Tom McAllister Books In Order

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

Publication Order of Anthologies

Coming from America, the writer Tom McAllister is a relative newcomer to the field of literature, although he has come a long way in a relatively short amount of time. Writing fiction in both long and short-form, he has created a number of well received pieces, along with a whole collection of essays too. With a clear love of the craft, he has made a considerable impact throughout the course of his entire career, creating work that is relevant to him. This can be seen reflected within his audience as well, as they have grown exponentially over they years, with more and more discovering his work every day. Writing about his own life and experiences, he’s previously produced a memoir, followed by two fictional books as well. Largely producing contemporary novels, he remains one of the most relevant authors currently working at this present time. Speaking in a very direct style, he is able to engage the reader on an extremely visceral level, thanks to his down-to-earth manner and approach to the format. Writing one a wide array of subject matter, he produces work that’s close to him and what he feels most passionate about. The characters that he creates are also well drawn, allowing them to resonate with his readers on a very human and very real level. Mostly he has created stand-alone titles, not having produced any series as of yet, but he has come a long way, something which will continue for some yet.

Early and Personal Life

Born in Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, the American author Tom McAllister grew up with a strong affinity for the area, as well as the written word. Harboring a love of both reading and writing from a very early age, he would take in inspiration from the world around him, putting it all back into his work. Graduating from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, he would go on to harness his skills as a writer in the many following years to come. Writing both fiction and non-fiction, he would also take a lot of experiences, using much of it to form a large portion of his work. Creating essays and short-fiction as well as novels, he would go on to be published within a number of publications throughout the intervening years.

Currently working at Temple University, he has made English and literature his life, as he works in the English Department there as Associate Professor. Fully involved in the craft, he has become involved in a variety of different pursuits largely revolving around his love of literature and fiction. Working on a podcast on the subject, he has built a fairly large brand surrounding his profile, one which is highly respected throughout the industry as a whole. This he has brought into his own work, whether it be writing about his experiences growing up, or stories that he’s created himself. Currently living in New Jersey just outside of Philadelphia he has never strayed far from his roots, where he resides with his wife, as he continues to write full-time.

Writing Career

Bringing out his first book in 2010, Tom McAllister would make his debut with the memoir titled ‘Bury Me in My Jersey: A Memoir of My Father, Football, and Philly’. This would take a look into his time growing up in Philadelphia and who his father was, providing a unique and highly perceptive insight into his life. Whilst he wouldn’t focus himself on any series as such, he would use his soon to be trademark wit and warmth to tell very real and human stories. Looking at life in Philadelphia for a lot of his career too, he would come to highlight a part of his growing up that many could relate to. His characters would also come to be drawn from real life too, building personalities that readers could relate to regardless of where they came from.

Whilst the city of Philadelphia would form the basis for much of his work, he would also feature a whole range of other different settings too. Taking on a whole range of different subjects, he would comment on a variety of topics, from media representation to modern relationships. Getting his short-fiction work published in a number of different places too, he has managed to create a profile that is both critically and commercially acclaimed. Hosting a podcast titled ‘Book Fight!’ on a weekly basis too, he offers literary criticism of his own, analyzing and breaking down all the latest book releases. With more novels set to come, he has a long way to go yet, as there’s plenty more books set to be released, with his writing career continuing on into the foreseeable future for many years to come.

The Young Widower’s Handbook

Brought out through the ‘Algonquin Books’ publishing label, this would originally be released in 2017 on the 7th of February. Working as a stand-alone, it manages to provide a unique and fascinating insight into relationships, life and love with a sense of wit and humor. Following the singular character of Hunter Cady, it sees him coming to terms with a tragedy in his life, as he attempts to make the most of his situation. Showing him in a fully three-dimensional role, it manages to draw out his personality, making him easy to relate to as a protagonist. Taking place on a global platform, it also incorporates a whole variety of different locations into its narrative as well,

Having not lead an entirely complete life up until the point that he’d Kait, Hunter Cady was ready to live again. That is until Kait suddenly passes away, leaving Hunter with just her ashes and memories. Setting out to travel with them just as they’d always proposed, he embarks on a journey that will change him forever. What does the future hold? Can he put the past behind him? Just what can be found within the young widower’s handbook?

How to Be Safe

Initially released in 2018 on the 3rd of April, this was another stand-alone from Tom McAllister. This time taking on somewhat darker subject matter, it examines the modern media and the sexism within its portrayal of women. Whilst it may deal with heavier material, it still utilizes McAllister’s trademark wit and intelligence, engaging the reader throughout.

Starting out with Anna Crawford an English teacher, it sees her being named in the aftermath of a school shooting. Quickly found not to have had any involvement whatsoever, the media is still intent on creating a negative narrative surrounding her. Railing against this, she doesn’t take the accusations against her character lightly as she aims to fight back. Will she clear her name? Why is she getting so much attention? Can she learn how to be safe?