A sweet and funny queer romcom about a misfit video rental store owner who pretends to be normal in order to win the heart of the newest barista in town from #1 New York Times bestselling author TJ Klune, now available in hardcover from Tor Books



Gustavo Tiberius is not normal. He knows this. Everyone in his small town of Abby, Oregon, knows this. He reads encyclopedias every night before bed. He has a pet ferret named Harry S. Truman. It’s 2014 and he owns a video rental store that no one goes to. His closest friends are a lady named Lottie with drag queen hair and a trio of elderly Vespa riders known as the We Three Queens.

Gus is not normal. And he's fine with that. All he wants is to be left alone.

Until Casey, an asexual stoner hipster and the newest employee at Lottie’s Lattes, enters his life. For some reason, Casey thinks Gus is the greatest thing ever. And maybe Gus is starting to think the same thing about Casey, even if Casey is obsessive about Instagramming his food.

But Gus isn’t normal and Casey deserves someone who can be. Suddenly wanting to be that someone, Gus steps out of his comfort zone and plans to become the most normal person ever.

After all, what could possibly go wrong?

Perfect for fans of nostalgic counterculture narratives like High Fidelity and upbeat queer romances by Casey McQuiston.

Tor Publishing Group books by TJ Klune

BOOKS FOR ADULTS

The Cerulean Chronicles

The House in the Cerulean Sea

Somewhere Beyond the Sea

The Green Creek Series

Wolfsong

Ravensong

Heartsong

Brothersong

Standalones

The Bones Beneath My Skin

Under the Whispering Door

In the Lives of Puppets

We Burned So Bright

The Stars Look Like Home

BOOKS FOR YOUNG ADULTS

The Extraordinaries Series

The Extraordinaries

Flash Fire

Heat Wave

At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.



Praise for this book

Praise for Somewhere Beyond the Sea



“An enchanting sequel about found family.” —The New York Times

“[A] heart-wrenching tale of being perceived as different, finding acceptance, and having a place in the world.” —Library Journal, starred review

For The House in the Cerulean Sea

A New York Times, USA Today, and Washington Post Bestseller! An Indie Next Pick! An Alex Award-Winner!



“I loved it. It is like being wrapped up in a big gay blanket. Simply perfect.” —V.E. Schwab, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

“The House in the Cerulean Sea is a modern fairy tale about learning your true nature and what you love and will protect. It's a beautiful book.” —Charlaine Harris, #1 New York Times bestselling author

For In the Lives of Puppets

A New York Times, Sunday Times and Indie Bestseller!

“Readers who loved Klune’s previous works will find plenty of the author’s trademark charm, heart, and bittersweet.” —Library Journal, starred review

"Thoroughly entertaining and deeply stirring." —Chuck Tingle, Hugo Award finalist and author of Camp Damascus

For Under the Whispering Door

A New York Times, USA Today, and Indie Bestseller!

“Under the Whispering Door is a kind book. It broke my heart with its unflinching understanding that grief never goes away. And then it healed me in the next breath.” —Cassandra Khaw, USA Today bestselling author of Nothing But Blackened Teeth

“Klune's latest is a sweet tale of grief and second chances, and a ghost story about not giving up on even the most lost of souls.” —Booklist

For Wolfsong, book one in the Green Creek series

"A slow-burning and intricate urban fantasy, originally self-published in 2015.... Fans will be delighted." —Publishers Weekly

"One of my new all-time favorite books!" —Giana Darling




About the AuthorTJ KLUNE is the #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling, Lambda Literary Award-winning author of The House in the Cerulean Sea, Somewhere Beyond the Sea, Under the Whispering Door, In the Lives of Puppets, the Green Creek Series for adults, the Extraordinaries Series for teens, and more. Being queer himself, Klune believes it’s important—now more than ever—to have accurate, positive queer representation in stories.
Title: How to Be a Normal Person
Author(s): TJ Klune
ISBN: 9781250462534
Copyright 2026
Release Date: May 12, 2026
Publisher: Tor Publishing Group
Countries: United States, Canada | Learn more about available countries
Language: English
Format: ePub | Learn More about our supported formats
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