I think it is the topic of grief and its aftermath. When I first read the blurb on bookishfirst, I was drawn to it and could relate with at almost every level.
In 2016, I lost my mom to cancer, and what I was not prepared for was the aftermath, and the feeling of helplessness and grief. Things happened so fast, and there was a mix of emotions as events unfolded day after the next. During those moments, emotions run high and often words are difficult to articulate.
Shook’s novel, too, begins when Gerry, the beloved Williams patriarch, unexpectedly passes away and his grand children reunite from across the country to Eulalia, Georgia. Things change when Gerry’s best friend takes over to deliver his eulogy. His speech sends shockwaves to The Williams as he reveals that that Gerry and him were not just best friends, but also lovers. And, this secret causes the family members to be in a shock trying to make sense of the grand father they had imagined in their minds. Ellen, Gerry’s widow, tries her best to hold composure at this time.
Everyone is left confused and focused on dealing with grief and their own private struggles. Delia refuses to shut up about her ex while her sister, Alice, is hiding an explosive secret. Grant is still glowing on his recent appearance on the show, The Bachlerotte.
Although the novel deals with a difficult topic, if you are into family dramas and reality shows, then I would add this one to your TBR. It’s hard not to get close to this family, and also, witness how families often make sense of issues that are often silenced and seen as uncomfortable.
Ultimately, Shook explores how a larger family tries to build an understanding and acceptance when two of its members, Gerry and Red, come out to them. She also reminds her through her novel that we are rooted in our families who shape us, and often who are related to us without our choice. I wouldn’t call them conservative or liberal in any case, but say that families are complex entities - and often seeking acceptance from them is like climbing Mount Everest - it’s a treacherous ordeal, challenging, but worth it at the end. I enjoyed reading this novel, which is out now!
Thank you @celandonbooks, @catshook_33, and @bookishfirst for the gifted copy and ebook of the book.
#IfWereBeingHonest #CeladonReads #CeladonbooksReader #CatShook
In 2016, I lost my mom to cancer, and what I was not prepared for was the aftermath, and the feeling of helplessness and grief. Things happened so fast, and there was a mix of emotions as events unfolded day after the next. During those moments, emotions run high and often words are difficult to articulate.
Shook’s novel, too, begins when Gerry, the beloved Williams patriarch, unexpectedly passes away and his grand children reunite from across the country to Eulalia, Georgia. Things change when Gerry’s best friend takes over to deliver his eulogy. His speech sends shockwaves to The Williams as he reveals that that Gerry and him were not just best friends, but also lovers. And, this secret causes the family members to be in a shock trying to make sense of the grand father they had imagined in their minds. Ellen, Gerry’s widow, tries her best to hold composure at this time.
Everyone is left confused and focused on dealing with grief and their own private struggles. Delia refuses to shut up about her ex while her sister, Alice, is hiding an explosive secret. Grant is still glowing on his recent appearance on the show, The Bachlerotte.
Although the novel deals with a difficult topic, if you are into family dramas and reality shows, then I would add this one to your TBR. It’s hard not to get close to this family, and also, witness how families often make sense of issues that are often silenced and seen as uncomfortable.
Ultimately, Shook explores how a larger family tries to build an understanding and acceptance when two of its members, Gerry and Red, come out to them. She also reminds her through her novel that we are rooted in our families who shape us, and often who are related to us without our choice. I wouldn’t call them conservative or liberal in any case, but say that families are complex entities - and often seeking acceptance from them is like climbing Mount Everest - it’s a treacherous ordeal, challenging, but worth it at the end. I enjoyed reading this novel, which is out now!
Thank you @celandonbooks, @catshook_33, and @bookishfirst for the gifted copy and ebook of the book.
#IfWereBeingHonest #CeladonReads #CeladonbooksReader #CatShook