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Uncle of the Year

& Other Debatable Triumphs

Audiobook
1 of 2 copies available
1 of 2 copies available
From the star of Broadway’s The Book of Mormon and Tony–nominated Gutenberg! The Musical!, candid, hilarious essays on anxiety, ambition, and the uncertain path to adulthood that ask: How will we know when we get there?

“This is the funny, honest, cozy hang with Andrew Rannells that you’ve been creepily dreaming of. . . . A delight.”—Tina Fey
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 we are, and who we want to become.
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    • Publisher's Weekly

      March 6, 2023
      Tony-nominated actor Rannells (Too Much Is Not Enough), who appeared in HBO’s Girls and Broadway’s The Book of Mormon, recalls his upbringing, career breakthroughs, aging woes, and more in this pithy essay collection. Rannells delivers 20 vignettes that skew wild and gossipy: in “Things You Learn at an Underwear Party,” he describes losing his wallet during a night out in the East Village, while in “Always Sit Next to Mark Ruffalo,” he gives a star-studded account of his trip to the 2015 Golden Globes as Lena Dunham’s date. He also dives into his often “fraught” and “painful” dating life, but scattered among the laughs and winces are moments of real heart, as when he tenderly recounts, in the title essay, caring for his nieces and nephews. 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. Agent: Bill Clegg, Clegg Agency.

    • Library Journal

      Starred review from June 10, 2024

      Grammy Award-winning, Tony-nominated actor Rannells (Too Much Is Not Enough: A Memoir of Fumbling Toward Adulthood), best known for his role as Elder Kevin Price in The Book of Mormon, self-narrates this delightful second memoir showcasing his wit, charm, and humor. Known for his acting prowess, Rannells proves himself to be an equally talented writer and narrator. In this collection of personal essays, he shares funny anecdotes and touching moments that highlight the ups and downs of midlife--being an uncle, navigating relationships, and pursuing a career in show business. His writing is engaging, infused with wry self-awareness that is entertainingly presented in audio. Rannells discusses dating debacles, auditions, and middle age with a charismatic voice and impeccable timing. His authentic delivery adds an extra layer of intimacy, inviting listeners to share in his triumphs and failures, whether hilarious or heartbreaking. The result is a joyous exploration of life's quirks and challenges, delivered with honesty, vulnerability, and plenty of laughter. VERDICT Rannells's top-notch narration makes this laugh-out-loud listen a must-purchase for patrons who are fans of his work or enjoy well-crafted memoirs.--Christa Van Herreweghe

      Copyright 2024 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

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  • English

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