‘The Guncle’ author at book signing in OKC

Author to be at Full Circle Bookstore with new book ‘Take Me with You’

New York Times bestselling author Steven Rowley, known for his books “The Guncle,” “Lily and the Octopus,” and “The Celebrants,” will be at Full Circle Bookstore, fullcirclebooks.com, on May 26 at 6:30 p.m.

Rowley will be in OKC for a book signing of his new book, “Take Me with You.” The book is an intimate exploration of marriage and identity, centered on a man who is forced to confront love and loss after his husband of 30 years disappears.

Rowley is known and loved for his quirky yet heartfelt stories that embrace LGBT characters and revel in the spectrum of human relationships. During the event, Rowley will participate in a conversation with Scott Garrison, Adult Services Outreach and Engagement Services Manager for the Metropolitan Library System.

“I want the evening to feel like a real conversation, not an interview,” Garrison said. “We’ll dig into character development, including the question every reader secretly wants answered: Which character is most like the author? My hope is that the evening feels as warm and funny and moving as his books do.”

Rowley explained, “‘Take Me with You’ is a grounded love story, a portrait of a marriage and the tale of one man, left behind, as he scrambles to answer very earthbound questions about human connection, stumbling on the realization that we are all aliens to one another, even the people who know us best.”

Before Rowley became a writer, he said a local librarian had a big and lasting impact on his life.

“I always tell readers I can do what I do today because I had access to a well-funded public school education, and a public library card,” Rowley continued. “I was the kid who wanted to check out every book at once, and my parents had to promise me they would bring me back!”

Steven Zoeller, Full Circle Bookstore Assistant Manager, said, “Full Circle Bookstore and the Metropolitan Library have been friends for a long time, and we love to collaborate to bring notable authors like Steven Rowley to Oklahoma City.”

Garrison agreed, “This event lets us do two things we care deeply about: strengthen our valued partnership with Full Circle Bookstore and give local readers access to a truly gifted author.” 

“Independent bookstores foster community,” Rowley said. “On the surface, reading feels like a solitary act. But then, at the heart of many towns, is a thriving independent bookstore where you can meet other readers, and booksellers understand you and can place the next great story in your hands.” 

For the best possible experience, readers are encouraged to pre-order one of Rowley’s new books to receive priority seating at the event. Steven Rowley’s book signing and conversation will be at Full Circle Bookstore on May 26 from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Full Circle is located at 50 Penn Place, first floor, 1900 NW Expressway, Oklahoma City.   

The Gayly online. 5/11/26 @ 3:24 p.m. CST.