📖 Overview
Steven Rowley is an American author known for writing contemporary literary fiction that often explores themes of family relationships, grief, and self-discovery with elements of humor. His debut novel "Lily and the Octopus" (2016) became an international bestseller and was translated into multiple languages.
After working as a screenwriter in Los Angeles, Rowley transitioned to novel writing with subsequent works including "The Editor" (2019), which features a storyline involving Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis as a book editor. His third novel "The Guncle" (2021) follows a once-famous gay television actor who becomes the primary guardian of his young niece and nephew.
Rowley's work frequently incorporates LGBTQ+ themes and characters, drawing from his own experiences while addressing universal themes of love and loss. His writing style combines emotional depth with comic elements, earning him recognition in both literary circles and popular media.
His novels have been optioned for film and television adaptation, with "Lily and the Octopus" being developed as a feature film by Amazon Studios. Rowley divides his time between Los Angeles and Palm Springs, continuing to write both fiction and occasional pieces for various publications.
👀 Reviews
Readers praise Rowley's balance of humor and emotional depth, particularly in "Lily and the Octopus" and "The Editor." On Goodreads, fans highlight his ability to capture grief and relationships with both levity and authenticity.
Readers appreciate:
- Character development, especially in complex family dynamics
- Integration of LGBTQ+ themes without making them the sole focus
- Sharp dialogue and wit
- Emotional resonance without becoming melodramatic
Common criticisms:
- Some find the whimsical elements too precious or contrived
- Pacing issues, particularly in middle sections
- Plot predictability in romantic storylines
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads:
- Lily and the Octopus: 3.9/5 (69,000+ ratings)
- The Editor: 3.9/5 (27,000+ ratings)
- The Guncle: 4.2/5 (48,000+ ratings)
Amazon averages 4.5/5 across all titles, with "The Guncle" receiving the highest reader scores at 4.6/5 (9,000+ reviews).
📚 Books by Steven Rowley
Lily and the Octopus (2016)
A writer in Los Angeles grapples with the impending loss of his beloved dachshund while processing grief, love, and healing through magical realism.
The Editor (2019) A struggling writer's life changes when he learns his new editor is Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, leading to an unexpected mentorship that forces him to confront his relationship with his mother.
The Guncle (2021) A former sitcom actor becomes the primary caregiver to his niece and nephew after a family tragedy, forcing him to navigate unexpected parenthood and personal growth.
The Celebrants (2023) Five college friends make a pact to gather and throw "living funerals" for each other when needed, meeting over decades to help one another through life's challenges.
The Editor (2019) A struggling writer's life changes when he learns his new editor is Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, leading to an unexpected mentorship that forces him to confront his relationship with his mother.
The Guncle (2021) A former sitcom actor becomes the primary caregiver to his niece and nephew after a family tragedy, forcing him to navigate unexpected parenthood and personal growth.
The Celebrants (2023) Five college friends make a pact to gather and throw "living funerals" for each other when needed, meeting over decades to help one another through life's challenges.
👥 Similar authors
Fredrik Backman writes character-driven stories that blend family dynamics with humor and emotional resonance. His work explores grief and healing through the lens of complex relationships, similar to Rowley's approach to difficult subjects.
Jonathan Tropper combines family drama with sharp wit in his contemporary fiction about dysfunctional relationships and personal growth. His characters navigate loss and redemption while maintaining a humorous perspective on life's challenges.
Armistead Maupin creates stories centered on LGBTQ+ characters and chosen families in contemporary settings. His Tales of the City series examines relationships and identity with both dramatic and comedic elements.
David Levithan focuses on LGBTQ+ themes and coming-of-age stories that bridge young adult and adult fiction. His work explores identity and relationships through both realistic and experimental narrative structures.
Matthew Norman writes contemporary fiction about family relationships and mid-life transitions with elements of humor. His novels balance emotional depth with comedy while examining personal transformation and family dynamics.
Jonathan Tropper combines family drama with sharp wit in his contemporary fiction about dysfunctional relationships and personal growth. His characters navigate loss and redemption while maintaining a humorous perspective on life's challenges.
Armistead Maupin creates stories centered on LGBTQ+ characters and chosen families in contemporary settings. His Tales of the City series examines relationships and identity with both dramatic and comedic elements.
David Levithan focuses on LGBTQ+ themes and coming-of-age stories that bridge young adult and adult fiction. His work explores identity and relationships through both realistic and experimental narrative structures.
Matthew Norman writes contemporary fiction about family relationships and mid-life transitions with elements of humor. His novels balance emotional depth with comedy while examining personal transformation and family dynamics.