The Celebrants by Steven Rowley is a poignant exploration of friendship and mortality that balances humor and emotion. Critics praise its well-drawn characters and insightful reflection on life, although some feel the pacing lags at times. Overall, it’s a heartfelt narrative that resonates with readers seeking both laughter and introspection.

A reader who would enjoy Steven Rowley's The Celebrants is typically someone who appreciates deeply emotional narratives and explores themes of friendship, loss, and celebration of life. Fans of Fredrik Backman's A Man Called Ove and Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale will likely find similar resonance in Rowley's touching storytelling.

Steven Rowley's The Celebrants follows five friends—Jordan, Jordy, Marielle, Naomi, and Craig—who regularly meet in Big Sur, California, to hold "living funerals" honoring a pact made after their friend Alec's death. These gatherings help them confront mortality and deepen their bond even as they face life's challenges and personal transformations. The book addresses sensitive topics such as drug overdose, suicide, terminal illness, and nonconsensual sex.

Contemplative / Melancholic / Bittersweet / Nostalgic / Emotional

**Jordan Vargas**  
A PR executive who emigrated from Colombia as a child, grappling with his mortality and perspectives on life after receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis. He has a close partnership with his husband, Jordy, and seeks to reconcile his atheist beliefs with his Catholic upbringing.

**Jordan Tosic (Jordy)**  
A loyal former athlete and Jordan's husband, who balances his duties as a business and life partner. As Jordan's illness progresses, Jordy rediscovers his identity as a swimmer, reclaiming a part of his past during a significant race.

**Naomi Ito**  
A successful music industry professional known for her candid nature and reluctance to show vulnerability. She undergoes personal growth after her parents' tragic death and her eulogy, which serves as a moment of catharsis and self-acceptance.

**Craig Scheffler**  
A man who struggles with forming connections due to being given up by his parents, navigating complex relationships within his friend group. He faces legal troubles related to art fraud, ultimately embarking on a path to strengthen ties with his daughter, Mia.

**Marielle Holland**  
A community-minded caregiver, grappling with complicated emotions surrounding her relationships and daughter's paternity. Her narrative arc focuses on moving beyond caregiving to rediscover her own identity and ambitions.

**Alec Swigert**  
The deceased member of the group, remembered for his open drug use and impulsive nature. Though not present, his actions and relationships profoundly impact the dynamics of his friends, with his death leaving unresolved questions.

**Mia**  
The daughter of Marielle and Craig, who briefly appears in the novel while attending college. Her character primarily serves to illuminate the journeys of her parents towards accepting their past and personal growth.

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