“Normally a person falling off a cruise ship would signal the end of the story. In this slim, sly novel from the author of Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk, it’s just the beginning. Bobbing around in the 'gooey soup,' his life flashing before his eyes, Kick knows he only has one choice: to save himself. But how?”
— The New York Times
 
“Man Overboard! is an absolutely original work of existential wonder. Funny, sad, playful, and, by the end, simply resonant."
— Daniel Kraus, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Whalefall and Angel Down
 
"Funny, heartfelt, and always charming . . . Man Overboard! is pure existential fun. The perfect summer read!"
— The Chicago Review of Books

"Meditative and whimsical."
— Chicago magazine

"Man Overboard! is destined to be the best book of the summer. The magnificent Kathleen Rooney is back with a novel about "Kick" Kilpatrick, who finds himself at sea in every aspect of his life, except this time, he's literally in the water. For readers everywhere who enjoy a cocktail and have endured vacation with a dysfunctional family. For those who have cruised with high hopes on the high seas, Man Overboard! is for you. Packed with hilarity and wisdom, I could not put it down.  What a voice! Jump in! You will be happy you did." 
— Adriana Trigiani, New York Times bestselling author of The View From Lake Como 
 
“Each of Rooney’s enthralling novels are shaped by her astute insights, poetic descriptions, and sharp wit. This bravura survival tale is endearingly suspenseful, touching, and hilarious.”
— Booklist

"Rooney’s story progresses hour by hour from its harrowing beginning to a nail-biting conclusion. Kick joins the ranks of memorable Rooney characters like Charles from Cher Ami and Major Whittlesey and Lillian in Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk. His story, like theirs, is poignant and life-affirming."
— Library Journal

"If you've ever found yourself figuratively treading water, feeling adrift in the vast current of life, Kathleen Rooney's smart, hilarious, and wildly inventive novel, Man Overboard! is for you. By combining the best parts of a gripping family dramedy with a sly mystery, Rooney has crafted a story that is wholly unique—a perceptive, heartfelt exploration about what it means to connect with each other, with our world, and with ourselves."
— Grant Ginder, nationally bestselling author of So Old, So Young
 
"This jaunty work of surrealism starts with a splash . . . it's a hoot."
— Publishers Weekly
 
“A profound, hilarious and utterly charming novel. Rooney fearlessly explores what remains of a man when everything is stripped away, and offers a startling and deeply felt answer about the nature of forgiveness and grace.”
— Kathy Wang, nationally bestselling author of The Satisfaction Cafe

Praise for Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk

“Transporting…witty, poignant and sparkling.”
—People (People Picks Book of the Week)

“Extraordinary…hilarious…Elegantly written, Rooney creates a glorious paean to a distant literary life and time and an unabashed celebration of human connections that bridge past and future.”
—Publishers Weekly (starred and boxed review)

"If you haven’t read Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk, you’ll want to rectify that immediately."
—Jennifer Weiner, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"Effervescent with verve, wit, and heart, Rooney’s nimble novel celebrates insouciance, creativity, chance, and valor."
—Booklist (starred review)

“Irresistible...funny and touching.”
—Boston Globe

"There is a little of Lillian Boxfish in all of us. And if there isn’t, there ought to be.”
—Julia Claiborne Johnson, author of Be Frank With Me

“Needle-sharp.”
—Wall Street Journal

“Prescient and quick....A perfect fusing of subject and writer, idea and ideal.”
—Chicago Tribune

“Easily the best gadding-around-town novel since Dawn Powell and Dorothy Parker.”
—Daniel Handler, author of Why We Broke Up and We Are Pirates