finished reading

In this debut novel, the author manages to tell a dysfunctional family's story of grief in a feel-good way.  Fortunately, a family tree is included in the book because it is hard to keep track of the characters at first.  But each character is distinct from the others, each unique and somewhat quirky story rings true to life--I felt like I know these people in a "not my family" way.  My favorite character, Ellen, the matriarch of the Williams family and newly widowed, brought tears to my eyes as she navigates grief and her children's and grandchildren's dramas.  

A story about grief and how we all have secrets, and secrets have consequences.  I especially enjoyed the dynamics among the cousins.  

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.

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.  

#52bookclub prompt 18: has an apostrophe in the title.