Reviews

The Guncle by Steven Rowley

waveycowpar's review against another edition

hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

A beautifully uplifting exploration of grief. I really enjoyed this. 

carb's review against another edition

lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

sona07's review against another edition

emotional funny lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

writingcaia's review against another edition

emotional funny inspiring sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

alibrarymouse's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This book is blink-and-you’ll-miss-it beautiful. 

Rowley takes on the evolution and experience of grief, love, and family but doesn’t undermine any of the topics to build others up. Instead, he weaves the most beautiful story with them all. His characters were so likable and real while being clear individuals just trying their best to learn how to live with each other and everything that happened to bring them together. 

Also, they were just genuinely funny. Patrick was such a great main character to tell the story. His perspective and the backstory were just gorgeous. 

Overall, this was so heartwarming and absolutely one to reread. 

nelliandbooks's review against another edition

emotional hopeful

5.0

margotleibo's review against another edition

funny hopeful lighthearted sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

nettenicole's review against another edition

funny hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

tms792's review against another edition

5.0

Such an incredible illustration of the ups and downs of life. Rowley did an impeccable job capturing the rolling tides of grief and beautifully created a narrative that depicted the power of community and pushing against societal expectations. Love, love, loved this one.

Audio was impeccably done.

killerwhaletank's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0