Put a little more time into meter and rhyme: THE CELEBRANTS.

The Celebrants by Steven Rowley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jordan, Jordy, Naomi, Craig, and Marielle have been friends since college. Though they might not see each other all the time, they are united by their pact to attend each other's "living funerals." They chose to do this for each other after a sixth friend died in college and they realized the fragility of life. Each person can ask for their funeral at a time of stress or need. Jordan is now calling for his, but he has a secret that may pull the group apart.

THE CELEBRANTS is a lovely read, though it does lack some of the heart and charm of Rowley's previous read, THE GUNCLE. It focuses most on Jordan and his husband, Jordy ("The Jordans"), but we hear from all the friends as well. There's no huge plot movement, but Rowley deftly explores friendship, death, grief, love, and loss. This is a well-written story, and it's thoughtful, sad, and tender. A worthy read. 4 stars.

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