If We're Being Honest: A Novel
Apr 2023 · Celadon Books
2.8star
4 reviewsreport
Ebook
320
Pages
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About this ebook
For fans of We Are the Brennans by Tracey Lange and All Adults Here by Emma Straub, Cat Shook’s debut novel If We’re Being Honest is the snappy, smart, heartwarming story of the Williams family, and the sweltering summer that rewrote their history.
When Gerry, the beloved Williams patriarch, dies suddenly, his grandchildren flock from across the country to the family home in Eulalia, Georgia. But when Gerry’s best friend steps up to the microphone to deliver his eulogy, the funeral turns out unlike anyone expected. The cousins, left reeling and confused, cope with their fresh grief and various private dramas. Delia, recently heartbroken, refuses to shut up about her ex. Her sister Alice, usually confident, flusters when she spots her high school sweetheart, hiding a secret that will change both of their lives. Outspoken, affable Grant is preening in the afterglow of his recent appearance on The Bachelorette and looking to reignite an old flame with the least available person in town. Meanwhile, his younger brother Red, unsure of himself and easily embarrassed, desperately searches for a place in the boisterous family.
The cousins’ eccentric parents are in tow, too, and equally lost—in love and in life. Watching over them all is Ellen, Gerry’s sweet and proper widow, who does her best to keep her composure in front of the leering small town.
Clever and completely original, If We’re Being Honest reminds you that while no one can break your heart like your family can, there’s really no one better to put you back together.
When Gerry, the beloved Williams patriarch, dies suddenly, his grandchildren flock from across the country to the family home in Eulalia, Georgia. But when Gerry’s best friend steps up to the microphone to deliver his eulogy, the funeral turns out unlike anyone expected. The cousins, left reeling and confused, cope with their fresh grief and various private dramas. Delia, recently heartbroken, refuses to shut up about her ex. Her sister Alice, usually confident, flusters when she spots her high school sweetheart, hiding a secret that will change both of their lives. Outspoken, affable Grant is preening in the afterglow of his recent appearance on The Bachelorette and looking to reignite an old flame with the least available person in town. Meanwhile, his younger brother Red, unsure of himself and easily embarrassed, desperately searches for a place in the boisterous family.
The cousins’ eccentric parents are in tow, too, and equally lost—in love and in life. Watching over them all is Ellen, Gerry’s sweet and proper widow, who does her best to keep her composure in front of the leering small town.
Clever and completely original, If We’re Being Honest reminds you that while no one can break your heart like your family can, there’s really no one better to put you back together.
Ratings and reviews
2.8
4 reviews
Laur Gluchie
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April 18, 2023
If We’re Being Honest by Cat Shook was not my cup of tea, and I knew this going into it. When I originally requested this via BookishFirst, I thought I would enjoy it and be able to mark of a square on my 2023 Bookish bingo card (for category: book from a genre you’ve never read before) if I won a copy. However, once I won I began to have doubts on whether I could truly enjoy this book. I considered contacting BookishFirst to have them cancel my win but I decided not to, thinking I might be able
Karen Dowling
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April 18, 2023
This was very cute, and a good light option if you're looking for heart-warming family drama. This took me a minute to get into. There are a lot of characters! And the writing changes perspective constantly, like often one paragraph to the next. The chapters are also really long, so it was one of those books where I was always looking ahead to see how far I had to go. But it grew on me. Once I got them straight, I found most of the characters really endearing
Paula Pugh
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April 23, 2023
The death of patriarch Gerry Williams brings his children and grandchildren home for his funeral. Their collective thoughts and feelings for Gerry are in for a big shock. The ensuing story examines the relationships, beliefs, and growth as the days pass in a smart look at a family in crisis. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
About the author
Cat Shook graduated from the University of Georgia in 2016 with degrees in Creative Writing and Mass Media Arts. Born and raised in Georgia, she now lives in Brooklyn. She is the author of If We're Being Honest, a GMA Buzz Pick, and Humor Me.
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