If We're Being Honest

By Cat Shook

Book Overview

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.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1250847540
• ISBN13: 9781250847546
• Release Date: April 2023
• Publisher: Celadon Books
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.4" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

An enjoyable family drama

If We're Being Honest is an extended family drama debut novel set in the small town of Eulalia, Georgia. The story follows the Williams family as they gather for a funeral and then a wedding over the course of one week. Gerry, their 82-year-old beloved husband, father and grandfather has died suddenly from a heart attack. His best friend, while giving Gerry's eulogy, reveals a shocking secret. We follow each family member as they deal with personal struggles, family dynamics, and their new understanding of Gerry and grief at his loss. Their stories range from funny to heartwarming to sad. Initially, it was difficult to keep track of the large cast of characters, so a family tree or character list would have been helpful. The chapters were quite long. If We're Being Honest was well written and enjoyable. I became invested in the characters and couldn't put it down. I liked the ending and the LBGTQ+ representation. Thank you to Celadon Books for a copy to review.