This was close to a 4.5 star read for me.
Much like Rowley’s first book, The Guncle, The Celebrants broke my heart and made me laugh out loud all at the same time.
Centered around a group of friends who met in college who hold funerals for each other whilst they are still alive, these events are held at a time when each person most needs to hear about the impact they’ve had on those around them.

Don't let this cover fool you, while it looks like a light and fun time, it packs a bit more of a punch. The Celebrants is a novel about a group of college friends who celebrate one another's "funerals" while the person is alive in order to remember their life is still worth living. This funeral pact is catalyzed by the sudden death of their friend just weeks before they are all set to graduate Berkley. This novel explores adulthood and the ebbs and flows of friendship throughout ones life. It took me a bit of time to get into this one, but after the 25-30% in I didn't want to stop reading. The Celebrants ended up being a solid 4 star read for me.

I found the structure of this novel to be interesting and something I enjoyed a lot more than I expected. This aspect of the novel was what brought it from a 3 to 4 star for me. It is a combination of present day chapters through Jordan's point of view and flashback's to each member's funeral through their respective points of view. This concept makes so much sense, but I rarely come across it and I found it to be very well done. In terms of the writing, I don't find it spectacular nor bad. It's pretty good and easy to digest, with straight forward prose - in a positive way.

All of the character's are flawed and while not all readers will find them relatable or likeable, I found them to be both. Other reviewers commented they don't want to read about middle aged adults doing mushrooms, but I am here for it. They are all messy people and we get glimpses into it. To me, they feel like real people I could know. This was my first novel by the author, but I don't think it will be the last.

Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Five years have slipped away since Jordan Vargas last laid eyes on his college comrades. In fact, it's been twenty-eight years since their cap-and-gown-clad graduation, signalling the official onset of their adult lives.

Now, Jordan, Jordy, Naomi, Craig, and Marielle stand on the precipice of a new decade, shouldering the full weight of adult responsibilities, yet no closer to unravelling the intricate tapestry of their lives. And it's not for lack of effort. Throughout the years, they've reconvened in the serene embrace of Big Sur to fulfil a time-honoured pact: hosting each other's "living funerals." These gatherings serve as vivid reminders that life is a gift worth cherishing and that their existence holds meaning, not just for themselves but for each other.

As soon as you dip into one of Rowley's books, you find yourself immediately absorbed in the narrative, developing an instant connection with his characters. "The Celebrants" is an ode to the enduring power of lifelong friendships, the kind of bonds that allow friends to see through the facades and defences, even after years apart. The story masterfully combines elements of raw emotion, humour, sharp wit, and everything you would expect from a Steven Rowley novel.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for sending a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this story! What a unique way to present a friend group while also dealing with a lot of life's major issues in adulthood. I enjoyed that we got multiple perspectives and time periods, along with different locations. I would love to have a friend group like this. Steven Rowley is so good at including humor and real life in his stories- I cannot wait to read more. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this e-book arc!

Ahhh! I love Steven Rowley. The Celebrants is another phenomenal book from this author. However, I did not find it as lovable as the GUNCLE which sits high on my list of forever favorite books of all time that I will save in the event of fire!
With the comparison aside, I truly enjoyed the characters and their quirks. It was a slow start but as I approach the 5th chapter it developed the connection.
Special thanks to Steven Rowley and Netgalley for the copy to review.

I loved this book. Amazing characters and stories. Super lighthearted but meaningful. Do wish a few aspects of their relationships were expanded slightly.

Loved the author's first book. Sadly, I found the group of friends in The Celebrants to be unlikeable. Thank you NetGalley for the advance ebook.

I loved Guncle but I just couldn't get into this one by Rowley. The start was very slow and it never really picked up any speed.

I was very hopeful. However, this book did not live up to the hype for me. I think I loved "Guncle" so much and kept trying to make comparisons. This was still an enjoyable read for me and great on audio!

4 / 5 ⭐️'ˢ

“The Celebrants” By Steven Rowley @stevenrowley

📕 Edition: eBook via @netgalley

This one has moments that tug at your heartstrings and others that have you laughing out loud 😢😂. While it may not be my absolute favorite of Rowley's works, it's undeniably a good read. The plane scene had me cackling, showcasing Rowley's signature humor.

The story revolves around a group of college friends reuniting to honor their pact of throwing each other "funerals" to remind themselves of life's significance. This time, however, secrets and challenges threaten to disrupt their tradition.

Rowley beautifully captures the complexities of their friendships. It's a heartfelt tribute to self-discovery and the enduring power of friendships, even in the face of life's toughest trials. The characters' growth and vulnerability are relatable and endearing.

A story that reminds us to celebrate each moment, even in the midst of life's deepest challenges. 📚❤️

Thank you @NetGalley, @stevenrowley and @putnambooks for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

When one of their closest friends dies, a group of college friends make a pact that no one will ever go without knowing how the others feel about them. When necessary, they will hold living funerals to show their fake-dead friends how much they mattered and how essential they are. As simple and sweet a concept as that is, their connections and history run deep, and secrets emerge that may influence how they feel about one another.

Steven Rowley's "The Celebrants" was a pleasant surprise. Although the book revolves around death and funerals, it is an upbeat book that emphasizes the value of close connections and chosen family. Each character has their own agenda and emotions, giving them a well-rounded and genuine feel. Who wouldn't want a bunch of friends that care so deeply about each other?

I'd been meaning to read "The Guncle" for a long, but I ended up reading "The Celebrants" first. Based on my enjoyment of this great story, I intend to read anything else Steven Rowley has ever written. I adore his easygoing style, eccentric characters, and intriguing plot lines. I strongly recommend everyone pick up a copy of "The Celebrants" today!

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

What I found charming and funny in The Guncle I found strident in this book. We once again look at the fine line between funny and annoying. It reminded me of Friends (or more accurately, Happy Accidents). It is not a bad setup: a group of college friends decide to hold funerals for the living to celebrate each other. The execution, however, was not good and made me sigh often while listening.

i really did not enjoy reading this book it wasn't what i expected. was wishing for more plot⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

I am new to Steven Rowley’s books and I am a fan! I read 3 of his books this summer. I am late in posting this review but I did enjoy Rowley’s latest book, The Celebrants (a “Read with Jenna” book pick). The story centers on five friends from college who created a pact to hold living funerals for each other when they need it most. It’s a way to show up for the friend that invokes the pact and let them hear and see how they are loved and valued by their friend group. I loved each time they gathered, especially when they were at Naomi’s family’s house in Big Sur. I can just picture them all there hanging out in the fog shrouded hillside. I know everyone keeps saying this but I loved Rowley’s book The Guncle so much (The Guncle Abroad coming May 2024) and having read these two books back to back, I didn’t love The Celebrants as much. However, I do recommend this book and hope that everyone will check out all of Rowley’s books.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC ebook!

This is a wonderfully beautiful friendship story, with excellent characters that readers really get to know- warts and all. While it's quite heartbreaking at points, it also has a bittersweet humor and lots of interesting conversations and situations the characters find themselves in.

The Celebrants by Steven Rowley is a deep exploration into the meaning of friendship and found family. A group of 6 college students met and bonded during their years at Berkley. The sudden loss of one member of their group led to a pact being formed. This pact has kept the friendships going strong over the decades. Now the friends must gather for what might be the most heartbreaking meetup yet. This book will have you laughing and crying. Read and enjoy!

This book included everything that I've come to appreciate Steven Rowley for. It was touching, tender, funny, & so consumable. This is the type of book that you can comfortably share with any reader and know that they'll enjoy it.

It did feel a touch "busy" at times, but that is a minor complaint and did not dampen my enjoyment of the book by any stretch!

this book is all over booktok and bookstagram and for good reason. from the author of the guncle, if you love the guncle, you need to read this hilarious but also touching novel, before people find out you haven't

The characters were relatable. Loved the authors other books just as much as I enjoyed this one. Definitely recommend this one.

5 college friends from Berkeley who make a pact to hold “living funerals” for each other when needed at tough times during their life. This pact was made when their other college friend, Alec, died while they were attending Berkeley.

This book was a slow read for me. I loved Steven Rowley’s book, The Guncle. But The Celebrants had a different vibe to it. I had a hard time connecting with the characters until the end. And at times it was hard to follow who was talking. With that being said, I did like the premise of these college friends being there for each other in their time of need through the years. And celebrating each others qualities. Something special about that.

Thank you Putnam Books and NetGalley for an advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review. #TheCelebrants #NetGalley #Putnambooks