If We're Being Honest

A Novel

By: Cat Shook

Narrated by: Kathleen McInerney

Length: 11 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

"Narrator Kathleen McInerney's range is perfect in this touching comedic drama."—AudioFile

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.

A Macmillan Audio production from Celadon Books.

©2023 Cat Shook (P)2023 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"I couldn't stop reading. It is phenomenal."—Christina Lauren, New York Times bestselling author

“A deeply felt and thoughtful debut about a family thrown into chaos during a week that will change them all forever.”—Jennifer E. Smith, bestselling author of The Unsinkable Greta James

"If We're Being Honest delivers my favorite kind of family story: varying levels of hilarious dysfunction, all wrapped around a core of love. I would have gladly kept turning a hundred more pages to follow these cousins."—Mary Laura Philpott, author of Bomb Shelter: Love, Time, and Other Explosives

Story ok, narration unbearable

Not sure if I can finish the book due to the unbearable narration. There is no flow and the voice sounds artificial.
I expected more from the story after reading a sample. I should have listened to a sample instead to make the informed decision to buy the audio version.
Maybe the actual book version. Is the better option.

Great book! Interesting story

Loved the book! Great story. Did not enjoy the audiobook. Felt like I was at story time at the library. All the different voices being performed by reader were too much and distracted from storyline.

Missed the Mark

I was expecting much more from this story after the first chapter. It was hard to keep up with the characters and I was left wanting more of their individual dramas. The whole story felt rushed with no real conclusion.

Story okay, delivery not so much

I think I’d like this story if it were a movie. The author introduced the characters too quickly and all together that throughout listening I couldn’t remember who was who and what relationship they each were to the others. I’ve considered listening to it again but honestly had a hard time wanting to listen to it the first time.

Ugh! Couldn’t even finish it

Story sucks but it checked every “woke” box so I’m sure the author is patting herself on the back. Gross!

Great read!

I enjoyed this audiobook. I liked the voice and story. I liked the humor and emotion in this book. I also liked the characters, storyline and family dynamics this book had to offer.