A review by sabrina_lindsay
The Celebrants by Steven Rowley

emotional funny hopeful reflective relaxing 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? Yes

3.5

While the friend group didn’t seem to like each other through much of the book, I still really enjoyed this one. I thought the idea of the pact and telling the story mainly as check-ins during each “funeral” was unique and engaging, but it did seem like the emotion diminished as the book progressed. I definitely could have lived without two characters having the same name - even with a nickname for one, it took me far longer than necessary to remember which was which without having to pause and mentally consider it. Why!? 😫 I thought I’d land at four stars, but for me, the book lacked the deeper emotion I expected, especially with the ending, which was a big miss for me. There was an opportunity to bring the characters full circle and solidify their friendship in a meaningful way that I didn’t feel we got.