Reviews tagging 'Grief'

The Guncle by Steven Rowley

182 reviews

latashman's review

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emotional funny reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Loved this charming story that delves into grief when losing a partner, parent, and friend. Though the subject is dark, the book itself displays the moments of light when grieving and how community, especially family, are there to lift you up if you allow them. 

I listened on audiobook and loved the author's narration, voices for the children, and pacing. 

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erikagibson126's review

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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

4.75


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georgiatheperson's review

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emotional funny hopeful informative reflective relaxing 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

4.75


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blueyogi's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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

4.0


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embee09's review

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emotional hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0


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khakipantsofsex's review

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My first DNF of 2024, and one that I’ve not heard anyone say anything bad about. I simply cannot stand the MC. He’s such a white mean gay stereotype and all his comments about people’s looks and weight and his nephew’s lisp are unbearable. Also two causally racist lines in 50 pages? Nah. Not doing it. I tried the audiobook but couldn’t stand the narrator, particularly for the kids’ lines. Lord. 

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maryannc's review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny inspiring reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0


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mhbloss's review

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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

4.5


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sannesbooks's review

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emotional funny lighthearted 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

3.0

Cute story about a somewhat famous gay uncle (Guncle) taking care of his niece and nephew after their mother passed away, besides their mother was also the Guncle's best friend. So, grief is a big part of the story. 
There are also a lot of celebrity and pop culture references, so that's nice if you are into that. I am into that as well, but did not understand all of the references. A big part of this book is set in LA / California, because of this setting, this book is especially nice to read in the summer. 

It was nice to see how the Guncle warms up slowely to these kids. I also liked that the Guncle talked to the kids like an adult insteaf of baby talk. Grief is something they all three have in common and it was beautifully handled in the story. Even though grief is a big part of the books it is still a lighthearted, funny, easy read. 'Nothing' really happens in this books, it's just vibes. Maybe because of this I found it a bit hard to read fast. I even took a long break from reading it. There is nothing particularly wrong with the book, so I don't know why this took me quite long. I think I personally just was not captivated enough by the characters, but that doesn't mean you won't fall in love with the characters (as many did).

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nitar8's review

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challenging emotional funny inspiring reflective sad tense 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? It's complicated

4.75


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