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Stephen McCauleys rollicking and touching novel asks an increasingly important question: Is it ever okay to stop caring for others and start living for yourself? After a lifetime of taking care of his impossible but irresistible sister and his cherished niece, Tom is ready to put himself first. An architect specializing in tiny houses, he finally has an opportunity to build his masterpiecehis last shot at leaving a footprint on the dying planet. Assuming, that is, he can stick to his resolution to keep the demands of his needy family at bay. Naturally, thats when his phone rings. His niece, Cecilythe real love of Toms life, as his boyfriend reminded him when moving outis embroiled in a Title IX investigation at the college where she teaches that threatens her career and relationship. And after decades of lying, his sister wants him to help her tell Cecily the real identity of her father. Tom does what hes always doneanswers the call. Thus begins a journey that will change everyones life and demonstrate the beauty or dysfunction (or both?) of the ties that bind families together and sometimes strangle them. Warm, funny, and deeply moving, You Only Call When Youre in Trouble is an unforgettable showcase for Stephen McCauleys distinctive voice and unique ability to create complex characters that jump off the page and straight into your heart.
Stephen McCauleys rollicking and touching novel asks an increasingly important question: Is it ever okay to stop caring for others and start living for yourself?
After a lifetime of taking care of his impossible but irresistible sister and his cherished niece, Tom is ready to put himself first. An architect specializing in tiny houses, he finally has an opportunity to build his masterpiecehis last shot at leaving a footprint on the dying planet. Assuming, that is, he can stick to his resolution to keep the demands of his needy family at bay.
Naturally, thats when his phone rings. His niece, Cecilythe real love of Toms life, as his boyfriend reminded him when moving outis embroiled in a Title IX investigation at the college where she teaches that threatens her career and relationship. And after decades of lying, his sister wants him to help her tell Cecily the real identity of her father.
Tom does what hes always doneanswers the call. Thus begins a journey that will change everyones life and demonstrate the beauty or dysfunction (or both?) of the ties that bind families together and sometimes strangle them.
Warm, funny, and deeply moving, You Only Call When Youre in Trouble is an unforgettable showcase for Stephen McCauleys distinctive voice and unique ability to create complex characters that jump off the page and straight into your heart.