Scan barcode
amaranth_wytch's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Drug use, Blood, Death of parent, Grief, and Death
theinstabookworm's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I wish I had reread THE GUNCLE before reading this, since it's been three years since I read it. I recommend doing that if you also read it a while ago and you're wanting to pick this sequel up.
This took me a long time to finish and while some of that was just because life was lifing, I also found that the story lacked the charm and heartwarming moments the first book had. I considered DNFing a few times and while I'm glad I didn't, I do think this could have been about 100 pages shorter. This sequel had a lot to live up to and I'm not sure it did. There were some laugh-out-loud moments in the beginning of the book, but they tapered off after a while, and I think those could have been spread out more evenly to balance out the emotional moments. This was one of my most anticipated books of the year but, unfortunately, it left me feeling somewhat underwhelmed.
This took me a long time to finish and while some of that was just because life was lifing, I also found that the story lacked the charm and heartwarming moments the first book had. I considered DNFing a few times and while I'm glad I didn't, I do think this could have been about 100 pages shorter. This sequel had a lot to live up to and I'm not sure it did. There were some laugh-out-loud moments in the beginning of the book, but they tapered off after a while, and I think those could have been spread out more evenly to balance out the emotional moments. This was one of my most anticipated books of the year but, unfortunately, it left me feeling somewhat underwhelmed.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent and Grief
sdupont's review
emotional
funny
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
4.0
While The Guncle Abroad is not as strong as The Guncle (which is truly a perfect book), I still enjoyed this sequel. GUP is still as witty as ever. I love his quick jokes and pop culture references, he’s like a Gilmore Girls ep all on his own. I felt that the storyline and journey for him and the kiddos was more compelling in book one. I also wished their trip was a little longer and had more stops before the wedding festivities. That being said there were some moments when GUP, Greg, and the kids were talking about Sara or reading her letter that did have me tearing up. If you enjoyed The Guncle I would recommend picking this book up, it is fun vibes for early summer.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Death of parent
Minor: Medical content, Car accident, and Alcoholism
bmpicc's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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
3.0
Would I read any other Guncle books that follow? Yes.
Did I love it as much as the original Guncle? mmm, it didn't tug my heartstrings the same way.
I still adore this family and I'm so happy it was my first read this month. I felt content and invested. Having rated his other books 4 stars though, I have to be honest and say this was closer to a 3 for me.
Did I love it as much as the original Guncle? mmm, it didn't tug my heartstrings the same way.
I still adore this family and I'm so happy it was my first read this month. I felt content and invested. Having rated his other books 4 stars though, I have to be honest and say this was closer to a 3 for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Death of parent
booksandcoffeewithlexi's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief and Death of parent
daniellereadslikealot_'s review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
GUP is back and just as funny as ever! Sequels are always a mixed bag, but when I was cackling on page one, I knew this one hit the mark. I loved seeing Patrick, Maisie and Grant travel Europe together. Their banter is so enjoyable. I also really found Patrick’s jealousy of Palmina, the kids’ new “launt”, so hilarious. The hand jive mistranslation had me CRYING. There was a lot of great humor in this, but I also really enjoyed the sweeter moments between Patrick and the kids and also Patrick and his siblings. I think fans of The Guncle will be very pleased with the rest of the story and these characters.
CW: mentions of parental death, grief, mentions of addiction
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for a digital reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Death of parent and Addiction
stephsbooktalk's review against another edition
5.0
Thank you so much to Putnam for the advance copy!
This book will be published on May 21, 2024.
"What happened to you? You used to think I was fun."
"We grew up."
The Guncle & Steven Rowley will always hold a special place in my heart as that book was one of the first books I read and posted about on my bookstagram page. And Steven was one of the first author's I ever did a zoom q&A with. It is one book that I always recommend to friends!
So when the announcement came out that we were getting a second book, I was THRILLED! And this was just everything. Patrick's divaness was in full swing especially when he felt like he was in competition with Maisie & Grant's new soon to be launt (lesbian aunt).
The book takes place 5 years after the book (which I loved). This book had so much heart, adventure, love, & the best banter. I found myself laughing a many times at the dialogue. The conversations with children once again were the best parts! I absolutely just love Patrick's relationship with Maisie and Grant. It is so special and I only hope as the children continue to grow they don't lose that relationship.
One thing I did enjoy about this book was that we got to see more of Patrick & Sara's relationship as well more of Greg. This book takes place in Europe and we are taken to different countries and Patrick is trying to instill love lessons to both Maisie and Grant as they are having apprehension for their father upcoming wedding.
"Why is she so special? Like, what's the appeal?"
"No one really knows."
"Oh, so she's like you, then, Famous, but no one knows why."
I do wish I had done a re-read of the first book because I couldn't remember the specific personalities of each of the characters. With that being said I thought Steven did a good job with putting some throwbacks from the first book into this that I recognized. Another reason why I wish I did the reread was to see how much grief made up the first book. Because grief was definitely a side character in this book more so than what I remember in the first. We hear from all 4 key players in the book on how the lost of Sara is still hurting 5 years later. I did not get emotional while reading but the last couple of chapters I think could make those who have lost a parent figure could be put in their feels.
I do wonder if this will be a duology or if we will be getting a 3rd book.
If you were a fan of the Guncle, I think you will really love being back with this family!
This book will be published on May 21, 2024.
"What happened to you? You used to think I was fun."
"We grew up."
The Guncle & Steven Rowley will always hold a special place in my heart as that book was one of the first books I read and posted about on my bookstagram page. And Steven was one of the first author's I ever did a zoom q&A with. It is one book that I always recommend to friends!
So when the announcement came out that we were getting a second book, I was THRILLED! And this was just everything. Patrick's divaness was in full swing especially when he felt like he was in competition with Maisie & Grant's new soon to be launt (lesbian aunt).
The book takes place 5 years after the book (which I loved). This book had so much heart, adventure, love, & the best banter. I found myself laughing a many times at the dialogue. The conversations with children once again were the best parts! I absolutely just love Patrick's relationship with Maisie and Grant. It is so special and I only hope as the children continue to grow they don't lose that relationship.
One thing I did enjoy about this book was that we got to see more of Patrick & Sara's relationship as well more of Greg. This book takes place in Europe and we are taken to different countries and Patrick is trying to instill love lessons to both Maisie and Grant as they are having apprehension for their father upcoming wedding.
"Why is she so special? Like, what's the appeal?"
"No one really knows."
"Oh, so she's like you, then, Famous, but no one knows why."
I do wish I had done a re-read of the first book because I couldn't remember the specific personalities of each of the characters. With that being said I thought Steven did a good job with putting some throwbacks from the first book into this that I recognized. Another reason why I wish I did the reread was to see how much grief made up the first book. Because grief was definitely a side character in this book more so than what I remember in the first. We hear from all 4 key players in the book on how the lost of Sara is still hurting 5 years later. I did not get emotional while reading but the last couple of chapters I think could make those who have lost a parent figure could be put in their feels.
I do wonder if this will be a duology or if we will be getting a 3rd book.
If you were a fan of the Guncle, I think you will really love being back with this family!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
More...