Stephen McCauley's 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 masterpiece-"his 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
that's when his phone rings. His niece Cecily-the real love of Tom's life as his boyfriend
reminded him when moving out-is 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 he's always
done-answers the call. Thus begins a journey that will change everyone's 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 You're in Trouble is an
unforgettable showcase for Stephen McCauley's distinctive voice and unique ability to create
complex characters that jump off the page and straight into your heart.
