Many thanks to my partner @blackstonepublishing for this #gifted copy. 

 

Irreverent. Heartfelt. Cathartic.  This book was the absolute best surprise.  

 

Wren’s best friend.  Her very anchor.  Dead.  Gone.  It’s unfathomable.  It’s insurmountable.  And as such, Wren’s mind practically refuses to accept it.  

 

It’s a universal truth that laughter is the best medicine.  My favorite scene in Steel Magnolias is when, in the deepest throws of grief, Clairee offers Ouiser up to M’Lynn, “Hit this! Go ahead M’Lynn, slap her…we’ll sell t-shirts saying I slapped Ouisser Boudreaux!”  In the dredges of despair, laughter broke the cycle.  

 

This book takes that idea a step further.  Rather than one scene, the entire book infuses dark humor and dry wit to excavate the messiness of the grief journey.  And in doing so, creates the most unique exploration of grief that I’ve ever read. 

 

My absolute favorite scenes of the book were where Wren dreams up funeral plans for everyone she comes in contact with, from the bodega owner to her own parents.  The cause of death.  The music played at the service.  The food served afterwards.  It’s shocking and completely irreverent.  And yet, it’s a hysterically funny method for unlocking deep seated emotion and processing the breathtaking pain.  

 

It’s not all comedic though. As Wren packs away Stewart’s estate, alongside his other friends (whom she refers to as vultures), she must come to terms with the idea that Stewart had many versions to himself, some of which she never knew, but all authentic and all true. 

 

Through that process, Wren is taken on her own journey of self-discovery, which was easy to relate and left me with much to ponder.  

 

I was not prepared for how impactful yet funny this book would be. I laughed.  I cried.  I wanted to smack some people.  This is a deeply satisfying and heartwarming look at grief that is both resonant and truly entertaining.