We have Patrick, who becomes the guardian of his brother’s two kids after they lose their mother (who was also Patrick’s best friend). I can’t even begin to understand how hard it is to lose a parent, and then moving in with another family member while your dad is in rehab? It is heartbreaking, but The Guncle handled this plotline in the best way possible. (I think it won’t be enough even then?) I’m keeping this review short, because this book is one of those gems that you need to start reading without knowing a thousand things about it. I’ll rate The Guncle with all the starts in the universe. AND READ THIS BOOK! The Guncle by Steven Rowley is the perfect example of “sunshine in book form” 🌞 If you’re looking for a book that will make you laugh your heart out and even shed e few tears along the way (because the way the storyline represented grief was very touching), YOU NEED TO READ THIS ONE. With the humor and heart we’ve come to expect from bestselling author Steven Rowley, The Guncle is a moving tribute to the power of love, patience, and family in even the most trying of times. Quickly realizing that parenting–even if temporary–isn’t solved with treats and jokes, Patrick’s eyes are opened to a new sense of responsibility, and the realization that, sometimes, even being larger than life means you’re unfailingly human. Despite having a set of “Guncle Rules” ready to go, Patrick has no idea what to expect, having spent years barely holding on after the loss of his great love, a somewhat-stalled acting career, and a lifestyle not-so-suited to a six- and a nine-year-old. So when tragedy strikes and Maisie and Grant lose their mother and Patrick’s brother has a health crisis of his own, Patrick finds himself suddenly taking on the role of primary guardian. But in terms of caretaking and relating to two children, no matter how adorable, Patrick is, honestly, overwhelmed.

That is, he loves spending time with them when they come out to Palm Springs for weeklong visits, or when he heads home to Connecticut for the holidays. Patrick, or Gay Uncle Patrick (GUP, for short), has always loved his niece, Maisie, and nephew, Grant. 💞įrom the bestselling author of Lily and the Octopus and The Editor comes a warm and deeply funny novel about a once-famous gay sitcom star whose unexpected family tragedy leaves him with his niece and nephew for the summer.

Many thanks to the publisher for the e-ARC of The Guncle in exchange of an honest review! The book was delightful in the best way possible. “It was a release, a ray of sunshine bursting through the dark cloud they’d been under.” 💜 – The Guncle

The guncle review