My Own Kind of Person by Manley, Tim

In this heartfelt and hilarious coming-of-age romance, Sean discovers his bisexuality and his true voice while chasing his dream as a stand-up comedian.

"What can I say about this brave, disarmingly funny, heart-punch of a book? Tim Manley writes with vulnerability, wit, and unblinking honesty, and his debut is a love letter to humor, authenticity, and hard-won self-discovery. I felt things I haven't felt since reading The Perks of Being a Wallflower at sixteen."--Becky Albertalli, New York Times bestselling author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

Sean O'Brien copes with anxiety by being the funny guy--at school, in his relationships, and onstage at local open mics. But when his stand-up act starts feeling like a performance of someone he's not, everything changes. As Sean struggles with awkward girlfriend encounters and rising panic, he meets Elijah, a new guy with quiet confidence and an honesty Sean has never allowed himself. Suddenly, Sean's life, his comedy, and his self-awareness come into sharper focus.

With wit and emotional depth, My Own Kind of Person explores the courage it takes to speak your truth--even when your voice shakes.

Author: Tim Manley
Publisher: Rocky Pond Books
Published: 09/08/2026
Pages: 320
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.90lbs
Size: 8.30h x 5.70w x 1.20d
ISBN: 9798217114481
Age Range: 14-UP

Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 06/22/2026
Kirkus Reviews 07/01/2026
School Library Journal 07/01/2026 pg. 100
Booklist 08/01/2026

About the Author
Tim Manley is a writer, filmmaker, and storyteller who has also been a high school teacher. The creator of the Emmy-nominated web series The Feels, he has been featured as a storyteller on The Moth Radio Hour, at SXSW EDU, and in his solo show, Feelings. He lives with his family in the Catskills.