Ryan O’Connell Books In Order

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

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Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

Publication Order of Anthologies

About Ryan O’Connell

Ryan O’Connell is an American author and screenwriter known for his sharp, engaging storytelling. He gained recognition for his memoir, I’m Special: And Other Lies We Tell Ourselves, which later inspired the Netflix series Special. His work stands out for its humor and honesty, drawing readers in with relatable, well-crafted characters. O’Connell has a talent for turning personal experiences into stories that feel both unique and universal.

One of his strengths as a writer is his ability to create protagonists who are flawed yet deeply likable. His characters feel real, often navigating life’s challenges with wit and vulnerability. This makes his books and shows entertaining, blending humor with heartfelt moments. Readers and viewers appreciate how his narratives balance lightness with deeper themes.

O’Connell’s gift for storytelling lies in his knack for keeping audiences hooked. Whether in books or on screen, his work moves at a lively pace, mixing humor with genuine emotion. His writing style is fresh and direct, making even complex topics easy to connect with. Fans of his work enjoy the way he crafts engaging, memorable stories that linger long after they’re finished.

He connects with readers around the globe by writing stories that feel both personal and widely relatable. His humor and honesty make his work enjoyable, whether in books or on screen. He doesn’t shy away from sharing his own experiences, which gives his writing an authentic, down-to-earth quality. People appreciate that his stories never feel forced or artificial.

His ability to entertain comes from balancing wit with deeper emotions, keeping readers engaged from start to finish. Even when tackling serious topics, he finds ways to make them approachable and engaging. His characters are often quirky yet realistic, making it easy for audiences to root for them. This mix of humor and heart is what keeps fans coming back for more.

By staying true to his own voice, O’Connell creates stories that resonate with a wide range of readers. His writing feels fresh because it’s unfiltered and genuine, never trying to be something it’s not. Whether through books or TV, he has a way of making even everyday moments feel entertaining. That authenticity is what makes his work stand out and why people around the world enjoy it.

Ryan O’Connell continues to create new work, with more stories likely on the way. Fans can expect his signature humor and heartfelt storytelling in whatever he does next. Whether through books, TV, or other projects, his unique voice will keep shining through. There’s no doubt he has plenty more to share with the world.

Early and Personal Life

Ryan O’Connell was born on September 2, 1986, in Ventura County, California, where he grew up in what he called a “liberal” family. From a young age, he developed a deep interest in storytelling, often requesting TV scripts as gifts to study their structure. Even as a child, he paid close attention to how stories were built, watching shows with closed captions to understand dialogue and plot structure.

Growing up with a mild form of cerebral palsy, O’Connell underwent multiple surgeries and physical therapy, experiences that later influenced his writing. He channeled his creativity into acting during middle and high school, performing in plays while honing his understanding of narrative. Despite his passion for performing, he initially held back, feeling underrepresented in mainstream media—a perspective that would later shape his authentic storytelling style.

After attending Foothill Technology High School, O’Connell continued refining his craft, blending humor and honesty into his work. His early fascination with TV scripts and character-driven stories laid the foundation for his future writing career. These experiences helped shape his unique voice, allowing him to create relatable, engaging stories that resonate with readers and viewers alike.

Writing Career

Ryan O’Connell launched his writing career with his candid memoir, I’m Special: And Other Lies We Tell Ourselves, which later became the Emmy-nominated Netflix series Special. He expanded into television writing, contributing to popular shows like Will & Grace and Awkward, showcasing his sharp humor and relatable storytelling. His work on Queer as Folk further highlighted his versatility, both as a writer and performer.

Balancing memoir, fiction, and screenwriting, O’Connell has built a career centered on authentic, engaging narratives. His projects often explore themes of identity and self-acceptance, resonating with diverse audiences. With more writing ahead, he continues to bring fresh, heartfelt stories to life from his home in Los Angeles.

I’m Special

Ryan O’Connell’s memoir I’m Special: And Other Lies We Tell Ourselves was published on June 2, 2015, by Simon & Schuster. The book offers a candid, humorous reflection on the author’s personal experiences. It later inspired the Netflix series Special, further expanding its reach to wider audiences.

Here Ryan O’Connell blends memoir and social commentary, capturing the struggles of an overconnected, underemployed generation. His widely read blogs and viral tweets established him as a brutally honest voice tackling modern dilemmas with humor. The book chronicles his journey through early adulthood—navigating dead-end jobs, online dating, and identity as a gay man with cerebral palsy. Packed with sharp wit, it offers a candid look at the messy path to self-acceptance and adulthood.

Readers found O’Connell’s memoir both hilarious and heartfelt, blending sharp humor with raw honesty. His relatable storytelling captures the chaos of modern adulthood in a way that feels fresh and engaging. Fans of candid memoirs will appreciate his unfiltered take on identity, work, and self-discovery. It’s a witty, insightful read that entertains while leaving a lasting impression.

Just by Looking at Him

Ryan O’Connell’s contemporary romance Just by Looking at Him was published on June 7, 2022, by Atria Books. This marked his second published book.

The novel itself follows Elliott, a TV writer whose polished exterior hides struggles with addiction, infidelity, and self-acceptance regarding his cerebral palsy. His life spirals through Hollywood excess and destructive choices. The story traces his messy journey toward personal redemption. O’Connell delivers this raw, darkly comic tale with unflinching honesty.

Many will appreciate O’Connell’s darkly comic yet honest portrayal of flawed but engaging characters. The novel balances humor with raw vulnerability as it explores messy redemption. It’s a compelling, unfiltered take on self-acceptance in modern life.