Uncle of the Year

& Other Debatable Triumphs

By: Andrew Rannells

Narrated by: Andrew Rannells

Length: 5 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

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 we are, and who we want to become.

©2023 Andrew Rannells (P)2023 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“This is the funny, honest, cozy hang with Andrew Rannells that you’ve 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: It’s 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 you’ve closed the book. It’s just what we all need right now.”—Andrew Sean Greer, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Less Is Lost

“With Uncle of the Year, Andrew Rannells continues his hot streak as one of the wisest, most tender, and funniest writers 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

Loved It!

Andrew’s first memoir was one of my favorites. Funny, vulnerable and everything in between. Can’t wait until book number 3.

Fun!

Relatable and hilarious! As an aunt, mom and lover of humor. Ten out of ten!

The best

The most delightful audiobook I have ever listened to. I love Andrew rannells so much

Two for two!

This is my second Andrew Rannells book and I loved it, his delivery, and his honesty. We share many of the same inner-monologues. My only problem with the new book is that it was so long between the first book and this new one!

When is the next one?

I love Andrew Rannells books. Thoroughly enjoyed this one and look forward to the next one!

Fun listen!

This was a fun listen. I especially enjoyed the back story of Rannells' audition process for Book of Mormon. Rannells' is a natural narrator.

5 Stars from a fan from the Finger Lakes

Laughs and you find yourself believing that Andrew Rannells is your friend - even if you’re from the Finger Lakes!

Truly enjoy we

This book was laugh out loud
Funny, and also a little heart breaking.
Have to find his other book.

My new favorite book!

Andrew Rannells’ print version of Uncle of The Year & Other Debatable Triumphs was amazing, but the audiobook made it even more amazing! I had such a fun time listening to Andrew read his stories because he made it a fun experience. He used accents, played with his inflections, and spoke in a way that made it personal. It was like he was talking to me directly! I’m not usually an audiobook fan, but this one gave me a new appreciation for them. I laughed out loud, smiled, cried, and felt many emotions while listening to this, and it’s become a new source of comfort for me. I think that says a lot about Andrew! I can’t recommend this audiobook enough! Anyone can enjoy it.

Hilarious, full of heart, uncensored

Wow! Incredible, fun, funny storytelling. Andrew Rannells has topped himself!
Listening to this book was like having a best night with a best friend telling you the most wild stories from their latest trip. Laugh out loud, jaw dropping, and HONEST. Loved it