Andrew McCarthy, Who Needs Friends with Rainy Day Books

This event will take place in the Chapel within Unity Temple, and includes an author talk with Andrew McCarthy, along with an opportunity to get your book signed.

A moving and provocative exploration of male friendship and loneliness, from New York Times bestselling author, filmmaker, and actor Andrew McCarthy as he crisscrosses the country to reconnect with his friends.

“You don’t really have any friends, do you, Dad?”

A seemingly innocuous, if direct, question from Andrew McCarthy’s son left him reeling. McCarthy did have friends, but like so many other men, the necessities of modern adult life had forced his friendships to the background. At one point his friends had been instrumental in broadening his horizons, bolstering his courage, providing safe harbor. Now, McCarthy found himself questioning what had happened to those friendships, whether he needed them, what he valued, and what he had to offer. A simple question had become a moment that demanded a reckoning.

Who Needs Friends charts McCarthy’s journey over nearly ten thousand miles behind the wheel, following him on often-unexpected travels through Appalachia, the Mississippi Delta, the Chihuahuan Desert, the Rocky Mountains with one driving purpose: to reconnect. Along the way he talks to countless men about their male friendships, from cowboys and blues musicians to preachers and rootless teens. What began as a simple desire to catch up with a few friends turned into a deep exploration of the challenges and rewards that men experience in forming bonds with each other.

In McCarthy’s own words, “It turns out that guys have a difficult time with friendship.” But that’s not the way it needs to be.

Andrew McCarthyis the author of four books, Walking with Sam: A Father, a Son, and Five Hundred Miles Across Spain, Brat: An '80s Story, Just Fly Away,andThe Longest Way Home— allNew York Timesbest sellers. He is an award-winning travel writer and served for a dozen years as an editor-at-large atNational Geographic Traveler. Best known as an actor for the past four decades, Andrew has appeared in such iconic films asPretty in Pink andLess Than Zero. He lives in New York.

Please Note: There are no refunds for this event. If you are unable to attend, your book will be available for pickup at the shop the following day. If you are not local, we'll be happy to mail it to you. Thank you for your support!

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Unity Temple on the Plaza, 707 West 47th Street, Kansas City, United States

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