This was one of those novels that I knew nothing about going into it, and it ended up really touching me. I read the synopsis and bought it on a whim, and I am so happy I did. It’s a captivating novel that delves into the complexities of grief, friendship, family, and love. With a touching storyline and relatable characters, Washington paints a poignant picture of friends and family navigating their way through life’s challenges.

The story follows Cam, a young man from Houston who spent several years living in Los Angeles but is now grappling with the loss of Kai, the love of his life. After Kai’s death, Cam spirals and ends up moving back to Houston. He works at a bar and lives with friends of Kai’s, passing his time swiping through and hooking up with guys on Grindr.

What Cam hasn’t told anyone is that he is often visited by the ghost of Kai. He’s afraid people will think he’s crazy or that if he mentions it to anyone, Kai will stop coming, so he locks it all away with the rest of his grief.

Eventually, Cam finds himself thrown back into the orbit of his former best friend, TJ. After Cam’s parents were killed when he was a kid, TJ’s family took him in, where he lived and worked at their family bakery. Cam and TJ were inseparable growing up, but the dynamics between them have changed, and their estrangement is palpable. Over the course of the book, we witness the two trying to repair their friendship as Cam integrates back into TJ and his family’s lives.

The life force of the book is Washington’s well-developed and relatable characters. The book is told through both Cam and TJ’s points of view, giving us a deeper look at both characters. This keeps us grounded and gives us a true picture of what happened between them when they were younger and where they truly stand with each other now.

Cam is a particularly compelling protagonist, as his impenetrably cool facade masks his internal struggle with self-destruction. Through his interactions with TJ and other characters, Cam’s vulnerabilities and flaws are gradually unveiled, making him a deeply human and empathetic character. His story really is heartbreaking.

TJ, on the other hand, is unsure how to navigate the changed Cam. As the story unfolds, readers are privy to TJ’s perspective, and Washington masterfully portrays his confusion and desire to salvage their friendship. TJ seems rock solid on the surface, but he has his own struggles that he is grappling with – things that have held him back in life, and at times, Cam’s presence in his life has only amplified those struggles. The dynamics between the two are captivating, oscillating between tension and longing as they attempt to find their way back to each other.

Kai’s ghost is also an important character, and while we don’t hear directly from Kai, his presence and his eventual death are at the center of Cam’s story. He may be the most important character in the book.

Family Meal also explores how the people who know us the longest can hurt us the most but ultimately play a role in setting the standard for how and even who we love. Washington expertly delves into the complexities of familial relationships, highlighting how deeply rooted connections can both heal and harm. The themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the power of acceptance are woven seamlessly into the narrative, leaving readers with a profound sense of hope and catharsis.

The novel’s setting plays a significant role in the narrative, and it was especially enjoyable for me because I lived in the Houston area for almost 18 years, so I knew a lot of the neighborhoods and streets that Washington references. I felt like I was right there with the characters.

In the end, I thought this was a beautifully written novel that examines the depths of grief, friendship, and love. I would definitely recommend this one to anyone who is looking for an emotional but hopeful read.