The Celebrants

by Steven Rowley

A decades-old pact offers a group of college friends the chance to throw each other “living funerals,” in the next poignant and humorous novel by the bestselling author of The Guncle.

The night after one of their own is tragically taken away from them, a group of five college friends form a pact: a promise to reunite every few years to throw each other "living funerals," constant reminders that life is worth living, if not for them then for their late friend.

Now, twenty-eight years into the hard-worn lines of adulthood, their "funerals" only remind them of all the opportunities they missed. But when one member of the old gang receives an unexpected diagnosis, the pact takes on new meaning, and each friend is forced to confront old secrets, and weigh their now-middle-age lives against the idealistic dreams of their youth.

A deeply honest tribute to selfhood and the people who keep us going, The Celebrants, coupled with Steven Rowley's signature humor and heart, is a moving tale about the false invincibility of youth, and all the beautiful ways in which friendship can transcend our deepest losses.

Genres: Fiction, Audiobook, LGBT, Contemporary, Book Club, Literary Fiction, Adult

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 30, 2023

About the author

Steven Rowley is the bestselling author of Lily and the Octopus, a Washington Post Notable Book of 2016, The Editor, named by NPR and Esquire Magazine as one of the Best Books of 2019, and The Guncle, a Goodreads Choice Awards finalist for 2021 Novel of the Year and semi-finalist for The Thurber Prize in American Humor. His fiction has been published in twenty languages. Rowley lives in Palm Springs, CA with his husband, the writer Byron Lane.

Reviews

[Taylor Reid]

After the sudden death of a friend, a group of college friends vow to throw each other “living funerals.” Three decades later, their “funerals” only seem to show them opportunities missed. But when someone gets an unexpected diagnosis, their pact takes on a whole new meaning. Steven’s books are always a must-read.

[Nilufer Ozmekik · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Guncle" was undoubtedly my favorite book of 2021! Steven Rowley's exceptional writing talent goes beyond mere storytelling; he is a true composer, skillfully playing the strings of our emotions and bringing forth a whirlwind of complex feelings that we've long harbored. With each of his works, he masterfully orchestrates a symphony that makes us simultaneously laugh and cry, resonating deeply within our souls and leaving an indelible impact.

In this modern retelling of "The Big Chill," Rowley creates a narrative that is both sentimentally profound and deliciously entertaining. The friendship that spans three decades serves as the backbone of the story, offering a remarkable portrayal of enduring bonds. As the 28th anniversary of their friendship approaches, we are reintroduced to the unforgettable characters: Jordans, the joyful couple whose love radiates; Craig, the initially irksome but eventually endearing friend; Naomi, who navigates the depths of grief after losing her parents tragically; and Marielle, grappling with the aftermath of a painful divorce. Together, they gather once more in the serene backdrop of Big Sur, continuing their tradition of commemorating the life of their college friend Alec, whose untimely death at the age of 22 left an everlasting impact.

While Naomi continues to wrestle with her personal anguish and Marielle mends the shattered pieces of her marriage, Craig finds himself entangled in an art fraud scandal, ultimately pleading guilty. Three decades of adulthood have taken their toll on the group, leaving them questioning the purpose of their precious lives and yearning for fulfillment.

However, it is the power couple of the group, Jordans, who confront a life-altering revelation. Jordan, having triumphed over cancer five years ago, is now faced with its resurgence, a formidable foe that threatens to cut his remaining time short. As the friends come together once more, their usual funeral celebration takes on a different meaning, serving as a poignant tribute to one of their own. This significant event threatens to shake the very foundation of their unique bond, forcing them to confront their own mortality and the fragility of their connections.

I hesitate to reveal too much, for the beauty of this heartfelt story lies in its ability to pierce your soul directly and draw you in completely. The meticulous character development is a testament to Rowley's mastery, as each individual is intricately crafted, allowing us to fully invest in their journeys and cheer for their triumphs, even in the case of Craig.

Overall, "Guncle" has ensnared my heart with its irresistible charm and deeply relatable characters. It is an exquisite exploration of friendship's enduring power, deserving of the highest praise. Without hesitation, I wholeheartedly award it a well-deserved five stars, a testament to its ability to transcend the pages and leave an everlasting impression.

Special thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam/G. P. Putnam’s Sons for sharing this incredible digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.

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[Shelley's Book Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

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Do as many things as you can to remind yourself you’re alive.

I loved Steven Rowley's 2021 release The Guncle so when I saw this on NetGalley it was a no-brainer to request it and am I ever glad I did.

This book takes place over a twenty-eight-year period from 1995 to 2023. We also get an inside look into each character's life over the years. I loved the way this book was set up with each section devoted to a single character and we see how they've been doing since they graduated. It's about friends who dormed together in college and after a dormmate dies unexpectedly they make a pact to celebrate the life of one another when they need it most, so you can hear how loved you are and how important you are before you actually die and you can appreciate it. Sounds kinda morbid but it isn't. It is about living funerals and full of humour and love. I recently lost a 51-year-old cousin and I tell you these are a good idea. We have all had to deal with love and loss.

The book is very heartwarming and proves just how important friendships are in one's life, especially friends that are like family. The plot and characters are very true to life and I think that's why it touched me so much. There is joy and sadness throughout. Emotional, humorous, and full of wit, a book that made me laugh and cry in equal measure, what more can you ask than that?

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.

[Creya Casale | cc.shelflove · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 STARS

Thank you to Edelweiss Plus and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for providing a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I would describe this book as being fairly okay. A unique concept, Jordan and his friends entered a pact when they were young to host living funerals for each other. The purpose of the pact is to ensure that the friends understand the impacts they’ve made on each other’s lives before it’s too late. While I liked Steven Rowley’s writing, these characters really sucked. I personally felt that I didn’t get to know the characters well enough before being thrown into the sea of their many (and I mean MANY) problems, so I had a hard time sympathizing with them for the majority of the book. These grown adults bickered like they were still in college, and let’s face it—I’m just not all that interested in reading about forty year olds doing mushrooms. While the overall message was a positive one, I was not as moved or impressed as I would have expected.

A note to authors everywhere: PLEASE don’t give two characters the same name! Jordy and Jordan… seriously?

[Mai H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goodreads Choice Awards Opening Round - Best Fiction

Pride Month

Steven and his husband released new books on the same day. When talking about why he wrote this book, he explained that a friend committed suicide in college. Their friend group often wondered would that have been the case if they knew how loved they were? That is, in short, the premise for this novel.

After Alec dies quite young, the other five friends make a pact. Wherever they are in life, whatever they are doing, when one is at the lowest point in their lives, the rest of them will drop what they are doing and hold a living funeral for the person. The first one is obviously terrible and awkward, but they get their bearings for the others. The friends see each other through marriages, divorces, children, and more.

It's not a happily ever after, but life very rarely is. I won't spoil anything. Just know this. You will cry. You will cry a lot. Tell your friends and family you love them. You never know if this will be your last chance.

📱 Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons

[Jordan (Jordy’s Book Club) · Rating 4 out of 5]

QUICK TAKE: yeah duh, I adored it. Emotional and funny and sharply-written and all the things you would expect in a Steven Rowley book. Reminiscent of FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL meets THE BIG CHILL, this will be a lovely crowd-pleaser when it comes out in May.

[Ellery Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

I adored The Guncle and The Editor, so it took me a minute to figure out why The Celebrants didn’t end up being another stellar Steven Rowley book for me.

I liked the characters and was invested in each of their plotlines. I liked the pact between friends. I liked the various settings. I loved the tenderness between the Jordans. I liked the theme of found family. So what gives?

It comes down to this: I didn’t like listening to The Celebrants as an audiobook. It felt like I was being yelled at too often. There was so much emphasis on a dramatic performance that the performance stole too much thunder from the words. They didn’t reach me the way they might have if I’d read this in print. I think I should come back to this book in the future and read it again, quietly next time, so I can really hear the characters talk to me.

[Blaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Update 5/30/23: Reposting my review to celebrate that today is publication day!

Jordan shook his head. Why he ever thought these were the people to enter a lifelong pact with he thought he’d never know. Youth. In 1995 his favorite shirt was an L.L.Bean flannel that he’d made sleeveless with a sharp pair of scissors; he wore it over a string of graphic T-shirts with retro images, including his favorite, which had a gold crown and the words Let the Wild Rumpus Begin. No one had the taste at that age to make lifelong associates.
…
“But I want to tell you something. I learned something today, and I want you to learn it too. We think we have control over everything—we hold on so tight—and the truth is we don’t. We don’t have any control at all. Not over the big things.”

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for sending me an ARC of The Celebrants in exchange for an honest review.

In 1995, a group of six friends are about to graduate from UC Berkeley when one of them, Alec, dies of a drug overdose. Grieving after the funeral, the five remaining friends—Naomi, Craig, Marielle, Jordy, and Jordan—make a pact that whenever one of them is at rock bottom, they will assemble for a funeral so that the person in crisis can “hear firsthand the impact we’ve had on other people so that we know our own lives are making a difference.” As they reach middle age, one by one they begin invoking this pact and, while trying to raise each other’s spirits, uncover secrets from their past. And now, as they’re hitting their 50s, they are gathering once again, not realizing that one of them will soon be having a real funeral.

The Celebrants is a celebration of the power of lifelong friends. The kind of friends who know you completely, and can see right through your poses and defenses, even after years apart. On one level, the plot revolves around some minor-in-the-grand-scheme-of-things secrets. Exactly how did Alec die? Who is Mia’s biological father? But really The Celebrants is about hitting middle age, that time when you look around and really take stock, compare yourself to your friends, and ask what you’ve accomplished. Have you lived up to your parents’ expectations for you? Your own? What is your place in the world, when your kids leave the nest, when your parents pass away, or if you’re facing the death of your spouse?

These storylines could be heavy stuff, even brutal, but The Celebrants tempers everything with warmth. No matter what’s happening, there are always jokes, humor, and the easy banter of longtime friends. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4. Recommended.

[mwana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leave nothing left unsaid.

This isn’t something that bears repeating. We all know that we’re supposed to be appreciative of those we love. However, most literature—that which I’ve read—appreciates more that which is already gone. As the cliche goes, you never miss the water until the well dries.


The Gulf Stream by Winslow Homer

This book starts and ends with death. In the beginning, there were six friends: Alec, Marielle, Naomi, Craig, and the Jordans-Jordy Tosic and Jordan Vargas. Alec suddenly dies while the six are in university at UC Berkeley. With the sudden loss, Marielle comes up with the brilliant idea to form a pact.

Before that, like most young people, they had all thought they would live forever.

To celebrate each others’ funerals while they were still alive. Alec was a beacon for them, a focal point. He was the most dynamic of them all. And they were surprised by his funeral.

Alec was built to last.

Alec was beauty and permanence, marble and stone, meant to stand and draw admirers for centuries.

Alec was the version of themselves that was forever young. In dying, he had somehow become immortal.

At first, they find this idea brilliant. With the folly of youth and optimism, they don’t really think any of them will invoke the pact. Which was reserved for major life events.

It’s up to each of us to choose wisely when life gets really hard. We agree right now to assemble when one of us calls, no questions asked. We say nice things about you and remind you that you are loved. That’s it. Everyone goes once, and once everyone has gone, the pact is done. There’s no more obligation.

In the end, another one of the core members truly dies. And in their obituary, they ask,

that people honor their partner by telling a loved one the positive impact they’ve had on your life so that they are never left to guess. They promise you’ll be glad you did.

After a session of an embarrassing amount of tears, I couldn’t help but think of all the people who’ve had a positive impact on me. They are myriad. Whether it’s talking me down from an anxiety attack, laughing with my foolishness, holding my hand through fright. My favourite loved ones have ridden through hell with me and they’re still spectating my gladiator run through my tribulations. One stands out and I can’t help but smile when I think of how she could potentially be my platonic soul mate.

This book primarily follows the Jordans and their present day is punctuated by the funerals of the other friends. Marielle invokes the pact first after a divorce. I found it unremarkable. And tiring. A feminist who forgot her roots and let herself get ensnared in the oversold importance of the nuclear family. Marielle’s life was comical to witness. Once described by her friends as the brightest in the group who even landed a job in DC, she made the mistake made by plenty of women. Marriage. Lucida Krementz from The French Dispatch said, I prefer relationships that end. I deliberately choose to have neither husband nor children. The two greatest deterrents to any woman’s attempt to live by and for writing. Marielle wasn't a writer. She was an aspiring thought-leader, with purpose and ambition. Then somehow, motherhood and wifedom robbed her of that. She could have "had it all" but unlike Adele, she didn't have the chops to roll it in the deep.

As I was reading their stories, I was sharing unsolicited reactions to the said soul mate. Sharing unmoored thoughts that she had no idea how to respond to. But I didn’t worry, she listens to everything I have to say with equal import. It’s even better because she has a memory like a sieve. I can abuse the power of novelty and share recycled thoughts and she’s excited to hear them anew. This doesn’t happen as often as I’d like to brag because it occurs to her mid-conversation that she’s having deja whew. “Didn’t we talk about this like last week?” she asks triumphantly. Yes. Yes, we did. But still, she listens.

The second celebrant was Naomi. The most annoying member of the group. Naomi thought she was sarcastic and brusque. I am sarcastic and brusque. She thought she was Chandler Bing or April Ludgate. She was more like Rory Gilmore. She suffered a kind of delayed development and would stupidly get upset if one of her friends discovered something popular before her. If someone made a leap before her. I had mixed feelings about her but after the plane scene, I think she may be my second most hated character this year (after Sogolon).

After her trauma, she invokes the pact. The Jordans book them all a trip to Mexico where the music industry exec can explore her grief. Naomi’s lack of forethought and sporadic consideration for their friends ends up putting one of them in grave jeopardy. One thing I appreciate about Rowley is that he gives Naomi as much page time as every character. Her debatable likeability didn’t cost her her character development. As much as this book could give them.

Next was Craig, whose funeral I was looking forward to the most. Art fraud? New York? Paintings worth millions of dollars or duds? Count me in. Unfortunately, my high expectations perfectly set me up for the disappointment of just how boring his “event” was. The friends do experience great character development but even we don’t get to explore it as fully as I’d have preferred. Jordy is revealed to have kept a secret that may have explained Alec's sudden death. One they have trouble coming to terms with, decades on. Did Alec die by suicide, or was it accidental? Was Alec worried about living in a future tied to a desk when he so preferred the thrill of chemical stimulation? They never made peace with the death. Marielle, the most because she was "secretly" in love with him. But we never really delve deep into these interpersonal relationships. The story never lingers long enough to let your feelings percolate. It suffered from a severe case of overcrowding.

As the Jordans took over the narrative in between the friends’ funerals, my thoughts about this book were vomited all over my friend’s inbox. If I could reach her, she would see what I had to say. In between complaints about my slump, my life, my uncooperative gut microbiota, my absent mental health, these friends, and this story… my friend still found space to make me laugh, think, love. She had her fair share of complaints–the lion’s share (though she will dispute this)–updates, observations, comments, and frustrations. In between the spaces of the words, the friendship flows. There is no blank space. It’s all filled with attention.

This book left me with some thoughts. But I would be forgiven for thinking the profundity was accidental. When Craig was facing a brief future behind bars, he found out about other people serving time and said

It was also comforting knowing there were far worse delinquents than him.

It reminded me of a happenstance where I saw someone get called out for being a treasonous pilfering business partner and I couldn’t help but embrace the relief that even at my worst, I’m no malefactor.

This friend group is not solid. Like a non-Newtonian fluid. It’s fragile but can also withstand great pressure. These friends aren’t as aspirational as all other famous fictional friend groups. It’s flawed, organically so. And unlike a diamond in the rough, no buffing could help it become a shiny bauble. On this very rare occasion, I wished the book had focused on the primary couple, the Jordans, and made the friends the side characters they were meant to be.

Francis Bacon said, a principal fruit of friendship is the ease and discharge of the fulness and swellings of the heart, which passions of all kinds do cause and induce. These friends drop everything to show up whenever the rest of them need to be celebrated. Whenever one of them felt they’d hit emotional rock bottom, they showed up. That’s why friendships can survive decade-long silent droughts and resume stormy conversations as though nothing ever changed.

I have experienced what I thought was true love at the hands of a manipulative, chicanerous, mendacious waste of meat. But having lived through an approximation of true love, I can honestly say that I would drop everything to celebrate my friend’s life as she is living. But I know she doesn’t need me to. (I can’t anyway, we’re unbound by geography). If there’s one thing I would tell her from this book, in the event of our deaths or I end up absorbed by an isolationist cat-worshipping cult,

Everyone was on the same ticking clock. They might fool themselves into thinking that more time affords them opportunities to do more things, that the future is open-ended. But the world is simply too big. We weren’t meant to see everything, we weren’t built to do everything, we aren’t capable of knowing everything. At a certain point, peace has to be found with the choices we’ve made.

Becoming your friend, dear, is one of the greatest choices I ever made. If I never accomplish much else, I’ll be glad I did that.

[Jonetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

the setup…
College besties Marielle Holland, Naomi Ito, Craig Scheffler, Jordan Vargas and Jordan Tusic were on the brink of graduating from UC at Berkeley when Alec, the sixth person in their group died from an overdose. They’d been one unit since their first days at school and were now devastated. The idea of a “living” funeral was born and they made a pact that any of them could call for one at anytime. All would assemble to celebrate the person, reminding them of why their lives were meaningful. Now, it’s Jordan Vargas who’s called for the reunion, but this one will be far different from the others.

the heart of the story…
The story description compared this to a modern day version of The Big Chill and I found that to be dead on. Like most of us, these five friends went their separate ways after graduation even though they’d promised to stay connected, excepting the two Jordans who finally admitted their sexuality and married, one becoming Jordy. Each time these reunions were invoked because of the pact, the person of focus was facing a major life event…divorce, death in the family, etc…and needed the honesty of these friendships that stood up despite the separations over the years. I loved how unique these celebrations were, reflecting the spirit and nature of the one being “funeralized,” the honesty bared by everyone.

the narration…
The story is narrated by the author who is a great storyteller, delivering his intended tones and emphasis, which always makes a big difference. I would have preferred using multiple performers, though, to help distinguish the voices, specifically the Jordans who I kept confusing.

the bottom line…
As unconventional as a living funeral sounds, it makes a lot of sense when you consider the opportunity of intentionally celebrating a loved one while she or he is still alive. I wondered if these reunions would become routine and, believe me, that notion was dispelled after the first one. Every character, including the dead Alec, was so full designed I felt like I knew these people, despite the secrets that sometimes were revealed. I loved how the relationships stood the time test, a reflection of what they’d truly created for themselves. I was constantly in self reflection throughout the story, a notion I hadn’t considered when starting. It lives up to the hype with the most lovely ending.

Posted on Blue Mood Café

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 shining stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. I really LOVED this one! Mr. Rowley is a very, very talented writer. This truly is a Gen X “Big Chill” variation as we move from the Berkley graduations to late middle-age with the five main characters and their major life traumas when they gather for their “living funerals” over the years. The power here of the “found family” for healing is just so well-written, deeply moving & quite often humorous. Loved the characters (esp. the "Jordans") and I just can't recommend highly enough - read it!!

[Hillary (abookishmarriage) · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book has such an intriguing premise: a group of five friends make a pact at 22 when their sixth friend dies unexpectedly, that they will call on each other when needed for a living “funeral” to say everything that needs to be said. They call themselves the Celebrants.

So keeping in mind that I read an arc of this, and I’m not sure if it was edited more since I read it, I was fairly let down by this latest book from Rowley, after having really enjoyed The Guncle. So much of the emotional resonance of that book was shown and not over-explained. Here, I felt the opposite. Themes and emotional “messages” are stated outright. Of course some of that is due to the plot, naturally when people are celebrating each other intentionally, they’re letting out unique feelings. But the writing and the friendships felt flat and almost not emotionally believable because we aren’t shown enough depth here.

I feel that I may be in the minority here, and those with perhaps different life experiences or different friend relationships will feel differently, but I don’t foresee this book sticking with me.

[emilybookedup · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book felt like a big great hug 🤍 Rowley’s books are written so beautiful and you just immediately fall into the story with his characters so quickly and it’s really truly impressive. i never wanted to put it down—finsihed in two sittings (prob under 3 hours total)!

i’m so excited for readers to pick this up come release 5/30. the premise is so unique and fun for emo book lovers like myself. this book is all about friendships, appreciating life and those you love, never leaving anything left unsaid, quality time and so much more 🥹

i adored these characters!! they were so real. its a character driven novel and it’s definitely geared towards “older” adults and i appreciated that. some “twists” were obvious to me but as a litfic novel, it didn’t bug me that much. the ending 😭😭😭 grab the tissues.

i think i prefer THE GUNCLE over this one bc it had more witty comments and you could connect to those characters a biiiit more bc there were less of them, but it’s a close call. this story was special and good in a different way so it’s hard to compare!

can’t wait to hear what more readers think of this one!!! big thanks to Putnam for the #gifted early copy 🧡

[Dianne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too slapstick-y and predictable for my taste, with genuinely annoying characters. I was relieved to be done with it.

[Kelly (The Happiest Little Book Club) · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Rating: 4.75/5

Steven Rowley does it again! :)

While I will admit that I found the story a little slow to start and I wasn't totally sure where it was going, I got completely sucked in and ended up loving it so much. I stayed up until after midnight because I HAD to finish it. It was such a beautiful message and you are going to have some tears. Do I think that attending two funerals in the last four months (for my aunt and uncle) also affected my appreciation for this book? Yes I do.

After their friend dies in college, the remaining friend collective agrees to host one "living funeral", as needed, over the next 30 years of their lives. A chance to show up and be there for each other and to let the person who requested their "living funeral", know how special they are to the group.

This book had some hilarious moments (the ouija board scene, etc.), and I love Steven's voice so was really happy that he narrated.

[Elyse Walters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marielle, Craig, Naomi, Jordan, and Jordy (the Jordans) are the cast of the ‘
living-funeral-buddies’- (sometimes called Pre-funerals) friends since college days at UC Berkeley. They graduated in 1995.
Their other friend, Alex, also a student died young at age 22. He died before graduation.
The ‘living-funeral-friends’ made a pact since Alex died to celebrate each of their own lives —

This is a touching story with a group of enjoyable-flawed characters—
great friendships -
The idea was to leave nothing unsaid before death.
(personally I can understand reasons why some people should take things to their grave - in the rare incident of potentially hurting another)….
However — Steve Rowley gave us a powerful book…..

The humor is there!

The compassion and sensitivity is there!

And for anyone who ‘has’ attended a ‘living funeral’…..
I’ve attended two — loving memories of your friend or family member will surface.

I dedicate this small review to friends Don and Steve. May they continue to rest in peace.

—Kudos to Steve Rowley for writing this book —
a reminder to celebrate the happy times, life, say final goodbyes and forgive the body for failing.

[Marieke (mariekes_mesmerizing_books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic new book by the author of The Guncle. The Celebrants is a soul-stirring gem full of humor, grief, growth, and warmth.

I almost screamed out loud when I got approved for this book. My hands were shaking a little when I started reading. I gulped down the first words at a furious pace. And when I read the last sentences, I didn’t want to let go. There’s something about books that nestle themselves into my heart. They cause this fuzzy feeling inside my chest and make me want to read on and on and on. They put smiles on my face and make tears cloud my eyes. They make me stare in the distance and muse. And I keep thinking about them for a long time after I finished them. The Guncle was such a book, and I’m happy to announce that The Celebrants is too.

Steven Rowley is a writing genius. His imperfect characters are perfection. Grief and wit take each other’s hand and show that even though life can be hard, it’s so worth living. The Jordans were my favorite characters by far, and my heart ached for them. But I also grieved for Alec, although he was already dead at the start of this story.

Read this book if you love a whirlwind of emotions. Read it if you loved The Guncle. Or just read it because I highly recommend it!

I received an ARC from Putnam Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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[Sheila · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book and it makes me sad that I didn't, because if this was told differently I think I could have.
Without a doubt the Jordans were the strongest part of this book. I felt more in their short interlude chapters than I did throughout the rest of this book. If their present and Jordan's living funeral was the focus with flashbacks to their friendship over the years (and not hour long chapters of each past living funeral) this would have been great.

As it stands, I hated it. This is a book supposedly about friendship. But where? They weren’t friends. At no point were there any interactions between the group where it even seemed like they liked each other. You can tell me all you want what great friends they are but when all you show me is a group of people who never see each other and are awful to each other and fight constantly I don’t believe you.

The pact and the living funerals were ridiculous. They thought it was dumb when Marielle came up with the idea. When she enacted it (and had to figure out how to get in touch with them because they hadn’t seen each other in 18 years) they didn’t want to go. She yelled at them when they weren’t saying nice enough things about her but yet it was a life changing experience. She called a funeral for someone else against their will and then dissolved the pact when it didn’t suit her. But yet the pact was talked about in such a sacred way. Life lessons were spelled out to us after each funeral.

The characters were not fleshed out and I felt no connection to them at all. We are told information about them, and we're not shown anything. And what we are shown contradicts what we're told. Example - Marielle is meant to be the kindest most supportive person ever but all we see is a bickering, controlling, kind of mean person.

The tone of this book was all over the place. It didn’t know what it wanted to be. Was it a sad yet meaningful story about life and loss? Was it a soap opera? (With all the secrets and the scale of them it felt like it). Was it a sitcom comedy? Was it a fortune cookie doling out life lessons? I think this book needed to choose a lane and stay in it. It would have been more successful.

The plane scene was stupid and over the top. The mushroom scene thought it was funnier than it was. The shark was unnecessary as were the eyeless kittens.

[Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steven Rowley is one author who can break me out of my thriller comfort zone and devour a book I probably wouldn't pick up by anyone else. He is just such an amazing writer and storyteller, and his newest book THE CELEBRANTS is just another example of how talented Mr. Rowley is. THE CELEBRANTS is a character-driven journey through a decades-long friendship between a solid group of friends, but the two most notable characters, Jordan and his husband Jordy, were my favorites. The synopsis doesn't talk about the characters' journeys, so I will be quiet about how I effin cried by the end of it, and if you read the book, you know what I mean. This book has comedy and drama, is light-hearted and eye-opening, and crushingly sad. How does a book have all those emotions wrapped up in a gorgeous cover? The world may never know.

One thing about this book that I may end up doing moving forward with my own friend group is having "living funerals" as I think that could really benefit us. It's such a unique idea to show your love for the people you care about, albeit a bit morbid, but whatever! For real though, when you get to the end of the book and are done reading it, let's talk about those final chapters. That last "living funeral" legit broke my heart. Ugh, that's it, I can't say more. Steven Rowley, thanks for breaking my thriller binge and writing a book that I will never forget. STARS: 4, PUB: 5/16

[chantalsbookstuff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tugging the Heartstrings

I have decided not to say too much about this one as I know a lot of people have not started it yet. Get ready for a lot of life lessons!

A few small observations:
* it's good
* a bit of slow start
* good but not as phenomenal as "The Gungle"
* writing is out of this world (wouldn't expect anything less from Rowley!)

[Heather~ Nature.books.and.coffee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Stevens' previous book THE GUNCLE so I was excited to get to this one. The story of a group of friends who made a pact to have living funerals for eachother, at a point in their lives when it's most needed. They do this so that they can show one another how much they are loved and appreciated while they are still alive. I thought this seemed so interesting and was expecting an emotional read. I found some parts funny and it was definitely very well written, but it fell flat for me. We didn't get to know the characters enough which made it harder for me to connect to them. I just wasn't a fan of them honestly. So the concept was a good one, but just didn't play out as I was expecting. 

Out May 30.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own. My review will be posted on Instagram, Bookbub, netgalley and Amazon once it publishes.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Let me start with Steven Rowley, in general. I'm a huge fan of his work. I've read all of his books and really liked them all. He is just a stellar storyteller. I think The Guncle may be my personal favorite but this one & Lily and the Octopus are a close second (it's a tie). And the Editor was outstanding although my least favorite of his books. Even my least favorite of his books was a GREAT read. At this point, he's an auto-buy author for me. His books are very different but they are all great. This one, The Celebrants, is no exception. It's probably the most like Lily and the Octopus, in my opinion. It's not The Guncle, part 2. If you want another The Guncle, this is not it. This is a completely different but completely outstanding novel. This is a character-driven novel about friendship, grief, found family, and so much more. I don't want to go into much detail about this one because one of the things I loved most was the unfolding of this story - of these people, of these relationships. I think that unfolding was superbly done and you'd be missing some of the essence of this book to know too many details going on. There is some darkness here BUT Rowley excels at adding some warmth and levity despite the darkness which gives the entire novel a bit of needed balance. I love that Steven Rowley always seems to surprise me with how diverse his stories are and yet how full of love and warmth they are. They are just wonderful reads. I definitely recommend this one but please know that it's a very different book than The Guncle so manage your expectations accordingly! Honestly, I really don't think you can go wrong with ANY of Steven Rowley's work!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book for an honest review.

[jay]

"jonathan, will you ever finish a book ever again?"

no 🤪 dnf on like chapter 2 or 3 idk i'm too lazy to check

[Kelly (and the Book Boar) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dear Kelly:

Here is your friendly reminder that when it comes to a new offering from an author who made your heart crap its pants with their prior release, don’t forget sometimes . . .



Oh, The Guncle. I mean are there even any words remaining for that piece of feel good perfection? I knew I would be picking up whatever Stephen Rowley was putting down next, but when the comparison was to The Big Chill?????



This was the first time in the history of ever that my library failed me and I wasn’t able to get my hands on a copy immediately upon publication so I did something I NEVER do and ordered the hard copy. And I did it through the Internet Book Store (I know, I know - shame on me, I should have supported a small business, yada, yada, yada) so I could have it delivered to my front door the same day.

And then I read it and . . . well . . . I should have lowered my expectations because I was a little underwhelmed. I loved the premise of having a “funeral” or celebration of life in a time of need rather than when the person has already died and this definitely had the long-time friend reunion-y vibes of The Big Chill. My problem is of multiple aspects (1) I am a well-known wrongreader, (2) I am the reason I can’t have nice things, (3) The Big Chill is maybe my favorite movie of all time and I am CONSTANTLY looking for a book that makes me feel all the things that film makes me feel, and (4) follow ups to really outstanding stories are HARRRRRRRRRD. I loooooooved Jordan, but either didn't connect at all or felt the other characters all fell a little flat and were underdeveloped. I think maybe T.J. Klune is the only who even came close for me with back to back heart exploding hits with Under the Whispering Door that came after the perfect The House in the Cerulean Sea.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steven Rowley has done it again. He has written a poignant, thoughtful book about friendships and found family, and how important it is to cherish the people you love and to let them know how much you love them. I absolutely adored his book, The Guncle; this book is very different, while still exploring the concept of grief and relationships.

The main cast of characters consists of five friends who bonded in college: Marielle, Craig, Naomi and The Jordans (two guys both named Jordan). There were six of them but one died suddenly, just short of graduation and the other five are left to mourn and to pick up the pieces of their lives, as they set forth from their college days. (I found myself jealous of their close relationships, since I didn’t experience anything like this in college.) While they are still reeling from Alex’s death and funeral, they make a pact to get together to provide a living funeral for anyone of them who needs it, at a low point in their lives. We follow the friends through the years, off and on, and join them in their “live” funerals. Do not think this is totally a sad book; there are many very funny parts. Example: the skydiving episode was both particularly affecting and funny.

The writing itself was lovely. At first I was intimidated by the length of the majority of the chapters, but Rowley has provided many places within those chapters where it’s easy to stop, should you need to put down the book before you reach the end of that chapter.

Steve Rowley is going to be an auto-read for me, from now on - and I look forward to the pleasure of reading his older works while I await his next novel.

Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Summer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Celebrants centers around a group of five friends- Jordy, Jordan, Craig, Marielle, Alec, and Naomi who met at Berkley in the ’90s. On the eve of their graduation, Alec dies of an accidental overdose. The group makes a pact to meet up every few years to have a living funeral, as a reminder that life is worth living if not for them then for Alec.

Through divorces, the passing of their parents, and many more hurdles the group celebrates each other and their friendships. 28 years into their friendship one of them receives a devastating diagnosis, and it forces the group to confront old secrets and rethink life altogether.

The Celebrants made me want to call my college friends and listen to the Carpenters. Just like his other books, The Celebrants is both a feel good and heart wrenching story. No one can tackle grief the way Rowley can. As hard as it is to take a topic that heavy and turn it into a story leaving the reader not only smiling but laughing, is only something Steven Rowley can do.

I'm a huge fan of Rowley(this is my 4th audiobook read by him) and I was delighted that, just like his prior works, he also narrated The Celebrants. The Celebrants will be available on May 30, in both physical and audiobook format. A massive thanks to Penguin Random House Audio for the gifted audiobook!

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF @ 46%. I really liked The Guncle - it struck a bittersweet balance without being cloying. I can see the attempt to do the same thing in The Celebrants, but perhaps because of the number of characters and the back and forth over several decades it just doesn’t manage to have a similar emotional resonance. I mostly found this a bit boring and unrealistic, and after reading 2 or 3 other books instead of finishing this one I just have to admit I’m not interested enough in this to finish.

[Bonnie G. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Southeast Asia has been very unkind to my digestive tract. So in the last days of my travels I am laying in a dark Bangkok hotel room in fetal position while my family enjoys the city. I am fortunate to have audiobooks to keep me company. I have been listening to this book for a while. I was not feeling wildly driven to complete it, but also I found it too genial to abandon. Today's situation seemed an ideal moment to get it done.

I liked Rowley's last book, The Guncle in spite of its many saccharine moments, but this was too cutesy for me. The story starts with a group of new Berkeley grads hunkered down at the Big Sur beach house belonging to the parents of one of them, Naomi, as they deal with the OD death of one of their group. (Accidental or suicide never clear.) They agree to come together for living funerals for each, to be held at the behest of the non-deceased when they feel they need it. Everyone gets only one. The group grows apart over the years, but one of them puts out the bat signal about 18 years later they all honor the pact, and over the next decade each has their moment So yeah, this starts with a grand contrivance and proceeds with more and more contrivances. At one of the funerals, it is revealed that one of the group has been collecting appropriate quotes in his notes app so he is ready to eulogize at the drop of a hat. (Almost all the quotes come from PBS icons, which is so freaking on-brand I wanted to throw my phone.) Anyway, the staleness of those quotes and the act of keeping the list rather than crafting something original is a perfect metaphor for this book as a whole. This is a Frankenstein's monster of cobbled together tropes from a bunch of movies but made gayer. The Guncle had saccharine moments but this is like eating a teaspoon of Sweet and Low straight.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of my most anticipated reads of 2023, and sadly, this felt like a miss. Usually, when it’s a Steven Rowley book, you just KNOW you’re in for an emotional gut punch, yet this, despite all the making of a book that would resonate deeply (found family and adult friendship, bonding over trauma, buried secrets, a cancer prognosis, and loss and death) I found this lacking..a spark. I just couldn’t find myself connecting with any of the characters. They felt very one note, in that over dramatic stereotype way of the show Friends.

I think the Jordans were also difficult because I often got them confused and the narration, usually stellar by the author, just didn’t do enough to distinguish each character. Instead, they ran together while reading via audio and when I went back to reading the arc, I found I just couldn’t imagine my own voices and personalities for each character.

Perhaps I’m just in a weird reading funk and being distracted while reading certainly didn’t help but this just wasn’t enough to help me escape into. These didn’t feel like friends I would have or would want in my life as an adult. Sadly, a big miss for me, but I hope others find joy in these pages and the idea of celebrating your funeral while alive does has its allures! I can see the inspiration, i just wish I fell in love with the group.

Rating: 2.75/5, rounding up to 3. Thank you Putnam for my galley and arc and Penguin Random house audio for my ALC!

[Shelby (catching up on 2025 reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐈 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖✨

The Celebrants
Steven Rowley
Contemporary Fiction
5/30/2023

Thank you @putnambooks & @booksparks for the gifted copy.

A heartwarming, tender, life-affirming novel about a group of friends who made a pact to hold living funerals. When one of the group is facing a terminal diagnosis, the group gathers for a final farewell. A beautifully-written testament to the importance of friendship.