Portola Book Club! April Pick: The Celebrants by Steven Rowley
Apr 1, 2026
Welcome back to another Portola Book Club blog! We’re excited to jump back in as we continue to share a novel that has some significance to our beautiful destination. Monterey County has a rich literary history, making it a dream for literary tourism, and allowing visitors to explore the places that have shaped some of the most iconic stories while discovering new favorites along the way. As always, we’ll have copies of this month’s book available to borrow in our lobby library.
April Pick
This month’s novel, The Celebrants, feature's locations in Big Sur. In the book, the characters take an important getaway that strengthens their friendship. As we continue to rediscover Big Sur with Highway 1’s reopening, it is only fitting that we chose this book for April.
About the Book
The novel tells the stories of a group of friends who have made a pact to throw each other “living funerals” in order to remind themselves that life is worth living and to show appreciation for one another. The novel explores each of the six friend’s struggles and stories, allowing the reader to understand each friend and learn how each character has grown. The book explores themes of dark humor, the significance of found family, and the bittersweet nature of life and death.
Where to Visit
Nepenthe
Nepenthe is a famous restaurant that is loved by both tourists and locals and rightfully so, as the restaurant’s outdoor seating allows you to look down the mountain onto the Big Sur scenery and take in the ocean views. Visited by the characters in The Celebrants toward the beginning of the novel for dinner, it holds specials memories for the characters while providing a gorgeous view and delicious meal.
Image courtesy of See Monterey
Highway 1
Highway 1 is a famous highway for its windy roads and incredible views, making it a must for any Monterey County trip. It is also mentioned in The Celebrants throughout the novel, whether the characters were listening to the sounds of cars driving by or driving down the highway to head to the beach. Add this to your itinerary for guaranteed stunning views.
Image courtesy of See Monterey
Pfeiffer Beach
Pfeiffer Beach is known for its purple sand and majestic rocky cliffs that surround the beach, creating a unique and serene environment. Featured in the novel when the characters walk barefoot along the purple sand, this beach is a must see.
Image courtesy of See Monterey
Where to Read
A hidden reading spot is Memory Garden, just steps away from our lobby is this peaceful garden that will provide you with a quiet and lovely place to dive into this novel. If you are out exploring Big Sur, take the book to Pfeiffer Beach to truly immerse yourself in the scenery of the novel while relaxing on the sand.
Cocktail Pairing
While reading the book on property, enjoy the novel with our Portola-rita at Jacks Monterey. The book is all about gathering friends and celebrating life’s big and small moments while people are still here to enjoy them. It also fits the group dynamic of the story with options to order this cocktail as Solo, Share, or Group Effort, so definitely bring your closest friends along for the literary getaway!
Book Your Literary Itinerary
Explore Big Sur and experience for yourself the beauty our destination. Portola Hotel & Spa is a great home base for your literary adventure as it’s only a short drive from Big Sur and just minutes away from Monterey’s most popular attractions. To reserve your stay, visit our website or call us at (888)-222-5851.
Featured image courtesy of See Monterey
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Portola Book Club! April Pick: The Celebrants by Steven Rowley
Welcome back to another Portola Book Club blog! We’re excited to jump back in as we continue to share a novel that has some significance to our beautiful destination. Monterey County has a rich literary history, making it a dream for literary tourism, and allowing visitors to explore the places that have shaped some of the most iconic stories while discovering new favorites along the way. As always, we’ll have copies of this month’s book available to borrow in our lobby library.
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