STEVEN ROWLEY
Lily and the Octopus
National Bestseller
Sold in Translation in 20 Countries
Film Rights to Amazon Studios
An Indie Next Pick
A Library Reads Pick
A Barnes & Noble Best Book of the Month
A Washington Post Notable Book of the Year
www.stevenrowley.com
“Reading this heart-wrenching but ultimately breathtaking novel was a very profound experience…. As Lily might say, ‘YOU! MUST! READ! THIS! BOOK!’” — The Washington Post
Combining the emotional depth of The Art of Racing in the Rain with the magical spirit of The Life of Pi, Lily and the Octopus is an epic adventure of the heart.
Ted—a gay, single, struggling writer is stuck: unable to open himself up to intimacy except through the steadfast companionship of Lily, his elderly dachshund. When Lily’s health is compromised, Ted vows to save her by any means necessary. By turns hilarious and poignant, an adventure with spins into magic realism and beautifully evoked truths of loss and longing, Lily and the Octopus reminds us how it feels to love fiercely, how difficult it can be to let go, and how the fight for those we love is the greatest fight of all.
Steven Rowley is the bestselling author of five novels: Lily and the Octopus, a Washington Post Notable Book; The Editor, an NPR Best Book of the Year; The Guncle, winner of the Thurber Prize for American Humor and Goodreads Choice Awards finalist for Novel of the Year; and The Celebrants, a TODAY Show #ReadWithJenna Book Club Pick. His fiction has been translated in twenty languages. He resides in Palm Springs, California.
Published by Simon & Schuster in 2016.
More praise for Lily and the Octopus:
“Sensitive, hilarious, and emotionally rewarding.... The intimacy of pet ownership is sweetly suffused throughout this heartwarming autobiographical fiction... In generous helpings of bittersweet humanity, Rowley has written an immensely poignant and touchingly relatable tale that readers (particularly animal lovers) will love.” — Publishers Weekly
“Steven Rowley’s touching, fresh, energetic novel isn’t simply another ‘boy and his dog’ story. It is a profound exploration of grief—how we find ourselves lost, how we search for reason, how we sacrifice ourselves for our loved ones, all to avoid paying the octopus. But the octopus will be paid. And in settling that debt, in the magical, hopeful world of Lily and the Octopus, we will learn to live—and love—again. A wonderfully moving story.”
— Garth Stein, bestselling author of The Art of Racing in the Rain
“An exceedingly authentic, keenly insightful, and heartbreakingly poignant tribute to the purity of love between a pet and its human.”
— Booklist, starred review
“A quirky and deeply affecting charmer of a novel, Lily and the Octopus is funny, wise, and utterly original in its exploration of what it means to love any mortal creature. This brave little dachshund will capture your heart, as will her prickly, tenderhearted, and irresistible owner. Don't miss their adventures together.” — Sara Gruen, bestselling author of Water for Elephants
“Startlingly imaginative...‘Lily and the Octopus’ is a love story sure to assert its place in the canine lit pack...Be prepared for outright laughs and searing or silly moments of canine and human recognition. And grab a tissue: THERE! WILL! BE! EYE! RAIN!” — Newsday
“Singular, spectacular, and touchingly tentacular.” — Chris Cleave, bestselling author of Little Bee
“You will tear through this big-hearted, inventive novel. A fast and funny read that also happens to be a profound meditation on love and forgiveness, Lily and the Octopus is a delight.” —Christina Baker Kline, bestselling author of Orphan Train
“Intelligently written, finely observed, and surprisingly moving, this is a book you’ll find hard to put down.” — Graeme Simsion, bestselling author of The Rosie Project
“A whimsical, touching tale” —People
“My favorite book of the year: Steven Rowley's Lily and the Octopus. Hilarious, heartbreaking. You will absolutely cry and you will love it."
— Patrick Ness, bestselling author of The Rest of Us Just Live Here
The Editor
National Bestseller
Film Rights to 20th Century and Berlanti/Schechter Productions
An Indie Next Pick
Featured on Entertainment Weekly’s Must List
An Esquire Best Book of 2019 So Far
One of Cosmopolitan’s Best books of April
"At turns equally laugh-out-loud funny and searingly poignant, Rowley has created a truly unforgettable story of a son trying to understand his mother. The Editor is one of those exceptional stories that is both a joy to read on every page and also deeply profound and significant. It took my breath away."—Taylor Jenkins Reid, author of Daisy Jones and the Six
From the bestselling author of Lily and the Octopus comes a novel about a struggling writer who gets his big break, with a little help from the most famous woman in America.
After years of trying to make it as a writer in 1990s New York City, James Smale finally sells his novel to an editor at a major publishing house: none other than Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Jackie--or Mrs. Onassis, as she's known in the office--has fallen in love with James's candidly autobiographical novel, one that exposes his own dysfunctional family. But when the book's forthcoming publication threatens to unravel already fragile relationships, both within his family and with his partner, James finds that he can't bring himself to finish the manuscript.
Jackie and James develop an unexpected friendship, and she pushes him to write an authentic ending, encouraging him to head home to confront the truth about his relationship with his mother. Then a long-held family secret is revealed, and he realizes his editor may have had a larger plan that goes beyond the page...
From the bestselling author of Lily and the Octopus comes a funny, poignant, and highly original novel about an author whose relationship with his very famous book editor will change him forever--both as a writer and a son.
Published in April, 2019 by Penguin Putnam in US/Canada and in UK by HarperCollins/Borough Press
More praise for The Editor:
“A winning dissection of family, forgiveness, and fame.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Filled with whimsy and warmth, the Lily and the Octopus author’s second novel centers on the complex relationship between a fledgling writer and his fabulous editor, the latter of whom becomes a mentor, friend, and maternal figure.”— O, The Oprah Magazine
“A journey of self-discovery...Ultimately a story not about celebrity but about family and forgiveness.”— TIME
“While diving deep into questions of identity, loyalty, and absolution within the bonds of family, Rowley, author of the beloved Lily and the Octopus, soars to satisfying heights in this deeply sensitive depiction of the symbiotic relationships at the heart of every good professional, and personal, partnership.” — Booklist
"Told with warmth and humor, Steven Rowley's charming second novel tells the story of a mother-son reconciliation, facilitated by a most unlikely fairy godmother. The Editor offers a delightful fictional glimpse of an iconic American family—but it is, at heart, a tribute to every family whose last name isn't Kennedy.” — Chloe Benjamin, author of The Immortalists
“The Editor is an absolute triumph! By page three, I announced aloud, 'I LOVE THIS BOOK.' Rowley is a master of creating characters you fall in love with and never want to leave.” — Julie Klam, author of The Stars In Our Eyes
“The Editor will have you weeping tears of joy when it's not quietly breaking your heart. It's a study of mothers and sons, unlikely friendships, and how we go about collecting the scattered pieces of our pasts. It takes guts, humor, and immense talent to write a book like this. Lucky for us, Rowley has plenty of all three.” — Grant Ginder, author of The People We Hate at the Wedding
“What fun! This droll and wonderfully poignant book gives you full access to one of the most fascinating figures of the twentieth century. A delight.”
— Henry Alford, author of And Then We Danced
“This funny, warm, and thought-provoking novel is the next best thing to having Jackie O. around to make us see how the larger-than-life characters in our own histories—our mothers—are as human, fallible, and as prone to heartbreak as us kids. Keep tissues handy. I had to use a bedsheet.”
— Julia Claiborne Johnson, author of Be Frank With Me
“The Editor is an absolute delight from start to finish. Steven Rowley writes such evocative, compelling characters, and his ability to buck the cliche in favor of true nuanced emotion is a gift. Rowley's portrayal of the unconventional relationship between a charmingly uncertain James Smale and the one and only Mrs. Onassis made me laugh, nod and eventually, cry. I adored this book!” — Sally Hepworth, author of The Mother-in-Law
The Guncle
National Bestseller
Winner of the Thurber Prize for American Humor
Film Rights to Lionsgate
A Library Reads Pick
One of O, The Oprah Magazine's LGBTQ Books That Will Change the Literary Landscape in 2021
One of USA Today’s Five Books Not To Miss
“A laugh-out-loud heartwarmer from the author of Lily and the Octopus... a touching tale of grief and family.” — O The Oprah Magazine
From the bestselling author of Lily and the Octopus and The Editor comes a moving and deeply funny novel about a reclusive former television star whose unexpected family tragedy leaves him with his niece and nephew.
Patrick O’Hara has always loved his niece, Maisie, and nephew, Grant — from a safe distance. His Palm Springs home and lifestyle aren’t exactly welcoming to children. But when tragedy strikes, Patrick finds himself suddenly taking on the role of primary guardian.
Patrick has no idea what to expect, having spent years barely holding on after the loss of his own great love and managing a stalled career. He regrets his decision to take them in, until he starts to recognize that his outsize lifestyle and unusual life wisdom could bring about a season of healing that redefines their understanding of family, and finally lead Patrick back to himself.
With the humor and heart we’ve come to expect from a Steven Rowley novel, The Guncle is a touching tribute to the power of love, patience, and family in even the most trying of times.
Published in May, 2021 by Putnam Penguin.
More praise for The Guncle:
“Influenced by comic dialogue that would make Neil Simon jealous, the novel’s serious undercurrent of loss gives way, in the end, to a warmth that will make readers smile. . . A funny, gentle tale of family and friends, and a salve for the wounds they often cause.” —Library Journal
“Wise and hilarious”—People
“Rowley’s depth and humor will warm even the most jaded hearts.” —Washington Post
“Heartwarming, hilarious….Readers will find this delightful and illuminating.” –Publishers Weekly
“A moving, feel-good summer escape” —Newsweek
“Rowley hits the sweet spot between hilarity and heart in this endearing charmer.” —Christian Science Monitor
“Sweet, saucy” —Vogue
“A joyous Auntie Mame spritz! A reading pleasure; pour yourself a tall glass and enjoy, preferably poolside. You deserve it!”— Andrew Sean Greer, Pulitzer-Prize winning author of Less
“The Guncle is super funny, charming, and tender. Love, loss, and Palm Springs are the perfect ingredients for a delightful cocktail.” — Gary Janetti, bestselling author of Do You Mind If I Cancel?
“An exuberant but tender story about life, death, family, and love. Rowley’s protagonist is a modern-day Auntie Mame with every bit of that unflappable flapper’s sharp wit and fabulous wisdom. This book is a dazzling banquet of laughter and insight; with it Rowley has proven himself to be one of the great comic novelists of our time.” — Camille Perri, author of When Katie Met Cassidy
“Patrick, the hero of Steven Rowley’s effervescent, utterly charming, and affecting novel, is the dearest friend you haven’t met yet. You’ll root for his two adorable charges as they navigate a terrible loss, and for Patrick’s own heart to make a long-overdue comeback. A cleverly subversive story about what makes a family.” — Christopher Castellani, author of Leading Men
“Steven Rowley’s assured and moving page-turner is studded with laugh-out-loud humor and moments of profound feeling and insight. This book hit every note on my emotional register, and I savored it like an Aperol drunk poolside with friends on a hot, desert day.” — Christina Clancy, author of The Second Home
The Celebrants
Instant New York Times bestseller
TODAY Show #ReadWithJenna Book Club Pick
A Library Reads Pick
An Indie Next Pick
TV rights optioned by NBC Universal
One of Entertainment Weekly’s Best New Books for Spring
One of Buzzfeed’s Most Anticipated LGBTQ+ Books
One of Electric Lit’s Most Anticipated LGBTQ+ Books
One of Nerd Daily’s Most Anticipated Books
“A superbly crafted narrative about five college friends who make a unique pact. . . . Rowley's tale wonderfully captures how deeply important friendships are. This is a life-affirming work, one that is both hilarious and richly affecting, with an unforgettable cast of engaging characters that readers will wish they could spend more time with.” — Booklist (starred review)
A Big Chill for our times, celebrating decades-long friendships and promises—especially to ourselves—by the bestselling and beloved author of The Guncle.
It’s been a minute—or five years—since Jordan Vargas last saw his college friends, and twenty-eight years since their graduation when their adult lives officially began. Now Jordan, Jordy, Naomi, Craig, and Marielle find themselves at the brink of a new decade, with all the responsibilities of adulthood, yet no closer to having their lives figured out.
Though not for a lack of trying. Over the years they’ve reunited in Big Sur to honor a decades-old pact to throw each other living “funerals,” celebrations to remind themselves that life is worth living—that their lives mean something, to one another if not to themselves.
But this reunion is different. They’re not gathered as they were to bolster Marielle as her marriage crumbled, to lift Naomi after her parents died, or to intervene when Craig pleaded guilty to art fraud. This time, Jordan is sitting on a secret that will upend their pact.
A deeply honest tribute to the growing pains of selfhood and the people who keep us going, coupled with Steven Rowley’s signature humor and heart, The Celebrants is a moving tale about the false invincibility of youth and the beautiful ways in which friendship helps us celebrate our lives, even amid the deepest challenges of living.
Published May, 2023 by Putnam Penguin.
More praise for The Celebrants:
"The Celebrants is very much about being alive. It’s marketed as a modern-day The Big Chill, but it’s stirred together with a streak of Gen X independence, a pour of wry humor, some St. Elmo’s Fire feels and a loud reminder to live boldly. . . . It’s a book that will inspire you to gather your friends and revel in the now.” — The Washington Post
"Rowley has created such living, breathing characters that the heartbreaking truth—this is a book about a character’s impending death—is truly heartbreaking. . . . I kept Kleenex in business while reading this book, but I also laughed a whole lot. It’s the sort of heartwarming story that makes me want to ring up my pals for a much-needed visit." — Reader’s Digest (Editor’s Pick)
“Steven Rowley is one of those authors where if you read one of his novels, his name gets added to a mental “TBR” (to-be read) list. That is, of course, if you love rich characters written with love and humor that you'd like to know in real life. Each of his books is so uniquely different in plot and beautifully told. Rowley's The Guncle was a favorite of 2021 and his newest offering, The Celebrants, doesn't disappoint. . . . Treat yourself, read this book, and call an old friend.”— The Associated Press
“Equal parts contemplative, heartfelt. . . The book not only serves as a reminder that life is indeed short, but also pays tribute to the healing power of friendship in times of great upheaval or loss. . . . Plenty of funny surprises . . . A truly heartrending yet convincingly uplifting conclusion . . . Unforeseen bombshells at just the right moments, and [Rowley’s] gift for taking some of life’s most challenging roadblocks and turning them into opportunities for hope and genuine connection . . . What we’re left with is a recipe for embracing life and all that comes with it by looking death in the eye and moving forward.” — San Francisco Chronicle
“Heartbreaking and heartwarming all at once.” — Country Living
“Rowley offers another winning story of a friend group held together by an unusual bond. . . . Genuinely heartfelt . . . Rowley admirably avoids sentimentality along the way, and there’s plenty of fresh and witty dialogue. For anyone needing a reminder about the importance of friendships, this will more than do the trick.” — Publishers Weekly
“An updated Big Chill . . . hitting many of the same sweet and melancholy notes around aging, death, love, and the shorthand old friends have with each other.” — Kirkus Reviews
“What can stave off the fear of death, or rescue you from one of life's less fatal heartbreaks? Steven Rowley, ever warm and witty, offers up lifelong friendship, and I am inclined to believe him.” — Emma Straub, author of All Adults Here and This Time Tomorrow
“Rowley’s novels deftly oscillate between tear-jerker and knee-slapper, books that brim with all of life’s big and small emotions, and his latest is no exception. It might just be his best yet.” — Electric Lit
“Rowley once again displays his talent at balancing humor and heart in surprising ways.” — Buzzfeed
“Steven Rowley is an auto-buy, and his latest novel, The Celebrants, is a testament to his trademark humor and grace. A thoughtful, heartbreaking, funny novel about love, marriage, grief, and friendship.” — Laura Dave, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Last Thing He Told Me
“The Celebrants made me laugh and cry...and make some overdue phone calls to old friends. A timely examination of why connections matter and a powerful ode to friendship. We should all have such a pact.” — Shelby Van Pelt, author of Remarkably Bright Creatures
“A tender, funny, bittersweet exploration of friendship, family, joy, grief, and what it means to be alive. I loved everything about it.” — Allison Winn Scotch, author of The Rewind
The dogs of venice
From the best-selling author of Lily and the Octopus, a heartwarming and bittersweet story about finding love and courage in one of the most romantic cities on Earth.
New Yorkers Paul and Darren have planned a winter holiday in Venice. But when their five-year marriage suddenly unravels, Paul endeavors to make the trip alone, despite his heartbreak and anxiety. Far outside his comfort zone, Paul has a mission: to see if he can be adventurous, fearless, free. In short, to become someone new.
Soon after arriving in Italy, he notices a small, scruffy, self-assured dog trotting alongside a canal with the confidence he so desperately wants for himself. This street dog and his instincts for survival lend Paul’s trip a singular purpose - to determine how his new four-legged friend thrives on his own. A string of additional sightings culminate in a seemingly magical encounter that leads Paul to feel real connection - to a dog, to a foreign city, and, most important, to himself.
Published December, 2020 by Audible.
Photo of Steven Rowley by Byron Lane