The Guncle
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4.4 • 1K Ratings
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- $12.99
Publisher Description
Winner of the Thurber Prize for American Humor
National Bestseller • Wall Street Journal Bestseller • USA Today Bestseller
An NPR Book of the Year
Finalist for the 2021 Goodreads Choice Awards
From 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.
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.
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
This tale of a flighty uncle reluctantly becoming a responsible parental figure is a feel-good gem. Patrick is a pretty good GUP (affectionately short for Gay Uncle Patrick) to nine-year-old Maisie and six-year-old Grant during their few yearly visits. But after their mother, Sara, tragically dies, their dad succumbs to addiction, leaving the kids in the temporary care of—you guessed it—their very uncertain GUP. Watching Patrick struggle to become a little less self-involved and a tad more caring and protective is every bit as achingly sweet as you’d imagine. It’s also hysterically funny, especially early on. Even at his most unenthused and ill prepared, Patrick is a character we’re always rooting for.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In this heartwarming, hilarious novel from Rowley (The Editor), an erstwhile sitcom star ends up taking care of his niece and nephew. Patrick O'Hara is four years out of the limelight and living in Palm Springs, Calif., when he learns his best friend and sister-in-law, Sara, has died after a long illness. While Patrick is in Connecticut for the funeral, widower Greg confesses he's developed an addiction to painkillers. Patrick agrees to watch over Greg's children, Maise and Grant, nine and six, while Greg spends a few months in rehab. As Patrick navigates his grief and responsibilities for the children, who call him their "Guncle" (or "GUP," for gay uncle Patrick), he contemplates a comeback. Fortunately, he has help from a new agent; the "throuple" of three men next door; and his sister, Clara, despite Clara's skepticism over the value of Patrick's screwball antics for the children. Rowley finds humor and poignancy in the snappy narrative, ordered by a series of "Guncle Rules" ("number five," applying to the adult content in Patrick's apps: "If a gay man hands you his phone, look only at what he's showing you") and deepened by lessons the grief-stricken children learn via Patrick from generations of gay life. Readers will find this delightful and illuminating.
Customer Reviews
See AllFast and Fun Read
This is not great literature by any means - but it isn’t meant to be. That said, it’s surprisingly moving and an interesting meditation on grieving. Oh, and it’s funny. If you’re looking for a book to take your mind off your troubles for a few days this is that book.
Guncle
Very entertaining, heartwarming and funny. Thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author. Well done.
The Guncl
Charming