When the family of Gerry Williams asks Gerry’s best friend, Fred, to provide the eulogy at his funeral, they do not expect the elderly teetotaling Baptist to show up drunk and tell the entire congregation that he and Gerry had been in love their entire lives. After the most memorable eulogy ever given in Eulalia, Georgia, the family processes the news under the town’s sharp gaze. Ellen, the matriarch, takes to hiding in her laundry room to avoid the avalanche of well-meaning concern from her children and grandchildren. Daughter-in-law, Jennifer, worries that her husband is having an affair. Alice, the oldest grandchild, is reluctant to tell her religious family that she is about to become a single mother. Personal trainer, Grant, arrives for the funeral immediately following his elimination from The Bachelorette. Delia is mourning the loss of a relationship and boring everyone around her by asking if they think her ex cheated on her. The youngest grandchild, Red, has a secret, and a charming new neighbor seems to know what it is. 

Dysfunctional family dramedies are my favorite type of book, and If We’re Being Honest did not disappoint. It begins with “They didn’t mean to, but the cousins stood in order of age,” which was immediately relatable. My sister, cousin Debbie, and I always joked about walking in order. It’s a reminder of those childhood things you forget about until you are united with your relatives and they come back naturally. It is written from multiple points of view, with three different generations of Williams family members, which will have you referring to the family tree printed at the beginning of the book. You’ll have more questions than answers initially, as most characters are hiding something in the beginning. I took a dislike to some characters in the beginning, but by the end, I loved them all. I may have cried during one conversation between Ellen and Red. (There is no “may have.” I cried. In the middle of the Savannah airport, surrounded by businessmen on their laptops. It was awkward.) It was a beautiful book about getting so caught up in an outdated idea of your family that you underestimate your family’s love and acceptance.

It’s a funny and charming summer read, the perfect addition to your weekend bag.