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Man Overboard!
From the nationally bestselling author of Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk, comes a funny and moving novel in which a former college swimmer falls off a cruise ship and must keep treading water as memories and regrets wash over him—perfect for fans of Where’d You Go, Bernadette; Florence Adler Swims Forever; and The Wedding People.
"Man Overboard! is destined to be the best book of the summer.” —Adriana Trigiani, New York Times bestselling author of The View From Lake Como
Patrick “Kick” Kilpatrick hates the ocean. Has always been terrified of it. And now he’s in a real pickle.
Drifting alone in the sea after falling (or jumping? He can’t remember as the all-inclusive drinks on the cruise he was taking with his extended family were, well, inclusive) Kick must survive. Breath by breath, hour by hour in the lonely sea.
As the waves crash over him, so too do the thoughts and memories of just how he got there. A Thanksgiving cruise with an obnoxious brother-in-law he has to bite his tongue to keep from screaming at. A father who gives the Great Santini a run for his money. And a mother, who already left the family boat, so to speak, a long time ago. His family may be complicated, and the pains of life may seem unbearable—infuriating enough to leap from the deck—but maybe the will to survive is stronger.
Man Overboard! is an inventive, slyly hilarious, and inspiring novel about what it means to be alive, stay alive, and what keeps us going no matter how choppy the waves of our journey become. Hold on for dear life!
"Man Overboard! is destined to be the best book of the summer.” —Adriana Trigiani, New York Times bestselling author of The View From Lake Como
Patrick “Kick” Kilpatrick hates the ocean. Has always been terrified of it. And now he’s in a real pickle.
Drifting alone in the sea after falling (or jumping? He can’t remember as the all-inclusive drinks on the cruise he was taking with his extended family were, well, inclusive) Kick must survive. Breath by breath, hour by hour in the lonely sea.
As the waves crash over him, so too do the thoughts and memories of just how he got there. A Thanksgiving cruise with an obnoxious brother-in-law he has to bite his tongue to keep from screaming at. A father who gives the Great Santini a run for his money. And a mother, who already left the family boat, so to speak, a long time ago. His family may be complicated, and the pains of life may seem unbearable—infuriating enough to leap from the deck—but maybe the will to survive is stronger.
Man Overboard! is an inventive, slyly hilarious, and inspiring novel about what it means to be alive, stay alive, and what keeps us going no matter how choppy the waves of our journey become. Hold on for dear life!
Audible Audio
First published July 7, 2026
About the author
Kathleen Rooney
35 books1,433 followersKathleen Rooney is a founding editor of Rose Metal Press, a publisher of literary work in hybrid genres, and a founding member of Poems While You Wait, a team of poets and their typewriters who compose commissioned poetry on demand.
She is the author, most recently, of the novels Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk and Cher Ami and Major Whittlesey. Her latest collection Where Are the Snows, winner of the XJ Kennedy Prize, was published by Texas Review Press in September 2022. Her novel from Dust to Stardust, was published by Lake Union Press in Fall of 2023, and her debut picture book--co-written with her sister Beth Rooney and illustrated by Betsy Bowen--was published by University of Minnesota Press in Fall of 2025.
Her fifth novel, Man Overboard!, is coming out with Gallery Books in July of 2026.
She is the author, most recently, of the novels Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk and Cher Ami and Major Whittlesey. Her latest collection Where Are the Snows, winner of the XJ Kennedy Prize, was published by Texas Review Press in September 2022. Her novel from Dust to Stardust, was published by Lake Union Press in Fall of 2023, and her debut picture book--co-written with her sister Beth Rooney and illustrated by Betsy Bowen--was published by University of Minnesota Press in Fall of 2025.
Her fifth novel, Man Overboard!, is coming out with Gallery Books in July of 2026.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
July 9, 2026
3.5 stars - I enjoyed Kathleen Rooney's "Man Overboard", though, perhaps as a frequent cruiser, I shouldn't have, LOL. Here we get Kick, who goes on his fam's Thanksgiving cruise and then goes overboard one night (the "how" is part of the story). So, this is basically his thoughts & memories as he tries to survive in the open ocean, hoping against hope for a rescue ship. Rooney's a really good writer as she really doesn't need a whole lot of plot devices & tricks to write her stories - if you liked "Lillian Boxfish" then give this one a try!
May 31, 2026
Other than Lillian Boxfish, this is your best one yet!
Patrick Kilpatrick, ‘Kick’ to his family and friends, finds himself in the ocean after falling? or jumping? from the cruise ship he’s on with his family.
Fortunately, Kick is in excellent physical condition, so he treads water for approximately 15 hours, as he starts blacking out. During those hours Kick analyses his life and is determined to get rescued. Eventually he imagines a dolphin and a seahorse talking to him with great insight. (Loved this part.)
Does Kick make it? You’ll have to read and delight in Man Overboard. It’s well worth your time.
Thanks Edelweiss and Gallery Books.
Patrick Kilpatrick, ‘Kick’ to his family and friends, finds himself in the ocean after falling? or jumping? from the cruise ship he’s on with his family.
Fortunately, Kick is in excellent physical condition, so he treads water for approximately 15 hours, as he starts blacking out. During those hours Kick analyses his life and is determined to get rescued. Eventually he imagines a dolphin and a seahorse talking to him with great insight. (Loved this part.)
Does Kick make it? You’ll have to read and delight in Man Overboard. It’s well worth your time.
Thanks Edelweiss and Gallery Books.
April 17, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️My review: Kick goes overboard on a Thanksgiving cruise with his family. The thing is he can't remember if he jumped or fell, boozey cruise and family chaos and all. As he floats for hours and hours his whole life comes into focus, maybe. Does he love Justeen? Can he forgive his mother for running out on them? Can he learn to deal with his jerk of a brother in law? Does he really want to be a clown (an actual clown)?
Kick thinks and bargains, and has lots of soul to soul talks with ocean creatures.
This book kept my interest for the most part. Some of it dragged but I definitely wanted to know how things would turn out for poor Kick.
Thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley for an advance digital copy. These opinions are my own.
Kick thinks and bargains, and has lots of soul to soul talks with ocean creatures.
This book kept my interest for the most part. Some of it dragged but I definitely wanted to know how things would turn out for poor Kick.
Thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley for an advance digital copy. These opinions are my own.
May 13, 2026
thanks to the publisher for the free copy
i somehow still want a refund
wanted to add: the book was different from expected which is fine and i still would have enjoyed, but why did we use the R slur several times
i somehow still want a refund
wanted to add: the book was different from expected which is fine and i still would have enjoyed, but why did we use the R slur several times
December 2, 2025
I This book was a wild ride. A man named Kick finds himself overboard from a cruise and the book is his experience as he waits to die, still holding onto hope of being rescued. I loved his conversations with the sea creatures he comes across and how he reflects on everything in his life as the book goes on. I read this book in one sitting because the flow was perfect and I couldn’t wait to see his fate. Unique, edgy, and addicting! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Read
June 6, 2026Man Overboard is a novel of reflection on one’s life, prompted by an unexpected circumstance, reminding us we don’t know what tomorrow holds, or if we will even have a tomorrow.
We are introduced to our protagonist, Patrick ‘Kick’ Kilpatrick as he is treading water in the Gulf of Mexico, wondering how he got there, & why the ship he was on just moments before, sails on without him.
Did he jump or did he fall? Regardless of the answer, Kick spends the better part of 24 hours treading water, working tirelessly to stay alive with every ounce of energy he has. In doing so his life passes before his eyes and he shares it all with us.
Kick questions his life decisions, the relationships he had and has now. He reflects on a life lived with an absentee mother, his sister who gets him and whom he loves (I think) genuinely more than any one else. We learn of the relationship he had with his father, and his thoughtful step mother.
Man Overboard isn’t about his survival in the water, but more of a psychological reckoning; a mental count of who he is, was and – if somehow blessed with an unlikely rescue – who he will be.
Rooney’s story was a transparent look into Kick’s life that I found relatable. It seemed natural for me to think back on my own life and wonder what changes I’d make, if given an opportunity.
Would I make amends where I should? Would those I want to make amends with even want me to do so? Or rather I just move along? Knowing I can’t change the past, how would I live the remainder of my days? Have I learned enough to make sure I live without regrets?
As the reader, we are fortunate in knowing we have that opportunity for reflection and action. But as we read, we don’t know if Kick will have that luxury.
Man Overboard is markedly different from every other novel Kathleen Rooney has published. But in all of them I find joy in her voice. I hear it in all she writes. That genuine and thoughtful voice. The understanding and empathetic voice. It is as witty and knowing as it is clever and thought provoking.
After I finish a book, I need to give myself a week’s time before rating or reviewing it. Writers go through so much when writing a book, then there’s the publishing process. It’s a lot. An immediate reaction without thought isn’t (what I would consider) fair. A numerical rating, no matter what it is, simplifies an extraordinary effort.
Writers don’t deserve that.
So, I am not giving one. The story was a good one. I felt moments of suspense & genuinely laughed out loud several times. It provoked thoughts of my own life. So, with all that, and Rooney’s voice, I thought it was lovely.
I really hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
We are introduced to our protagonist, Patrick ‘Kick’ Kilpatrick as he is treading water in the Gulf of Mexico, wondering how he got there, & why the ship he was on just moments before, sails on without him.
Did he jump or did he fall? Regardless of the answer, Kick spends the better part of 24 hours treading water, working tirelessly to stay alive with every ounce of energy he has. In doing so his life passes before his eyes and he shares it all with us.
Kick questions his life decisions, the relationships he had and has now. He reflects on a life lived with an absentee mother, his sister who gets him and whom he loves (I think) genuinely more than any one else. We learn of the relationship he had with his father, and his thoughtful step mother.
Man Overboard isn’t about his survival in the water, but more of a psychological reckoning; a mental count of who he is, was and – if somehow blessed with an unlikely rescue – who he will be.
Rooney’s story was a transparent look into Kick’s life that I found relatable. It seemed natural for me to think back on my own life and wonder what changes I’d make, if given an opportunity.
Would I make amends where I should? Would those I want to make amends with even want me to do so? Or rather I just move along? Knowing I can’t change the past, how would I live the remainder of my days? Have I learned enough to make sure I live without regrets?
As the reader, we are fortunate in knowing we have that opportunity for reflection and action. But as we read, we don’t know if Kick will have that luxury.
Man Overboard is markedly different from every other novel Kathleen Rooney has published. But in all of them I find joy in her voice. I hear it in all she writes. That genuine and thoughtful voice. The understanding and empathetic voice. It is as witty and knowing as it is clever and thought provoking.
After I finish a book, I need to give myself a week’s time before rating or reviewing it. Writers go through so much when writing a book, then there’s the publishing process. It’s a lot. An immediate reaction without thought isn’t (what I would consider) fair. A numerical rating, no matter what it is, simplifies an extraordinary effort.
Writers don’t deserve that.
So, I am not giving one. The story was a good one. I felt moments of suspense & genuinely laughed out loud several times. It provoked thoughts of my own life. So, with all that, and Rooney’s voice, I thought it was lovely.
I really hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
February 10, 2026
Increasingly stressful and poignant. Ugh Kathleen Rooney is so good
January 26, 2026
A slay in every way. The ripped, sporty body of a 33-year-old gym bro (said lovingly) named Kick gets flung into deep waters. Kick must stay afloat or else. But forget physical survival—in near death, the real threats are mental. Shame, regret, introspections, and a hell of a psychedelic montage. Picture: dolphins talking. With the hilarity of Confederacy of Dunces and the surrealist vulnerability of Kafka on the Shore, Man Overboard! is a summer smash waiting to happen. (and will be the perfect Xmas gift for your brother who “doesn’t like to read”)
July 7, 2026
I’ve been studying story structure lately and paying close attention to how the bones of a story work on me as a reader. This book was the perfect case study.
📚 Man Overboard by Kathleen Rooney (out today! July 7th)
The premise: a man falls overboard off a cruise ship and is stuck paddling in the ocean. That’s it. The whole book is him swimming, hoping to be rescued, thinking back over his life. The inciting incident doesn’t even happen on the page.
And yet I was completely invested. Is he going to be saved? What’s going to happen? My brain needed to know.
It made me realize how wired we are for story in this really simple way. Present a problem, and our brains demand resolution. Even a quiet, interior book with not a lot of “action” can be pulse-pounding when the structure is right. There are rules to a good book, and when an author follows them, it just works. It’s pretty amazing.
I’m giving this one four stars. If you loved Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk (a five-star read for me and one of my all-time favorites), you’ll love this. If you love character-driven stories about a person confronting their true self in a crisis moment, this one’s for you.
Kathleen Rooney’s writing is so good, so if you’re a fan, don’t skip this one.
Books are just the best. ☺️
Thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books (that’s my publisher too - yay!! 🤩) for the eARC of this book!
I know this is not your typical book review, but books are personal and I think it’s all about the reader’s individual experience, so this is mine! As odd as it might seem. 😅
Here's my Instagram video review of this book: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DafyDD...
📚 Man Overboard by Kathleen Rooney (out today! July 7th)
The premise: a man falls overboard off a cruise ship and is stuck paddling in the ocean. That’s it. The whole book is him swimming, hoping to be rescued, thinking back over his life. The inciting incident doesn’t even happen on the page.
And yet I was completely invested. Is he going to be saved? What’s going to happen? My brain needed to know.
It made me realize how wired we are for story in this really simple way. Present a problem, and our brains demand resolution. Even a quiet, interior book with not a lot of “action” can be pulse-pounding when the structure is right. There are rules to a good book, and when an author follows them, it just works. It’s pretty amazing.
I’m giving this one four stars. If you loved Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk (a five-star read for me and one of my all-time favorites), you’ll love this. If you love character-driven stories about a person confronting their true self in a crisis moment, this one’s for you.
Kathleen Rooney’s writing is so good, so if you’re a fan, don’t skip this one.
Books are just the best. ☺️
Thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books (that’s my publisher too - yay!! 🤩) for the eARC of this book!
I know this is not your typical book review, but books are personal and I think it’s all about the reader’s individual experience, so this is mine! As odd as it might seem. 😅
Here's my Instagram video review of this book: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DafyDD...
July 13, 2026
In Kathleen Rooney’s 𝘔𝘢𝘯 𝘖𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘣𝘰𝘢𝘳𝘥!, 33-year-old Patrick “Kick” Kilpatrick has drunkenly fallen into the sea and been left behind by his cruise ship. Or perhaps he jumped? Or was pushed? In any case, his Thanksgiving family vacation has become even more of a nightmare. Though he was once a competitive swimmer in school and is currently a physical therapist and fitness instructor, he has a fear of the ocean. The novel follows his struggle to survive in open water and his meandering and sometimes hallucinatory thoughts and memories. This is an intriguing premise, but the book failed to engage me. Not all characters have to be likable; unfortunately, I didn’t find a conflict-avoidant, emotionally stunted man particularly interesting. The writing was solid but the story just wasn’t for me. Thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 15, 2026
Quick, witty, self reflective. A true “one man show”! (Well if you don’t count the sea creatures)
Thank you Simon & Schuster for the early copy!!
Thank you Simon & Schuster for the early copy!!
June 6, 2026
Philosophical and funny? Right up my alley.
March 25, 2026
Patrick “Kick” Kilpatrick has found himself overboard his cruise ship after a night of drinking. Did he jump? Did he fall? Was he pushed?!? Kick can’t remember, but what he does know is that the cruise ship - and his family on it - is disappearing into the night, leaving him stranded in the Gulf sea. The athletic former college swimmer, who always harbored a fear of the sea, is left to tread water for hours on end. He is not only confronting his fears of what lurks in the water, but also what in his life has led him to this place.
This short novel packs a lot into its pages. You learn a lot about Kick’s life, values, and history, all while he’s trying to stay alive. Overall, the book has a lighter, comedic overtone, despite his dire circumstances. Things start to get a little weird when he starts experiencing dehydration hallucinations, and sea creatures start coming to the surface to talk to Kick about his life choices. In the end though, you do feel a connection to Kick. I think he was well developed and characterized.
Overall, I liked the book, but it didn’t leave a very strong impression. As I said above, Kick was very well characterized as a fairly well meaning, straight, white guy who’s also a gym bro, and curiously into clowning. There were elements of his inner dialogue that made me cringe, because he sounds like an asshole, but that’s also pretty accurate given his qualities. However, I don’t know if using the R-word multiple times was necessary. I understand why the author made certain choices with his character, but that doesn’t mean it’s necessarily enjoyable to read. Despite all this, for the most part I did enjoy the writing and the character that Rooney created. There were just a few moments that turned me off a bit, and I didn’t feel particularly attached to the novel at the end. It’s a good, fun read if you want something quick and light-ish, but it might not make your list of favorites.
This short novel packs a lot into its pages. You learn a lot about Kick’s life, values, and history, all while he’s trying to stay alive. Overall, the book has a lighter, comedic overtone, despite his dire circumstances. Things start to get a little weird when he starts experiencing dehydration hallucinations, and sea creatures start coming to the surface to talk to Kick about his life choices. In the end though, you do feel a connection to Kick. I think he was well developed and characterized.
Overall, I liked the book, but it didn’t leave a very strong impression. As I said above, Kick was very well characterized as a fairly well meaning, straight, white guy who’s also a gym bro, and curiously into clowning. There were elements of his inner dialogue that made me cringe, because he sounds like an asshole, but that’s also pretty accurate given his qualities. However, I don’t know if using the R-word multiple times was necessary. I understand why the author made certain choices with his character, but that doesn’t mean it’s necessarily enjoyable to read. Despite all this, for the most part I did enjoy the writing and the character that Rooney created. There were just a few moments that turned me off a bit, and I didn’t feel particularly attached to the novel at the end. It’s a good, fun read if you want something quick and light-ish, but it might not make your list of favorites.
July 4, 2026
This was a fun but thought provoking read. There was a repeated line in every chapter and I found myself waiting for it each time!
Each chapter takes place over one hour of Kick’s experience in the sea after falling off a cruise ship. I was skeptical about an entire book being set at sea but it did not disappoint!
Each chapter takes place over one hour of Kick’s experience in the sea after falling off a cruise ship. I was skeptical about an entire book being set at sea but it did not disappoint!
July 11, 2026
WOW. Basically stream of consciousness and closely reminiscent of Life of Pi. I hovered between 4 and 5 stars and the. Decided on 5 because I really couldn’t put this story down.
February 21, 2026
Patrick 'Kick' Kilpatrick, award winning swimmer, wakes up in the ocean after a night of drinking on a cruise with his family, with no memory of how he ended up there. As the hours stretch on and he waits to be rescued, he reflects on his past while fighting to keep himself — quite literally — afloat and avoid becoming an hors d’oeuvre for the ocean.
The pen pal callback was a cute and unexpected touch that added a fun layer to the story.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!
The pen pal callback was a cute and unexpected touch that added a fun layer to the story.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!
March 8, 2026
We had Lillian Boxfish, and now we have Patrick “Kick” Kilpatrick - probably the right person to go overboard (the guy was on a swim team). I see similarities between the two books. Both follow characters searching for meaning at the end of their lives. Where Lillian walks the streets of NYC on New Year’s Eve, Patrick treading through the ocean on Thanksgiving Day - holidays meant for togetherness, yet both spend the time alone, “lost” in their own thoughts.
Thanks to the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. The book hits bookshelves on July 7! 🏊
Thanks to the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. The book hits bookshelves on July 7! 🏊
Read
March 9, 20263.5. Gripping, profound, short but not necessarily the easiest read at times. And that last comment in no way reflects the excellent writing and editing in this book. Thanks to publisher for chance to preview the ARC.
tbr-arc
November 2, 2025it just sounds interesting, and i deserve some happy vibes from books
*thank you to Gallery Books for the ARC*
*thank you to Gallery Books for the ARC*
July 1, 2026
Patrick "Kick" Kilpatrick wakes up drifting alone in the middle of the sea with no memory of how he got there. As he struggles to survive, he spends his time reflecting on his life, his complicated family, the choices he's made, and what he would do differently if given a second chance.
I thought this was an interesting premise, and the isolated setting made for a unique backdrop for self-reflection. Even with the seriousness of Kick's situation, there are moments of humor throughout. It's also a short, well-paced read that's easy to get through.
Kick was mostly likable, although he could be pretty cocky at times. I assume that was intentional, but it made it harder for me to connect with him.
The conversations with the animals didn't quite work for me. They felt a little too silly, and I didn't find them nearly as effective as the animal interactions in “Remarkably Bright Creatures.” I also didn't think there was any reason to include the "r-word."
Ultimately, I appreciated the book's focus on self-reflection and personal growth. The "aha" moments gave Kick's journey purpose, and in a story that's centered almost entirely on one character, they helped keep me invested.
I received a complimentary advance review copy of this book via NetGalley; thank you to NetGalley, Kathleen Rooney, and Gallery Books.
Pub Date: July 7, 2026
I thought this was an interesting premise, and the isolated setting made for a unique backdrop for self-reflection. Even with the seriousness of Kick's situation, there are moments of humor throughout. It's also a short, well-paced read that's easy to get through.
Kick was mostly likable, although he could be pretty cocky at times. I assume that was intentional, but it made it harder for me to connect with him.
The conversations with the animals didn't quite work for me. They felt a little too silly, and I didn't find them nearly as effective as the animal interactions in “Remarkably Bright Creatures.” I also didn't think there was any reason to include the "r-word."
Ultimately, I appreciated the book's focus on self-reflection and personal growth. The "aha" moments gave Kick's journey purpose, and in a story that's centered almost entirely on one character, they helped keep me invested.
I received a complimentary advance review copy of this book via NetGalley; thank you to NetGalley, Kathleen Rooney, and Gallery Books.
Pub Date: July 7, 2026
May 15, 2026
3.75 ⭐️
Patrick “Kick” is on a Caribbean Thanksgiving cruise with his family until he falls overboard for a reason he can't remember. As time ticks by, and with diminishing prospects of rescue, he reflects on his life. Some are humorous (like being a part-time clown), some are sad (like his mother), and some are heartwarming (like his current relationship after a string of flings). Those who like character-driven fiction and zany families would be great potential readers.
🩷 I read this on a cruise, which was the best way to read it.
🩷 Kick had an interesting family that I wanted to get to know.
🩷 Despite the man overboard plot, there isn't a sense of urgency throughout the novel. The author chooses to downplay the direness and play up the quirks of Kick, his family, and his friends.
⛔️ After being in the water for awhile, Kick starts to hallucinate and have conversations with sea creatures. I see the purpose of this, but it didn't work as well for me.
⛔️ This is a more meditative novel, and for some reason I had expectations about it being more plot-driven than it was.
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for an Advance Reader Copy. My review is completely my own.
It publishes July 7, 2026.
Patrick “Kick” is on a Caribbean Thanksgiving cruise with his family until he falls overboard for a reason he can't remember. As time ticks by, and with diminishing prospects of rescue, he reflects on his life. Some are humorous (like being a part-time clown), some are sad (like his mother), and some are heartwarming (like his current relationship after a string of flings). Those who like character-driven fiction and zany families would be great potential readers.
🩷 I read this on a cruise, which was the best way to read it.
🩷 Kick had an interesting family that I wanted to get to know.
🩷 Despite the man overboard plot, there isn't a sense of urgency throughout the novel. The author chooses to downplay the direness and play up the quirks of Kick, his family, and his friends.
⛔️ After being in the water for awhile, Kick starts to hallucinate and have conversations with sea creatures. I see the purpose of this, but it didn't work as well for me.
⛔️ This is a more meditative novel, and for some reason I had expectations about it being more plot-driven than it was.
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for an Advance Reader Copy. My review is completely my own.
It publishes July 7, 2026.
July 10, 2026
I’ve followed the author for about 15 years now. We’ve exchanged emails and comments on Facebook, but we’ve never met in person. I took my very first cruise in February 2024 at the age of 57. I liked it so much that I took another one the following year. They were both nudist cruises, and I’m a bit of a celebrity in the nudist world. So I knew a lot of people on both cruises which makes it more fun. How could 2000 naked people on a ship not be fun?
On both cruises, I spent some time at the rail looking out at the ocean, surveying its vastness. I would look down and wonder what would happen to a person if they fell in. I took it for granted that the person would die, but I wondered how long it would take. When I saw the announcement and description for this book, it went to the top of my want to read list. And I was not disappointed. It was a great survival story and self-examination of a life.
On both cruises, I spent some time at the rail looking out at the ocean, surveying its vastness. I would look down and wonder what would happen to a person if they fell in. I took it for granted that the person would die, but I wondered how long it would take. When I saw the announcement and description for this book, it went to the top of my want to read list. And I was not disappointed. It was a great survival story and self-examination of a life.
Read
June 27, 2026Man Overboard by Kathleen Rooney is a beautifully written, thought-provoking novel that takes a truly unique approach to a mid-life crisis and personal transformation. While I understand that the entire book being focused on the main character floating in the water was central to his internal journey, that specific narrative framing did start to wear thin for me after a while. I kept wishing the story would pan out to give us a glimpse into his family's perspective and see how they were handling his sudden disappearance. That being said, Rooney’s prose is incredibly engaging, and the deeper themes of reflection and survival are handled with great care. It is a deeply atmospheric read that is well worth picking up, even if the hyper-focused setting won't be for everyone.
July 9, 2026
A very wise whale shark once said men will literally do anything instead of going to therapy…
A wacky, wild ride from start to finish, filled with wit, aquatic charm, and peppered with *just* the right amount of existentialism apropos to this crazy modern world we’re living in. I so thoroughly enjoyed the candor and humor of Kip, and was rooting for him the whole time! (Which is crazy to say considering he’s a man…)
Some really lovely prose with a lively heart. Or three, if you’re talking octopus!
“Because how different, really, is the ridiculous from the sublime?” (pg. 64)
“He leaps like a parabola in a geometry textbook, shining, inscrutable, and suddenly gone.” (pg. 159)
A wacky, wild ride from start to finish, filled with wit, aquatic charm, and peppered with *just* the right amount of existentialism apropos to this crazy modern world we’re living in. I so thoroughly enjoyed the candor and humor of Kip, and was rooting for him the whole time! (Which is crazy to say considering he’s a man…)
Some really lovely prose with a lively heart. Or three, if you’re talking octopus!
“Because how different, really, is the ridiculous from the sublime?” (pg. 64)
“He leaps like a parabola in a geometry textbook, shining, inscrutable, and suddenly gone.” (pg. 159)
July 12, 2026
Quick, easy read about a man lost at sea after going overboard his cruise ship. He analyzes his life through stories of his past and present life, as well as through conversations with sea animals he encounters (hallucinates) while adrift. I had to land on a three star rating instead of four because of the unnecessary political banter in this book that really did not hold a place other than for the author to convey her personal beliefs. I don’t want to hear about it in real life much less than a book where I’m trying to escape reality.
July 10, 2026
Total disappointment.
After loving Lillian Boxfish takes a walk, this book in no way comes close to that read.
So kick, jumps or falls off a cruise ship on its way to Mexico. The story is told as he treads water for hours on end, reviewing his life choices and talking about his boring family.
There was nothing that made me want to engage in the story. It did not seem to have any purpose.
Skip this book and read the first one she wrote, that’s a keeper, this is not.
After loving Lillian Boxfish takes a walk, this book in no way comes close to that read.
So kick, jumps or falls off a cruise ship on its way to Mexico. The story is told as he treads water for hours on end, reviewing his life choices and talking about his boring family.
There was nothing that made me want to engage in the story. It did not seem to have any purpose.
Skip this book and read the first one she wrote, that’s a keeper, this is not.
July 12, 2026
Very introspective and a very quick read. Only took about 4 hours..
I definitely thought the delirious, hallucinating talking sea animals was his family in the vein of:
Shark - Dad
Dolphin - Pam
Whale shark - uncle Sean
Turtle - Kelly
Octopus - Jason
Seahorse - Ulysses
I love the cover and hadn't realized I gravitated towards it a la Wedding People. Both novels from authors I've enjoyed in the past.
Kathleen Rooney always does a good job of taking observations and general life experience and turning it into an overarching story.
3.5
I definitely thought the delirious, hallucinating talking sea animals was his family in the vein of:
Shark - Dad
Dolphin - Pam
Whale shark - uncle Sean
Turtle - Kelly
Octopus - Jason
Seahorse - Ulysses
I love the cover and hadn't realized I gravitated towards it a la Wedding People. Both novels from authors I've enjoyed in the past.
Kathleen Rooney always does a good job of taking observations and general life experience and turning it into an overarching story.
3.5
July 2, 2026
alc copy from libro.fm ;)
this was okay! i tend to dislike most litfic books that try to discuss modern topics like the manosphere and the trump presidency because, for whatever reason, i don’t think they typically talk about those issues in enough depth to say anything meaningful. i also think that those topics develop so quickly that it’s hard to write commentary that will still be relevant when the book is published. either way, the general premise of the book was interesting and i think it’s a decently fun summer read!
this was okay! i tend to dislike most litfic books that try to discuss modern topics like the manosphere and the trump presidency because, for whatever reason, i don’t think they typically talk about those issues in enough depth to say anything meaningful. i also think that those topics develop so quickly that it’s hard to write commentary that will still be relevant when the book is published. either way, the general premise of the book was interesting and i think it’s a decently fun summer read!
July 8, 2026
What I've come to expect from Rooney is the unexpected. I know she likes to tell stories in unique ways, and that's what makes her such an interesting writer. More importantly, she can make me both laugh and cry, and that always gets high marks from me.
You can read my full review here https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2026/07/0...
You can read my full review here https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2026/07/0...
July 10, 2026
Interesting idea but too unrealistic for me
The idea of a person examining their life due to traumatic experience is interesting. For me the way this idea is presented here is a little shallow for me. By that I mean somewhat unrealistic. Also the constant flashbacks became tedious. I think some readers may enjoy this book but it wasn't for me.
The idea of a person examining their life due to traumatic experience is interesting. For me the way this idea is presented here is a little shallow for me. By that I mean somewhat unrealistic. Also the constant flashbacks became tedious. I think some readers may enjoy this book but it wasn't for me.
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