read parts of this and listened to Rowley himself do a fab job narrating it. If you loved The Guncle, you will love this one as well.
The story is lovely, too. A group of college friends meet up over the years for a "living funeral," so that they can learn what they mean to the others while they're still alive. This is prompted by the death of one of their group just as they're done school. The references to 80s/90s references & the notion that people, even when so close at college, don't stay super-close over the years (although they will drop everything to help you if you need it) really struck a cord with me. It's like that with my college friends.
The Jordans anchor the group as a couple that fall for each other in college & eventually marry. Their connection is palpable and really serves as the heart of the story. This book is a heartfelt, funny, charming read that explores love, tragedy, death, and friendship in all their ups and downs. It may me laugh, smile, and cry. It's a perfect summer read. It's also a nice incentive to encourage you to send old friends a text or give them a call. Life's short but friendships can bring so much to it. Even if time gets in the way, it's never too late to reconnect.
I read parts of this and listened to Rowley himself do a fab job narrating it. If you loved The Guncle, you will love this one as well.