Reviews tagging 'Addiction'

The Guncle by Steven Rowley

160 reviews

fawning_over_books's review

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emotional funny medium-paced
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

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exlibris00's review

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emotional funny hopeful relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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marpaige's review against another edition

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emotional funny inspiring reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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emmehooks's review

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emotional funny hopeful reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

I thought this was going to be a fluffy book about all the white gay man stereotypes - I was very glad to be proven (mostly) wrong. Patrick Is still a little insufferable.  

So many beautiful reflections about the queer experience and genuine reflections of grief in all its forms. My only qualm is that some of the subplots just didn’t feel necessary (<Emory, court drama with Clara>). 
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thndrkat's review

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted 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? Yes

5.0

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katharina90's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted sad medium-paced
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

2.5

This was kind of meh. Some bits were funny, others were cringey or just fell flat. 
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alliemikennareads's review

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funny hopeful reflective 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? Yes

5.0

This book is such a beautiful depiction of growing around grief and finding your way back to yourself. It is equal parts funny, heartwarming and witty, with deeply likable characters and a fun plot. Patrick is the guncle we all wish we had, even when it takes him awhile to realize it. I really loved this and am so glad I waited to read it until I needed a book like it, because I felt it so much more. 

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amanda_reads13's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful sad fast-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

5.0

Patrick's life is flipped upside down when his sister in law and best friend, Sarah, passes away. After discovering that his brother is dealing with his own health crisis, Patrick's reluctantly agrees to watch his niece and nephew for 3 months. 

I loved this book. It was equally beautiful, funny, and thoughtful. Yes, this is a story about grief, but it is incredibly uplifting and heartwarming. There is so much heart and love wound into this story. 

Patrick (GUP - Gay Uncle Patrick) is a bit of a recluse who enjoys his space, but his world is completely opened up when Masey and Grant come to stay with him. He is sarcastic and witty, I was laughing through so much of this book. I adore their relationship. As much as he helps the kids heal, they also help him learn to grieve and move forward with his life. 

I really enjoyed the audio book read by Rowley. 
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thatswhatshanread's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful reflective 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? Yes

3.5

Well, it took me about 5 years to finish this novel due to a very annoying reading slump, but after finally hitting the story’s stride with the second half, I’m happy to report I did enjoy it. It felt like the very depth of a proper embrace—comforting but yet all consuming. It was not necessarily a funny book like I expected, but more of an introspective look at grief and the different ways we cope with it. In Guncle Patrick’s case that often did include comedy, but also fury and sadness and absurdity and care. Patrick’s relationship with his niece and nephew is the star of the story, but his relationship with everyone in his life, past and present, is unveiled through his love of and life with the children. 

This a book about family and dreams, and how you should never give up on either of them.
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marigold82's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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? Yes

4.75

I listened to the audio version of this book. 
Overall, this book was a treat. Pure love and joy even through all of the grief and loss. If you truly understand grief this book feels cathartic. The authors narration is 5 star! 
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