A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
320
Novel • Fiction
•
Realistic Fiction•
Modern Classic FictionCalifornia • Contemporary
•
Death•
Friendship2023
G.P. Putnam's Sons
Adult
18+ years
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
62,200 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
62,200 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
320
Novel • Fiction
•
Realistic Fiction•
Modern Classic FictionCalifornia • Contemporary
•
Death•
Friendship2023
G.P. Putnam's Sons
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 10,950+ additional titles.