Book Review: The Guncle by Steven Rowley
The Guncle by Steven Rowley
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons
Publication Date: May 25, 2021
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Publisher’s Description:
Patrick, or Gay Uncle Patrick (GUP, for short), has always loved his niece, Maisie, and nephew, Grant. 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. But in terms of caretaking and relating to two children, no matter how adorable, Patrick is, honestly, overwhelmed.
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. 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. 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.
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.
Prepare for semi-coherent gushing!
A former sitcom star, Patrick has been living a relaxed and somewhat solitary life in Palm Springs for the past few years. When his brother’s wife passes away and his brother needs to go to rehab, he begrudgingly agrees to take in their two children, Maisie and Grant, for the summer. They call him GUP (Gay Uncle Patrick). Patrick is no stranger to loss – his partner died a few years ago. He’s hoping that his experience might help him help the kids with their grief. But really, he’s just playing it by ear.
The Guncle is so well-done. It’s the perfect balance of humor and substance. It’s heartwarming without being cheesy or trite. The humor could have easily devolved into screwball-type antics but it never did. It stayed smart. It was so sweet watching Patrick’s relationship with his niece and nephew develop. This novel explores grief and loss in a realistic way without being a huge downer. I felt warm and fuzzy the entire time I was reading it.
Side note: Steven Rowley’s husband is the author Byron Lane. Apparently, he proposed to Steven in the acknowledgments of his book A Star is Bored and Steven accepts in the acknowledgments of The Guncle. (Spoiler alert!). Isn’t that just so freaking cute?? Also, clever marketing because now I am reading Byron’s book!
Back to The Guncle – Highly, highly recommend!
