45 pages • 1 hour read
The Celebrants
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Book Brief
320
Novel • Fiction
California • Contemporary
2023
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
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
Reviews & Readership
47,876 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
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.
Who Should Read The Celebrants?
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.
47,876 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
320
Novel • Fiction
California • Contemporary
2023
Adult
18+ years
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