Review: If We're Being Honest by Cat Shook
From the publisher:
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.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This story centers around The Williams family dealing with the death of the patriarch (Grandpa Gere) and a secret that comes to light about him at his funeral. The aftermath of the funeral is told in such a chaotic way, it mimics the thoughts and feelings the characters have immediately following such an emotional time.
Following the funeral, it settles down into less of a jumble and more of a streamlined story told from the points of view of each member of the family. They deal with their heartbreak over losing their father / grandfather / friend as well as coming to terms with their own truths—those that are kept secret and those that they need to embrace.
For a first novel, Cat Shook has created an endearing world that was equally chaotic, heartbreaking, heartwarming, and honest. The majority of the characters grew in the short week we were with them and I was in tears by the end. I am excited to see where she will go from here!
My rating: 4.75*/0 - It was honestly just so chaotically cozy, I loved it.