Uncle of the Year: & Other Debatable Triumphs

(Hardback)

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From the star of The Book of Mormon and Girls, candid, hilarious essays on anxiety, ambition, and the uncertain path to adulthood that ask- How will we know when we get there "With the unsparing eye of David Sedaris and the social wisdom of Nora Ephron, Andrew Rannells tackles the most foundational questions of growing up."-Lena Dunham In Uncle of the Year, Andrew Rannells wonders- If he, now in his forties, has everything he's supposed to need to be an adult-a career, property, a well-tailored suit-why does he still feel like an anxious twenty-year-old climbing his way toward solid ground Is it because he hasn't won a Tony, or found a husband, or had a child And what if he doesn't want those things (A husband and a child, that is. He wants a Tony.) In deeply personal essays drawn from his life as well as his career on Broadway and in Hollywood, Rannells argues that we all pretend-for friends, partners, parents, and others-that we are constantly succeeding in the process known as "adulting." But if this acting is leaving us unfulfilled, then we need new markers of time, new milestones, new expectations of what adulthood is and can be. Along the way, Rannells navigates dating, aging, mental health, bad jobs, and much more. In his essay "Uncle of the Year," he explores the role that children play in his life, as a man who never thought having kids was necessary or even possible-until his siblings have kids and he falls in love with a man with two of his own. In "Always Sit Next to Mark Ruffalo," he reveals the thrills and absurdities of the awards circuit, and the desire to be recognized for one's work. And in "Horses, Not Zebras," he shares the piece of wisdom that helped him finally come to terms with his anxiety and perfectionism. Filled with honest insights and a sharp wit, Uncle of the Year challenges us to take a long look at who we're pretending to be, who we know weare, and who we want to become.

Reviews

This is the funny, honest, cozy hang with Andrew Rannells that youve been creepily dreaming of. . . . A delight.Tina Fey

If Andrew Rannells has not already won you over on the stage and screen, then he certainly will with Uncle of the Year: Its like sitting beside a charmer who keeps filling your glass with champagne. Rannells is a raconteur extraordinaire. Funny, moving, insightful, the memories and commentary keep sparkling long after youve closed the book. Its just what we all need right now.Andrew Sean Greer, Pulitzer Prizewinning author of Less Is Lost

With Uncle of the Year, Andrew Rannells continues his hot streak as one of the wisest, most tender, and funniestwriters of our generation. With the unsparing eye of David Sedaris and the social wisdom of Nora Ephron, he tackles the most foundational questions of growing up (and up and up) with a sweetness that also makes you laugh (literally) out loud.Lena Dunham, author of Not That Kind of Girl

Reading Andrew Rannellss beautiful, hilarious, and touching essay collection, Uncle of the Year, is like hanging out with the best friend of your dreams without ever having to take off your sweatpants and leave the house.Casey Wilson, author of The Wreckage of My Presence

Rannellss writing is sharp, funny, and honest; he offers tremendous insight into how our biggest failures not only make for the best stories but are also invaluable to who we are. This is a book for anyone who has ever stared at the ceiling and wondered howand when and ifthey managed to become an adult.Grant Ginder, author of The People We Hate at the Wedding

Someone as talented as Andrew Rannells has no right to be such a good writer. But then you read his witty, poignant, and honest essays in Uncle of the Year, and it is clear why Rannells is not only beloved as an actor, writer, and singer but also as a human being.Nick Kroll

These essays . . . hilariously and endearingly explore what it means to be an adult when you dont always feel like one. . . . A perfect blend of humor and heart.Book Riot

Witty and relatable . . . With a deft touch at describing tricky or stressful situations,Rannellss essayshit all the right notesof humor, self-deprecation, and quiet insight. . . . A candid and thoroughly enjoyable read.Library Journal (starred review)

In conversational prose, Rannells successfully welcomes readers into his world with humor, grace, and wisdom. Theatergoers and comedy fans alike will find much to love.Publishers Weekly

Rannells is frank and funny, drops the right amount of names, and displays enough self-reflection to reckon with his own worst tendencies. . . . His openness feels like connecting with a good friend to talk about old times.Booklist

Rannells has a gift for writing genuinely funny prose, and he has a way with self-deprecation. . . . Winningly snarky, well-written essays on life, love, and celebrity.Kirkus Reviews

Author Bio

Andrew Rannells isan actor, a singer, and the author of Too Much Is Not Enough. A Tony, Drama Desk, and Critics Choice nominee and Grammy winner, he has starred onstage in The Book of Mormon, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Hamilton, Falsettos, The Boys in the Band, and Tammy Faye. On the small screen, he has appeared in Girls,The New Normal, Big Mouth, Black Monday, and Girls5eva and Welcome to Chippendales. Rannells's film credits include A Simple Favor, The Boys in the Band, and The Prom. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, and he recently made his directorial debut adapting one of his Modern Love essays for the streaming anthology series of the same name.